A month ago I watched Bohemian Rhapsody. One of the saddest parts for me was when Freddie Mercury turned his light on hoping that his ex who was living across the street would flick hers on in reply. He did it twice but only darkness answered. It was one of the loneliest things I have ever seen.

We can always be fooled by the glitter of smiling holiday pics or gushing comments about friends or partners on social media. But what about the rest of the time? Freddie had crazy parties and gave thrilling performances, but still he suffered from desperate loneliness. In his final remarks, Steve Jobs also said it didn’t matter how big your house was, or how expensive your possessions, because loneliness was always the same.

Is there anyone in your life who is watching and waiting for someone to turn on a light for them? It is so easy to hide in your own shadows and forget about the other people who feel the same. I am definitely guilty of that.

Whether you are struggling with loneliness or not, it always helps to reach out. This might be sending a card, knocking on a door, putting up a friendly hanging basket, or smiling at the next person you meet.

So go on, do something brave today and see someone else’s face light up.