Obligation

Obligation is a big word which binds us to abide by the law.

As citizen, we are obliged to the constitution of the country. As an employee, we are obliged to the code of conducts of the company. As a student, we are obliged to the rules and regulations of the school. We have been brought up to trust and believe that the law is in place so that we can all live harmoniously.

Most of us know our place. We know what is right and wrong. We can differentiate what can be done and what not to ever do. The law is clear. It is either black or white.

In real life, we see many other colours. Some are in grey areas where we are to decide on our own which is the right path. There is no right or wrong in choosing the path we want to follow. Good people can make wrong decisions while bad people may make the right decisions, at some point of time. There is much to learn from everyone around us.

Big shot politicians promise to be noble, to bring upon peace to everyone in the country but how many really live up to their words? Sometimes, it is not as simple as it seems. While we may think that way up in the hierarchy means that they are able to do anything for change to happen but it is far from the truth. While trying to bring peace, they will also have to balance between different walks of life. They have to consider everything under their care. Sometimes, change can only happen a little at a time.

As an individual that is brought up in a normal way of living, we are probably afraid of the mafia or any gangsters for the matter. It is because we have been lead to believe that they bring chaos to society. While this may be true to a certain level, there is always good in everything. We just have to learn both sides of the story. The level of loyalty in the organization is inevitable, it is not easily found anywhere else. While some may be thugs, there is kindness too. With the money they have, some found ways to give back to society by building or helping out soup kitchens and shelters for the homeless.

Life is not about short term responsibilities, it is for long term commitments.

While we think of all means and ways to contribute to society, it is also of utmost importance that we see things in the bigger picture. We all share the earth. We are obligated to return Mother Earth a favour.

People from all walks of life have the ability to make this world a better place. At home, we can start planting. Any plant will do, as long as they are green. We have been polluting the air far too much than nature can cope. It is our responsibility to correct our past mistakes. If we do not take action today, there will be no tomorrow to look upon to.

We can open our homes for the vulnerable. Strays or hurt animals need care, shelter, and food. They may not repay us in monetary terms but they will surely be grateful for the good we do for them. In return, they show us love and loyalty no humans can ever do. Though not everyone loves animals or are willing to take them in, the least we can do is to be kind to them. Just leave them be, never to hurt them. 

We have an obligation towards nature, society, and self.

Before we do any kindness to others, it is best to take care of ourselves. It is only with health, that we can live longer and do much more for others.

Recently, many people have shared articles and videos of hospitals and shelters needing donation to sustain their operations and to provide for society and nature. Though we may not have much to offer, we still have ourselves. Take good care of ourselves so that we can volunteer to help them out. Value life.

Live as we should. Live as we could. Live to be great!

Understand, when you eat meat, that something did die. You have an obligation to value it – not just the sirloin but also all those wonderful tough little bits.

Anthony Michael Bourdain (Anthony Bourdain), American celebrity chef, 1956-2018