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It’s behind you!!
I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing more fun-filled than the traditional escapism of panto with the kids at Christmas! Actually, now I come to think about it properly, I’d probably be going out to one even without the kids!??!!
This crazy British notion of boys and girls cross-dressing to bring the whole family together – I really have no idea how or why it works. All I do know is that its appeal has been with me forever, and it’s probably even stronger these days, now that I have the excuse of little ones also wanting to see the live action of goodies vs. baddies battling it out on stage!
If nothing else, this simple introduction to the theatre can set an enormous ball rolling for our children where those all-important seeds of the arts, music, culture and literature can be sown. Whist I know how important it is that we have our kids growing up to be scientists, engineers and doctors, it’s also vital that we never underestimate the power of the arts.
It’s through this channel that we discover innovation, as opposed to pure logic. It’s a way for kids, as well as grown-ups, to explore new ideas, secure their freedom of self-expression, and dare I say it, ultimately fulfil their true potential as part of any pursuit towards lifetime happiness. To introduce children to the magic of theatre is a must – it actually fulfils a basic need – the vital need for us to find joy and laughter in our lives!
It’s only when we’re able to do this, that we’re in the right place to make all those other so-called important decisions in our lives, because what could be worse??…..thinking you need to marry someone, anyone, just because you’ve been rejected; deciding where on earth you’re going to live because you’re just about to lose your home; considering what car is it I must buy when I haven’t even got enough for the bus fare home; thinking which job do I take now my current role has been made redundant; or what course of study must I start when I have no idea what I’m good at????
These questions, when asked in such a desperate way, go to prove that we’re simply not listening to our own internal sat-nav, our moral compass that guides us throughout our lives, the all-important bit of us that ends up being drowned out by everyone else who seems to know what’s best for us, leaving us feeling all the more guilty, confused and unhappy.
‘It’s behind you’ may indeed be what they shout out at panto, but it’s never behind you if you want to secure joy in your lives. Produce your own natural serotonin with the gift of laughter – no matter how bad things may be, it will be different again in another five years – and that’s not my way of discounting our woes – it’s the only way to view life, from a healthier and more helpful perspective.
Have fun whatever you’re doing – laughter really is the cheapest and best medicine there is!!