Listening for the Weather

Admittedly, mere acceptance of other’s predicaments provides no significant improvements within oneself aside from temporary comfort and thus, a change of perceptions might be needed to fully experience an uplifting of melancholy. Despite the exploitation of the following concept, so much that it is now a 21st century cliché; I find the appointment of minor goals to precede major ones very effective in successfully defeating despair.

Popularly termed as baby steps, it encourages the directing attention to the simple pleasures in the present, instead of dwelling in the past, no matter how hard it clings, or fearing of the future, no matter how much it threatens.

I can only assume this is one of the many possible implications that this song advocates. Enjoy!

So I'm listening for the weather to predict the coming day
Leave all thought of expectation to the weather man
No it doesn't really matter what it is he has to say
'Cause tomorrows keep on blowing in from somewhere

All the people that I know in the apartments down below
Busy with their starring roles in their own tragedies

Sunlight sends you on your way
And those restless thoughts that cling to yesterday
Never be afraid of change
I'll call you on the phone
I hate to leave you on your own
But I'm coming home today

And this busy inner city
Has got nothing much to say
And I know how much you're hanging round the letterbox
And I'm sure that as I'm writing
You'll be somewhere on your way
In a supermarket checkout or the restaurant

I've been doing what I'm told
I've been busy growing old
And the days are getting cold but that's alright with me

Sunlight sends you on your way
And those restless thoughts that cling to yesterday
Never be afraid of change
I'll call you on the phone
I hate to leave you on your own
But I'm coming home today
Yes I'm coming home today

I've been doing what I'm told
I've been busy growing old
And the days are getting cold but that's alright with me

Sunlight sends you on your way
And those restless thoughts that cling to yesterday
Never be afraid of change

Everybody Hurts

To all you doubters out there, question no more. The world DOES indeed revolve around me. It seem that during the time that I was flooded with depressing thoughts and emotions, the sky – or maybe even God himself – wept on my behalf.

For the benefit of those not in the know (i.e. the friends overseas or hermits with no interest in any local newspapers), the Malaysian capital suffered another flash flood that is reminiscent of the one we experienced in 2003 - oddly on the very same date. Considering the traffic conditions in our cherished state, it is no surprise then to find that such sudden downpour nearly crippled our roads, more so than usual.

This makes today’s continuation of the Anthem Anthology appropriate. As you will see by clicking on the play button, the music video features a massive traffic gridlock, not unlike the congestion that plagued downtown KL yesterday. It is definitely worth the lengthy loading time though, as the scenes of stagnant chaos is punctuated by quirky, albeit morose at times, thought quotes that we all can relate to one time or the other.

The lyrics are pretty self-explanatory too, without the intricate personifications that are favoured by most songwriters. I must admit that this song has been used to drag me out of my doldrums lately, and it is my hope that this works for readers undergoing discouraging circumstances too. Heck, the Corrs did a cover for it. True, severity of cases differ widely in terms of impact acuity, therefore I will not justify my anguish by comparing my misery with anyone else.

To the wounded now, acceptance of the possible existence of others with our similar distresses can be comforting while the faith that emerges from the acknowledgement of their successes in prevailing over their troubles is rejuvenating. So remember, everybody hurts… sometimes.

When the day is long and the night
The night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough of this life
Well hang on

Don't let yourself go
‘Cause everybody cries
And everybody hurts… sometimes
Sometimes everything is wrong
Now it's time to sing along

When your day is night alone (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go (hold on)
When you think you've had too much of this life
Well hang on

‘Cause everybody hurts
Take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts…

Don't throw your hand, oh no
Don't throw your hand
If you feel like you're alone
No, no, no, you are not alone

If you're on your own in this life
The days and nights are long
When you think you've had too much of this life
To hang on

Well, everybody hurts… sometimes
Everybody cries

Everybody hurts… sometimes
And everybody hurts… sometimes

So hold on, hold on
(Everybody hurts, you are not alone)

The Sudden Transformation

This may come as a surprise considering the last entry I posted here, but this post will be a rant. Only a little less than two days have passed since my previous declaration of contentment but dismal proceedings have amassed, so those who are emotional and sensitive, avert your eyes now. This is potentially hurtful. I have no desire to wreck anyone’s day, let alone weekend, but I feel that without this release, mine would be despite the many distractions available.

…

As I stare at the blinking cursor primed to record my first words, wondering what words to use to communicate this train of thought as tactfully as possible, I realise I am not dwelling in the simple things that make me enjoy life, or at least not enough.

I am frustrated…

I am frustrated at the fear and anxiety due to the coinciding schedules that jeopardizes my career progression opportunities.
I am frustrated at the hopelessness and the helplessness I feel, what with me losing my previous edge in counselling suicidal depressives.
I am frustrated at my overzealousness to accommodate, if not please, others by abiding to their many diverse preferences, instead of attending to mine.
I am frustrated at the jealousy and irritation stemmed from the glorification and idolization towards others for accomplishments similar to mine while I am ignored.
I am frustrated at the hypocritical nature of particular individuals who expects only the best I have to offer while avoiding me when I display even a hint of my afflictions.

I will be in a petulant mood today. Stay away at all cost.