The dandelion puff dances in the breeze, its delicate seeds floating like whispers of possibility. As I pause to admire this simple yet enchanting spring fluff, the thought of making a wish crosses my mind. It’s a reflex, ingrained from childhood, to believe in the magic of wishes and the power of hope. And it’s fun.
As my day continues to unfold, I continue to contemplate other things that prompt wishing: shooting stars, coins tossed into fountains, Thanksgiving wishbones pulled apart, an errant eyelash blown away, four-leaf clovers, birthday candles, and more —they all represent moments of fleeting desire, when we long for something different or something more.
Amidst these fleeting wishes, I wonder why we don’t have similar stimuli for gratitude. What are the symbols and icons in our lives that make us stop and express gratitude? Like when Mount Baker emerges majestically and sometimes magically from behind the clouds, planted on the horizon, a resolute witness and overseer of our beautiful valley. I want that to always remind me of the steadfast beauty of my surroundings and the blessings in my life. When I see this or any mountain, I want to be prompted to remember everything that is loyal, constant and magnificent; all the things that are right in our world when they aren’t always obvious, and often overshadowed by what’s not right.
I am making a list of things that, when encountered, will trigger thoughts of thankfulness—a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning, the scent of the tree blooming in my driveway, the sound of the surf slapping the shore. When encountered, these are the moments that will remind me to stop and be grateful for what I have, instead of wishing for what I don’t.
Before you buy your next Lotto ticket, though, please consult the following list.
1. Blowing out birthday candles.
2. Seeing a shooting star.
3. Finding a four-leaf clover.
4. Making a wish on a dandelion puff.
5. Throwing a coin into a fountain.
6. Breaking a wishbone.
7. Blowing on an eyelash.
8. Making a wish when the clock hits 11:11.
9. Wishing on a rainbow.
10. Seeing a first star at night.
11. Tossing a penny into a wishing well.
12. Making a wish before blowing bubbles.
13. Collecting stones with stripes all the way around them.
A list of 13! Unlucky!