%% related: [[2023-08-09]] %% # Happy 58th National Day, Singapore ![[Pasted image 20230809234523.png]] I have a restless relationship with Singapore. *I love her but there are moments when I know she can't love me back - that she has responsibilities to a few million other people and so my place is never guaranteed. I feel like I constantly have to prove myself worthy/worthwhile just like how she's constantly having to prove herself to the rest of the world.* In those moments, *I feel so incredibly insecure - that perhaps one day I would be discarded for no longer having any utility. I feel like I must secure a future for myself beyond this geographical border. I feel like I must see myself a global citizen more than anything.* Then I catch myself, *Here I learnt the value of hard work - useful for when I compete against others and I need to grind. Here I learnt how to be a soldier - and in doing so, learnt that one's sovereignty is, at the end of the day, only upheld by the laws of physics and the grit of people. Here I am in possession of a passport that allows me to go to almost anywhere on the planet - itself the result of the hard work of countless Singaporeans over the decades Here I gained the perspectives of people who come from all over the world - people who, if you speak to them, will bring you the lens with which they view the world. Here I got to work with people from all over the world - because the Singapore 'brand' comes with so much trust Here I made my lifelong friends - some of whom I have know for so long, that I cannot imagine my Life without them Here I experienced heartbreak - and learnt that all hearts are broken in some way. Just pick up the pieces, grieve and try to remain optimistic about Life. Here I learnt the importance of pragmatism - that Life doesn't stop just because there's a cloud raining over your head* In those moments, *I'm reminded that this is Home. and like all homes we are born into, its purpose is to keep me safe and prepare me to take on the world - to help her take on the world.* In those moments, *I'm reminded that Home is not just about shelter and skills. It's also about company - the family, the friends, the random strangers you cross paths with. The shared struggle and growth is what makes the journey and lived Life meaningful - it's our chance to continue writing our own histories,* I know the privileges we have today were built upon the backs of many other Singaporeans. I know that many continue to work hard to maintain and grow this country. I know the world is getting more complex and is scary and maybe no one really has the answer to the problems we're facing (and will face) But I know I'm surrounded by people from all walks of Life who are doing their best For themselves and For each other And for all that, I'm grateful. **Happy 58th National Day, Singapore.** --- To have a conversation with me about this note, email me at [email protected] To understand why I chose to use email over comments, [[Why I'm using email instead of comments|read this]].