Christmas wishes

What a year this has been! Life is never dull, and sadly our world is in the midst of yet more crises. Rather than learning to share what we have, say kind words, and to stop wanting what our neighbors have, we continually push our way into areas we don’t belong, say mean things, and overall act like spoiled children.

But I digress. This is the happiest time of the year. The time of year where families come together, love is shared, and we wish each other words of peace and encouragement. And that is what I would like to do with this article.

If you have not already figured this out, I am a dreamer. I love to live in my head, seeing things as they could be, not as they are. People will normally surprise you. With a little bit of encouragement and love, most will grow and achieve more than you ever thought possible. And in my ponderings and ramblings, I would like you to imagine, for just a few minutes, what could be.

When we choose to live with an abundance mindset, we open ourselves to the mysteries and abundance of the universe. Because we believe and know we have more than we need, and that we can easily acquire more, we are more apt to share. Imagine sharing what you have with the needy. Imagine a world, where everyone shared and there were few needs. Where needs were met with care and sympathy. A world where people are not judged for what they have or the power they command, but rather for the way they treat those who cannot pay them back when no one is watching.

Imagine a world where we stop coveting our neighbors’ belongings. A world where we openly share what we have and we choose to be happy. Happiness is fueled by what we have achieved, and the knowledge that our hard work will pay off and our goals and dreams will become a reality. A place where we only compete with ourselves.

A world where we openly share, leaders come together to share ideas and solutions, not plan how to grab more. A world where war is questioned and the idea of invading another country is squashed. What if leaders worked out their differences with foam swords and not the lives of innocent people?

Dare to imagine this next idea, a world where we value nature and animals. We understand that the earth is a living being who should be respected and protected. A world where animals are appreciated for their healing properties not abused.

And my most daring, outrageous thought, a world where education is free and available to all. Where we prize advancement and lives saved, not the creation of exclusive groups of the haves and have nots.

This Christmas I wish for these things. By no means am I saying that my version of the world is perfect or how it should be. But I do think that when we dare to dream of a better world, we move closer to that reality.

Sara Orellana is a former Lawton resident who lives in Oklahoma City.