Assumptions

Treat with utmost respect your power of forming opinions, for this power alone guards you against making assumptions that are contrary to nature and judgments that overthrow the rule of reason.
- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 3.9

This is a very apt quote. I think we all make assumptions, myself included; assuming that people think like me/you, assuming that this is how people would feel, assuming that resources is in abundance and we can just take take take, assuming that your family and loved ones will always be there for and with you... the list goes on.

Today was in a way eventful for me. I like the welcome for our Thai guests today, I like the enthusiasm that the Year 1s displayed when we were bringing our thai friends past their classrooms, the random and unison greetings of sawat dee ka/khrup resonates from the classes. And the greetings the students showed when we walked past them. It brightened our guests' hearts and it warmed my heart because when it seemed so bleak to get people to greet one another (that is my assumption) and here there we have, the randomness, spontaneity and warmth displayed. This really touched my heart.

Then an unfortunate turn of event took place when I was involved in a "bumper kiss" with another car, which in my opinion was really unnecessary and avoidable. If only the other party had heeded to the traffic rules and don't overtake another car who stopped at the yellow box, located in a single lane for me to come out. I really don't like to argue with unreasonable people but blind me for not taking good photos of the scene. Again, my assumption that all people are reasonable and they abide by the road rules, how naive I am.

Of course, there is my deep disappointment and sadness which i shared with the SH (which kindaf affected my sleep, but at least i let them know my feelings). I have more to share but well, ... i shall rest this case and it is time for all of us to "think, think, think" and "reflect, reflect, reflect" before we "do, do, do" or "say, say, say". Are we making too many assumptions?

And a bombshell dropped when mich called me to inform that one of her close aunts passed away suddenly becos of cancer. Mich had just spoken to her over the phone not long ago and this aunt was still jovial and optimistic. OMG, it was so sad and ultimate grief bcos all the relatives are about to congregate for one of her cousin's wedding in Kuantan next fri. .. haiz, life is so unpredictable. And we were assuming that she is going to be better.

But despite of this ups and downs, I treasure the friendships i forged with Thai friends; they are so genuine, sincere and warm. I treasure my time with my loved ones (family, friends, colleagues, students).

I can only say this,
Treasure our lives, don't make assumptions.