I have tried, with some success till now, to avoid too much pontification on the year just past, and the actions – and inactions – that led to where we are now. And I will try not to add too many cries of angst, and anger, to what has already been said by worthier, and wordier, commentators.
What I have found worthy of note, however, is the realisation that the connections between us, the interlinked support lines that we hold on to, or throw to others, have expanded in number and strength.
There will always be negative as well as positive connections, and the mutually supportive links between any number of negative and regressive populists across the globe has cast large and disturbing shadows over the near and more distant future.
But there has also been an extraordinary connection of disparate people into a concentrated and concerted determination to improve the world, exemplified by a small spark ignited by a 16 year old in Sweden, that has created a blaze of activism, awareness and a desire to change.
On a national level, aided in no small part by a distorted, unrepresentative and undemocratic system, the worst of all possible outcomes from the most recent election has opened the door to self-serving power grabbing of the worst sort.
And yet, when an understandable reaction would be to retain and repeat the anger and angst, the people’s response was to request reconciliation, and to organise support for those in most need.
The fact that this support is needed is a sad reflection on this country. The response to provide comfort and care is a sign of who we can be. And it expanded with such rapidity that it raises the hope for better times, when better people hold the reins.
Till then, the individuals will connect, and form strength in those links, and be who we should be.
On a personal level, I have witnessed over the last ten years the creation, retention, strengthening and expansion of an organic support net, whose growth has been based on mutual respect, understanding and the ability to take the hand that is offered.
Each time someone stumbled, or slumped, or swayed, there was a hand, an ear, an arm to lean on. A safe space to help clarity, an embrace to heal aches, a bad joke to provide perspective. But no judgement, just compassion. No criticism, just care.
And each internal link finds external connections that mirror and echo and expand the empathy that we need more than ever.
And each link brings a small glimmer of hope, magnified by ever increasing numbers.
There is hope, there must always be hope. Find it in and around you, and hold it tight, and share those connections.
Happy New Year!?!
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