Malaysians do not only celebrate on August 31, but every day. Every day we sit in a kopitiam or a café, and enjoy our favourite Teh Tarik, Milo Ais or indulge in a bowl of Assam Laksa, Rojak or Chendol, we are living the Malaysian dream – a life filled with freedom and opportunities in our own melting pot of cultures.
It’s been six-and-half decades since we started celebrating Hari Merdeka. Undeniably, much has changed since 1957. These days, we tweet about Merdeka, we post on Facebook, we blog about it, we change our avatars to celebrate. Virtually, we party, enjoy the public holiday and take part in the usual flag-waving goings-on.
But does Merdeka still mean anything to us? What does it really mean?
Merdeka, for me, is a reminder to be thankful for what we have today. Every so often, it’s easier to focus on what we don’t have, rather than what we do have. It’s important to take time out and remember all of the things to be thankful for that many of us take for granted.
I am thankful to be alive. Simply waking up today means I have things to be thankful for. At sunrise, the sun’s warmth can brighten any day, and sunsets are a reminder that we should enjoy the simple things in life. Being able to step outside to breathe in fresh air is a good reminder how many little things I should be thankful for.
Even if my health isn’t fantastic, being a cancer patient, it could be worse. Nonetheless, I still have many working parts of me to be thankful for!
Without laughter, the world would be a sad place. I am thankful that despite fighting cancer, I still can laugh, and find humour in everyday things, every day.
The world would be a different place if we lack the ability to love. I am thankful for love. Being in a marriage teach me so much about the world and myself. It did not start as a romantic relationship, but love grows over time.
Pets offer one of the best examples of unconditional love. I am thankful for our three cats, because they make our house a home. Whether we live in an apartment, a mansion, or a hut, having a place to call home is something to be thankful for. I am thankful to have a home.
Never take the kindness of a stranger for granted. I am thankful for 65 people who chipped in to a fund raising that two of my friends did for me to buy me a Thermomix after my kitchen gas stove exploded. Not only family and friends chipped in, but also virtual friends, and strangers on Facebook and Instagram – to cheer me on in my cancer recovery journey.
Even though we often don’t think there’s enough of it, time is something we shouldn’t take for granted. After being diagnosed with cancer, I value time even more. It made me realise that life is precious, and sometimes even the smallest of things can make the world of difference.
I am not braver or stronger at beating cancer than anyone else. I thank the advancements in medicine that improved the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Targeted therapies tremendously improved survival outcomes for HER2-positive breast cancer patients like me. I am thankful for HER2 Targeted Therapy.
Without pain, it would be difficulty to appreciate life’s joys. I am thankful to have recently completed all my cancer treatments – all 50 rounds of them. I feel a great relief and freedom. I look forward to being free of pain.
The beauty of a rainbow is unrivalled. A rainbow comes after the storm. I am thankful that the storm is over. Without challenges in life, we wouldn’t be the people we are now. I am thankful for the storm, and for the rainbow. it’s now time to rebuild my health, live life to the fullest and fulfil my destiny.
Selamat Hari Merdeka to all Malaysians! Stay safe and healthy!
