Birthdays

Singapore celebrates its 41st birthday today. Just finished watching the National Day Parade, the last to be held at the National Stadium; which will be torn down soon. This parade is one of the grandest I have ever seen. Lots of fireworks, lights, amazing mass dances, etc. Reminds me of the particular NDP when I participated in the mass dance when I was in Sec 3. That was the moment that I would never ever forget.

The only time when I see Singaporeans so cohesive is only during the National Day Parade. Or rather, this is the only time when everyone feels that they are truly equal, regardless of their social status? Every Singaporean comes together to celebrate Singapore's birthday. Everyone wears red and white, carries the same stuff from the goody bags, sings to the same national songs, dances to the same moves; with all hearts beat at one. How almighty! This is also the only time when I feel 'patriotic', when I feel that I really belong to Singapore, and each and every scene that I see on TV (that of the NDP) moves me to tears. But, once the NDP is over, do I still feel the same way? Hmm....don't think so. I feel like I am being thrown back to reality, which is to face selfisih, inconsiderate, egoistic Singaporeans. In any case, reality is always harsh. It's not fair to pinpoint only at Singaporeans, we are all human. So we can find selfish, inconsiderate, egoistic, gossipy people, and what have you everywhere you go.

I am not a perfect person as well. Human beings are infallible. For eg, I do feel insecure now that most of my job responsibilites have been re-assigned to another person. But I try not to feel insecure, I try to accept this fact with grace, without feeling empty or insecure. I tell myself that everyday I want to be a better person. I don't care what other people think, or say about me. As long as I think I am content with myself and I dont' harm others (be it through words or actions), I am happy. I don't care what others say about me, 'pretending' to be kind, selfless, being Mother Teresa, etc. Who cares anyways??? If I do care about what others say, then I am no better than the person who says things about me......

Ok, that's it for today.

Happy 41st Birthday, Singapore.