2020 wish-list: Wave a magic wand for a happier year

OPINION

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to 2020. No New Year’s resolutions for me.

The likelihood of me ever keeping them for more than a week maximum is about as likely as me leaving chocolate in the fridge for more than a day.

So instead of making resolutions I’ve made a wish list for 2020. Nothing too extreme, just a few simple ideas.

Wish 1

That politicians would talk less and listen more.

Cut the waffle and listen to those with knowledge and experience in all fields, even though they may not be considered “experts” by you.

Wish 2

Let’s forget the damned records — not the spinning disk ones making a comeback but the hottest, driest, wettest day, month, year, decade, etc.

Who really cares if it is the hottest December day for Perth in the past 10 years? Not me and pretty sure most of the population feel the same way.

Wish 3

That someone could go out and find “common sense” and bring it back into our lives.

Let’s face it — men cannot give birth, reduced fuel loads will reduce ferocity of bush fires, taking selfies on the edge of a cliff may well result in your death, and kids need to learn to read and write at school before any other random subject.

Wish 4

That people will remember it is possible to have a debate about a subject without attacking anyone personally.

Whether face-to-face or on a keyboard, let’s treat people with respect, regardless of their point of view.

You don’t have to like them; you don’t have to agree with them, but if you can’t be civil then walk away from the debate.

Wish 5

Reconnect with people instead of always being connected to technology.

Go for a walk without your phone and say hi to people.

Speak to your colleagues in the office instead of emailing them.

Turn off the TV when the family is eating together.

Let kids find something to amuse themselves with instead of giving them a phone/tablet/computer.

Meet your neighbour, say hi to those serving you in shops and randomly thank someone for their work.

I’d love to think those five wishes could all be put in place in 2020 and we’d have a happier, kinder, more fulfilling and enjoyable life. It would be easy to say “won’t happen”. Maybe not, but we could try.