Breaking Away From The ‘Normal’ - A Purpose Of One
As a working adult, taking a few steps back away from the world you acclimatised and taking a break allows us to change our perspective. If you don't believe me, try giving yourself a break after a few days of work or while in the middle of work.
Just staring at the window allows you to see things in a different way, your life, your thoughts and the people you know. It puts you into a more introspective mode that can be positive or negative. One can use it to meditate for relaxation - away from the world or assess the world around you, from urban poverty to other socio-political issues.
I don't consider myself an activist. However, I believe citizens have a crucial role in the state rather than tick away all our days 9 to 5. Citizens have the right to be critical of the state's government and its societal climate. While we do have our own opinions, we can all agree that we share the right to express, as some would even quote Evelyn Beatrice Hall's and Voltaire's stand on the freedom of speech. We all have opinions on so many matters, from urban poverty to why Singapore should have a poverty line.
Today, every individual and collective group with a stand for a unitary purpose can be heard on many platforms, especially on the Internet, where it remains centralised. Some see it as a haven and heritage to free themselves from any forms of tyranny - from social or religious taboo/dogma to freeing the nation from the clutches of tyranny.
As I see things through that lens, we must utilise our right to speech for a good cause - to empower the people and communities. Because time and time again, we often encounter the signs of poverty and the signs of social inequality in Singapore. No state remains perfect, but I do hold an opinion that we can make it better enough to be ideal for its citizens.
As an individual, I experience positive impacts from other people's opinions and stories. Whether these are words of gratitude, love, support, a narration of someone else's inspiring life, or an idea, I find a tremendous amount of satisfaction and appreciation hearing other people's side. Usually, we don't often see such a side of people we know or are acquainted with.
Why I Like To Read & Hear Stories & Opinions From Strangers
At parties, we talk about the good memories we have during school, the funny moments that can make us laugh for hours, the stories of unforgettable romance, etc. However, we rarely get something that can make us feel challenged to do something that would impact the world we live in or dare us to make anything positive. My colleagues would glaze their eyes if I were to ask about their thoughts and opinions about the Singapore poverty line being non-existential. I thought we were sailing away our time at the shores of our own enticing comfort. It's about time for that.
I give myself enough opportunity to hear other people's stories that we don't usually hear from the mouths of our friends and families. I do not generalise the claim. However, I find it more fascinating to listen to other people's stories and opinions because it lets you see their side that is often not part of our daily narrative.
Whether they are volunteer workers, a doctor or someone living in urban poverty, without a doubt, I find it more captivating when this side of the story is someone who is in the marginalised groups of the community. It is something that a lot don't always hear or even experience (unless you are the type of person who has lived from rags to riches).
Platform For Sharing Empowering Stories
What's good about living in Singapore is its diversified culture. I hear lots of voices from different groups, and each of them has its own stories worth listening to. It opens a gateway for a lot of topics where some remain untouched. Others require more attention.
One online platform that I go through is a website called 'The Best Of You.' The website promotes stories from other people from different walks of life in Singapore and uses these collective stories as a forefront to unite our shared humanity. Apart from stories, they also have a campaign that holds volunteer opportunities in Singapore. It's really an excellent website worth visiting if you have spare time with you.
I wouldn't go far to spoil the contents and stories inside, but if you can appreciate other people's stories that you haven't heard of - stories that can encourage you to do something at least for others, I would encourage you to visit The Best Of You. Who knows, I might end up reading your story too!
If you like to read more inspiring stories about urban poverty, individual struggles and social inequality or want to find out more campaigns for volunteer opportunities, visit www.the-best-of-you.com.
