Of the 752 images stored on my WP blog, the first entry still seems the most applicable to cover all posts which are sent in a spirit of Friendship and Hope. Hope. Speaking of Hope
Some task huh?
The third decade of the 21st century appears to be one wrapped in gloom, anguish, despair turmoil, and you my dear reader will be able to add your own words to that list. It would seem that the usual toxins of Greed, Violence, Intolerance and Suppression and now joyously aided by Denial and Ignorance they growing frenetic on the social drugs of Conspiracy and Indulgence. This wretched alliance seems more than capable of finally stifling the brief season of instinctive Joy and Goodwill which used to be a theme of Decembers. After all do you really feel like humming, or whistling, even singing to those seasonal songs and carols which still permeate the air waves and public places or does ‘It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas’ really stick in your craw this year?
This is the stage of the post when I am supposed to heave-ho on the allegorical Helm and wheel the whole sentiment into one of Joy and of course Hope. After laying out One Hundred and Thirty plus words in doing the exact opposite.
Some task, huh?

We could start with giving ourselves, individually speaking, some space. It is my opinion based on many years’ experience and observation that one problem in the world is whereas the ruthless, selfish, greedy, arrogant folk will very rarely admit to their faults or flaws, ordinary folk are all too willing to blame themselves for much lesser matters as if those were Crimes Against Humanity and by default give the worst of folk wriggle room. Let’s start with those foundational attributes Compassion, Respect and Tolerance (while leaving pop-culture summaries of Nietzsche and his ilk out of it).
Most of us, hereabouts, would like to think that we are predisposed to those qualities, which is something of a plus for Human Nature- we would like to think we are ‘Nice’ (ish). Then we will metaphorically look over our shoulder or maybe agonise over our shortcomings. Now, whereas, it is only right for us avoid being smug, self-congratulatory and hypocritical there are also times when we will wince and think ‘Urgh. That could have gone better’ or ‘What the heck was I thinking of’ . Which is fine, because most of us have an analytical system working there. However:
Compassion– Do you care for those you have not met, but feel because of their situation as a minority or a currently persecuted section or a unfortunate one of a few, that what is being heaped on them is just not fair. That they have been labelled and you, I, us know nothing about them as persons and the negative attention is all unjust. Is that your default position? Well give yourself some credit then. By not embracing Disdain, Suspicion or Apathy, by supporting, or at least not joining in with the mob; there is Compassion in you.
Mind you Compassion makes tough calls on you. How about those folk you have labelled?…. Yeah I know…..Yeah boy do I know…..Still as long as you don’t want all of them incarcerated in a ‘place of correction’ as long as you find that disturbing…. Well keep on keeping on…

Respect– Do you know or have ever countered folk or a community or a people, whose views or ways you do not agree with, or even not understand, and yet your only response is ‘Yes, not for me, couldn’t be like that’ And yet you feel they have a certain something or somethings within their outlooks which merits an understanding and acceptance. Now that should not be the unconditional sort of, like everyone within that group should not be criticised- for every circle has its jerks (yes that was deliberate-stop sniggering at the back). To do that is to condemn the rest by allowing abuse and domination by unpleasant characters. In the individual case it gets even more complex because you may find there are times when an individual has been a complete idiot in one instance over their beliefs but not in every facet. Respect is an even tougher caller than Compassion. But if you can disagree with a view (not necessarily an act) and allow that person their opinion (I know…I know….we are coming to the qualifier when discussing Tolerance). If you can least understand someone’s stance and agree to disagree or Live and Let Live. Are you trying to balance that, but wobble just a bit in the balance? Well it’s something to work with. You are doing well though, just keep working.

Tolerance-This is the deal breaker of the trio. It requires an ability to accept those whose views are opposite to yours and whose comments might even set your teeth on edge. However the door swings both ways in that they must react the same way. You do not have to accept those who espouse Intolerance and Hatred, to be biblical and refer to  the teachings of Jesus Christ –  Matthew 10:4 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. This is a fairly allegorical piece of advice. Turn your back on Intolerance and its poisons. Well yes do not expect that balance to be easy. There will always be those places when you get tested to the absolute limit. Oh for the simple loud mouthed bigot, you say, and not this quiet sincere person who speaks in a rational calm way. And yet do you struggle on to make with conversation and contact, even if failing the first, second, third time? Do you ever give up on one attempt but still say ‘Next time. Next time it will go better,’  

The measurement is in your willingness never to in your heart give up on these three. To just keep on trying to spread them, trying to bring people into the fold, try and try and even when it all goes wrong ,you try some more. And never, ever give up on yourself for trying

And there you are. For doing those few efforts – You are worth it

You are not perfect. But You are worth it.
Bear that in mind this Season. Give yourself a smile, a nod and a whispered ‘Well it might have gone better. But next time. Yeah next time,’.

Best of wishes and hopes to you all; Christmas, Holiday, Looking to 2026 whatever.