Slowdown Request

It's been months since I wrote anything in my diary. I guess I really got caught up in a streak of happiness, busy-ness and tiredness. Now that I've returned to work from a recovery solo trip, can I ask for a restart? Can I ask for a slowdown to catch up on things which I've lost grip on?

My Political Stance

Over the past week of election rallies, I believe many are overloaded with facts, misinformation, word attacks and claims all over the media and social media, just like me. It got me wondering what went wrong with Singapore, why are Singaporeans so unhappy?

It used to be that people are contented as long as they have a roof over their heads and rice on their table. Maybe times have changed, but it seems to me that Singaporeans are assuming that everything we enjoy today are our birthrights. The political stability, the world-class education, the attractive business outlook, the racial harmony, the top-notch healthcare and the safe environment we live in; have we taken these which many other countries yearn for for granted today?

I am not for PAP, neither am I against the opposition. But when I look at the calibre of the opposition parties, I instinctively got afraid of the possibility of a freak election result. 

Yes, PAP has not done a perfect job in all the policies pushed out. Yes, PAP has been out of touch with the ground and they speak in languages most do not follow. Yes, PAP has members whose choices of words are screeches to our ears. But it’s hard for me to not acknowledge the good they have done for Singapore as a nation and the genuineness of some (not all) members. They HAVE TO change for the better, but are we giving them the chance to? From the jeering and the shunning from the people, I highly doubt so. Is this fair then?

As for the opposition parties, Yes, they are grounded. Yes, they can speak up issues for the people in the Parliament. Yes, they understand our grievances better than the ruling party. But, I cannot help but see them tearing up the nation’s unity through hurling of accusations and aggravation of citizens against the ruling party. I cannot help but notice how they use emotions to win votes and not their ability to find better alternatives to existing policies.

I am ready to vote for an opposition, but definitely not today, because they have not delivered what they’d promised. If it’s just a voice we need in Parliament, then the existing small team is sufficient for me. An effective opposition cannot just raise issues and criticise policies. They must have the ability to create better solutions which benefit citizens and not compromise the nation’s standing and stability. As long as I don’t see that, they won’t have my vote. Period.

#GE2015 #justhavetosaymypiece

COMPLAINT & GRATITUDE

London tube workers were on strike yesterday, so commuters had to find transport alternatives to and fro their workplaces. This incident happened by choice. Workers decided to inconvenience the whole city for reasons which I don't know (maybe they were valid).

This happened two days after Singapore's North-South & East-West MRT lines were halted for a few hours due to some unpredictable technical issues. The situation was hectic, and people got angry, cursing and swearing, insisting for the SMRT CEO to take responsibility. But behind the scenes, technicians and SMRT staff were activated last minute and they rushed down to ease/fix the problem the moment the news broke. Were they not victims of the circumstances? Please don't get me wrong, I too, was caught in the frenzy and I too, was flustered and stuck in the crowded and 'sticky' situation. It was too easy to get angry but, in that moment, if everybody had chosen gratitude over complaint, this entire episode will actually be a blessing to Singapore.

The MRT was handicapped for only a few hours, and workers were frantically gathered to ensure that it runs well again for the next working day. And it did.  In comparison to the situation in London, aren't we much luckier? To have people fight the fire for us, and not be the ones that cause the fire? I'm not sure. But I'm thankful that our people came together to solve the problem. Yes, the roots of the problem have to be discovered. Meanwhile, be thankful for the sacrifices made in attempt to make our rides smoother..

The Space of Your Own

The civilisation has dictated us to be social beings; constantly surrounded by people. The society has demanded us to be successful; constantly striving to shine brighter in the marketplace. In such a case, I want a space of my own, a world with rules written by me, guided by the values of the Word. Irony it seems. I'm getting confused, wondering if it is really ok to be me; to like being alone, to like being contented with where I am. This is a crazy world, with crazy people. Like me.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."

Comparison is both the stumbling and building block for contentment. We are unhappy with where we are because we see others right ahead. We are dissatisfied with ourselves because we see others being better than we are. Yet, don't we all have our own race to run, our own battles to win? I met elderly, penniless & lonely with no support, yet positive; living day to day with no complaint but much gratitude. Stop looking around thinking you are worse off. Start looking around and knowing that surely, mercy and goodness shall follow me, all the days of my life. :)

THE NEGLECTED TRUTH ABOUT FACING AGEING

"We can all make the world a better place through the moment-to-moment 
decisions we make as we interact with people."

- Morton Shaevitz

I'm 27 this year. It's hard to admit that my ageing grandparents are at the phase between life and death. They are blessed to have children who are willing to stay with them, take care of them and always keep them in sight. But, the cruel motion of ageing seems inescapable; their health are deteriorating day by day, month by month, year by year. My mind and heart were made to reflect after hearing my grandma's out-pour the other day. I've spent so much time caring for myself and for my friends, but I think I'd forgotten about my folks at home who have spent their lives making what I have today possible? I'm volunteering with my company to help lonely elderly, and am reminded of how the ones at home need my attention too. It scares me to know they are unwell, I don't even want to know sometimes because it's so hard to absorb. But it's time, isn't it? For me to put my selfish fears aside, and take them under my wings..

LEADERSHIP

"Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily; 
even if you had no title or position."

- Brian Tracy

Position is appointed, but influence is earned. You can be handed with a name that gives you the authority to lead, speak and decide. Yet, that does not equate to you being a leader. A leader has followers. So remember to moderate your positional trumpet blowing, and do an occasional look-back to check if your supposed followers are still faithfully tailing you or dreadfully obliging you.