#24 - New Beginnings

 A Pillar To Post

A very merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! Let's hope it's a good one, without any tears!

Spreading festive joy from the wonderful world of a shite online blog, that gives one persons point of view at any one given time. 😅 I was dreaming of a White (Russian) Christmas whilst I began this post, listening to the usual chorus of Christmas songs as I brought you this - the last piece of 2020, but I dozed off and decided to call it a night at around 02:00 on Christmas Day morning. It turns out the Kahlua didn't give me the energy hit it might have done! 

So where do we start? What a year!...

(It's probably taken you 12 months to read the other 23 articles...😅)

2020 - the year that began with the cremation of a beloved Grandfather, and (almost) ends sitting in front of a virtual fire that plays via the Playstation. The irony...it'd just dawned on me...honest. So I promised mesel I'd keep this relatively short and sweet, something for yi all to contemplatebefore you're comatosed with yi turkey...yi fat bastards,😂...

(Too late - editing came on Boxing Day!)

...And so on that note I think I'd best get to me points.

Who doesn't think it's been a fairly shite year?! I mean, what with the 'rona, Brexit and racism - it's not been a one to remember for the reet reasons really, has it?! Au contraire - stick a pin in 2020 and let it be a constant reminder as the year of the 'reset'.

What selfish, self-centered, ignorant pricks we had become (and some still are). But, I think the 'rona has taught us something, or it should have done. Is getting a 4th pack of Andrex really that bloody important?! Seeing your struggling 80 year old neighbour at her door once a week for a minute clap is. I mean, alreet, it got tedious, and many might argue "so what" but it's all part of addressing a larger problem. We'd  lost our way a little bit - certainly in the more densely populated, urban areas. I'd like to think the virus has brought communities back together and replaced arguing about meaningless shite with thinking of others and not just wuhsels.

A year has whizzed by and it feels like nowt has happened. It's scary really. Maybe I'm just getting aulder. Never mind, here wu are...Christmas. Again. So quick - you haven't seen anyone aal year, rush oot and spend aal that money you've saved on meaningless shite to quantify how much those you surround yourself by matter to you...we aal dee it, myself included. The joys of Americanism (or capitalism?), I think.

Divvint worry, I'm not gonna get on me soap box...

For me though, the notion of giving gifts at Christmas should be kept simple and sincere, especially in adulthood. Sorry pet, looks like you're getting that iron we needed... 😂

As for the bairns, well, isn't it just fantastic?! The magic of Christmas is a treasure to parents, family and friends alike. Whilst not going overboard, and turning them into spoiled brats, having Santa treat them once a year and see the delight on their faces is perhaps a greater gift to any adult than any Lynx Africa set or novelty socks. That's not to say I'm not grateful for all I've received though. It's just that time and happy memories are the most precious of gifts.⌚ 

Christmas is a sticking point for me and it has been for while. I feel I'm one of the less hypocritical of hyprocites at this time. How many people even acknowledge it's aboot the 'birth' of the 'Son of God'?! It's lost all meaning - from people buying 4 year olds Iphones to charvas putting up inflatable Santas in their garden to increase their social status; just two examples. But who am I to judge?!

Most societies, if not all, are based on religious ideology and the belief in higher powers. Most religions pave a way of peaceful life, despite what warped versions occasionally spring out in society and cause diversity and in some cases, war. However, what difference in any ideology doesn't? Our most tribal and inate instincts will likely always get the better of us on occasion, because ultimately, we're animals.

In recent days I've spent some time watching one best friend put himself 'out there' on a potentially global scale. A devout Christian who builds his life around the word of God, and it serves him well. A perfect Gentleman, leading a peaceful and promising life, and it got me thinking - religion - it's not as culty as it always seems to us Atheist or Agnostic folk.

Furthermore, it got me thinking - what does the nativity story and really teach us and mean? And so, I'm going to do my best to apply the actual Christmas story to 2020, and well...life.

In the face of adversity, the Virgin Mary found a safe haven for her son to be born and in doing so, brought joy to her life and the life of all whom they knew. A sign that, maybe, aside from biblical miracles, perserverence through the hard times can eventually lead to the joys that life brings. So, just think of the restrictions and isolation we've all faced. Whilst it's not life threatening, it's not ideal, is it? Especially for one's mental health. Especially if living alone. But there's always someone else who's less fortunate, and in a worse-off position. It's important to keep perspective, but you don't have to pop oot bairns to do it. 😅

Think of the 3 wise men. I'd like to think I was a wise man, but frankly too many Brown Ales and stupid mistakes make up a patchwork quilt of life that isn't quite perfect, or wise. The best kind? 😆 But joking aside, the 'wise' men allegedly set off on a tiresome journey and were somewhat misguided - following a natural phenomenon rather than fixed landmarks to reach their end destination - but follow they did, and with all their heart. For the 'Son of God' was about to be born. In doing so, they bore the fruits of their labour and witnessed the miracle that was the birth of Mary's child. The messiah. A message that conveys that if you follow your heart you'll often find happiness.

There are probably many more to be made, but the most obvious is that the birth of Christ is symbolic of a new beginning, and hence the title of this edition of the Ramblings of a Madman.

Admittedly, I'm, somewhat of a cynic - I don't believe in higher powers. Messiahs...maybe...of sorts. Keegan. Robson. Shearer. But you don't have to be a man of God, Vishnu or Allah to be a man of peace and good-will. Like any good story - there are lessons to be learned, and so this story isn't any different irrespective of race or religion.

The birth of a child, any child, is sewing of the seeds of hope, progression and positivity; messages which are important for us to carry into 2021. And whilst I believe each day has the same meaning as the last, this stake that is planted in our collective calendar provides a good opportunity for cleaning a slate clear. With Welfare, health and politics all in very questionable and pivotal periods, maybe it's time to come together, and create a world with less hinderence and hostility?

As always, it's easy to say these things, but difficult to implement the respective actions required. Fortunately, I can say I've cut out a lot of the negativity that was beginning to engulf my life by successfully managing to change jobs; escaping negative people, in a negative setting, with null prospects. It became very obvious to me that I was wasting my time and effort where it wasn't beneficial or more importantly, valued. That change has seemingly been better for all effected by it. Then, my partner bought a new pup, a little Frenchie who we named Gio, after an ex-work colleague and friend. The dog was 8 weeks old and is now around 3 and a half months. With patience and hard work, he's now well trained and a welcome new addition to our family. Another new beginning. 🐾

So I guess the point I'm making, is that, just like the fire marked the end of hurt and pain for a much loved Grandad, it burns like the desire you have to enjoy the gift of life, and it brings warmth and comfort on this cold and frosty evening. A sign that sometimes we must persevere. 🔥

It sometimes takes us a backward step to move forward. Use this Christmas and new year to take a positive look at what you can change, progress things even if it is only in your own life, and like a wise man (or woman), bare the fruits of your labour in 2021.

That's enough philosophical waffle - peace and love, nil desperandum, ciao for now.

😉