by JACQUELINE LUCERO
One of my favorite authors growing up was Shakti Gawain, who wrote Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life. At the airport recently, while waiting for a flight, I wrote this narrative as a downtime daydream writing activity inspired by that book. They say that writing down a dream is a powerful tool, so I am going to use it to my best advantage. Here it goes.
A decent life
In a bustling city where skyscrapers pierce the sky and the hum of daily life never ceases, there exists a community of smart and hardworking people. These individuals do not seek the bare minimum to survive, as basic needs are for the wild animals and insects around us. Instead, they desire what many consider fundamental to human dignity—a decent life.
Food security
Imagine living in a place where affordable food is within everyone’s reach. Here, the simple act of buying nutritious food for your family doesn’t force you to choose between eating and paying the rent. In this ideal world, no parent has to see their child’s health suffer because of an empty wallet. Affordable markets flourish, and the joy of cooking meals that nourish both body and soul becomes a daily reality, not a rare luxury. In this place, communities thrive with gardens, farms, and local markets that ensure fresh, healthy food is always accessible. Schools and workplaces promote wellness, offering cooking classes and nutrition education to empower families with the skills and knowledge to make healthier choices.
Safe shelter
In this world, safe shelters abound, not as grand mansions but as humble abodes offering security and comfort. In these homes, the fear of losing a roof over one’s head does not haunt anyone, even during a typhoon. Rent is fair, and every citizen can rest easy, knowing their sanctuary is safe from the threat of nature’s fury or decay. Abundant utilities are part of this safe abode. Communities are designed with resilience in mind, with infrastructure that withstands the elements and adapts to changing climates. Neighbors come together, building not just homes but strong support networks that foster a sense of belonging and mutual care. Public spaces are vibrant and well-maintained, offering parks, community centers, and gathering places where people of all ages can connect, learn, and thrive.
Safe streets and community
Picture streets free of danger, where children play without fear, and nightfall doesn’t bring the terror of crime lurking in the shadows. Here, the laws are not abstract ideas but living promises that protect and serve every individual, ensuring that justice is not a privilege but a right accessible to all. Neighborhoods are designed to promote safety through well-lit pathways, regular patrols, and active engagement with local organizations to address potential issues before they escalate. Social services are robust, offering support for mental health, substance abuse, and rehabilitation, ensuring that every individual has the resources needed to thrive. As a result, the atmosphere is one of collective peace and mutual respect, where everyone can live confidently, knowing that their wellbeing is upheld by a system dedicated to fairness and security.
Robust healthcare
In this community, healthcare is not a distant dream but a reality that genuinely cares for every person’s wellbeing. Hospitals and clinics are not places of dread but havens of healing, where each patient is treated with dignity and respect. Preventive care is the cornerstone of this healthcare syst e m , with regular screenings, wellness programs, and health education integrated into daily life. Access to affordable medications and treatments is universal, ensuring that no one faces financial hardship due to medical needs. Health professionals work collaboratively, guided by empathy and expertise, to create personalized care plans that support not only physical recovery but also emotional and mental wellness.
Ethical leadership
The people in this society do not seek charity or handouts. They do not even ask for jobs. These peace-loving individuals are resourceful. They will find a way to earn a decent living. With basic education provided up to college, every person has the tools to contribute meaningfully to the community and build a better future. In this ideal world, leaders reflect the values of their people. Leaders are not merely elected officials but paragons of integrity and compassion. They govern a society that is not a fortress of corruption but a beacon of hope, where the golden rule is not just a maxim on a wall but the guiding principle of every action.
Back to reality
But alas, the boarding call was announced, tapping me back to where I was. In an age where technology and discoveries advance at lightning speed, I wonder: Can we not reset? Can we not rebuild our society to reflect these simple yet profound desires?
This community’s plea is clear: to live decently, to be led by decency, and to foster a society, where dignity is not an aspiration, but a reality for every human being. (Image by creativeart on Freepik)