Marianne Williamson: In less than 24 hours, the year 2020 will come to a close.
Life was very difficult for people this year, in our country and around the world. It was hard to avoid the painful emotions that accompany rampant illness, economic challenges and the stress of quarantine. Yet even there, in the depths of our collective pain, lay the seeds of awakening that will help us navigate the year ahead.
One of my favorite quotes is from the Greek tragedian Aeschylus: “Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forgetfalls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.”
That quote has taken me through many dark hours in my own life. They remind me that wisdom is what will rescue me, as well as reward me, for my efforts to grow into a better person from things I’ve been through. It’s my desire – surely it’s all of our desire – that we grow wiser from what we all went through in 2020.
Do I have a positive feeling about 2021? Yes I do, but not because I think it’s going to be a year without its challenges. I have a positive feeling about it despite what I expect to be its challenges. I have a positive feeling because I think so many of us have matured, grown more reflective, and grown wiser in 2020.
That’s my hope for you and for all of us as this year draws to a close. May we find it within our hearts to forgive the past, be open to infinite possibilities in the present, and embrace the future with love. Let’s not take with us into the New Year any bitterness or lack of kindness towards ourselves or others; that way miracles will flow naturally from our open hearts.
The world will need us to be everything that we can be next year, and I share with you my conviction that we will be. In the hours remaining before midnight, may we find a way to lay down our grievances. And as the clock strikes midnight, may peace be upon you and may love in all ways prevail.
With deepest wishes for your happiness,
