Comedian Phil Evans is from Ammanford. He is known as the man who puts the ‘cwtsh’ into comedy. This column appears in the South Wales Evening Post, Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star. Website – www.philevans.co.uk
Feeling gloomy?
Depressed?
You’re not alone.
Unless you’ve just won the Lottery, many of us think that, so far, 2018 is a big disappointment.
There’s still a loud, unpleasant Trump in the White House.
Kim Jong-Un is still on the verge of exploding in a giant fireball of anger and Emmental cheese (his favourite food).
And Vladimir Putin, according to some newspapers, is planning to invade the UK.
As around 300,000 Russians already live in the UK and Russian businessmen own British newspapers and football teams, hasn’t it already started?
Perhaps we’d better learn the Russian for ‘Welcome’?
Dah-broh poh-zhahl-oh-vat!
Then, there’s the fast-moving revolution regarding how men should behave towards women, which spread from Hollywood to all corners of the world, including Fishguard.
While I agree there have been too many examples of powerful men – in all walks of life – taking advantage of younger women (and a change was overdue!), has it gone too far in the opposite direction?
I ask this because last week a lady on Breakfast TV claimed that winkingis now considered sexual harassment.
Hearing that, I phoned our local monastery to ask if they had any vacancies for a monk
And recently a well-mannered mate of mine opened a shop door to allow a young girl to enter the building, only to receive a scowl and a tetchy. “I can manage on my own!”
The way we’re supposed to behave and interact with each other today has become a social minefield.
Add to all these things the persistent wet weather we’ve been subjected to and it’s no wonder so many usually cheerful people are looking down in the mouth.
So, what can we do to offset this mounting mass of misery?
Don’t ask me.
I’ve just shaved my head. I now answer to the name of Brother Philip . . .
………………….
Capture that magic at every opportunity.
My very good friend and official show photographer, Rob Jones from Porthcawl, has taught me many valuable lessons over the years.
He is a firm believer that magic moments and memories must be captured and recorded on a regular basis.
At long last I’m now beginning to understand the importance of capturing memories of special occasions, family, friends and events that have helped shape us and turn us into the people we are today.
Looking back has so many benefits and often helps us relive feelings of joy and reflect on the good times of the people that we now so dearly miss.
Like everything else, though, there is always a down side.
Like the hair cut, clothes and (in my case) a slimmer version.
With dementia becoming more of a concern to many families, taking a trip down memory lane while looking through old photos can be such a blessing and often provides that much needed relief to the pain and suffering attached to this debilitating condition.
We may not yet have a cure for dementia, but our minds can still benefit and be stimulated by pictures of days gone by.
Don’t waste the opportunity.
You can thank me later.
You can follow Phil Evans on Twitter @philevanswales and www.philevans.co.uk
Please again include www.philevans.co.uk
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