It is interesting to reflect on conversations I enter into and which I overhear.

There appears to be a growing discontent with the way society is headed. Our politicians have been proven to be liars; our Royal family has proven themselves to be human and not above the kind of strife which normal families face every day.

Individuals and families are retreating more and more into themselves. Without doubt there remain some who are willing to help their neighbours but increasingly people are enclosing themselves behind high fences, locked doors and other barriers; be they physical or metaphoric.

We are living in an era of fear and greed. To satisfy yearnings people are becoming more and more acquisitive but whatever they acquire still does not leave them feeling complete there is always something bigger and better to acquire.

Modern marketing techniques are relentless in their creation of dissatisfaction. People are striving for more; they declare that they do not have enough; they feel they should be achieving success.

We have become like hamsters on a treadmill, running faster and faster just to remain in the same spot. We dont recognise nor allow ourselves to enjoy what we do have in this constant quest for more.

We no longer live according to our personal values. Indeed most of us have probably not even considered what our personal values are.

We have been moulded and shaped by parents, peer groups, schools, universities and employers to fit, to conform. We need to dust off our own values set and begin to live them. Yes, it will feel strange at first and it will need courage but I dare to suggest that it is the only way to find true contentment and happiness; it is the only way to find the backbone to stand up for what you believe in rather than bemoan the state of the nation but take no action to change things for the greater good.