Poverty (October 15, 2008)

Poverty has many meanings. It may mean money or the lack of resources. It may mean degradation or dwindling of something we have. But I guess poverty means the lack of something. It is the lack of spirit, the lack of knowledge and the lack of friends.

When we are always downtrodden with miseries, poverty sets in as a disabling factor to continue to be happy. It is a deterrent to pursue what we aspire for. It is the degradation of self-esteem, and self confidence to do what we ought to achieve. When we tell ourselves that a grade school education is enough, it is poverty in knowing that aiming for a higher education can enrich one's self knowledge and position in work. The acquisition of higher knowledge promises a much better future thus an upliftment from the state of knowing less. Poverty is when we are surrounded by no one. It is when one is in trouble and we have no one to lean on. It is when sharing is non-existent. The poverty in friendships develop when one closes its window and allows no one to peek in.

Poverty exists and is real. If we allow ourselves to be victims of poverty then we create a circle of people living in miseries (lacking in spirit and will), ignorance (lacking in education be it in access or opportunities) and isolation (lacking in true friends to call).

Wish You Were Here (October 11, 2008)

This is a wonderful book written by Holly Hobbie and talks about the adventure of the main character as he goes on a trip to the jungle. This is a book about friendship and when I recall my very few good friends around the world, I wanted to say, "I wish I am with them!"

If there are people I wish are here, then my parents will be the first on the list. I had been away for many years that our relationship is link only by phone calls and short visits. I miss their company and the ups and downs of living with parents.

The only consolation is that my parents live within the Asian region so it is easy for me to fly during a long weekend and visit them. The problem lies in the amount of money I have to spend on travelling though it is not a big issue. I still find my short travels back home to be fruitful and encouraging. It is the "returning back" that is a problem. It is heart breaking.

"Wish I am there!", is probably a momentary wish as of now but as we live busier lives, we tend to forget our small worries and continue to face the life we are building at the moment. What is inspiring is that we always held them in our hearts wherever we go. We treasure the moments and live the happiness throughout.

A Journey Through Life (October 8, 2008)

The Blue Stone is a wonderful book written by Jimmy Liao, a story about life's changes and the adventure, beauty, and sorrow that comes with them. It tells a tale of endurance, hope, and rejuvenation.

The Blue Stone became a mute witness to the harshness and realities of life as well as the joys and excitement of living. It experienced excitement as it was transformed in many different ways starting as an elephant statue ending as mere dust amongst the wind. It was always longing to be home where its heart belongs, a feeling I share and experiencing most of the time.

When one is out of their own comfort zone, the battle begins. There will be conflicts about racial prejudice, discrimination, absence of identity, homesickness and ongoing struggle to belong. When we begin to see the realities of living, we begin to feel scared, troubled, surprised yet strong, brave, and optimistic. Our inner core begins to understand that life is not just to live but to survive. Life is not just about living, it is about a journey. Life is not just about staying strong, it is to build a better self. Life is a journey to simply know ourselves.