Are you happy?

If you are familiar with the Broadway Musical Wicked, you will know that part two of the movie – Wicked: For Good – is now in theatres in many countries.

Wicked tells a beautiful and complex story of friendship, politics, humanity, and truth.

In the story, we meet Glinda the good witch, who chooses to maintain a bubble of positivity around herself. She is aware of the difficult realities unfolding around her, but chooses to shield herself emotionally from them. She keeps smiling, stays encouraging, and ensures that everyone knows she is the 'good' witch – the one who keeps spirits high and brings light to others.

Yet viewers of the movie come to understand that beneath Glinda's bubbly exterior, she carries her own struggles and doubts. The cheerfulness is real, but it's also a protective facade – a way of coping while continuing to show up for others.

Do you have a friend who is constantly uplifting, caring, smiley and encouraging with you?

Have you ever got to know them on a deeper level?

As the year comes to a close and people are busy with their social lives, it is often easy for us to neglect the people who regularly check in on us – the ones who seem to always have it together.

Some act as if life is good, when deep within their soul, things are breaking apart. They don't reach out because they:

• fear "burdening" others

• are uncomfortable with sharing their feelings

• would rather not face reality themselves

Could you do your loved ones a favour today? Reach out to someone who is always there for you – especially those who seem to always have it together. A simple "How are you really doing?" might mean more than you know.

And then, turn that same question inward. When was the last time you let someone care for you?