This week I was blessed to celebrate my birthday! As I was serenaded a few times, I thought about how far I would like to send my wishes: How could I adapt the ritual of individual wishes to a more communal blessing for the world? In that spirit, I wrote the blessing below.

May we each take better care of one another better and with as much love as we can share.

May we acknowledge how much trauma we’ve all experienced, and find enough support and rest to process that trauma.

May we build a world in which each person can thrive and live with joy, health and love.

May each of us, and especially those of us with privilege, more deeply understand that opportunity is not distributed evenly now. And let us find a path to change that.

May we name and notice racism – and see it is a foundation upon which our country was built. Only by noticing and seeing this can we find a different way forward.

May the people who talk too much listen more.

May the people who do not see that their voices and perspectives are important understand that they are.

May the people with power step back – so that people closest to the problems can step forward and build creative solutions.

May we get rid of the guns in our community, so my kids aren’t shot at school.

May we get rid of the guns in our communities, so each of us aren’t shot at church, synagogue, a bar, a nightclub, a dance hall, the grocery store or the park.

May we take care of the trees, plants, animals, insects, and life systems of our planet – now, before it’s too late.

May women around the country and around the world be able to make decisions about our bodies, health and reproduction.

May people of all genders feel affirmed, loved and respected for exactly who they are.

May my friend’s child find healing.

May all our children step away from their devices, so that they engage with the people and challenges around them.

May we each wake up to see what is most important to us – the people we care about, the health of our community and planet – and keep our focus on loving and nurturing all of that.

Finally, a blessing for you and yours:

May you experience an abundance of joy and happiness, a profound sense of satisfaction in the work you do, and the ability to take time to rest and recharge with the most important people in your life.

I will close with a note about this platform that I so enjoy utilizing to share my thoughts and experiences. More so, because I know the time you take out of your busy day to read and catch up on the work that I think is so valuable. I am truly blessed and appreciate you. In all sincerity: Thank you!