We're just creatures of habits, ingrates, a bunch of whiners. We moan and groan about almost everything everyday of our lives. Myself included....my sisters and AJ will vouch for that. We complain about our jobs, our spouses, our siblings, our parents, our friends, our bosses, our collegues, the cleaners at our workplace, the strangers on the street... We invariably fail to suppress the green eyed monster within ourselves and againsts our better sense compare ourselves to superior others: an acquaintance with bigger eyes, boobs, taller, slimmer that us; a supposed friend with a handsomer partner, bigger house, better jobs. Ever been in the situation when you tell yourself you have nothing to prove, and do the exact opposite? And how often do we compensate by doing better in other departments, just to fill what we think we lack compared to others? And how often do we get disappointed because we can't fill that void?
Not many of us wake up every morning feeling grateful for what we have. We delude ourselves into thinking "The heck with the society's/family's expectations, I bloody do whatever I want." And yet when we fail to reach that set 'social norm', we sink into self depreciation and momentarily forget our achievements.
Why can't we for once be truly happy with what we have, and forgo the perpetual struggle to attain what we don't have? And embrace whatever situation we're in. And be grateful to have a healthy body and mind. Haven't we learn that the grass is never greener on the other side?
Over the past few weeks while I lament about the insignificant dissatisfactions in my life, I had the opportunity to deal with patients who unfortunately do not have the luxury to do just that. I have lost count of the patients I've broke bad news to over the weeks. I can't even begin to imagine all the emotions that gone through each of them when being told of having a terminal cancer. How does it feel like living on borrowed time? How to tell them to be strong when they hold on to your hands telling you "I'm afraid to die....when doctor?" When I see them day to day trying to come to terms with their conditions, struggling with their pains, fighting for their breaths and still have the courage to live the remainder of their lives; I feel small.
I think of all the times I spent agonizing over menial things...I feel small...
We have so much to live for. Let's not waste any time by whining or moaning over it. Just live...when we still can.
