Be a clappy person

Apathy is out for 2025

We arrived in the Dominican Republic on Saturday evening and I have noticed something very peculiar. In fact, I’ve spent the past two days in a state of noticing ~ a solid pastime whilst I slowly make my way through the cocktail menu (I am sure my teeth are going to fall out but that’s a worry for another day).

I’ve been noticing the fabulous fans of the palm tree, the impeccable speed at which crabs can run, the violent and vertical dive of hungry herons in search of a snack…but mainly I’ve noticed that a scary degree of humans have diluted themselves and their life; so much so, that their default setting is an apathy painful to witness.

We’re at a huge resort with masses of people. It’s a fabulous place to people watch, with subjects from all over the globe. But I can’t believe what I’m seeing. These are people on HOLIDAY ~ the mystical, magical land where washing piles don’t exist and washing-up is a burden on someone else’s to-do list. The sun is shining, the cocktails are free, the birds are singing a tune that makes you want to salsa! Yet, most people look fucking miserable.

I can’t stop looking at how much fun they’re *not* having. On holiday. In the sun. With loved ones. And free cocktails.

The wildest display of apathy I’ve noticed, so far, happened on our second night here. We’re in the dining room, where the buffet boasts an array of oriental dishes (every night is themed). People are sunkissed and in their evening gear. The drinks are flowing generously…and then, cutting through the mellow background music and chatter…a  bang.

And then another bang. And another bang. A giant empty tub, a wine bottle, a cocktail shaker. A group of waiters and waitresses start to make musical instruments of anything they can find. They dance over to an older woman, singing “feliz compleaños”, pulling her to her feet and twirling her around. She’s delighted. There’s a cake.

Everyone else looks blank. Well, 90% of them. It’s like they’re staring at the people getting on at a bus stop, somewhat uncomfortable with the break in their journey. There is no joy. No amusement. No clapping along. I wanted to clunk their heads together.

One of the reasons I fell in love with Grant, my fiancé, is because I could immediately see that he knew Joy is something you make. To be joyful and make the best of life is deliberate. To be amused and curious, playful, and grateful to be here, is a choice we make every day. Of course, *we* clapped along. We are some of the happiest people I know.

It is the secret to a long and happy life, I think, to be deliberate in your joy. To be open to the lightness of it all. To choose. If you are already choosing, I hope you realise how rare you are. Most people aren’t ~ and when the sun breaks through a wall of cloud it is profoundly felt.

Wishing you a deliberate and clappy start to the year!!! Big big hugs.

Siân x