“You see things, and you say - Why? But I dream things that never were and say - Why not?”
— George Bernard Shaw
The end of the year always feels like a strange crossroads — part reflection, part inventory, part mild disbelief that twelve months have passed while I’m still trying to finish the same to‑do list from March. Some people look back and ask Why? Why didn’t I do more? Why didn’t I rest more? Why did I think I could reorganize my entire life in one weekend? But I’ve realized I’m more of a why not person. Why not start again? Why not relaunch a story that refuses to stay quiet? Why not follow the spark that keeps tapping on my shoulder, even when I pretend I’m too busy? Dreaming things that never were is a risky business — it demands optimism, stubbornness, and the ability to laugh at yourself when your “brilliant plan” turns into a three‑hour detour into chaos. But it also keeps life interesting. It keeps stories alive. It keeps me moving toward the things that matter, even if the path is rarely straight. So as the year closes, I’m choosing the Shaw approach. Why not dream a little bigger? Why not try something new? Why not believe the best parts of the story are still ahead? And if next year’s to‑do list looks suspiciously similar to this year’s… well. Why not?
Each week, I share a quote or a thought — something to pause with, something to carry. If it stirs something in you, you’re invited to send a reflection or a short story of your own. Your words may be featured in next week’s entry.
We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect. — Anaïs Nin
If this quote has sparked an idea, a memory, or a tiny story, I’d love to read it. Each week, one reader reflection will be featured here and shared with my guests. Submissions should be no more than 250 words.