Let’s be grateful?

My grandmother used to say if you don’t have anything nice to say, keep your (expletive deleted) mouth shut.  Think how nice social media would be if everyone followed that rule. 

I was reminded of that today by two stories in the news.  Actually, several stories, but two stand out. 

The first is from England where we learn that since 1947, the people of Oslo, Norway have gifted the city of London a giant Norway spruce to use as a Christmas tree.  The tradition started as a thank you to Britain for helping Norway during WWII.  The tree has traditionally been set up in Trafalgar Square and is the center of a big Christmas celebration. 

Apparently however, this year’s tree has been found wanting by several people in England who have taken to social media to complain that the tree looks scrawny and half dead and, unbelievably, that Norway should send a better tree.  All I can say is “Shouldn’t you just be grateful for the gift?”  Another thing my grandmother used to say is that it’s the thought that counts.

But it turns out that gratitude isn’t only a rare commodity in England. 

Here in Auckland, bars and restaurants are open again for the first time since the lockdown started 107 days ago.  Is social media alive with celebrations about being able to celebrate in the restaurant with family and friends?  No.  It’s alive with complaints that bars and restaurants are already booked and people can’t get reservations.

Is it any wonder that many people are finding it challenging handling the pandemic when they are not even able to deal with a less than perfect Christmas tree or wait another day to go to a bar or restaurant?

How about an early New Year’s resolution to focus on our blessings and things that we can be grateful for.  And not always look for things to complain about.

I could complain about all the important projects that I couldn’t do because of the current lockdown — trust me, there were lots!!  Instead, I have decided to focus on the positive. This lockdown gave me the time to work on a writing project that I have wanted to do for a long time. It is a play called MacLear and it a re-imagining of Shakepeare’s Macbeth and King Lear in a contemporary corporate setting.  Instead of kings, dukes, witches and daggers there are CEOs, consultants, lawyers and lawsuits. 

It was a really interesting and fun project to work on and all I need now is an innovative theatre company or group looking to stage something out of the mainstream.