Forgive me if that obnoxiously grating song becomes your earwig today. It has been going through my head all day as I work on this new year blog.
What do I want? What do I really, really want in 2019?
Every year, I want the lofty and obvious: 
- I want world peace;
- I want an end to racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, physical and sexual abuse, hunger, poverty, and opioid addiction;
- I want citizens in every country to be an engaged, informed, and thoughtful electorate that will help to end the abuses to our planet and the abuse of innocent immigrants seeking shelter.
Even at age 55, I “Imagine” the world as one.
What I really, really want on a more personal level in 2019 is this:
- As the new year unfolds, I want to be a better friend and better listener;
- I want to think first, and only judge (if completely necessary) when I know all the facts;
- I want to read a headline and not assume I know the entire story;
- I want to go to Europe;
- I want to finish my first book.
Many of my family members and friends will greet 2019 with heavy hearts. For them, what I also really, really want is this:
- As you grieve, may you find peace.
- When you are sad, may you be open to joy in small things.
- When you get angry, may you seek perspective.
I leave you with this picture of a plaque in my doctor’s office. (I had to look up xeriscape, too.)
Wishing you a hopeful new year, my friends.
Lynn Haraldson, Writer 