A Christmas Message: Contentment Is My Mantra

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Up to 1,000 viewers
since Christmas Eve.
Today: 2 Jan 2018.
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A good friend indeed, I have always asked Lin to write a Christmas message for this blog, and she has always been obliging me. It has now become an annual affair. Thank you again, Lin.

Andy, 

As the year comes to an end, it's time for reflections and to count one's blessings.  For me, this has been a year of some health issues which require regular costly tests, and medication.  As a former civil servant, I have free medical benefits for life.  This includes hospitalisation.

My retirement from service comes with a monthly pension which sees me through comfortably.  I like going to the movies. 4.50/- for a senior at off-peak hours and lunch ( chai perng --rice with 2 vegs + 1 meat --4/-) and bus fare (no MRT for me --don't like to be underground) come to a total of 10/-, a simple enjoyable day out.   

 I also attend local live shows which can be quite expensive (with SISTIC subtly regularly increasing its ticket charge).  But hey, I leave the theatre a very happy woman having laughed and made to think by our very own minted talented artistes.

Not having to rush with the school kids and working adults for public transport, I go for bus rides on a weekday with a destination in mind.  The changes taking place on this little island are never-ending.  

'Count Your Blessings' by Anne Williamson. Video produced by: nikikatful.

The public libraries especially those in the newer towns are tops -- sometimes I can spend an hour browsing and then borrowing up to eight books (normal limit) and keep them for three weeks and then renew them for another three, being the slow reader that I am. I just have to make sure I do not exceed the due date or else I have to pay a fine.

The nature parks and now the park connectors are practically at my doorstep.  I must make a point to start walking them as I cannot ride a bike anymore - weak knees and not wanting to be bulldozed by the PMDs.  

Contentment is my mantra - 'I don't need.  I don't want.'  My mobile phone is for calls and SMS.  My desktop is for emails, googling, games.  I don't need to be in a chat group.  I don't need apps. I'm nagged by the well-intentioned - "They're free" --so, I need/want them???  

For illustration only

I make sure I'm in good timing for appointments and so am at the bus stop early enough.  I don't need the app to tell me when the next bus comes.  I just wait patiently and people watch.  I know and accept that technology is not waiting for me.  When the time comes, I need, then I want.

I don't know when the call will come for me to join my parents and my sister.  I would like to say that I'm ready and willing but there are pulls down here on earth.  I still have a sizeable number of family members and very good friends from childhood/school/girl guides/workplace who are there for me.  

Meanwhile, I live one day at a time knowing tomorrow may not be mine. And I count my blessings and pray for peace and goodwill to all men in these uncertain and worrying times.

A Blessed Xmas And A Joyous 2018 To All.

By: Ms CYLin.

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