This Monday, Jupiter and Saturn came within the closest distance to each other in 800 years, forming a Christmas star.
It lit up the sky like a white diamond on the shortest day of the year. It was a symbol of hope that brighter days are, quite literally, on their way.
2020 has been such a rollercoaster year. While it’s nearing its end, the challenges continue to come at an unrelenting pace – whether it’s our province re-entering a full lockdown or unexpected family hardships.
Despite this feeling of dark heaviness, I am so thankful there are reasons to feel gratitude and hope.
Firstly, T is in daycare this and next week – so it takes the pressure off us to look after him, as I had originally booked these two weeks off from work to recharge.
I’m spending the free time just relaxing when I can, because my family is about to embark on a marathon as Ma starts her recovery.
Part of my wellbeing regime is listening to music. Australian pop star Kylie Minogue’s music always cheers me up.
I listened to her song “White Diamond,” written a decade ago when she was facing cancer. Its lyrics resonated with me in a new way.
I reflected about diamonds. They are beautiful jewels that are formed deep within the Earth’s darkness from carbon being subjected to intense heat and pressure.
That’s really what this past year has been all about. This is what adversity is about. These moments take us – as individuals, as a collective – and subject us to such incredible pressure, while burying us within a deep darkness that we feel like we’ll never get out of.
But for those of us who get through it, we become richer and brighter because of these experiences and we radiate with a renewed sparkle because of the valuable lessons we’ve learned.
I don’t quite know what will happen in the road ahead, but I know we will get through it somehow and be all the better for it.
White Diamond by Kylie Minogue
I know that it’s getting too much, baby
But you don’t need the words to say
Sometimes you feel you’re at the end of the line
But tonight it’s gonna fade away
You’re looking out from the darkness
Feeling so alone and you need a flare
Well, I’ve got the light that’s gonna treat you right
And illuminate what’s already there
Understand I will be there for you
Understand I’m a diamond for you
A white diamond for you
And just like a burning radio I’m on to you
Your spell I’m under
In the silver shadows I will radiate
And glow for you
What you see and what it seems
Are nothing more than dreams within a dream
Like a pure white diamond
I’ll shine on and on and on
Photo Credit – Alex Andrews posted on Pexels
Lovely words Ab – Merry Christmas to you, T, your ma and the rest of your family. Wishing you all an infinitely brighter 2021 too! 🙏
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. And good luck with your new one soon!
This year has certainly been filled with some ups and downs. It’s always good to focus on the positive things and and not dwell on the stuff outside of our control. It’s easier said than done though. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and happy New Year (and a speedy recovery for your Ma).
P.S. The only Kylie Minogue song that comes to mind is “Can’t Get you out of my Head” (and now I really can’t get this song out of my head!!). I’ll have to give this a listen.
Thank you, L! It’s gonna be such a challenging road ahead and I try not to think about it too much. I guess it’s kinda like embarking on a long and challenging. You just pace yourself and take it a step at a time. 🙂
Kylie has a great discography. If you like pop music that is. 😉
Have a great time up at your cabin!
Exactly. Just take things a day at a time. Take care.
I have never heard this song and will have to give it a listen. I hope Ma continues to recover and regain her strength and abilities. I hope you have a great two weeks and get some time to yourself to recharge. And of course, a wonderful holiday season with your family!
Thanks Robyn. Don’t judge my pop music tastes. 😂 And wishing you and your family a wonderful holidays as well! T is practically jumping off the walls. I can only imagine how excited Declan is!