What Do You Wish For In 2016?

image by Alexey Kljatov via Flickr

The past two months have been difficult ones for me, as an illness I'd hoped would disappear for one of my family members has reared its ugly, dangerous head again. Focusing on writing or blogging has flitted and darted like a butterfly, nearly always a few steps out of reach.

But today I'm fighting back, if only for a few moments. I don't want to lose sight of the wonderful parts of this year. And I have wishes for the next.

In 2015, I was grateful for:

• Modern medicine and modern technology. They've made an enormous difference in my life and the lives of my family and friends.
• A wonderful support system (both personal and professional) when loved ones are ill.
• My work, which allows me to interact with an intelligent, creative and caring team on a daily basis.
• Progress in my writing—here's a special shout-out to the people who give me time and feedback.
• Life in a country that supports refugees, people who are just trying to live in peace and protect themselves and their families. We've been in the lucky position to make some donations to help support them, and I hope to continue that next year.

Looking ahead, to 2016, I wish for:

• Health and stability for my family members. It's not until the "same old, same old" is out of reach that you really appreciate it.
• Time to write. A head not buried in problems, but free to be creative. (At least for a few hours per week anyway—let's not get greedy here).
• A home country I don't have to be ashamed of in terms of hatred based on race, religion, or sexual orientation. I don't understand where the desire to turn the world into cookie-cutter copies of one type of person comes from. I want us all to feel safe and free to be ourselves.

 What are you happy about from 2015? And what are your wishes for the coming year?