Hunger for worthwhile things

IN OUR daily lives, we meet people who give all sorts of advice on what to eat and what to avoid for better health.

Some preach about certain herbs or concoctions or exercises that will protect you from cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, etc. And there are those who believe in abstinence from certain foods and activities to gain spiritual growth. The most reasonable, it seems, is practising moderation – do not eat or drink in excess, do not be over-emotional, do not be a workaholic , do not sleep too much!

Whatever discipline we might have adopted and practised in our own lives, in our diets and social interaction, I hope we will stay hungry for certain things.

We should be hungry for integrity, for upholding a certain standard that maintains one’s self-respect and dignity. This guides one’s actions and impacts the worthy legacy one leaves behind. Dump those leaders in your community who preach hatred and disunity, for they show a lack of love for the country’s peace and prosperity.

We should be hungry for justice – justice for the rich and poor alike, for the educated and uneducated, the old and young. This will enhance the image of a nation.

We should be hungry for equal opportunities in education – for children of whatever colour, caste or creed, and that they be fairly rewarded for their diligence. Their leadership and contribution will greatly help in the growth of a nation.

We should be hungry for kindness – it embodies gentleness, generosity, patience, caring, understanding and forgiveness. It sometimes takes very little to assuage this hunger of the old and the young – a little act of kindness can fill the heart to the brim.

We should be hungry for stories and images of heartwarming and uplifting stories of winners and losers, of sinners and saints, of the best and the worst, that happen here and around the world. These are valuable lessons for the heart and soul.

We should be hungry for the joys of living that come from the birth of a child, success from honest hard work, from spare time for hobbies, from having supportive family members and friends, from having enough and being grateful for it. All these bring peace of mind and contentment.

When we are not too greedy for fame and fortune, being continually hungry for things that matter – good old values in our work and play, positive contribution to society, unity and harmony – will be endlessly fulfilling.

With the New Year 2019 around the corner, I wish all you folks a happier year with family, friends ... and food! And a continual hunger for worthy stuff!