Jubilee Thoughts

Queen Elizabeth II has just celebrated seventy years on the throne and the United Kingdom has enjoyed an extended Bank Holiday weekend. For many, this was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the longevity of the current monarch, for some this was simply a longer weekend, and for some this was a weekend much as any other with work and other commitments filling the time. And, of course, some went out of their way not to celebrate for a multitude of reasons.
 
Two thoughts come to me. The first is that a weekend like the one which we have just had gives many of us purpose. A point in time to organise an event, wear one’s finery, meet with friends and neighbours, eat and drink well. Purpose which is so important because we, on the whole, function better when we have purpose. And purpose can be about the big stuff; our calling in life, the grand tour, the mountain to conquer, the marathon to complete. It can equally and just as importantly be about the small stuff; the plans for Friday night, the next holiday, meeting a friend for coffee, walking the dog. Purpose which makes our world go around, and purpose which was so detrimentally lost during lockdown.
 
The second thought is the importance of direction and reflection. As we celebrate or otherwise the most recent jubilee there has been lots of reflection about the monarch’s life and what she has done. I find myself wondering what her reflections are about the last seventy years, what she has done well, what she could have done better, and what her legacy will be. Maybe we should do the same. Step back and reflect. Ask yourself if your life is going in the direction that you want. Consider your legacy and how you want to be remembered. It is never too late to change. It is never too late to be differently. It is never too late until there is no time left. And you know this already, don’t you?