2018: The time to simply believe in the Power of Love

Dear World,

2017 faded away very fast and I am certain that each of us surmounted many unexpected challenges. Good or bad, we made it through. We survived. We strove. Let’s take the remaining days of 2017 to reflect on the past year, our lives and our journey. Personally, I want to take this time to apologize to the people I hurt or unintentionally offended; an apology is not a sign of guilt but simply, an acknowledgment of my humanity (imperfection). I also want to thank all those who made me believe in my own possibility and open their heart to me. Thank you for your time, your consideration and most importantly your guidance. You made me a better thinker and human being. I still have much to learn and to discover so I look forward to your continuous guidance the year to come.

I also would like to recognize all those who died in the battlefield, fighting for justice, equality or freedom, thank you for reminding us that the “arc of the universe bends toward justice”. Victory might not have come this year, but the fight must go on. It is our duty and responsibility to leave the world a little better than we found it for our children. To those who lost a loved one to an illness, an accident or a tragedy, remember that “death ends a life, not a relationship.” They will forever remain engrave in your heart and soul. To all the women who are victims of sexual predators or are marginalized by a patriarchal society, I applaud your courage and encourage you in your struggle. You owe it to your daughters.  To all the children in Syria, Congo, and Yemen etc. who are deprived of their rights to live, smile and laugh, may you know peace and joy in 2018. 

In the midst of this, we, as a people, need to realize that we are more than the collection of our differences. I would like each of you to remember this prophetic statement iterated by Malcolm X for the upcoming year: “we need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity.” The Us. Vs. Them mentality will only perpetuate the auto-destruction of humanity. For too long, many of us have been slaves of our ego, fear and ignorance.  Even though forgotten, Love and Forgiveness is and will always remain an option. 2018 is the time to simply believe in the Power of Love.

Happy New Year