POSSIBLE HORIZONS

Article by

KAYSOON KHOO

Helen Keller, American author and humanitarian, was born blind, deaf and dumb. As a child she had the good fortune to have for a governess Anne Sullivan, a remarkable young woman who chose to see possibilities instead of limitations.

Using the sense of touch alone, Anne Sullivan taught Helen Keller how to read and write. More than that, she showed her protege how to come to terms with life and make the best of whatever assets the latter possessed. Helen Keller grew up to be an outstanding human being who was a source of inspiration and encouragement to thousands.

Let's now look at ourselves. We may have our own set of handicaps and disadvantages. Life may not have been as kind to some of us as it has been to others. But let's ask ourselves an honest question and try to provide an equally honest answer. Has the going ever been as tough for any of us as it was for Helen Keller?

Let's survey the landscape of our lives. The horizon seems so very far away and we wonder if it can ever be reached. As we ponder, let's recall Helen Keller. She never posed herself that question. She merely plodded on until she reached her destination.

KEEPING UP ILLUSIONS

Article by

KAYSOON KHOO

Is it important to you to keep up with the Joneses? Do you always try to keep pace with your contemporaries by acquiring all the things they have? Are you obsessed with upgrading your lifestyle so that it is at par with theirs?

If your answer is "yes" to all those questions, you're being unjust to yourself. How so? Because you're probably making a good many sacrifices you don't have to. You're putting yourself to unnecessary expense and wasting your time and effort trying to achieve something which is of no consequence at all.

You have to remind yourself that how the Joneses live their lives is really no concern of yours. When you acquire something for yourself, it should be because you really want or need it. Not because you feel you MUST have it to create a suitable impression.

And while you're trying to hold your own in this spirit of competition, does it ever occur to you the Joneses may have problems with which you're not burdened? For all you know, they may be wishing they were in YOUR shoes. Externals tell very little. That's why comparing and competing are exercises in futility.

You have no reason at all to try to "keep up" with anybody. You don't have to prove anything to anyone. Just live your life and enjoy what you have. That way you'll be really fair to yourself and to those who depend on you.