Taking Stock

The past few months have been hectic but truly rewarding. I've not really had the opportunity to pause and take stock, let alone write as plainly as you are reading right now. There is a certain freedom that comes with the ability to reflect on past events with sufficient clarity and distance. I must admit that being able to compose the occasional poem or rhyme gives me immense joy, and I do hope reading my work has done a little for the same for you as well!

Amidst the darkness of the preceding months, with the global economic downturn and all that, opportunities have been coming my way more than ever, and I am truly blessed to be more able than ever to make the most of them. Now that the recession is loudly proclaimed (in the mainstream media at least!) to be over, perhaps you may be tempted to believe that it's back to business as usual. That may indeed be true, although it may not be surprising to realise that things do not return to normality just yet.

While many will in all likelihood resume 'regular' activities, there is no return to the darkness of self-absorption, approval-seeking-from-the-other-person way of life for yours truly. The future is bright, brighter than ever. It's not like the path had darkened for me in the past months, so I can't in all honesty say that the light has returned; for me, it has never departed!

Over the next few weeks I'll be consolidating my musings, reflections and thoughts, as part of my mission to apply what I have learnt. In the meantime, do share what you like about the content, style and tone of the topics I've raised thus far, and what more you'd like me to share about these issues. To help you further, here's a list of guiding questions, and yes, you can definitely suggest areas of improvement too:

• What do you like most/least about the blog's contents?




• What do you like most/least about the blog's style?




• What do you like most/least about the blog's tone?




• What would you like to add most to the blog?

So yes, feel free to post your comments, which will be updated in time (just not real-time at the moments!). I'm also accessible via Facebook, Google, Yahoo!, and soon Cuil. I'd love to create a wonderful experience for all of you!

On Respect

by Thomas Heng

Realise that while each of us is different, we are altogether not that much different after all
Edify one another through each simple thought, word and deed
Strengthen one another in times of trial, even in the midst of one's own
Place one's emphasis on the other, rather than the self
Encourage one another to share the deepest of emotions through revealing one's own
Clarify one's thoughts through discussions of candour
Thank one another for the audience granted, the support rendered, and the time shared

On Opinions

I attended a talk by Dolf de Roos, the real estate guru. He was passionate, and did his best to connect with the audience through asking questions. The topic was rather dry, and the response was frankly quite dismal. Finally Rolf said something to this effect, "Singapore, you've got to have an opinion about something."

I totally agree. Each and everyone of us should have an opinion about matters, and back these up appropriately. Unfortunately, it is my observation that most Singaporeans feel constipated by the belief that the 'back-up' should come before the opinion, hence they don't tend to share with others their invaluable insights. 

Why not take the time to regularly discuss matters civily in a group, put out your opinions, and let the market refine such thoughts for us?