Resolutions

Inspired by “If All Else Fails” by Maya Stein

Artists: berza.rh, ruizseth, abdielraymundo

If all else fails, today I’m here to rise before the sun and catch a glimpse of the waning crescent moon before it sets.

And if not that, I’m here to feel the hot water pouring down over my face, rinsing me clean and paving the way for something new.

And if not that, I’m here to wait patiently for the water to get hot, watching the machine sputtering and fuming, trusting that it’s all part of the process.

And if not that, I’m here to connect with the people I love and demonstrate that I’m still thinking about them, even though I’m 2,000 miles aways.

And if not that, I’m here to eat papaya and pineapple by the truckload.

And if not that, I’m here to feel the sunlight on my face and to say yes to what’s coming.

And if not that, I’m here to take in the stories on these walls, told through murals and graffiti and the layers of time.

And if not that, I’m here to learn a few new vocabulary words and dance steps.

And if not that, I’m here to answer a steady stream of questions from my son about how to plan a trip to Europe.

And if not that, I’m here to breathe through both sides of my nose.

And if not that, I’m here to process the magic of this place through all my other senses, with this human body I live in.

And if not that, I’m here to write – just keep my pen moving at all times and let the words flow right through me.

And if not that, I’m here to listen to the voices of other writers as they tell their own true stories.

And if not that, I’m here to get to gratitude, even if only for a second. I’m here to hunt for joy and to embody it every day.