Drawing Perspective...

Sometimes you just have to sit back and suspend the fast pace life that’s become part of our reality – especially in Singapore. I did just that today and realized something – I could better appreciate the people out there who study social work, who dedicate their lives to helping people on a totally voluntary basis – which I couldn’t possibly do on long term for every single day of my life.

http://www.miniature-earth.com/

Some stats offered to ponder over:
(Imagining a world where there are 100 people, a rough projection based on the present population in reality would be as follows)

47 live in urban area
9 are disabled
47 live without basic sanitation
18 live without water source
6 people own 59% of the entire wealth of the community
13 hungry/malnourished
14 can’t read
7 secondary educated
12 have computers
3 have internet connection
1 adult (15-47) has aids
US$1.2 Trillion is spent on expenses…
…but onlyUS$100 billion on developmental aid
If you keep your food in the refrigerator, your clothes in a closet, have a bed to sleep in and a roof over your head, you are richer than 75% of the world’s population
If you have a bank account, you’re one of the 30 wealthiest people in the world
18 struggle to live on US$1 per day or less
53 on US$2 per day or less

Appreciate what you have, and do your best for a better world.

How grateful are we to be born where we are today?

How grateful are we to have a sustainable income, though we may not be rich?

How many of us who are very affluent help by giving back to society, either through the form of donations or voluntary work?

Every little bit counts. I am one of the many people in the world who are snared by the web economics lays down for us. I am one who has studied my entire life through; complaining about homework and what not, without much thought on how many people out there would kill to be in my position.

Are you are one of the millions out there who work whilst complaining about your salary at the same time? Are you one of those who are never happy that someone else is earning more money than you? Are you one of those who do not appreciate the existence of your bank account – or the fact that you qualify for a credit card – and the fact that behind the first number reflected, are at least 3 zeros?

I agree that mediocrity should not be the goal in life. Just appreciate that you have a job. Appreciate that you can afford a roof over your head. Appreciate that you aren’t sitting by the road the whole day with your livelihood dependent on someone to give you some money in exchange for a tune, or some tissue paper, or even an impersonation of a statue, in a capitalistic society where materialism reign high, and where the people tend to be more selfish.

Appreciate that you have access to medical aid and information. Appreciate that you do not have the violent rampages that other countries have; and if you are from a country that does have these violent acts, appreciate that things have not gone worse. Appreciate the fact that Singapore is comparatively one of the safest countries where you don’t have to constantly worry about being mugged or the dangers of being attacked at night. Appreciate that you can come back safe even at 3am in the morning.

Appreciate the fact that you know you will see the next sunrise – that you don’t have a degenerative disease like cancer; and if you do, appreciate that you still have time to live and have the opportunity to fulfill your last wishes, unlike people who don’t. Appreciate the fact that you aren’t plagued with disease that doesn’t restrict your diet or activities – like asthma or diabetes. If you are, appreciate that you are born in a time where medical advances ensure your survival, and appreciate the fact that you have access to medical assistance.

Appreciate the fact that you have never seen someone close to your heart slowly degenerate and die. If you have, appreciate the fact that that person didn’t suddenly go away; giving you time to tell the person what you’ve always wanted to say, but never had the courage or time to do so.

Appreciate your life. Don’t waste it by suicide – that hurts not only you, but those around you.

Open your heart to those you need help. Think twice the next time you reject that elderly lady selling tissue, or pass the street artist. This is how these people earn their living – be it by choice or necessity. Think twice before you increase your pace to avoid the person collecting donations (that can be accounted for) – the people on the receiving end could use your help.

Be happy where you are, and for what you have.