In this last post of 2014, let’s take a moment to reflect on what has been an eventful year….2014 has been a hectic, eventful year, not only on a personal note, but also with the various happenings around the world – a year made of many pleasant and not so pleasant memories.

2014 has not been a pleasant year for flights, particularly, with the disappearance of MH370, the shooting down of MH17 and the crash of Air Asia QZ8501, amidst several other smaller plane incidents around the world. To all those involved in the crisis management of all these incidents – well done and thank you!

The Ebola virus epidemic also made its return in early 2014, and went on a rampage till late 2014. Likewise, the Israel-Gaza conflict deteriorated.

Of course, on the other hand, not forgetting the pleasant moments of 2014. 2014 is also the year that has brought the world together, as the world cheered on the FIFA World Cup which Germany won. The iPhone 6 was released.

The last days of 2014 has indeed become more challenging for the World, particularly Southeast Asia, with the crash of Air Asia QZ8501, the Malaysian floods kept worsening, not forgetting the storm in the Philippines. Many on board QZ8501 had intentions of heading overseas for New Year Celebrations but to no avail, simply heartbreaking…

As we bid goodbye to 2014, it is inevitable to reminisce on the various happenings of 2014. Some of us may have had that new addition to the family, some may have lost their loved ones. Regardless, another year’s of life’s lessons has been learnt. Above all, 2014 has been an eventful year, a year which we, as humans have heaps to learn from, a year to make us remember the basics of humanity with the occurrence of the various natural disasters, diseases and accidents. 2014 has indeed been an educational year that has taught us several of life’s lessons, the hard way for those directly involved in the various unpleasant incidents; a reminder to the rest of us as the audience.

One thing for sure that we have learnt from 2014, “what we have today may not be ours or with us anymore within a matter of a few seconds if HE says it’s not meant to be anymore.” This brings us back to the elements of appreciation. Let 2014 be a reminder for us all to appreciate our loved ones, appreciate what we already have and everything around us, for health, love and life can be lost in a matter of seconds. Being ecstatically happy right now may not necessarily mean that things would be the same the next moment.

In this ever crazy busy, competitive world, it is important to always remember to set aside time and efforts for that moment of appreciation – appreciation for ourselves and appreciation for others. Lesser complaints, lesser arguments and just be thankful may sometimes be the one easy key to sanity! At times, in the midst of our busy schedules, we may fail to notice that a simple “Thank You” makes a big difference and goes a long way.

As we sum up 2014, and look towards 2015 with all positivity, amidst all that 2015 New Year celebrations, we ought to remember the less fortunate and those in grief.

To those who have lost loved ones in the various unpleasant plane incidents (QZ8501, MH17, MH370), may HE give them strength to move on for the better no matter how painful it may be, the road to recovery may not be a smooth easy one but what doesn’t kill will only add on to that inner strength eventually…

Goodbye 2014, may 2015 be a better year for us all, a year filled with positivity and happiness. Thank you to the Almighty for allowing the rest of us to remain in this borrowed world for a bit longer. May we all have a better year ahead, a better 2015, InshA….

Happy New Year 2015 Everyone!