a matter of choice

i have always thought whatever we do or don't do is a result of our own doing. a right to decide and to choose. however, many a times we abuse what rights we have. at times, we even undermine them...only to blame circumstances that leave us with no choice but to resign to fate. is it really circumstances that lead to resignation? even our religion teaches us to persevere first, however trying the situation may be, before thinking about resigning ourselves to whatever fate there is.

i was again triggered by this theme of choice. this time, after reading steven chia's blog about national service here. while many men fear their awaiting torturous stint, many men whine 24/7 during their neverending stint and many men hated their passing waste-of-my-2-years stint. but at the same time, there are many men who are eager while waiting, positive while serving and grateful while reserving/retiring.

i was appaled when i read comments like this:

"i believe it is every Singaporean guy’s duty to speak negatively of National Service.
It is, after all, still a gross violation of human rights and blatant slavery. "

"to be concise, friendships are what made life great.Not NS.it has only brought pain and sufferings."

"To prevent spending too much money on defense, conscription is the only choice."

i'm a woman and may not so fully understand the backings to all this negative notions (so pardon me) but guys really, is this how you view protecting the women and children of your country (all your loved ones included; grandmama, mother, wife, girlfriend, daughter, grand daughter, niece, friends etc.) ? gross violation of human rights? woah, such strong use of words. blatant slavery? hmm...are you not paid (albeit the meagre amount)? are you not fed? friendship not NS? you fostered meaningful, lifelong friendships THROUGH NS and here you are trying to make a distinction out of the two? getting citizens to stand up for OWN country is an economical stance? wow. i guess national pride, has a long way to go if this is where it stands.

oh wells...besides these few sad souls, i really hope the rest of us will choose wisely. to rid ourselves of negativity towards whatever challenging situations we undergo. to be smart by refusing to wallow oneself in self pity (which goes no where but to only shrink our own morale). to be positive and determined to learn something priceless and valuable (even how small that lesson would be) from anything that we do. to persevere even before thinking of resigning. afterall, happiness suffice when we finally learn to realise that the glass is half full. and i'm working on it... *smiles*