White

White is the mother of all colours.

People from various countries and cultures have different representation of colours in life. While some prefer to have everything white, others may think that white brings disaster.

In the Chinese cultures around the world, white represents death. This is true at least for the older generation. We see very little pure white in the house of a Chinese family. Even when the walls are painted in white, it actually has a tint of yellow or pink in it. This is because after the death of any Chinese person, everything in the house is dressed in white, including the living people in the household and visitor. It is a form of respect for the dead. Back then, any other colour was forbidden.

As years past, it is not easy to get everyone attending funeral to be dressed all in white. While other colours may be allowed, the most commonly used colours are tinted white, blue of all hues, grey, and black. In the recent years, most colours are acceptable as long as they are not in any hot tones or have flowery patterns. This shows how time changes the way of life.

While white is commonly used for funerals in Chinese cultures, there are some that uses red instead. Red is the hottest colour known to humankind. The reason for such use is when a centennial passes on. This is because the person has lived up to such an age quite unreachable for the norm, it is a celebration and descendants are not allowed to mourn. Everyone in the family is happy that their elder lived such a long great life and finally able to meet with their maker.

Whatever white means to Chinese cultures, it does not matter as much anymore.

White is now commonly used in many places. People are prone to using more white than ever in their lives now, thanks to the trend makers.

The Western culture is so widely spread that people in most countries around the globe now wear white in weddings. A bride in white means purity. Love is the purest thing on earth. Love conquers all. Love means having a lasting relationship together as husband and wife, through thick and thin, health and sickness, wealth and poverty. Everyone is following suit this very culture. As time goes by, other tints of white are also acceptable to the brides. The most common tints are ivory, pink, blue, and olive.

White is also widely used by professionals. Doctors in white robes gives us the feeling that the area is free from bacteria and viruses. Scientists in white lab coats gives us the feeling that the experiments conducted in laboratories are safe for humans. Chefs in white aprons gives us the feeling that the kitchen is hygienic and the food they serve is edible. Beauticians in white uniforms gives us the feeling that the products they use is to make us brighter and healthier. Pilots in white shirts gives us the feeling that we can count on them.

While esthetics play an important role, changes in preferences also make a huge difference.

More electronic devices and accessories are changing from black to white. If we dare to be different, we will be the change maker and most often, these are the people who contributes largely to impact the lives of others.

It all started with Apple. They are the first innovative people to use white in their products. It may have had a rough start but it has proved that determination and believe puts them where they are now. Other companies are moving toward white because it gives their products a sense of classiness. White is trending and will remain in trend for many years to come.

While white may be the future, we have to acknowledge that white is not a simple colour to maintain. Dust can be seen easily. If we are to spill coffee, it may stain as well. Our hands can also cause dirt build up on any white surface. While we use white lights at home, the ultraviolet rays from them can cause any white products to turn slightly yellowish over time. It is unavoidable. All that matters is how we take care of all the whites we have.

White is the new norm. Though easily tainted, it is up to us to preserve.

 

White. A blank page or canvas. So many possibilities.

Stephen Joshua Sondheim (Stephen Sondheim), American composer and lyricist, 1930-present

Actor

An actor is only great when he believes in the role he is playing.

The first thing we have in mind is that handsome or beautiful actor in the movie or series we are following. Some are just merely there for show, while the once that really stand out are the ones that stay in our heads for a long time. It could be the unforgettable beauty or the noble character they are playing. Different people remember different characters from the movie that we watch.

Just like the Lord of the Rings. Most people will remember Frodo Baggins portrayed by Elijah Wood because he is the main actor in the worlds’ most well-known trilogy. Some people will remember Gandalf, can be the Grey or the White, portrayed by Ian McKellen because he is the most outstanding wizard of all realms in the movie. There will be a handful that remembers the other characters like the clean and noble Sindarin Elf, Legolas of the Woodland Realms who is the saviour of all times, or the elusive Stoor Hobbit, Gollum of the River-folk who is always lurking around in all dark corners.

Whichever character we remember better, we become. Whether or not we agree to this, is up to the individual. When we quiet ourselves enough, we will realize that we are somewhat attracted to the actors not because of their looks but because of the role in the movie or series we watch. Like attracts like. This is the law of attraction and it applies to everyone.

Some people idolize actors that they like. While this may be good because most actors do have a very healthy lifestyle. Besides looking at the fame alone, we should concentrate on what the actors are able to teach us. They do not become famous overnight. We have to also learn from them, their past efforts, and how they managed to be where they are right now. The best way to learn is to learn from our idols.

We are all actors in our own way. This world is a big theatre!

How we want to live our life is entirely up to us. We may be a speck of dust now but it is not what that determines our future. We can choose our own path. We can be the character we want to be.

We can be an entrepreneur. We are all born with a brain to think. Every little idea can be turned into an opportunity for success. We can change our own lives for the better. All we need is determination in everything that we do. We have to believe that whatever we do brings value to other people. We have to bring out the best in ourselves. Everyone is different, there is no need to compare. What we have in mind is what will bring us to the right place.

We can be a teacher. We can teach one way or the other. A teacher need not be in school. Teachers of life is everywhere. There is no limit to what we can teach our children. Nothing in life is every written in syllabus in text books. What we learn in school is just the foundation, we learn words and how to put together words. While this is a skill, it does not determine who we ultimately are.

We can be a leader. We can have many followers. What is important is not how much people respect us but how well we nurture everyone else. A great leader do not limit the thinking of others. They welcome ideas and encourage people to put on their thinking cap. Never once will they say an idea is a bad idea because they understand that every individual is different. Every idea is good in their own way. Whether or not we see it now, it really does not matter. As long as there is an idea, life moves forward.

We can be an environmentalist. Humans have tapped into nature far too long and deep, nature is bleeding. There is no turning back but we can always learn from the past mistakes. We can always change life for the better. We can live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. We only need air, food, and shelter. What we provide for the homeless are the only essentials that humans need to live. Everything else is just a want. We can have them or omit them.

Choose wisely, which role we want to play.

The actor has to develop his body. The actor has to work on his voice. But the most important thing the actor has to work on is his mind.

Stella Adler, American actress and acting teacher, 1901-1992

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

Hungry

Hunger exists everywhere. It is the pain point everyone faces.

When we are hungry, we would find food by all means and ways. It is great living in cities as food is readily available everywhere. There are food stalls, food trucks, restaurants, and much more. We can even get hot food in the cinemas now. We should be grateful that we do not have to worry about food where we live.

The only difference between all individuals living in the urban areas is probably the type of foods that we choose to have. We are spoilt by the choices available to us. We no longer need to fly to Japan for sushi, Australia for steak, Europe for bread and cheese. We can even enjoy wine in a relaxing ambience at a small local cellar nearby. There are convenient stores that open 24/7. Food is in abundance for those who can afford it.

Let us not forget that no matter how great a city is, there are always hungry individuals around. People living under bridges, old folks that are homeless, and strays that roam the streets. Generosity means everything to them. They do not beg, they just hope to be able to fill their stomachs for the night. If we have left over foods, why not offer to them instead of throwing into the rubbish pile. A little kindness offered to others do not hurt us in any way.

Life seems easier off the hustle and bustle in the city. Nothing is easier or harder than what we have now. It is the perception of the mind. We think it is easy because we see it as easy, we think it is hard because we see it so. If we have not lived through the course, we will never know.

Off the city, everything is on ourselves. Cost of living is much lower but there are problems we need to face as well. Varieties are scarce though we have a lot of space to breathe. We need to farm on our own and pests are unavoidable. So, how do we control them? We can take the shortcut, that is to use pesticides but that would make no difference to the foods we get in the city. Natural pest control methods are less effective. We need to strike a balance between sacrificing some of the foods or sacrificing our life. It is by choice.

The local store could be miles away. If we are hungry in the middle of the night, it is extremely inconvenient to head to the store for food. Thus, we need to have more supply at home. There may not be homeless beings to feed but it is not the reason to waste food either. If there is extra, it would kind to leave it out for wildlife to feast on or bury under soil as fertilizer. Life in the outskirts should be more ecofriendly.

There is one thing in all of us that we need to consistently feed, our SOUL.

Wherever we are, life is as such that we tend to be stagnant at some point of time. It can be due to being content or being frustrated that makes us feel like life is boring or stuck. Perhaps this is a great time for change.

Be hungry for change as transformation is vital!

Life is too short to be always doing the same things over and over. Nature has much to offer. We have all been given six senses but most of us have lost the most important one, the sixth sense. Is it gone for good? It is there, it is always there as it has been when we were born. It is just hiding somewhere. We only need to find its hiding place and bring it out to the light.

Seeing ourselves with a different perspective brings upon us enlightenment. Perhaps we feel torn in between the good now and the better future. We do not know what lays ahead. We are afraid that the change may turn into something horrible. It could be past experiences that are telling us to stop moving forward. If we stay put where we are now, we are going nowhere.

Find within ourselves the urge to move forward. There is chance that we will succeed. Even if we don’t, we can give ourselves a pat in the back, at least we tried.   

 

To a hungry person, every bitter food is sweet. When the preferable is not available, the available becomes preferable!

Israelmore Ayivor, Inspirational writer, blogger and LifeSkills Entrepreneur

Observe

Perhaps this is the right time to be still and observe changes in life.

Observation is the best learning tool that everyone has. Somehow, along the way of growing up, we have decided that we have learnt enough and stopped this tool from functioning. It may be easier said than done. Keeping quiet for a period of time takes a lot of patience. Many no longer have the skills. Most of us always have the urge to interfere with events happening around us.

Sometimes, it may be the best solution to not interfere with the way of life but we are humans after all. We do have a heart and we cannot stand seeing unjust incidents. We have to help those in need. While this shows humanity working at its best, we may be creating individuals that rely on others for survival. The best that we should be doing instead is to offer help to those who are willing to make efforts for change.

Opportunities are everywhere. It is up to the individual to take action upon it. Some people just want to have a job that pays but are never willing to learn. They are hoping for others to finish the tasks for them. Every time someone try to teach them new things, they will pretend to learn and a few days later say that they are not aware of it or they do not know how to do it. Perhaps it is better to leave them alone with their tasks, never to help them complete any of it. While this may sound unhelpful, it is the best way to help the person.

Some people are rich, some are poor, mostly are on average. However, there will always be beggars in all corners of the world. Some are genuine because of disabilities while others may be just pretending to be. Most humans feel for other humans that look pitiful. Perhaps it is better to talk to them and offer them a job instead of just giving them dollars upon dollars, day by day. The last thing we want to do is to encourage people to become lazy. People may not believe so but there are beggar syndicates out there that uses children to beg for them. This is child labour to the max.

Many people have the heart for animals. Some are to the extreme. While we think that by providing them shelter and food, we are doing our best to protecting them. This may be true in a sense as life in the streets is harsh and the natural forests are depleting due to deforestation. The main thing is not to merely rescue the animals but to educate the people. As long as economy is concerned, natural habitats will deplete to the brink point of no return. By then, we would have diminished so many species to extinction.

While efforts to save other life on this planet lay in the hands of environmentalist and animal lovers, everyone else should learn to live better. We can all do our part to live a minimalist lifestyle. Most often, we purchase things that is in trend that we do not need, just to stay in-trend. What is the point?

We are not observing enough. Some say life is too busy to just sit still, even for a minute. But why not? If we can spend two hours watching a movie in the cinemas, why not just spend a few minutes to ponder upon what’s most important in life? If we can spend three hours enjoying fine dining in a posh restaurant, why not spend a few minutes to clear out clutter in life?

Clutter happens in many ways. It can be clutter in the house. Humans love to hog things that is beautiful or is seemingly important. If we take a step back and observe, we will realize that we only use a few items in the house. Most are white elephants left in the storage for years on end, collecting dust. Are these items really needed? Think before the next purchase.

The worst thing that can happen is clutter in the mind and the only way to clear that out is through observation. We live in the era of information technology; information is abundant. We only need to keep what is really useful. There is no point collecting all sorts of information that is of no relevance. We need to be still to find out.

Observe to be clear. Observe for wisdom.

 

To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.

Marilyn vos Savant, American magazine columnist, author, lecturer, and playwright, 1946-present