Just before Christmas 2023 I wrote this and posted it on my NICKY SLATER PRESENTS page. To preserve it for posterity and my reference next year I attach it here, on January 5th 2023.
CHRISTMAS...
A time to reflect, take stock, and count our blessings. A time to learn of hardships faced, kindness shown. Argentina euphoric and we applaud them in World Cup victory. So much great in our world. And at this time some find it tough.
When we are up against it. What do we do? Where do we go? Where can we find encouragement when the lights are turned off and the bombs rain down (see Ukraine and over 25 other war zones that don't reach front page news). Where can we find encouragement when our education is taken away (see women going to University in Afghanistan). Where can we find encouragement when it's -23 C and the snow is deep and I'm in a tent, homeless, freezing to death? That's the temperature outside my window here in Kelowna, BC, Canada.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Where can we find encouragement when we are amongst those who walk around looking OK. Those of us who are polite as people ask how we are. 'Good,' we answer. Some of it may be good, and yet our voices in our head, and those around us and our culture have us afraid as they shout... Don't do that, do this, fit in, don't cause a fuss or we'll attack you. Comply to my diktat and I won't be annoyed with you, arrest you, threaten and murder you online. Do as I say and I will be your friend. Die quietly.
Well, I'm hoping that LID OFF THE BOX provides some of that encouragement for you, wherever you are, through our work and in our DREAMTRYB. I'm hoping to achieve and inspire breakthroughs for me and to help inspire you to do the same.
THE BATTLE FOR THE MIND
The battle for the mind, has been my particular cross to bear. I seek to break free from it here. Somehow, perhaps, my battle and my ultimate victory can entertain and inspire you too? And one day we can meet and share a tear and a smile. So let us not forget some of our greatest weapons against despair. For me it's my faith, my belief that we can and the secret weapon... LAUGHTER. You may control my physical, you may try to control me and poison my mind, but you cannot control my soul. Bullies and whisperers won’t win.
THE ANTIDOTE TO FEAR
Here at LID OFF THE BOX we bring music, comedy and breakthrough enablement to make a difference. We will upset the haters and the controllers for we are their polar opposite. We stand for love and freedom not hate and control.
And just over 2,000 years ago a baby was born. The birth fulfilling three hundred and fifty one prophesies written over four thousand years. A virgin birth. A baby who grew to be a man who changed the world forever. A man who at 33 years of age was murdered on a cross. Who died to set me, and you, free. The Christ of Christmas - Jesus.
Wherever you are on life's journey this Christmas - I wish you PEACE.
NICKSTIR / NICKY SLATER / Dr Nicholas Mark Slater (Hons) MA et al - December 2022