Walking Tall Or Walking Small

Standing amid a crowd of people, I turn around. Feeling of fear and horror seeps deep inside me. Is this a crowd of walking tall or walking small?

Many seem to be mindful of what is before them. Few people speak. Few people look around. Few people smile. Few people look up and greet one another. Everyone seems to mind their own business and oblivious of all others.

Some speak on the handphone. Some have their meals and drinks. Some read newspapers and magazines. Some discuss on their lottery numbers. Some loners are puffing cigarettes. Some just sit on the staircase musing and looking around.

Standing beside me is a group of young people enjoying the music video of the late Michael Jackson. Many seem to have missed him after his demise. And the music video is so entertaining that many are moved to tears.

I lean against a pillar waiting for the numbness of my legs to subside. I have a long walk, accompanying my wife in choosing some clothing for our son.

[Sigh] The present economic crisis has robbed many of their laughter and smile. The price hike has caused many to look into their pockets and wallets. Many deliberations and discussions before going shopping and outing. Many arguments and tears before making ends meet.

Many do not look that confident anymore. Many become more reserved in their speech. Many dare not boast at all.

No more big gatherings and parties. No more big scale celebrations or festivals. No more late night entertainments and weekend sprees.

Yah, everything goes small again. Many become dispirited and bitter. Is this a crowd of walking small?

When will we step out of our despair and hopelessness? Where are the walking tall?

How long will we bow down to our present crisis?

Are we the walking small or the walking tall?

Let us not all float down the River of Despair, drifting towards death.

Let us start anew by having some confidence in ourselves to mend our lives.

Be Positive

It is never an easy task to think positively when we are in a world of uncertainties. The bleak economic outlook, the rising social problems, the political turmoil, the natural disasters and H1N1, all have filled us with fear and negative perceptions about our Mother Earth. We no longer look forward to each new day with confidence and expectation. We pray and hope that none of the disasters fall upon us. Negative thoughts like these are definitely not healthy and will surely make us more pessimistic.

It is also not easy to have positive feelings. People are running in all directions, trying to fulfill their needs and wants. Not many seem to care about human relationships and fellowships. Most people keep a distance and largely oblivious of one another. Life is more money-centered, work-centered, self-centered... so much so that many of us lose our jokes, laughter, smiles, and sense of humor. Life is getting more stressful and difficult. Negative feelings like these will definitely bog us down and crumple us.

It is also difficult to have good attitudes towards others, with the growing distrust and suspicion among people. Some people resort to lies and deceptions to get what they want. And this happens even among close relatives and friends. Some resort to gangsterism and extortion. The world is getting upside down again. Sadly morality, ethics and just plain fairness have all taken a back seat. Negative attitudes like these will definitely tear us apart and cause more dissensions, conflicts and rivalries.

I don't know what you think, but as for me, positive thinking, feelings and attitudes all play a major part in my life to spur me on and to keep my family together with the ever growing uncertainties.

I can't teach you what to do. But I firmly believe that a positive outlook towards life is far better for us... But I must admit that sometimes it can really be frustrating when many others think, feel and behave otherwise...Sigh...