Optimism and the New Year

Watching the news, everyone seems to have fallen into a pessimistic "mode" as the New Year starts, except for Filipinos who according to the latest SWS survey have faith that 2009 will be a better year. Perhaps, it is a cultural "trait" brought about by the hype of the long Christmas celebration BUT I personally believe that it is more of FAITH and HOPE brought about by the inherent belief in every Filipino heart that feels secure because they believe that there is a God who takes care of EVERYTHING. SWS says that 9 out of 10 Filipinos are confident that 2009 will be a better year. Now, that kind of optimism and hope is GOOD in comparison with Europeans and Americans who are fidgety over the world "recession" and who get a bit freaky each time they turn on CNBC to watch the latest Wall Street news. Perhaps, there some comfort in NOT knowing that the FTSI and Dow Jones aren't doing well nor do must probably even care because 90 percent of Filipinos have no stocks to watch.

WE are a simple people and that is GOOD. We've had our "little" modest New Year parties, we've had our "personal conversations" with God and we can leave it at THAT.We are facing tomorrow with another "new beginning". We are valiant as we dare face tomorrow with more hope than fear no matter what the news tell us. We realize that though we did not have a lot of what we hoped for in 2008, we can hope again with courage. Having hope is more than having a million dollars for without it, we cease to really live.

Have a blessed New Year :) This is for you--this song may seem "old" (about the late 70's)but it urges us that life goes on... despite and inspite of the New Year. Be blessed.