In an opinion column published on December 23, 2025, Colombian columnist Carmiña Navia Velasco reflects on a year marked by violence and complexities in Colombia and the world, but chooses to focus on gratitude toward those who sustain hope and solidarity.
The column 'Agradeciendo el año', signed by Carmiña Navia Velasco, appears on the Occidente.co portal at the close of 2025. The author describes the year as eventful and complex, with multiple instances of violence, abuses, and dishonesties not only in Colombia but across the world, which seems headed toward difficult times.
However, Navia Velasco chooses a hopeful perspective. She highlights the 'permanent corridors of love and solidarity' that sustain life on the planet. She enumerates key contributions: mothers who stay up nights caring for their young children, health personnel who offer 24-hour solidarity and achieve 'permanent resurrections' through love, and women who harbor love in their families.
She also thanks scientists and educators who prepare future generations, friends and neighbors who provide support with tenderness, and those who care for the earth as a nurturing mother. She mentions leaders dedicated to justice, honest politicians who promote civic unity, governments seeking the common good with radical honesty, and communicators who go beyond news to educate.
The list includes artists and poets who awaken sensitivities, spiritual leaders who open paths to truth without moralism, and thousands of anonymous people who weave love daily. 'For all of them we give thanks this year for what we have received', she concludes, wishing happy holidays and promising to continue in January.
