Money. One of the most controversial elements of society.

Some don’t have enough. others have far too much but rarely does one have a comfortable balance.

It causes death, jealousy, corruption, lies, cheating, unhappiness, joy and pain.

I think that most folk would be happy with just enough or a little more but then once that level has been lived with then a little more is needed and so the cycle goes. On and on.

Are we really richer in life with money? Can it in all honesty cure all problems? Is it right that some have next to nothing and others vast fortunes up in the hundreds of billion realms? Could we live without it?

I have had the fortune to travel a little and have experienced some very happy times. The majority have been in areas with much less wealth than I have grown up with.  The fact that stands out is that some of these poor places see a strong community spirit, a welcome to share what little they have and there are smiles and laughter by the room full.

In stark contrast the more developed and so-called wealthier places seem angry, lack any sort of welcome (unless you wave money about) and more often than not want to pick fights or rob you. Ask them to share and they will laugh in your face and tell you that they are not a charity.

To be lucky to earn an income to provide a home, food, entertainment and comfort is a fine thing but when one has to start thinking about what to spend their rapidly growing disposable income on then things have surely got out of hand and then frustration and corruption play their part.

Money can certainly bring one peace of mind and can pay for health and treatments but it can in no way buy love and honest happiness.

Our lives and society in almost every inhabited place on earth requires money to live unless one can find a remote retreat and can survive off the land. Here in the UK one has to have a bank account to work as most full-time contracted employment is paid into one. Long gone are the places where mortgages, utility bills and such could be paid in cash face to face and we have become so reliant on our electronic devices, artificial heating, processed food and commercial enterprises that to do away with it would spell doom. Even going to a beauty spot to relax today costs money for the car-parking pay and display.

But I guess that we can’t simply bargain and barter for all our needs so something has to be a common denominator. There are just too many of us nowadays to provide a self-sufficient lifestyle.

My personal view is that the very top heavy fortunes and incomes should be dramatically cut and then used to bring a little more equality into society. Is there any justification for one employee in a company to receive £20,000 a year and another to be rewarded £5,000 an hour?  Oh and bonuses for just doing their job and for even not doing their job? What does that actually achieve?

It would be far better  for moral, productivity, loyalty and understanding if the lower end was made up to £50,000 a year and the other downgraded to £500 an hour. Bonuses should be equal throughout the company but only if targets are reached or outstanding  work has been done.

Money the root of all evil or a social necessity that just needs adjusting?

I was in two minds as to write about The New Year as it was such a predictable topic to choose but then I have to be true to myself and write about what I think about and the New Year is something that is drifting around in my brain. So write I will.

2017 has seen a lot. Not just to me but to all of us. Some will take the positive and others will only see the doom and gloom of the negative. A balance is needed to give one clarity. One can’t “see” without the “saw”.

Every single event this year has had an impact, some in small ways and others in a big way. I’m not going to list them as it will be unfair to do so.

Have all my choices been the right ones? I have no idea but what I can say is that they have shaped my position and thoughts of today.

As I have said a few times now, one of my seriously smarter decisions was to visit the doctor to address my depression. Two friends brought me to take action and I thank them very much. It sometimes takes a leap of faith to see the daily destruction one can cause to themselves and those around them. Having lifted the oppressive weight of self loathing and anger from my life it is very clear to me that things need to change.

Not for the worse or better but because of focus and hopefully something different. I have no idea where I shall end up but I can say I am happy to see my way forward to a bright and well lit future. If things go to rat-shit then so be it and start again.

Now when it comes to New Year Resolutions I hate them. Promise this, that and the other and what does it achieve? Nothing unless one is committed and fully aware of the demands that are being made. Yes there are things I would love to change like loosing a few stone in weight, having a house with more space, see more, travel a little and learn something new. Trying to achieve all that would put to much of a strain on my life so maybe choose a couple of things and the rest might just fall into place.

Recently, two things happened which completely rocked my world. I was under the impression that they should have buried me under a pile of emotion but I found the complete opposite. I discovered a new energy and comfort from them. Yes they have left a huge void but I do realise that the void was always there and now it has taken a new form and identity. It certainly has given me the confidence to grow and move forward.

2018 is not all about me, in fact it should only be a fraction of me. Everyone will be reflecting and facing new challenges this year and our personal actions will have a profound influence on those around us if we let them. So it is of the utmost importance to support and help where needed and not ignore the plights of friends and family. Some of our choices will not always reap benefits or happiness and we can all be subject to mistakes and wrong-doing. Its called life.

I think I will buy an iron and a ironing board this week. It is time as I haven’t had or used one  for years and a pillow shop may have my custom too.

Clearing and cleaning are two jobs I abhor. It is time to plunge myself into these though as they have both gone way passed their sell by date. It is something that I have been undertaking recently but it got so boring that I left it alone but its more boring looking at clutter and cobwebs.

So predictions for 2018? None. None whatsoever as, lets face it, no body can predict the future. What I can say is that I wish everyone I know, have met and will meet a very Happy New Year and that with a little effort and support the options are limitless.

Thanks to you all and 2018 here we come.