Impermanance
To many of us, the world is our oyster. There is always more money to be made at the end of the rainbow, the gleaming new BMW to buy down the road, the sprawling new mansion in District 10 or 11 to hanker for…the list goes on. Because of our insatiable wants, we invariably work our butts off. There really isn’t a second alternative unless you are born with a silver spoon in your mouth or happen to be the lone winner in the lottery draw. Truth is, you really have to work hard for what you want in life. After all, from young, we have been taught that ‘God only helps those who help themselves’ right?
Take a minute to think about it.
On the surface, it makes perfect sense. I’m working hard for a better future for myself and my loved ones. There’s nothing wrong with that. The naysayers are those who choose not to slog their guts out despite having a pair of hands and are physically healthy.
I used to think this way too. But over the last few years, I have changed my thinking. Call me mad. Call me crazy.
There is truth behind my seeming madness. We come into this world with nothing in our hands. So too in the same manner must we return one day taking along nothing with us. It’s such a simple and beautiful concept to me. I’m all for working hard but I’m also equally advocating playing hard. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Just take a quick cursory glance and see how many dull Jacks and Janes there are surrounding us. These people are soulless. They exist only for their next big ticket item.
The concept of impermanence is different from that of leaving a legacy. Nothing we own today – our money, property, shares and even loved ones are permanent. They are just temporary instruments for us in this lifetime. Once our candle has reached its end, we need to bid farewell and move on to the next realm. We cannot bring along our assets nor loved ones.
Since nothing is permanent, why insist on making it permanent? This is something I cannot understand. Even if you engage the best sculptor in town, he cannot cast them into iron.
I’m happy with my lot in life. I’m content with what I have. I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come and will be coming. I’m enjoying my life now. I don’t need a fancy car to prove that I have arrived nor an LV bag to enhance my status. I am just me – plain, simple and happy.
