[Notes by Gert's Royals in Brackets]
So we leave another year behind us – in anticipation of what the new will bring.
For many, 2024 has probably been a year of stability. For some, a year when life took a positive turn. For others, the year when everything fell apart.
For us in the family, this has been a year when we have truly been put to the test. A year when we have become even more aware of what matters in life.
[A reference to drama with the Norway Royal Family in the past year.]
At the core of being human is that none of us are spared pain and hardship. Some are hit harder than others. But unfortunately, no one escapes experiencing bad things in life. Each of us has to find ways to cope with it, and try to get through it.
We need some drawers inside us to sort through emotions and place responsibilities where they belong. We also need drawers for what gives us strength, meaning, and joy. Maybe we need a whole chest of drawers.
I'm not a psychologist. But this much I've learned: It's important to find ways to deal with what's difficult in order to live the best possible life with ourselves, and with each other.
None of us can do this alone. We need each other. We need motivation and help to move forward. We need to believe that things will get better. It may be hard work. But it is vital work. It is even community-building work.
For all these individuals who are facing their trials, there are hands in this link that we form together. Where we work together in big and small ways. Where we face challenges together. Where we try to make good decisions together.
Leonard Cohen sings in one of his songs:
There's a gap in everything. That's where the light lets in.
[Leonard Cohen is a Canadian singer, that became popular around the world, including in Norway. A Canadian-Norwegian romantic drama TV series, So Long, Marianne came out in Norway in September.]
It gives us all hope when we feel like something is falling apart. I think we would be better off if we got rid of the idea that life should be simple, and preferably quite perfect. Because that's not how it is.
Life can hurt. We humans make mistakes. Things don't turn out the way we dreamed or imagined. But we try to learn from our mistakes. We get back on our feet – and keep going. This drive is something very special to us humans. And I think it's about hope.
So there we are again – at hope. For many years, hope has been a theme of this evening. It is no coincidence. Because hope is the very life force. I think we all need to be reminded of it, again and again.
I am so lucky to meet hope in my office right as it is:
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyj.
- The young Sámi Fosen activists.
- [Sámi are in an indigenous people in Nordic Region. Fosen is a peninsula where there was a conflict over windfarms. The conflict got resolved in March this year.]
- The children from the Blue Cross Children's Station in Kristiansand.
- [The Blue Cross Children's Station is an orgnization that supports children in Norway].
All are people I have met in recent years, who are in the middle of difficult situations, but who do not give up. They shine with hope and vitality, even though they may be tired.
Even where it looks darkest, there is a force that makes people step out into a new day. Even in Gaza. In Sudan. In Afghanistan. In Ukraine. In Syria.
Tonight I would like to especially thank all of you who are contributing in conflict zones – for humanitarian organizations, the Armed Forces, the Foreign Service and the press. Thank you for standing by. Thank you for keeping hope alive.
One of the things that gives me hope is seeing what can happen when we talk to each other. When we reach out to someone we disagree with and who is different from us. It can be hard work. But a society where we don't talk to anyone but those who are similar to us becomes both poorer and more dangerous.
A role model for all of us is our young guides. In this country we have both Sami, Jewish and Muslim guides. Young people who travel to school classes to tell about who they are and what they stand for, about culture and religion.
Knowledge and conversation are effective medicines against prejudice, and strengthen our cooperation. We must meet, we must talk together, not with the goal of agreeing, but of understanding and respecting each other.
It is what we build this country on. And it is also the foundation of the international order we are part of, like the UN. Conversation is absolutely central when we meet to discuss complicated issues where there are many opinions and interests. Like protecting our planet from dramatic climate change. And about finding paths to peace.
I would encourage everyone in the new year to invite someone you disagree with for a coffee chat. It might bring some positive surprises!
We must never stop talking to each other. In the world, in society, in the family. If we manage to talk to each other, especially when it is most difficult, there is always hope.
In 2025 we will mark 80 years since the liberation and the end of World War II. Sometimes I stand at the window here at the Palace in the morning and look out over the city, down Karl Johans gate. The morning sun comes up over the hill and colors the sky pink and orange. Slowly the city comes to life. It is so beautiful and so peaceful.
Then I thank you.
But if we rewind nearly 85 years, the picture was completely different: Then, soldiers of a foreign power marched down the same street one early morning. They took away our freedom. They created fear and division. After five long years, the nightmare was finally over.
War is just terrible. Peace and freedom mean everything.
We must hold on to this and be reminded of it in 2025. We must inspire our young people to work for peace – both here at home and in the world at large. We must strengthen our preparedness at all levels so that we know with ourselves that we are a resilient people. We owe that to those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, and we owe that to the Norwegians of the future.
There is also great hope in this part of our history. For much of what we have created together over time has been built precisely on hope, on the ruins of something that was once destroyed. Out of war and enmity grew a will for reconciliation and cooperation that we have built on over these 80 years. Our democratic values are our most important protection when we are put to the test as a people and a nation.
Dear all,
Much of what affects the world, society and our lives is beyond our control. But that does not make us passive victims of what is happening.
Because we can do a lot.
We can stand up for what we believe in. We can be kind and considerate of each other. We can raise our hands when we are needed.
Every single day, people all over our country come together around activities that bring joy and meaning. Every day, people gain new hope through conversations that are made, reconciling hugs, helping hands, and encouraging words.
Every single day we are faced with choices where we can do something positive for other people, and thus also for ourselves and our community.
And when we feel that something is breaking, it allows the light to escape.
I wish you all a happy new year.
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