As we celebrate the beginning of another year, my wish for 2016 is simple – respect.

With all that’s happening in the world, I truly hope that we can respect other cultures, other ways of living, and situations other than our own.

Respect when it comes to freedom of speech (there is a fine line between freedom of speech and hate speech in my opinion).

Respect when it comes to understanding other people’s situations – from refugees seeking shelter to those who may seem to have it all together on the outside but are suffering inside.

I hope we can respect each other enough to be polite even when differences may exist.

As I write this, I’m in Lisbon admiring street art and hanging out in cafes while it pours with rain. And as I wandered today during a rain-free moment, I saw this piece of street art

and thought, “a little birdie told me….”

(Don’t be mean sculpture spotted in the Alfama district of Lisbon.)

Happy 2016!

xx Mandy

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