平凡也是一种幸福 (The joy of being ordinary)

I seldom publish a new blog post so soon after my last one yesterday. But today is a special day.

Credit: aninvitinghome.com

It is Singapore’s birthday! It is also my first time going to the Parade at the new indoor stadium on the actual National Day.

It is my “last” in several ways too. My last month as a school teacher, my last time enjoying 2 days of paid holidays (10/8 is a school holiday, yay!), likely my last time as a full time, highly paid employee.

The Departure Chronicles: Giving notice

The Departure Chronicles: Reflections of my 13 years

If the median household income in Singapore is $8500 (including CPF), as a single person, I am earning more than that. I have tendered my notice and starting from September, will have zero active income.

I am transiting from upper middle income to a 平凡人. Hearing this song on the radio resonates with me strongly today.

小人物的心声

也许我一个人
不能成就一番大事业
但我尽力贡献一份微薄的力量
也许我自己
不能发出万丈光和亮
但我能为斗室带来足够的光芒

我从来都不在乎
自己不是一个大人物
因为平凡也是一种幸福
看到名人总是忙忙碌碌
我的时间由我控制
平凡日子一样会充实

In the last few years, I have learned to live simply and well below my means. I take pleasure in taking the public transport, eating at hawker centers, practicing minimalism and having little clutter in my life.

In school, I am an ordinary teacher. But I am special to my students. They look forward to my lessons and some even run for my classes in the field or the courts, so that they can be early. I may not make policies and affect school ranking results, but to these kids, I bring enough light to the classrooms of their life.

To say I do not care about being rich or famous is probably untrue. But Providence’s plans for me may not be a 大人物. I am happy now being who I am, simply because I am learning to be contented. I may not have any active income soon but my time will be my own.

Credit: doyouyoga.com

There is another song playing on the radio now. It is a familiar song to many Singaporeans.

Home

Whenever I am feeling low
I look around me and I know
There’s a place that will stay within me
Wherever I may choose to go
I will always recall the city
Know every street and shore
Sail down the river which brings us life
Winding through my Singapore

This is home truly, where I know I must be
Where my dreams wait for me, where the river always flows
This is home surely, as my senses tell me
This is where I won’t be alone, for this is where I know it’s home

When there are troubles to go through
We’ll find a way to start anew
There is comfort in the knowledge
That home’s about its people too
So we’ll build our dreams together
Just like we’ve done before
Just like the river which brings us life
There’ll always be Singapore

It’s good to be home. Have a good National Day holiday!