On a more serious note, in the past couple of weeks all I can think of is “Now is the winter of our discontent”, the opening line from of William Shakespeare's Richard III.
Despite all the beauty of the lights and decorations in the streets and the holiday songs with lyrics like “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”, I can not stop observing the people around me and feel their unhappiness. I look around my circle of family and friends and I see that some how everyone has developed one serious problem or another. Smiles have turned to frowns and sigh are heard non stop. I do not chit chat with my friends anymore, and as they claim they are busier, I know that they are all struggling with either a health problem or a family one, because that they are not quite their own selves. It was not like this last year or the ones before, or so I believe.
It is not only the family and friends, it is the neighbors, colleagues and the circle grows bigger and I can not help but wondering why they are singing it’s the most wonderful time of the year, while it is not. How can it be, if for the past few months I have attended more funerals that in the past two decades of my life? How can it be, while all I recently hear is friends having illnesses, surgeries and serious problems? My colleague who is one of the happiest people I have ever met, hardly ever smiles anymore, because he is battling with his own kind of demons. And I can not do anything for any one of them; I can not prevent deaths, illnesses and other serous family issues. The only thing that I can do is to listen, visit, and to keep in touch and try to brighten their day with a phone call, a joke or a card. Basically to let them know that I care and that I am here.
Today was indeed a gorgeous day in December. A warm and delightful day in the middle of winter. I decided to take a long walk and enjoy the warmth and the beauty of this gorgeous day. I figured that today, I know that it is lovely and fun, so I will enjoy the warmth and whatever this day has to offer me to the fullest, because I do not know the forecast for tomorrow. The way I see it, today, at least for me, was the most wonderful time of the year, despite the winter of our discontent.
3 comments:
Did you know that John Steinbeck has a book by the name "The Winter of Our Discontent"? Must read!
I think the reason people are so busy, aggitated, and upset during the holidays is not because its anymore of a stressful time- but rather there is so much pressure. the perfect gift, the parnter and family to share the holidays with, the expected happiness, etc.
This time of the year is too much pressure. Money, gifts, family, travel. No time to relax and enjoy.
Post a Comment