Changing Times - Be Nice

People change, circumstances change, some are beyond our control, others are choices that we make. Decisions made along our life journey impact us, some good, some bad.

This world is an ever-changing place, sometimes it is a place where it can be extremely challenging.

The journey of life is never straightforward, we all face low points: uncertainties, bereavement, loneliness, depression, not knowing where to turn. We all face high points: happiness, births, partnerships, wealth, success, times when we are on top of the world.

Life is hard. They don't teach you that in schools, each one of us is different, we have different interests, different mannerisms, different capabilities, and different intelligence. This doesn't make us better than anyone else, it makes us different.

But there is one thing that we can all do, we can be nice, both to people and animals. We all get angry, we all get upset, we all get annoyed. Certain situations we find ourselves in can be extremely frustrating and we fight our corner, but we can still agree to disagree at the end of the discussion and move forward.

People give up their time as volunteers for many causes, many of them passionate about their particular cause, usually they are personally involved and I admire and applaud anyone who gives up their time to help the world be a better place. These people are why the world can be a special place. Channel your energy, your passion, your desire for good.

Not everyone is as lucky as most of us, many of us have a roof over our heads, we have food, we have people we can talk to, families, friends, and organisations who will help us. Some people feel lost, unwanted by society, depressed, suicidal, and feel as if they have nowhere to turn. These people are sometimes not the ones who you may think they are, everyone is undergoing their own struggles, mentally and physically.

This Christmas, think of those who are not as lucky, who may be spending Christmas alone, hungry, frightened, and dreading January when the bills come in. Those people who have lost loved ones due to the pandemic, those that cannot travel to loved ones, and those who wish their loved ones could be with them at this time.

The world is ever-changing, we are not the same as we were last year, times change, people change. We all have made past decisions that we regret, and decisions that turned out to be brilliant, some call it destiny. We can all help, we can all do our bit, no matter how small.

One thing we must remember this Christmas is that we do not know what people are going through, their own struggles in life. Everyone has worries, concerns, and problems. Some more than others. Many high-profile people have taken their own lives, when they seemed to be happy, we never know what someone may be struggling with.

This Christmas put aside your arguments, stop and think about your actions, how you are treating people, think about your responsibilities, and ask yourself how you can change in 2022. Christmas is time to enjoy ourselves, to help others who are not so fortunate as ourselves, and to move forward into 2022 together.

As human beings, we disagree on many topics, but if we disagree on a topic, then we disagree, but with respect for each other, we move forward and continue our lives, helping others wherever possible. This should not stop future collaborations, we can still have respect for the other person's views.

This image is one that says it all, suddenly, vendettas, ego massaging, and gaslighting are insignificant. For anyone who has struggled with their health, or has a child who has struggled with their health, you know. Everything else becomes insignificant.

So let's make the world a happier place, be a better person, help others if we can, pick up the telephone, talk to loved ones, repair burned bridges, learn to move forward, you never know when it will be too late to talk to someone or to help them. For many of us, it is already too late to speak to loved ones who are no longer with us.

Do it while you can, live, laugh, and enjoy your life. We only get one shot at it, don't waste it. Channel your energy, time, and enthusiasm.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Let's make the world a better place for everyone.