For last year’s words belong to last year’s language.

And next year’s words await another voice.

And to make an end is to make a beginning. ~ T. S. Eliot

As the tumult of 2012 comes to a close, I want to express my gratitude to the people who’ve read Falling Into Wonderland over the past year.  There have been over 14,000 page views on this blog this year from readers in 121 countries. 121 countries. That amazes me.

I set out to develop a disciplined writing practice and produce work for my book, Falling Into Wonderland.  I didn’t expect to love writing a blog as much as I did, or to enjoy the process of “meeting” so many strangers across the world.  Blessings to you and yours this New Year’s Eve.

I posted this earlier today on my private Facebook page.  My best friend asked that I share it here as well.

2012: For these things I am grateful

1. Social and economic justice are finally on the table. We may have a long way to go, but at least we are no longer pretending that this isn’t true. A world where a tiny few own everything is a world that can never know peace. Occupy Love. That’s what’s needed. Occupy mercy, kindness, care.

2. The fact that we are finally acknowledging that inner reformation and the need for self-reflection is key. We cannot heal if we don’t look inside and find where we are wounded or rotten or off track.

3. Peace movements around the world. Let’s start living peacefully. Caring about children in every country. You cannot “fight” for peace. You must foster it. Nurture it. Protect it.

4. The election of more women – both locally and nationally. The recognition that women should be equal. That we will not be vilified or commodified or abused any more. That our bodies belong to us.

5. The steps toward equality that have been made. Thank you to the voters in my home state of Washington. Love is, indeed, love.

6. The internet’s role in fostering change.

7. People everywhere who are making a difference – teaching, writing, digging water wells, planting trees, painting, offering light to those in need. You are angels in human bodies.

8. The drastic changes that are underway, both in my life and in the lives of others. A new paradigm is unfolding.

9. The often ugly truth about so many people, companies, charities and situations that came out (i.e. Sandusky, Komen, the NRA, the priesthood sexual abuse scandal, environmental dumping, cheating, etc.) The lies that were told were finally revealed and the wounds that were inflicted began to heal.

10. That love trumps fear. Again. Always.

© 2012  Shavawn M. Berry All rights reserved

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