If the predictions of geomancers and other so-called experts who read into the future and the Chinese horoscopes are to be taken seriously, then year 2010 is a year of where the winds of change will be blowing. If there is any modicum of truth in their predictions, then nimbleness, flexibility and adaptability are characteristics which will be highly valued if we want to ride the ups and downs of their predictions.
As the fireworks and fanfare begin to settle, I can't but be reminded that I am another year older. Oh no....yes now that I am a year older I have to seriously look into my future. The biological clock is ticking and I don't know if I will join the paths of actor Patrick Swayze (of Dirty Dancing fame) and find my life fizzled just the way a gust of wind would put out the playful flicker of a candlelight, or will it be some other calamity that will snuff out my life, be it the widely publicized H1N1 flu virus or some other modern day viruses. Would it be better to go with some dignity and pride as a respectable contributor to the country's economy, or to grey and join the ever increasing flange of tottering elderly table cleaners and public cleansing workers? They are a discarded group of spent bullets, to be cast aside after having provided the lustful shooter with the bang and the adrenalin rush at the firing range. I recall the days when my grandma and grand uncles and aunties were able to relax and enjoy their last days among the hordes of grandchildren and other family members. Having done their turn to bring up the family, they were able to enjoy their retirement and reap the harvest of the seeds they planted in their early ears. But what has happened in today's economy? The elderly becomes like the water buffaloes, still pulling the plough for the farmers, forced to put every ounce of energy to work in the name of economic progress. Alas those who drew up the policies would never have to slave till midnight or later because they are the ones who would have the wherewithal to retire gracefully while the buffaloes wallow from sunrise to sundown. What can be done to help the grandpas and grandmas, to give them the rest they so deserved? The solutions are there but unless policymakers are prepared to change their mindset this grey workforce will have to stay nimble, adaptable and flexible until the winds of change blow in their favour.
I am but a voice in the wilderness, not to be heard. I will be before long, if I don't steer life's journey with some skillful forward planning, I may have to resign to joining their ranks when my time comes.
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