The festive season can be chaotic, and for some, a simple ‘Merry Christmas and Happy New Year’ text or social media post is all they can come up with to show they are thinking of friends and family.
But is it enough?
As one who recently lost a very dear friend to a psychotic episode (an aggressive mental illness), I feel that rather than cutting and pasting messages, it would be much better if we put down our phones, switched off our social media channels and made a good old-fashioned phone call.
It’s something of a dying art, but a good chat, and a few laughs with someone we haven’t heard from for a wee while and see how they are or ask them out for a coffee, could cut through the chaos going through some lives.
Just think how much better you would feel if rather than sticking something on social media, you called and spoke to someone and were able to give them a lift, have a laugh or just to reassure them that they aren’t forgotten.
I am fortunate to be involved with Aberdeen’s own Breakneck Comedy, where, as Scotland’s only blind comedian, I get the chance to stand on stage and share my often unusual observations of life.
Laughing at ourselves and the world around us can sometimes bring some sense to our busy lives – and if it doesn’t then well at least we had fun along the way.
All the above said, please do have an enjoyable break, but also spare a thought or a few minutes to make a call – you never know the good it might do.
And if you are looking for New Year’s resolutions, why not resolve to laugh more? After all, it’s good for you.
