I’ve been given the honour of writing the official Mozzafiato Christmas message this year and I have to say that for once, I’m at a bit of a loss as to what to write. I know that I should wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year etcetera etcetera but you know what, that just won’t do. Not this year. Not any year. Until we start to treat ourselves and each other with more kindness and respect, these seasonal greetings are just empty palliatives that will get packed away with all the Christmas decorations, only to be brought out again next year.

Sarah Gudgeon

Now I’m not such an idealist that I think we can put an end to world suffering just by being nice; I know that war, immigration, poverty and homelessness are complex issues and we can’t fix everything with a cosy chat over a cup of tea and a piece of cake but, we, the ordinary people, can be nicer.

We can be nicer not only to those we love, but to those we don’t. Kindness is seen as weakness in this kick-ass world where everyone wants to be top dog, and being kind will mean you get done over a few times (believe me, I know), but in the end, kindness will prevail. Won’t it?? Please tell me it will.

That dear Mozzafiato readers is my true Christmas wish for you all. Let’s find it in our hearts to be kind, to be humble and to find peace within ourselves, only then can we share that peace with others. And of course, we the Mozzafiato contributors will continue to share our stories with you: from knowledge comes power, the power to change.

Dreaming of a wonderful ‘Mozzafiato’ world for us all.

Sarah Gudgeon, december 2017 – © Mozzafiato