Over the last decade, I have tried to do something meaningful on the last day of my year…. Today was that day…but I also have tomorrow…. I am a leap ling so technically 2 days of last days….

The world is in turmoil over the Ukraine invasion, I can’t believe there is a war going on in Europe – being an African, I have always upheld the apparent safety of Europe, since the Serbian war. Surreal….how do dictators come to rule the world and are destructive on such a grand scale, and my least or one of my least favourite people think he is a genius! I don’t pray, but I hope and pray this all comes to and end sooner than later…. My life is so divorced from this reality, but it is the only life I have, and I have suffered and endured war and understand the sorrow, tragedy, and absolute futility and waste of it all!

But today here I sit on a 38-degree day at the top of a small cliff face, contemplating my life and the recent changes I have made. This last year I have planted and grown things, helped people, made new friendships, learned much, created, adventured, learned, explored figuratively and, healed some more and lived the best life I can, for who I am, with what I have – with gratitude. I think today of the people who will not reach sixty-six, who have not reached sixty-six and are unable by design or circumstance to enjoy life as much as I have this day, week, and year.

I am grateful for my health, my circumstance, my few new friends, and my connection to nature – things that give me so much joy and fulfillment as I start a new year tomorrow…or the next day:)