By Pola Singh
Seeing Life Through the Lens of Gratitude
At this stage of life, I have learned that gratitude is not merely a feeling — it is a way of seeing, a way of living, a quiet posture of the heart. Every night, as I lie down on a comfortable bed in a cool room, free from pain, I pause to give thanks. These simple comforts are easy to overlook, yet they are privileges many do not have.
And each morning, when I open my eyes and rise from my bed unaided, I am reminded again: every sunrise is a bonus, every breath a blessing, every new day a gift.
Bukit Kiara: My Sanctuary of Health and Friendship
Bukit Kiara has been my sanctuary for decades — a faithful hill that has strengthened my body, calmed my mind, and connected me with a community of like-minded friends. Its trails have taught me that health is indeed the greatest wealth.
I cared for my body when I was young; now it returns the favour. Regular exercise, mindful eating, and respect for the vessel that carries us through life are not luxuries but necessities. What we choose today determines the quality of our tomorrow.
A Life That Overflows with Blessings
My glass does not sit half full or half empty — it overflows. I am healthy. I am loved. And I am surrounded by family and friends who enrich my life beyond measure.
To my wife, Rina, my lifelong companion: our empty nest is filled with the deep warmth of partnership. Helping with the daily chores — washing, drying, folding, cleaning — is not a duty but a small expression of gratitude and love. It is in these quiet acts of care that the truest form of devotion lives.
Family: The Pillars of My Journey
My children, Cheryl and Dillon, my son-in-law Chris, and my grandchildren, Hannah and Nathan, are blessings I count every day.
And my nine siblings — with whom I have shared laughter, disagreements, and decades of life — remain the unshakeable pillars of my journey. We are strong personalities, yes, but stronger still is the bond that holds us together. We may not choose our siblings, but we can choose to love them, and as the years pass, that choice grows even more precious.
Grateful to Call Malaysia Home
I am deeply grateful to be Malaysian. We live in peace, free from conflict, free to build our dreams. We enjoy abundant natural resources, affordable healthcare, clean water, sunshine throughout the year, diverse and glorious food, and the privilege of walking our streets without fear.
Many in the world long for what we experience daily. May we learn to appreciate rather than complain; to see the good, not only the faults; to show compassion rather than judgment. Our country is far from perfect, but it has given us much to be thankful for.
The Art of Living with Others
Life has taught me that we are not meant to journey alone. Relationships shape our emotional world, and humility sustains them.
Apologise when you are wrong.
Let go of grudges before they grow heavy.
Choose kindness, and distance yourself from those who drain your spirit.
A sincere word can heal old wounds; a gentle heart can uplift even the weary.
One Life. One Chance. Make It Count.
We have one life. Let us make it count.
- Laugh and smile more often.
- Learn always — the sky is the limit.
- Love deeply.
- Be grateful for your blessings — and strive to be a blessing to others.
- And above all, stay humble.
As the years pass, may your heart be full of gratitude, peace, and quiet pride for a life lived with intention and grace.
Pola Singh (mediaplayer1717@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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