I read Jonathan Friedland’s article (“How do I live in this awful world?” a reader asked, and this is the only answer I have, December 20th). I was attracted to it. Because that’s a question that’s always on my mind. His knowledgeable work covers a lot, but the ending is very simple and resonates with my own views. Rather, be beautiful. ”
One of my answers to this ever-present question is to appreciate what I call “magical moments” in nature. Like this morning when I saw a nearly invisible heron, amazingly camouflaged in the reeds along the river. “Good morning, Heron,” I said softly, but I didn’t linger. Because I noticed that herons do not like to be seen for a long time.
A few years ago, I created a book called “Magnificent Everyday Magic” for my then 10-year-old granddaughter to show her that magic isn’t just the property of wizards. She liked it so much that she now makes notes of her books and gives them to me to make new ones.
If your eyes and ears are open, even a short early morning walk can be magical, even just hearing the winter robins or seeing the herb roberts still blooming by the roadside.
margaret turner
Exeter
Jonathan Friedland gave us “some reasons for hope” in this scary world. Thank you – those are valid reasons. To draw strength from those who “have the courage to swim against the harshest of tides”, to celebrate the good, and to remember that this is the only world we have, and that it is often beautiful.
All of these reasons involve looking outward and observing. A complementary way to be hopeful and happy is to look within yourself and act on your values. Alone or with the help of an active citizen group. In retrospect, this is what the suffragettes, anti-apartheid activists, and many others who made the world a better place did. Thank you to them for doing more than observing. And Happy New Year to everyone.
Patrick Duncan and Alison Duncan
Norton, North Yorkshire
The most important factor in staying optimistic during these difficult times is positive action. As we look at the world in despair, we should ask ourselves: “What can we do to improve the world?” The only way the world will become better is if more people show more love, empathy, and compassion. Especially at Christmas, there are so many opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life. A donation to a charity, a kind word to a stranger, a Christmas card to send to a neighbor. Pick up trash, volunteer, donate to food banks. One act might not seem like much, but imagine 9 billion small acts. oh! A better future is here for everyone.
hannah pennig
Forglen, Aberdeenshire
We can’t hope for it, but we can and do take it one day at a time. Being present opens me up to the small joys that everyday life brings. A toddler smiles at me on the bus. A dog waiting patiently outside a supermarket. A sunny day. I don’t have the power to change much, but I can control how I react to it.
Lynn Dade
twickenham, london
Jonathan Friedland’s answer to the question, “How do we live in this terrifying world?” is informative and encouraging. My own way of dealing with terrible news is to remind myself that wherever there is suffering, even on a large scale, there are wonderful people working to alleviate it. is. Their work and sacrifice lifts our hearts and spirits. The annual Guardian and Observer charity appeal helps and encourages people to support such people not just at Christmas but throughout the year.
Peter B. Godfrey
Life Chairman, Fund for Sending Children to Hacklow
Do you have a photo you’d like to share with Guardian readers? Click here to upload it. Selected photos will be featured in our readers’ best photos gallery and in Saturday’s print edition.
