Bedtime Story: Rat Race

We all know what the 5Cs mean in Singapore. If you don't, here's the lowdown: Cash, Credit Card, Career, Condominium & Car. It’s a glorious goal that most people are striving for. However, sometimes we work so hard, running in the rat race that we tend to forget to enjoy the run. We forget the reason why we ran. We are nothing but mice. Each running in our own ‘hamster wheelies’ trying to get ahead in life, trying to outrun other fellow mice (because they are evil mice whose pure existence boils your blood each time they outshine you. You can’t let them overtake you without a fight!) Ultimately, the first mouse that reaches the destination gets to pick his cheese first. The pecking order had begun and every mouse wants to be first. Cheese is in priority of family and friends.

Each mouse is consumed by solitariness. As time passed, they lost their EQ and need to interact with others. They focused solely on themselves. They think the world is selfish and everyone else seems to owe them a living. Rumble grumble fumble. Picking themselves up. Weary from all these years of running, yet are so afraid that if they stop, others would overtake them. Fear shrouds their mind, the prized cheese renders all blind.

One day, a brave little mouse decided to ask another mouse to join him in his run. They hop onto a wheelie and they sped on and on. It felt like infinity and the best part was, they did not even feel tired because of the lovely company each had. They had so much fun that they asked other mice to join them. In no time, they bonded and formed a strong pack. A pack of runners can outrun lone souls easily and they accumulated a massive load of the finest cheese. However, cheese is no longer the sole pushing factor from them to continue their run. They have sufficient cheese for a comfortable living for their families. In fact, the joy of running together, making friends & having time for family overrides the seduction of cheese. They chuckled at other zombiefried mice who refused to join in their pack or form their own pack.

Running together increases productivity and efficiency. They have a sense of belonging to this pack. Henceforth, it's no longer a Rat Race.

Remember that Firsts will never come if there weren’t Seconds and Thirds to begin with. We all have a place in life. No matter how puny or insignificant you think you are, you matter to someone who holds you dear. Don't let others look down on you. Better yet, don't ever look down on yourself. Make others smile even if it means you gotta clown around. The happiest people always seem to poor. But they are very rich in their hearts & soul.

The secret of happiness is the contentment and satisfaction of what I am and what I have. My own run had just begun. How about you?