WE’VE messed with the clocks and suddenly it’s dark at 5pm. We might as well admit it, we are entering the shortest days of the year and feeling pretty glum about it.

Every morning, before getting out of bed, try raising your arms above your head in the form of an arch, and practice a wide grin-like smile. Hold it.

Don’t grin and bear it, grin and see beyond it. Thousands of daffodils will open, the warm sun of last summer will shine again, a baby will be born, happy feet will meet you, greet you, and make you laugh.

Dark days!

It’s only a mirage - it can’t stop the miracle that’s coming.

Raymond Hall

Cockermouth