What a life.

Life is indeed as complex or as simple as one percieves it. The environment in which we are brought up in does affect our perception and thus outlook of 'our' world.

It is a good principle, as we know instinctively, to have a positive outlook and be grateful for our uncertain time on this planet. This thinking helps us drive on ahead even when we experience unfavourable circumstances along the way.

Because we know, every night has its day, and bad times are merely temporary, as well as good times. Age-old, biblical wisdom advices, "When times are good, give thanks; when times are bad, consider, God has made one as well as the other."

I can't help but observe the rational, predetermined outcomes one can expect from this life. We are given life in this world, (for those who believe in choice of re-incarnation, hang on for a bit while I try to figure this one out first), without our prior knowing.

Most of us come out crying from our mothers' wombs and are quickly placed in the comfort of our mothers' arms, amidst smiles and tears. We immediately feel a sense of assurance, at least for the time being.

In normal, positive circumstances, we are raised with as much love and proper guidance as our parents or guardians can provide. As we mature in thought and grow physically, we notice that our loved ones before us began to age.

Indeed, the more we look forward to be legally of age, to take control of our lives in this world, our parents and guardians begin to recline to an elderly stage where there are usually minimum activities.

Suddenly we realise, we have an 'unwelcome' life span to operate in, along this stage and thus, we find ourselves against time to do what we have or want to do. We also know that age doesn't only determine how long our life span is, as with the fragility of our design, circumstances be it an accident, illness or what not, can shorten this life span we have.

On the other end, we also know that practices such as living healthily, although there is no guarantee, can at least maximise the chances of a longer life span, if not, a healthier course of life.

As we pass through our teenage years, we begin to have a taste of the unstated realities of this life. We are reminded suddenly by those around us of the need to take responsiblity of our lives soon.

The roof over our heads suddenly doesn't feel as secure as it once did, still, some of us, turn on our positive thinking and say, "hey, that's exciting, I'm going to be in control of my life, I can make my own decisions soon, just like these grown ups around me... ."

Does the old saying, "Grass is always greener on the other side" suffice here. It may, but it doesn't stop the eventuating event from occuring; like our birth, it's not an option. Eaglets and other infant animals leave their nests when they've reached a definite age; although there are animals such as certain species of apes (usually timid animals) that practise a "live-in" approach with the family, even so, like them, we will have to move on, sooner or later.

Of course, we have the option of keeping "intouch" even if we decide to move out or travel and work/live outside the country. The emotional/relationship dependency, which varies among us, is usually a determining factor.

As we reach the ripe age of 30, give and take, we either become accustomed to the various realities of life or we struggle on ahead in denial of it. By this time, amidst all the success, impending success or failures, etc., we try to remain grounded in the realness of this whole experience, which is never easy. But we know we have to try because we can't ignore it for long.

In time, one by one, our loved ones begin to leave us, the ones who help bring us into this world and the ones who cared for us during those formative years of growth. We suddenly realise what's real and what's not. All the friends in the world can never replace the roles of our former guardians, our family.

We realise as 'bad' as we once thought they were, we realise that life isn't as easy as we all want it to be. It's the trying that really matters. And we know at some point they have tried. (For those extreme cases such as abuse, neglect and so on, I hope to research more and write another article later.)

As we are left in this awakening stage of our lives, some of us quickly seek and find a life companion that we hope will take us to the next stage of our lives and (in a way) make up for the emptiness left by our former loved ones. We accept that we are not alone in this journey, as we clearly look around us. We press on.

Yet, some don't find that 'replacement' or companion, and suddenly the search seems forever, and the journey takes a different course instead of the common and expected path of marriage and family.

For such people, how does it all work out? (Will continue...)