A NEW DAWN AWAITS…2026

I read somewhere that the Lunar Year of the Snake, such as we saw in 2025, could be plagued with health issues. That certainly rang true in my world. But I must admit, the outcome to all my incidents had a happy ending, and therefore, I remain grateful.

Despite the misfortunes, this year has afforded me the opportunity to connect with so many of you, especially those who were on my team in the launching of my fifth book, Goings-On on Gardenia Lane. Thank you all for the love and nourishment that you extended me. I am also thankful for the influences I have had this year; the teachers and scholars that I have followed that have helped mold my view so I could be more easily heard. I have found that through all these associations, the more I look the more I find. I have been very blessed in obtaining that kind of fulfillment.

In the past, I danced in the dark with strangers. But those days are behind me. The lights are now on and they are LED and bright! This illumination bathes me, and by that, it seeps down into my soul. I have sought this year to report on kind people because I believe in celebrating those of great mind and heart. The spread of kindness is not just a motto, it is a way of life and I am very grateful to have the desire planted in me to do this very important work.

Here we are at year’s end, and the start of a new year that is in front of us. I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to all of you…

Husbands – Grasp this…you are the one she chose. When she chose you, she left her independent life and melded hers into yours. Treat her as a Queen. Always compliment her as she is the one who is responsible for your success in life.

Wives – He carries the weight of the family on his shoulders. Be sure he always has comfortable shoes to stand in. Always keep him in arms reach, mentally and physically, and provide a neck rub when he is tense.

Children – Listen intently to your adults. Turn away from scoff and scorn, instead turn to encouraging words. Believe in yourself, don’t allow a bully to have power over you. Don’t be in such a hurry; take the time to savor each and every accomplishment and goal. What is ‘now’ will fade away each night you lay your head down to sleep. Take time to learn every day.

Friends – Reach back when hands are extended. Accept warmth and transfer it to those you encounter next. The old adage ‘Pay It Forward’ is not merely an expression, it is a call to action, and by following that call great responses will emerge.

In closing these reflections, I would like to share these words: I had a friend tell me that by their association with me, I had made them a better person. I was so humbled by this expression of goodness. If I was, indeed, the one who bettered the path of a fellow human then I am filled with gratitude for that means this movement we have started together is working, and one by one we will all grow in our humanity.

Whenever a writer puts a pen to paper it is always with the hope of reaching a kindred audience; either we write to inform, persuade, or just simply to share. Everyone has a story, thank you for following along through mine.