Earlier this week, I went to see the ballet The Nutcracker. It was being shown worldwide. One of the advantages of watching the ballet on screen is that we get to see behind-the-scenes activities, such as the dancers practicing their routines, which they execute daily. Goodness, they are all SO fit—it quite takes one's breath away as they perform endless, complicated, and demanding leaps, pirouettes, and all the other routines essential to their roles. The dancing was breathtaking, and combined with the music, it left one enthralled, smiling inside and out.
In fact, I would not have been too sorry to remain there forever, neglecting the mundane daily obligations with which we must cope.
Joy spreads its wings in many diverse ways, much like the spell of The Nutcracker. The caress of a rose petal, a smile, a helping hand, the beauty of a vibrant sunrise, or the whisper of a summer wind are but a few delights that come in many different forms. How I wish I had a large bucket full of special delights from which everyone could take their pick over Christmas and throughout the year to come.
What will 2025 bring us? I am an optimist and feel that a positive upturn is coming, contrary to what many would have us believe. Do not lose heart.