Despite today having the shortest number of daylight hours, and being the longest and darkest night of the year, it is one of the best days of the year for me. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, today is the shortest day, which means we can now start the long gradual climb to lengthening days and spring! Hooray! I was awake in the night, as always, and relishing the absolute peace and quiet, when the words of Desiderata popped up in my mind. I thought that with all the rush and bustle leading up to Christmas, and at the end of a long and generally confusing year for the world, the words of Desiderata might be a good thing to post here, just for a little reflection as we lurch towards the festivities and a new year. Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull an...