The end of the year is upon us already.
Actually, for some of us, this year has been difficult and has probably dragged on for longer than necessary. We are ending the year in a recession. So what is there to be happy about, you ask? And why should we be happy at all?
Well, we ask you, what point is there in spreading negativity during a time when people are losing their jobs and their houses? Talk about kicking someone when she’s down.
There are many things to be happy about. For one, the new year will bring us a new president. And yes, we know some of you didn’t vote for him, but you have to admit that we need a change from the status quo. Our country has done something significant and historical this year, which is elect a minority into office. As Asian Americans, that has to feel good because of what it says about American democracy. It also creates a new face for our leaders. No longer do we have to think of our leaders as white, affluent men. Obama’s election, just as an event in and of itself, has set a great precedence for our country. It instantly changes how other nations percieve the United States.
We know it’s hard to keep this perspective, but try to keep in mind that there is a reason why we suffer. Buddhists believe in karma, the idea of balance in the universe. If you suffer today and still manage to do good deeds, Buddhists believe that it will benefit for future. Of course the details of the future cannot be foreseen, but we should take comfort in the fact that there is a reason and a purpose for everything.
Suffering is important to our species. It’s how we learn, how we become wise, and how we grow. Most importantly, suffering makes us value happiness and good fortune when we have it.
Humility is important during this trying time when people are losing their jobs. However, there is no job too small when you have children to feed. Try not to be too proud to do something unexpected or a job you previously thought was beneath you.
Remember that Asian Americans are a race made up of refugees. Remember the accomplishments our predecessors, how they came to America with poverty and lifted themselves out of it through hard work. Our fathers and mothers were not too proud to do menial jobs when it came to taking care of their families. Why should we be?
Positive thinking makes all the difference. With the biting snow this week, don’t think of your missed opportunities and the place you don’t get to go because you’re stuck at home. Instead think of it as a new opportunity to either spend more time with your family, or spend some time taking care of yourself.