Let Things Go

I started 2026 with a glittery thumbnail. Nearly three months later I'm still haunted by a tiny, shiny piece seemingly hanging on for life.  

I won the nail polish in a Bingo game at a New Year's Eve party. Lots of things aren't my middle name, but Glittery Nail Polish is even less probable than most. Even so, in honor of new things in the new year I quickly painted my thumb before exchanging the polish with the little girl who had so disappointedly won the travel tissues.

I thought about using polish remover after the first chippy week, but I decided I wasn't ready to lose it completely; it was more than just a painted nail. Anyway, if my thumb isn't at just the right angle I can't see it; and I don't think anyone else can either. So, I've chosen to let it live until it dies. I just didn't think it would hold on this long. 

Everything needs light to shine; tiny chip included.  So the tragic discovery of its loss won't happen in the dark. (At least I'll be spared sobbing myself to sleep.) One wiser than I would cease the incessant checking to see if it's still with me; making the transition from living with to living without a bit smoother. But that's one wiser than I.  

It would be nice if some day while thumbs-upping something positive in my life I'd look down and find the shimmer gone. "Bingo", I'd cry. (Or, Bingo. I'd cry.)  That tiny piece has always been the last glimmer of hope for a happy new year. But when it finally falls I'll consider it the lost glimmer and try to get on with 2026. I keep reminding myself all that glitters is not gold. But on those days that I forget, at least I have the travel tissues.