WHAT A KICK-START IT HAS BEEN

For most of us, we consider the first month of the year as the time of hope and optimism. Since it is the start of the year, we embrace positivity in our lives, believing and hoping that there are greater success and prosperity for us and for our families all year round. What if life suddenly gives the world lemons at the very first month of the year? Will the rest of the months provide us challenges and difficulties as well?

The world celebrated a new year and a new decade last January. Families and friends gathered for fun-filled moments across the countries to welcome 2020; there were fireworks outside, and prepared on the table were wines, fruits, desserts, and a whole lot more. As we started the year, we also began to witness unexpected phenomena like calamities, tragedies, and even illness which affected and saddened the whole world.

We were worried by the flash flood in Indonesia which killed hundreds of people and millions were struck. Australia continues to battle with one of its worst wildfires seen in decade, affecting massive parts of the forest, mountains, and communities. Fears were ignited across the globe when the tension between Iran and the United States started, which was believed that it could possibly lead into “World War III.”

Recently, the Philippines suffered from the eruption of one of its volcanoes which threatened thousands of families and animals, Houses and animals were covered in ashfall caused by the volcano blast, which made them homeless for weeks. The tragic death of the legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant shocked the world when reported to be killed in a plane crash, similar to the Ukraine airliner crash which killed hundreds of passengers from various nationalities. Aside from the continuing conflict here in Hong Kong, the emergence of the Novel Corona Virus which was reported to originate in Wuhan, China has been causing alarm to the rest of the countries because of its drastic transmission. 

Indeed, in January alone, we have faced too much challenges; the world have struggled so much. What a kick-start of the year it has been. Amidst these unavoidable circumstances and unwanted experiences, we remain resilient as we help and build with one another to recover and move forward from all the sorrows, pains, and fears these events have left us. We can’t stop natural catastrophes nor predict tragedies but we can stand in unity to support others. Together, we can brave greater challenges regardless of what this world has offer us.