Now, in the second half of my life, with more years behind me than before me, my birthdays have taken on new meaning. Especially this year. My 67th birthday.
Everything about this year has been historic, a pandemic, stressful presidential election, and my own two life-threatening medical events. I feel very grateful to be alive and able to reflect back while looking ahead.
My birthdays are when I take stock, make wishes, and set a course for the coming year.
This year my wishes include:
- That as a nation we realize how this pandemic is a great equalizer and seize the opportunity to embrace our common humanity.
- The election has shown how deeply divided our nation is and has shown to the world our Country’s shadow-self. My wish is that all recognize the difference between individualism, liberty, freedom, and narcissism.
- May this be the year that community makes a comeback. A year to build bridges instead of walls. A year that creates what Dr. John Powell calls “Belonging Communities” where all feel they are co-creators of a country that reflects our better angels, guided by a sense of selflessness instead of selfishness.
And may I have the wisdom, strength, and determination to do my part in making these wishes come true.
I’m Dan Kenney and this is my perspective.
