Last night, my wife and I were sitting at Melrose Arch, having a cup of coffee with our kids, when a really vicious fight broke out between 3 guys right before our eyes.
As a youngster, and being a DJ in many clubs, I saw a lot of fights. But this time it was different. I saw through the shocked eyes of my sons, and I saw it for the desire to do violence and harm that it really is.
And it ruined the evening. We all felt the horrible tension, the shock, of seeing something from a movie happen in a place of comfort and security - a place where we go to relax and unwind.
And I realised that at this time of year, everyone is a tinder keg.
Its been a very tough year - yet somehow, the shortest year ever! Its already December tomorrow - this year has really FLOWN past with very little regard for our desire to savour it. And I think that perhaps this is a blessing.
Time is relative, and hard years can often seem endless - yet this one has not. I must say that I find the odd combination of unpleasantness and speed to be relatively useful.
The worlds had a hard year. From recessions, to floods, fires and storms, e-tolls, crooked politicians and even hailstones the size of tennis balls in our own freak weather this week, theres been a lot of pressure on everyone in most walks of life.
Its really not surprising then that everyone is on a short leash, having no tolerance and losing their cool for anything. People are rude in the traffic, angry over little things, and generally ready to break out into a fight over pretty much anything.
I think its time to take a collective breath - for the world to slow down a bit, and to allow the peace and togetherness of this time of year to bring them together again. I could do with a bit of brotherly love and Christmas spirit right now. I'm ready to embrace it whenever you are!
