I don’t recall exactly when I began the practice, but I do remember the first time my mom noticed it. I was little—in kindergarten or maybe first grade—and was with my mom at the grocery store. We were stopped in an aisle while she grabbed a few things from a shelf and when she went to put them in the cart, she saw that I was standing there with my eyes closed, clearly enjoying my thoughts. She asked what I was thinking about. I opened my eyes and pointed to a lady a bit ahead of us in the aisle. “I’m wishing her,” I said.
“Wishing her?” she asked. I explained that I was wishing a happy day for the lady. Wishing she’d get a happy surprise that day. My mom smiled and hugged me, and the lady ahead of us, who’d seen me point and heard my explanation, smiled at me and said, “I think I just did!”
I’d been “wishing” people for quite a while at that point, and it had grown into an almost involuntary action. It’s something I continue to this day. I’ve been wishing people for about 55 years. It’s one of my very favorite things.
I wish people I speak to face to face, those I notice just going about their day, people others mention to me, people I know only from the art they create or the game they play, those I interact with online, and often, someone who just pops into my head. When I’ve read something you posted or commented on, I’ve wished you. When we’ve emailed or texted one another, I’ve wished you. When I leave a random heart on your page, I’ve just wished you. Whenever you cross my mind, I wish you.
I wish you love and joy and robust health. I wish you peace of mind and a solid sense of purpose. Happy little surprises and dreams that come true. Moments when, out of the blue, you are overcome with the realization that you are deeply loved. That you love another so much you feel you might burst. I wish you a full heart, a full belly, and a life full of the sweetest blessings.
Wishing you,
Beth
elizabeth grace 
That’s really lovely ❤️
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❤
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I have always felt this part of you, though I may not have known it. Until now. It is a part of you one feels across the miles. Bright blessings tonyou!
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You are such a sweetheart! I’m continually amazed at how connected I feel to some people I’ve never met. You are certainly one of them. ❤
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Wishing you back.
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❤
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What an interesting and unique concept. There have been times when I wanted to comment to some stranger about their nice smile or wanted to tell them that I think they are pretty (and yes, I am talking women here). But being a rather large fellow, I think some people are intimidated by my size, and I didn’t want to freak them out. So I kept silent. Now that I’m older, I’m sure it would just be creepy. I think I might just start “wishing” them. I wish you the best in what ever you do.
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While it’s unfair, I think it’s sometimes perceived differently when women compliment strangers than when men do. Not always, but sometimes. I do compliment strangers–both men and women–but pretty much always about something specific. “Cool beard!” or “You smell great!” or “I love your curls! Mine seem to have a mind of their own.” My husband very rarely compliments random people he doesn’t know. I think he’d feel weird.
I love that you’re going to wish people. My guess is that doing so will provide you with happy little moments. And thank you for wishing me! I’m wishing you right now. 🙂
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I wish you too.
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❤
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I wish you too. Forever
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Always. ❤
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