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As the mother of four adult (OK, one’s 16, so she just thinks she’s adult) children, I find myself constantly amazed and inspired by the attitudes and resilience of the next generation. They navigate a world filled with challenges, uncertainties, and pressures; yet they continue to shine brightly, trying hard to make a positive impact. At every turn they are dismissed as ‘woke snowflakes’. Lazy sensitive souls who need to get a backbone. To face ‘real life’. To suck it up, buttercup, life’s not fair. Yet from where I’m sitting, I see a generation more tolerant and more inclusive than those who have come before.

Lewis Capaldi was a headliner at Glastonbury this year, and I’m sure anyone who saw his set will always remember it. He has made no secret of his battle with Tourette’s, and through the performance, his tics became more pronounced. Eventually his voice failed.

He simply stopped singing, his distress obvious. What struck me was the response from the crowd. The mass of ‘the youth of today’. No one mocked or jeered – instead, the vast sea of people raised their voices and sang for him. They carried him through, filling the spaces where he faltered.

The acceptance, tolerance, understanding, empathy, and compassion exhibited by the Glastonbury crowd was beautiful. An example of the strength of unity in a world that seems so divided. It filled me with hope. (if you missed it, click play on the short video below) Our young people may be shouting down the intolerant voices of their elders. They may be angry at the world we are leaving them to fix.

But their resilience, search for authenticity, and their unwavering hope for a better future are a daily inspiration – and a guilty poke at my grumpy cynical self. They’re also ridiculously funny. When I grow up, I plan to be more like them.