Today’s world is facing serious threats and challenges from narcotic drugs. Young people, who represent the vital human resources of respective countries, are becoming victims of drug abuse. Drug producers and traffickers prioritize their own personal interests, turning a blind eye to the fact that youth around the world are being led astray and losing their futures. Many have died or had their lives destroyed due to drugs, and their families also suffer greatly as a result.
Today’s world is facing serious threats and challenges from narcotic drugs. Young people, who represent the vital human resources of respective countries, are becoming victims of drug abuse. Drug producers and traffickers prioritize their own personal interests, turning a blind eye to the fact that youth around the world are being led astray and losing their futures. Many have died or had their lives destroyed due to drugs, and their families also suffer greatly as a result. The trafficking and distribution of narcotic drugs have caused immeasurable losses to humanity across the globe.
Drug production and trafficking are often linked to transnational crimes such as money laundering, arms smuggling, and terrorism, posing serious threats to national security, stability, and public order. Moreover, drug abuse severely harms both physical and mental health, leading to a significant loss of human potential worldwide.
Myanmar is grappling with serious challenges related to poppy cultivation, synthetic drug production, and widespread drug abuse, but local authorities and law enforcement bodies under the leadership of the government are joining hands with people and relevant organizations in carrying out the eradication of narcotic drugs through collaborative efforts as much as possible.
Ceremonies to incinerate seized narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals, and related accessories are held annually on 26 June in Yangon and other major cities, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. During these events, various types of seized narcotic drugs worth billions of US dollars are destroyed in the presence of diplomats, officials from national and international organizations, and representatives of UN agencies, as part of Myanmar’s effort to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating narcotic drugs.
The Drug Enforcement Division of the Myanmar Police Force manages its sub-divisions and task forces as primary bodies in combating the drug producing and trafficking, as well as growing poppy plantations. On one hand, to provide treatment for individuals addicted to drugs and to reduce associated risks, Myanmar has established 29 major drug treatment centres, 56 sub-centres, 36 methadone clinics, and three buprenorphine clinics. Moreover, the Ministry of Relief and Resettlement has established 14 rehabilitation centres and continues to expand and develop them.
Due to narcotic drugs, lives are lost in territorial disputes and violent struggles. Drug abuse has ruined countless lives, leading people to destruction. Generations have fallen behind, morally degraded, and become victims of crime. Under the shadow of narcotic drugs, various crimes occur. Therefore, as a national responsibility, all citizens of Myanmar must work together to completely eradicate narcotic drugs at their roots.
Today’s world is facing serious threats and challenges from narcotic drugs. Young people, who represent the vital human resources of respective countries, are becoming victims of drug abuse. Drug producers and traffickers prioritize their own personal interests, turning a blind eye to the fact that youth around the world are being led astray and losing their futures. Many have died or had their lives destroyed due to drugs, and their families also suffer greatly as a result. The trafficking and distribution of narcotic drugs have caused immeasurable losses to humanity across the globe.
Drug production and trafficking are often linked to transnational crimes such as money laundering, arms smuggling, and terrorism, posing serious threats to national security, stability, and public order. Moreover, drug abuse severely harms both physical and mental health, leading to a significant loss of human potential worldwide.
Myanmar is grappling with serious challenges related to poppy cultivation, synthetic drug production, and widespread drug abuse, but local authorities and law enforcement bodies under the leadership of the government are joining hands with people and relevant organizations in carrying out the eradication of narcotic drugs through collaborative efforts as much as possible.
Ceremonies to incinerate seized narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals, and related accessories are held annually on 26 June in Yangon and other major cities, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. During these events, various types of seized narcotic drugs worth billions of US dollars are destroyed in the presence of diplomats, officials from national and international organizations, and representatives of UN agencies, as part of Myanmar’s effort to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating narcotic drugs.
The Drug Enforcement Division of the Myanmar Police Force manages its sub-divisions and task forces as primary bodies in combating the drug producing and trafficking, as well as growing poppy plantations. On one hand, to provide treatment for individuals addicted to drugs and to reduce associated risks, Myanmar has established 29 major drug treatment centres, 56 sub-centres, 36 methadone clinics, and three buprenorphine clinics. Moreover, the Ministry of Relief and Resettlement has established 14 rehabilitation centres and continues to expand and develop them.
Due to narcotic drugs, lives are lost in territorial disputes and violent struggles. Drug abuse has ruined countless lives, leading people to destruction. Generations have fallen behind, morally degraded, and become victims of crime. Under the shadow of narcotic drugs, various crimes occur. Therefore, as a national responsibility, all citizens of Myanmar must work together to completely eradicate narcotic drugs at their roots.
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In this vast, secular world where every person walks their own path, very few truly know what lies in the hearts of others. We pass each other in the street, sit side by side in tea shops, nod in politeness, and yet remain strangers in soul. Each person carries a bundle of quiet preferences, hidden joys, and untold stories. In my own quiet corner of life, one of my simplest pleasures is enjoying Myanmar fried snacks – golden, crisp, and comforting.
In this vast, secular world where every person walks their own path, very few truly know what lies in the hearts of others. We pass each other in the street, sit side by side in tea shops, nod in politeness, and yet remain strangers in soul. Each person carries a bundle of quiet preferences, hidden joys, and untold stories. In my own quiet corner of life, one of my simplest pleasures is enjoying Myanmar fried snacks – golden, crisp, and comforting.
There is something profoundly satisfying about eating something fried, hot, and crackling fresh from the pan. I love gourd fritters, chickpeas wrapped in glutinous rice dough and deep-fried until golden, slices of bananas smeared with a touch of rice batter and dropped into sizzling oil, their edges curling into crispy swirls. These humble snacks, often accompanied by a light salad and a cup of hot green tea, are a small feast. Whether it’s morning or afternoon, sitting at home or on a small wooden stool near a roadside hut, this modest meal brings warmth to the day. It’s not only about filling the stomach – it is about savouring a familiar comfort, about a connection with the people who make them.
At just K100, these fried snacks are among the most affordable foods you can buy. But beyond price, they carry value in ways money cannot measure. A small piece can satisfy hunger, spark memory, and even bring people together. Compared to other snack varieties, fried snacks offer more for less – they are economical, filling, and full of flavour. That is perhaps why I came to befriend Mi Pauk, a hawker known in several wards, including mine. Every day, she carries trays of fried snacks on her head, walking tirelessly from street to street, lane to lane. She doesn’t advertise with loud voices or flashy signs – her quiet endurance and ever-consistent presence are more than enough.
Mi Pauk is a figure you can spot from afar. Her pace is steady, her expression calm. With each step, she balances a tray full of fried treats like a practised dancer. After finishing one tray, she returns to the hut and loads another. From sunrise to dusk, she moves like time itself – unhurried but unstoppable. Her path is long, and her feet must ache, but she never lets it show. Truly, who among us could walk from ward to ward, day after day, in the burning sun and pouring rain, without a word of complaint?
Though her work is tiring, her strength is admirable. She never grumbles. Her face, like the steady flame beneath a frying pan, remains unshaken. If you were to ask a glamorous model to trade places with Mi Pauk for just a day, she would not only refuse but might collapse from exhaustion. On the other hand, if Mi Pauk were asked to walk on a stage in high heels before a thousand flashing cameras, her shy soul might wither from embarrassment. Each person is shaped for their own journey, and each journey deserves its own respect.
Mi Pauk is not a scholar. She does not wear fancy clothes or carry a mobile phone. She does not boast wealth or fame. But she has a quiet dignity that cannot be bought. She walks with her head held high, not because of pride, but because she has nothing to be ashamed of. She is feeding her parents. She is supporting her family. And she is doing it with clean hands and a pure heart. In every street she passes, people know her not just as a hawker, but as a dutiful daughter and a symbol of perseverance. Her courage shines not in loud ways but in her ability to keep going with grace and kindness. In my eyes, Mi Pauk is an extraordinary girl – one of the unsung heroines of everyday life.
Lately, though, the snacks in her tray seem fewer. They look smaller and lighter. And Mi Pauk herself, already slim, seems to be shrinking too. Her frame is more fragile, her cheeks a little hollower. She walks as always, but something in her silhouette suggests a silent exhaustion. Regular customers, like me, have noticed. We feel a small ache of worry as we eat her snacks. The crunch is the same, but the taste carries concern.
No matter how few the snacks become, we keep buying them – not just because they’re delicious, but because we want to support Mi Pauk. It’s a quiet act of solidarity. We eat, not just to satisfy hunger, but to encourage her – to let her know that we see her. What we consume may be a piece of fried gourd or banana, but what we’re buying is a fragment of her effort, her daily labour, her fight to live with dignity.
Sometimes, as I watch her disappear around a street corner with the afternoon light behind her, I can’t help but think: Is her life like a piece of fried snack – dropped into the boiling oil of this harsh, secular world, sizzling and shrinking in the heat? Is the weight she carries more than physical? I wonder about her dreams, her fears, and whether she ever asks, in quiet moments, if it’s all worth it.
And then I realize – it’s not just Mi Pauk. We are all, in some way, being fried by the world. The flames of duty, the bubbling oil of hardship, the steam of endless expectations – they surround us all. Some of us puff up and crack under pressure. Others, like Mi Pauk, hold their shape, enduring silently, becoming golden through their trials. Life, for all of us, is a pan of hot oil. We dance, we sizzle, we shrink – but we also gain colour, texture, and taste.
So next time I hold a crispy fritter in my hand, I will not just taste the chickpeas or the banana. I will taste resilience. I will feel the story of Mi Pauk and many like her – people who live quietly, struggle daily and shine in their soft way. And I will remember that dignity doesn’t wear a uniform. It walks barefoot, with a tray on its head and love in its heart.
And perhaps, after all, the world is not such a secular place. For in these small human connections—in sharing fried snacks and silent respect – we find a kind of sacredness, don’t we?
Source: GNLM
In this vast, secular world where every person walks their own path, very few truly know what lies in the hearts of others. We pass each other in the street, sit side by side in tea shops, nod in politeness, and yet remain strangers in soul. Each person carries a bundle of quiet preferences, hidden joys, and untold stories. In my own quiet corner of life, one of my simplest pleasures is enjoying Myanmar fried snacks – golden, crisp, and comforting.
There is something profoundly satisfying about eating something fried, hot, and crackling fresh from the pan. I love gourd fritters, chickpeas wrapped in glutinous rice dough and deep-fried until golden, slices of bananas smeared with a touch of rice batter and dropped into sizzling oil, their edges curling into crispy swirls. These humble snacks, often accompanied by a light salad and a cup of hot green tea, are a small feast. Whether it’s morning or afternoon, sitting at home or on a small wooden stool near a roadside hut, this modest meal brings warmth to the day. It’s not only about filling the stomach – it is about savouring a familiar comfort, about a connection with the people who make them.
At just K100, these fried snacks are among the most affordable foods you can buy. But beyond price, they carry value in ways money cannot measure. A small piece can satisfy hunger, spark memory, and even bring people together. Compared to other snack varieties, fried snacks offer more for less – they are economical, filling, and full of flavour. That is perhaps why I came to befriend Mi Pauk, a hawker known in several wards, including mine. Every day, she carries trays of fried snacks on her head, walking tirelessly from street to street, lane to lane. She doesn’t advertise with loud voices or flashy signs – her quiet endurance and ever-consistent presence are more than enough.
Mi Pauk is a figure you can spot from afar. Her pace is steady, her expression calm. With each step, she balances a tray full of fried treats like a practised dancer. After finishing one tray, she returns to the hut and loads another. From sunrise to dusk, she moves like time itself – unhurried but unstoppable. Her path is long, and her feet must ache, but she never lets it show. Truly, who among us could walk from ward to ward, day after day, in the burning sun and pouring rain, without a word of complaint?
Though her work is tiring, her strength is admirable. She never grumbles. Her face, like the steady flame beneath a frying pan, remains unshaken. If you were to ask a glamorous model to trade places with Mi Pauk for just a day, she would not only refuse but might collapse from exhaustion. On the other hand, if Mi Pauk were asked to walk on a stage in high heels before a thousand flashing cameras, her shy soul might wither from embarrassment. Each person is shaped for their own journey, and each journey deserves its own respect.
Mi Pauk is not a scholar. She does not wear fancy clothes or carry a mobile phone. She does not boast wealth or fame. But she has a quiet dignity that cannot be bought. She walks with her head held high, not because of pride, but because she has nothing to be ashamed of. She is feeding her parents. She is supporting her family. And she is doing it with clean hands and a pure heart. In every street she passes, people know her not just as a hawker, but as a dutiful daughter and a symbol of perseverance. Her courage shines not in loud ways but in her ability to keep going with grace and kindness. In my eyes, Mi Pauk is an extraordinary girl – one of the unsung heroines of everyday life.
Lately, though, the snacks in her tray seem fewer. They look smaller and lighter. And Mi Pauk herself, already slim, seems to be shrinking too. Her frame is more fragile, her cheeks a little hollower. She walks as always, but something in her silhouette suggests a silent exhaustion. Regular customers, like me, have noticed. We feel a small ache of worry as we eat her snacks. The crunch is the same, but the taste carries concern.
No matter how few the snacks become, we keep buying them – not just because they’re delicious, but because we want to support Mi Pauk. It’s a quiet act of solidarity. We eat, not just to satisfy hunger, but to encourage her – to let her know that we see her. What we consume may be a piece of fried gourd or banana, but what we’re buying is a fragment of her effort, her daily labour, her fight to live with dignity.
Sometimes, as I watch her disappear around a street corner with the afternoon light behind her, I can’t help but think: Is her life like a piece of fried snack – dropped into the boiling oil of this harsh, secular world, sizzling and shrinking in the heat? Is the weight she carries more than physical? I wonder about her dreams, her fears, and whether she ever asks, in quiet moments, if it’s all worth it.
And then I realize – it’s not just Mi Pauk. We are all, in some way, being fried by the world. The flames of duty, the bubbling oil of hardship, the steam of endless expectations – they surround us all. Some of us puff up and crack under pressure. Others, like Mi Pauk, hold their shape, enduring silently, becoming golden through their trials. Life, for all of us, is a pan of hot oil. We dance, we sizzle, we shrink – but we also gain colour, texture, and taste.
So next time I hold a crispy fritter in my hand, I will not just taste the chickpeas or the banana. I will taste resilience. I will feel the story of Mi Pauk and many like her – people who live quietly, struggle daily and shine in their soft way. And I will remember that dignity doesn’t wear a uniform. It walks barefoot, with a tray on its head and love in its heart.
And perhaps, after all, the world is not such a secular place. For in these small human connections—in sharing fried snacks and silent respect – we find a kind of sacredness, don’t we?
Source: GNLM
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According to the nature of the world, there are both good and bad aspects of human society. Every person, at some point in their life, is likely to encounter something unpleasant. In such moments, instead of holding on to hope for the future, people often dwell more on the painful experiences of the past. This is what we call “pessimism”. Rejecting hope and filling both the body and mind with negativity — inside and out — can lead a person to become emotionally and socially disconnected.
According to the nature of the world, there are both good and bad aspects of human society. Every person, at some point in their life, is likely to encounter something unpleasant. In such moments, instead of holding on to hope for the future, people often dwell more on the painful experiences of the past. This is what we call “pessimism”. Rejecting hope and filling both the body and mind with negativity — inside and out — can lead a person to become emotionally and socially disconnected.
Pessimism is not something that must be completely eradicated. Sometimes, it can simply be a perspective. However, that view should not be tightly held onto and allowed to cloud our vision. This article presents why that is something worth keeping in mind.
One of the reasons this happened is that those who uphold an extremist pessimism have had to go through life bitterly. Since their childhood, they may suffer from the impacts of too much bullying, poverty, pressure, coercion, scolding, severe punishment, more than faults, and the pessimism attitude of seniors in society.
Moreover, those holding on to pessimism intentionally organize followers with the dissemination of their pessimism. While talking about some topics based on pessimism, they support their pessimistic discussions with each other and draw conclusions based on pessimism. Hence, their talking points and critical thinking cannot break through the pessimism. Consequently, they cannot see or consider anything beyond pessimism.
What is Pessimism?
Pessimism is the belief that nothing good can be expected in the future and that everything happening now is likely to result in negative outcomes. The content we often see in newspapers, social media, and on TV tends to reinforce this pessimistic outlook. Whether it’s the economy, politics, or physical or mental health, people tend to focus only on the negative aspects.
Pessimism can harm a person’s mindset and emotions. When people stop expecting anything positive from the future, they are more likely to experience discouragement, a decline in morale, and a growing sense of disconnect from the world around them.
Why Should We Avoid Holding onto Pessimism?
1. It damages mental health
Constantly embracing a pessimistic mindset can lead to depression and anxiety. When a person is repeatedly overwhelmed by negative thoughts and hopelessness, it becomes hard to see any light in their life, leaving them feeling emotionally exhausted and stuck.
2. Loss of opportunities
When hope for good things fades, the drive to create a better future diminishes. The mindset of “It’s impossible” can destroy even the possibilities that are achievable, simply through negative thinking.
3. Breakdown of Social Relationships
People tend to avoid those who are constantly dissatisfied, distrustful, and lack hope for the future. This creates distance and tension in relationships, leading to social isolation and weakened connections.
Sometimes, what does pessimism help with?
Actually, it’s not always a bad thing. In some situations, it simply acts as a step up — a kind of expectation that prompts us to be more cautious about the future.
• It helps ensure safety and better management by encouraging risk awareness.
• It can lead to thoughts that value happiness more deeply.
• Being able to work steadily without expectations can be beneficial from a certain perspective.
However, these views are only useful occasionally and are not suitable to hold on to all the time.
What Should You Do?
1.Building a New Perspective
It needs to gradually create a more positive mindset. Even without turning it into a mere hope, having the awareness that “everything can work out” can help you grow step by step.
2.Asking Questions
Questions like “Is my thinking accurate?” or “Are there other perspectives I haven’t considered yet?” can open the door to shifting your viewpoint.
3.Noticing the Good Things
It is necessary to record one thoughtful or small but meaningful moment from your daily life that can lift your spirit.
4.Cultivating Curiosity for Mental Growth
Emphasis must be placed on engaging yourself in reading, learning, or exploring hobbies to help rein in negative thinking.
Everybody has a chance to hold up both optimism and pessimism as they like. However, if they do everything based on pessimism, they can see everything with negative results. It may be right or wrong, but a large percentage of results will be wrong. Otherwise, they can see everything with an optimistic essence. If so, they can see most of the events which happen in society with the essence of optimism. In this regard, those who see everything in a negative sense will first suffer from the bad impacts of their thoughts. Those holding up the optimism will have the chance to enjoy peace of mind.
With regard to pessimism, I have a true story. While serving duties at a governmental department, a friend of mine worked together with me in the same workplace. But he joined such a workplace after me. So, he was a junior in my section automatically. He could show off his outstanding skill at work due to his higher concentration on the functions of the workplace. Despite the duties of a junior, he was more skilful than me as well as other seniors. In our workplace, we did not discriminate between the posts of junior and senior, although these were not set by the departmental rules.
However, my friend forgot the provisions related to the hierarchical rules of the department. All of us worked at night, so we all raised relations with one another, setting aside the strict departmental rules. At that time, as he was skilful in working, he had to be assigned to a higher post. He deserved to secure the senior post. Albeit not a personal attack on me, I knew he was never satisfied with the criteria for junior and senior posts. As such, he always scolded higher seniors and searched for faults in their work. He never talked about optimistic topics and did not praise others for their work results.
Indeed, I was very sorrowful to know the root causes of sparking his attitude. Since his childhood, he had lived in a staff quarter of an organization where his father served duties. He had known that some officers assigned his father heavily. If his father failed to accomplish the assignments, his father was scolded by those officers. My friend had bitterly seen such occurrences since his childhood. Such occurrences became scars on his soul. Moreover, their family was very poor due to the low income of his father. Consequently, my friend sought the best outlet for the mind to take a dependent environment. Furthermore, he was never satisfied with the scolding of those officers and took revenge on them.
When he became an adult, he did not meet with those officers, but his revenge did not disappear from his mind. Therefore, he sought a third-party person on whom he would take his revenge. When he joined the workplace, he searched for prey to utilize his trauma. However, the organizational setup of relevant organizations did not allow bullying someone as prey. As such, he unintentionally disseminated his pessimism to others in the workplace.
First, his pessimism was useful in analyzing some events. His assessments of some occurrences were right, but these ideologies were based on pessimism. However, he forgot all occurrences and all things can be reviewed with two or more perspectives. The truth can be sought in the right things or in the wrong things, or in both right and wrong things. Except for four universal truths discoursed by the Lord Buddha, even truths identified by society can change depending on the situation and time.
Gradually, my friend could not accept everything as he assessed these with pessimism. So, his soul was very tired. In the worst situation, the heads of the department who had handled the organization did not trust my friend because his attitude was not usual in the society of coworkers. Those officials accepted that my friend was dangerous to the workplace due to holding up productivity in all work processes. It was a time of failure in my friend’s life. Officials of the organizations in successful eras did not count the successful work of my friends. Consequently, he lost all measures, including promotion of ranks in the workplace. His pessimism brought a great loss to his life. Finally, he left the workplace and waved to us, leaving a valuable lesson.
Uphold both optimism and pessimism in analyzing something
Practically, most people avoid relationships with pessimists, and they do not dare to seek suggestions and consultation from pessimists. This is because the idea of depending on pessimism may lead to failure in initiating any project. It is necessary to review any incidents based on both optimism and pessimism; too much pessimism can not only prevent the best solution but also prevent an acceptable answer. Generally, pessimists never have a good opinion of anyone. Everyone those pessimists see becomes prey to their gossip. As such, many people are in fear of occurrences for their dignity, so even if they unavoidably seek advice from a pessimist, they do not prefer the gossip of the pessimist about them.
Pessimism is a feeling that no one can be blamed for. Everyone can have perspectives that don’t align with hope. However, if you tightly cling to those negative views and willfully ignore other possibilities, it can cause serious harm throughout your life. An approach to address a problem with pessimism has the lowest percentage of securing success. It is because pessimists are never satisfied with everything and everybody. As they cannot keep a clear soul, they do not have a fine facial appearance. Hence, they cannot keep abreast of optimists in facial appearances. Consequently, they have rare times of happiness and pleasure as well as smiling. That’s why the message “Don’t hold on tightly to pessimism” is a reminder that everyone should take to heart.
I don’t emphasize that anyone holds up pessimism. However, everyone must hold up both optimism and pessimism. They have to analyze and assess everything, applying both optimism and pessimism to have the best result in all issues. Especially, everybody needs to consider that in approaching a problem, using just optimism cannot reveal the truth. Likewise, pessimism alone cannot be useful in analyzing a problem in a correct manner. Only when everybody approaches any problem with both optimism and pessimism will they have the most appropriate and correct solution. One thing is certain: those who hold on to a negative mindset will always be troubled, while the optimists will live with joy and happiness.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
According to the nature of the world, there are both good and bad aspects of human society. Every person, at some point in their life, is likely to encounter something unpleasant. In such moments, instead of holding on to hope for the future, people often dwell more on the painful experiences of the past. This is what we call “pessimism”. Rejecting hope and filling both the body and mind with negativity — inside and out — can lead a person to become emotionally and socially disconnected.
Pessimism is not something that must be completely eradicated. Sometimes, it can simply be a perspective. However, that view should not be tightly held onto and allowed to cloud our vision. This article presents why that is something worth keeping in mind.
One of the reasons this happened is that those who uphold an extremist pessimism have had to go through life bitterly. Since their childhood, they may suffer from the impacts of too much bullying, poverty, pressure, coercion, scolding, severe punishment, more than faults, and the pessimism attitude of seniors in society.
Moreover, those holding on to pessimism intentionally organize followers with the dissemination of their pessimism. While talking about some topics based on pessimism, they support their pessimistic discussions with each other and draw conclusions based on pessimism. Hence, their talking points and critical thinking cannot break through the pessimism. Consequently, they cannot see or consider anything beyond pessimism.
What is Pessimism?
Pessimism is the belief that nothing good can be expected in the future and that everything happening now is likely to result in negative outcomes. The content we often see in newspapers, social media, and on TV tends to reinforce this pessimistic outlook. Whether it’s the economy, politics, or physical or mental health, people tend to focus only on the negative aspects.
Pessimism can harm a person’s mindset and emotions. When people stop expecting anything positive from the future, they are more likely to experience discouragement, a decline in morale, and a growing sense of disconnect from the world around them.
Why Should We Avoid Holding onto Pessimism?
1. It damages mental health
Constantly embracing a pessimistic mindset can lead to depression and anxiety. When a person is repeatedly overwhelmed by negative thoughts and hopelessness, it becomes hard to see any light in their life, leaving them feeling emotionally exhausted and stuck.
2. Loss of opportunities
When hope for good things fades, the drive to create a better future diminishes. The mindset of “It’s impossible” can destroy even the possibilities that are achievable, simply through negative thinking.
3. Breakdown of Social Relationships
People tend to avoid those who are constantly dissatisfied, distrustful, and lack hope for the future. This creates distance and tension in relationships, leading to social isolation and weakened connections.
Sometimes, what does pessimism help with?
Actually, it’s not always a bad thing. In some situations, it simply acts as a step up — a kind of expectation that prompts us to be more cautious about the future.
• It helps ensure safety and better management by encouraging risk awareness.
• It can lead to thoughts that value happiness more deeply.
• Being able to work steadily without expectations can be beneficial from a certain perspective.
However, these views are only useful occasionally and are not suitable to hold on to all the time.
What Should You Do?
1.Building a New Perspective
It needs to gradually create a more positive mindset. Even without turning it into a mere hope, having the awareness that “everything can work out” can help you grow step by step.
2.Asking Questions
Questions like “Is my thinking accurate?” or “Are there other perspectives I haven’t considered yet?” can open the door to shifting your viewpoint.
3.Noticing the Good Things
It is necessary to record one thoughtful or small but meaningful moment from your daily life that can lift your spirit.
4.Cultivating Curiosity for Mental Growth
Emphasis must be placed on engaging yourself in reading, learning, or exploring hobbies to help rein in negative thinking.
Everybody has a chance to hold up both optimism and pessimism as they like. However, if they do everything based on pessimism, they can see everything with negative results. It may be right or wrong, but a large percentage of results will be wrong. Otherwise, they can see everything with an optimistic essence. If so, they can see most of the events which happen in society with the essence of optimism. In this regard, those who see everything in a negative sense will first suffer from the bad impacts of their thoughts. Those holding up the optimism will have the chance to enjoy peace of mind.
With regard to pessimism, I have a true story. While serving duties at a governmental department, a friend of mine worked together with me in the same workplace. But he joined such a workplace after me. So, he was a junior in my section automatically. He could show off his outstanding skill at work due to his higher concentration on the functions of the workplace. Despite the duties of a junior, he was more skilful than me as well as other seniors. In our workplace, we did not discriminate between the posts of junior and senior, although these were not set by the departmental rules.
However, my friend forgot the provisions related to the hierarchical rules of the department. All of us worked at night, so we all raised relations with one another, setting aside the strict departmental rules. At that time, as he was skilful in working, he had to be assigned to a higher post. He deserved to secure the senior post. Albeit not a personal attack on me, I knew he was never satisfied with the criteria for junior and senior posts. As such, he always scolded higher seniors and searched for faults in their work. He never talked about optimistic topics and did not praise others for their work results.
Indeed, I was very sorrowful to know the root causes of sparking his attitude. Since his childhood, he had lived in a staff quarter of an organization where his father served duties. He had known that some officers assigned his father heavily. If his father failed to accomplish the assignments, his father was scolded by those officers. My friend had bitterly seen such occurrences since his childhood. Such occurrences became scars on his soul. Moreover, their family was very poor due to the low income of his father. Consequently, my friend sought the best outlet for the mind to take a dependent environment. Furthermore, he was never satisfied with the scolding of those officers and took revenge on them.
When he became an adult, he did not meet with those officers, but his revenge did not disappear from his mind. Therefore, he sought a third-party person on whom he would take his revenge. When he joined the workplace, he searched for prey to utilize his trauma. However, the organizational setup of relevant organizations did not allow bullying someone as prey. As such, he unintentionally disseminated his pessimism to others in the workplace.
First, his pessimism was useful in analyzing some events. His assessments of some occurrences were right, but these ideologies were based on pessimism. However, he forgot all occurrences and all things can be reviewed with two or more perspectives. The truth can be sought in the right things or in the wrong things, or in both right and wrong things. Except for four universal truths discoursed by the Lord Buddha, even truths identified by society can change depending on the situation and time.
Gradually, my friend could not accept everything as he assessed these with pessimism. So, his soul was very tired. In the worst situation, the heads of the department who had handled the organization did not trust my friend because his attitude was not usual in the society of coworkers. Those officials accepted that my friend was dangerous to the workplace due to holding up productivity in all work processes. It was a time of failure in my friend’s life. Officials of the organizations in successful eras did not count the successful work of my friends. Consequently, he lost all measures, including promotion of ranks in the workplace. His pessimism brought a great loss to his life. Finally, he left the workplace and waved to us, leaving a valuable lesson.
Uphold both optimism and pessimism in analyzing something
Practically, most people avoid relationships with pessimists, and they do not dare to seek suggestions and consultation from pessimists. This is because the idea of depending on pessimism may lead to failure in initiating any project. It is necessary to review any incidents based on both optimism and pessimism; too much pessimism can not only prevent the best solution but also prevent an acceptable answer. Generally, pessimists never have a good opinion of anyone. Everyone those pessimists see becomes prey to their gossip. As such, many people are in fear of occurrences for their dignity, so even if they unavoidably seek advice from a pessimist, they do not prefer the gossip of the pessimist about them.
Pessimism is a feeling that no one can be blamed for. Everyone can have perspectives that don’t align with hope. However, if you tightly cling to those negative views and willfully ignore other possibilities, it can cause serious harm throughout your life. An approach to address a problem with pessimism has the lowest percentage of securing success. It is because pessimists are never satisfied with everything and everybody. As they cannot keep a clear soul, they do not have a fine facial appearance. Hence, they cannot keep abreast of optimists in facial appearances. Consequently, they have rare times of happiness and pleasure as well as smiling. That’s why the message “Don’t hold on tightly to pessimism” is a reminder that everyone should take to heart.
I don’t emphasize that anyone holds up pessimism. However, everyone must hold up both optimism and pessimism. They have to analyze and assess everything, applying both optimism and pessimism to have the best result in all issues. Especially, everybody needs to consider that in approaching a problem, using just optimism cannot reveal the truth. Likewise, pessimism alone cannot be useful in analyzing a problem in a correct manner. Only when everybody approaches any problem with both optimism and pessimism will they have the most appropriate and correct solution. One thing is certain: those who hold on to a negative mindset will always be troubled, while the optimists will live with joy and happiness.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
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In a world that celebrates speed, productivity, and never-ending hustle, the idea of “slow living” might sound outdated or even lazy. But slow living doesn’t mean doing things lazily or dragging your feet. Indeed, it requires a surprising amount of presence, awareness, and strength, not to chase time, but to live inside it.
In a world that celebrates speed, productivity, and never-ending hustle, the idea of “slow living” might sound outdated or even lazy. But slow living doesn’t mean doing things lazily or dragging your feet. Indeed, it requires a surprising amount of presence, awareness, and strength, not to chase time, but to live inside it.
I used to be one of those people who measured my worth by how much I accomplished in a day. I’d read articles and watch motivational videos that glorified waking up at 5 am, planning every second of your schedule, and squeezing productivity out of every activity. I’d try to mimic that — get up early, hit the gym, read a book, journal, meditate, work on a side hustle — all before 8 am.
And if I failed? I’d criticize myself for being lazy, weak, or undisciplined. I couldn’t rest without guilt. My inner voice sounded more like a coach yelling instructions than a kind friend offering support. But slowly, something shifted.
It began with small things. One morning, I didn’t set an alarm. I simply woke up around 6 am — not because I had to, but because my body was ready. I walked downstairs, bought flowers for the shrine, took a warm shower, made an offering, and meditated. No rush, no pressure. Just presence. That’s when I first tasted what slow living could feel like. Since then, my days have taken on a new rhythm.
Now, after my morning routine, I sit and read for about 20 minutes. I write in my journal. Around noon, I clean the rooms, wash the dishes and sink, do the laundry, and fold clothes. These chores, once annoying and mindless, have become something else — grounding, almost therapeutic. Living alone has helped me turn even tasks I didn’t want to do into habits I now appreciate. In the evening, I walk in the yard, water the plants, and then shower again. At night, I usually work on clients’ projects. If there’s no work, I watch a movie or call my relatives who live in other regions. By around 10:30 pm or 11 pm, I go to sleep. These days, the way I’m living could be described as “slow living”. In times like this, when distractions are everywhere, it helps calm my mind.
But let’s clear up a common misunderstanding: Slow living isn’t a lifestyle that only people with lots of money can afford. It’s not about buying organic soaps, handmade furniture, or taking retreats in the countryside. It’s about a mindset. A way of approaching life.
Slow living is about living with awareness — it’s not about drifting through life aimlessly. It’s about feeling the tiny droplets of water falling while we’re hanging washed clothes for just four or five minutes. It’s about feeling the warmth of the sun-dried clothes through our fingertips as we fold them. It’s about inhaling the fresh scent of soap. It’s about feeling our hands touch the water running from the faucet while washing the dishes. It’s about noticing the little suds and the texture of the plates.
While cooking, while eating, while showering, while sleeping, even while working – It’s all about mindfulness, being fully in the moment, feeling through all five senses — touch, smell, taste, sound, sight – and completing each task with that awareness. Even if something takes just five minutes, we need to fully enjoy and feel what we’re doing. People tend to focus only on what’s bothering them. But we should shift our focus more towards the present moment in our process.
Next, overthinking is one of the biggest barriers to mindfulness and slow living. It pulls us away from the now. Instead of living, we start analysing everything. Instead of enjoying our meal, we’re thinking about yesterday’s argument or tomorrow’s deadline. Our body may be in the moment, but our mind is sprinting in circles.
Overthinking is exhausting. It creates problems that don’t even exist. It turns simple situations into complicated ones. It robs us of sleep, peace, and presence. And sadly, it’s become a normal part of modern life. We scroll endlessly through advice posts:”10 ways to stop overthinking”, “5 habits to become your best self”, and “Do this every morning to change your life.”
But in this age of information overload, it’s so important not to become a slave to that information. At the end of the day, we’re responsible for our own lives. And only by living in alignment with our values and being satisfied with the way we live.
Mindfulness is the medicine for overthinking. When you truly notice the moment, your breath, the smell of rain, the warmth of tea in your hands, your mind has no choice but to slow down. And when the mind slows, peace enters.
A person who’s always tired and constantly rushing through everything can never live the same quality of life as someone calm, mindful, and present in each task. It’s not the same level of happiness, not the same sense of meaning.
When I first began this journey, I didn’t realize how loud my thoughts had become. Even while doing simple tasks, my brain was racing – checking notifications, replaying conversations, worrying about things I couldn’t control. It took effort to bring myself back to the now, again and again. But over time, it became easier. Like building a muscle. The more I practised mindfulness, the less I overthought. The more I paid attention, the less anxious I felt. That’s the hidden gift of slow living — it trains our minds to stop running and start listening.
I don’t want to give people advice like “Do this to improve your life”. Because honestly, I’m not doing anything extraordinary myself. I’ve simply chosen to live slower. Not to perform, but to experience. To notice how the floor feels under my feet when I walk. To hear the birds outside my window. To eat meals without checking my phone. To breathe deeply and fully before starting a new task.
In the past, I used to be hard on myself and criticize myself unnecessarily. For example, I’d push myself to get up at 5 am and go to the gym by 6 am. If I couldn’t stick to that, I’d beat myself up and feel useless. Now? I don’t even set an alarm. By 5 am, I naturally wake up. This isn’t just about routine. It’s about rhythm – living in a way that feels gentle, authentic, and balanced. There’s no perfect formula. No schedule we need to copy. Just a series of choices. In the end, everything comes down to the choices we make.
We can choose to rush through life, always chasing the next thing, never feeling enough. Or we can choose to slow down, breathe, and trust that the present moment is already rich with meaning. Slow living is a quiet rebellion in a noisy world. It’s not a trend. It’s a return to ourselves, our senses, our humanity.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
In a world that celebrates speed, productivity, and never-ending hustle, the idea of “slow living” might sound outdated or even lazy. But slow living doesn’t mean doing things lazily or dragging your feet. Indeed, it requires a surprising amount of presence, awareness, and strength, not to chase time, but to live inside it.
I used to be one of those people who measured my worth by how much I accomplished in a day. I’d read articles and watch motivational videos that glorified waking up at 5 am, planning every second of your schedule, and squeezing productivity out of every activity. I’d try to mimic that — get up early, hit the gym, read a book, journal, meditate, work on a side hustle — all before 8 am.
And if I failed? I’d criticize myself for being lazy, weak, or undisciplined. I couldn’t rest without guilt. My inner voice sounded more like a coach yelling instructions than a kind friend offering support. But slowly, something shifted.
It began with small things. One morning, I didn’t set an alarm. I simply woke up around 6 am — not because I had to, but because my body was ready. I walked downstairs, bought flowers for the shrine, took a warm shower, made an offering, and meditated. No rush, no pressure. Just presence. That’s when I first tasted what slow living could feel like. Since then, my days have taken on a new rhythm.
Now, after my morning routine, I sit and read for about 20 minutes. I write in my journal. Around noon, I clean the rooms, wash the dishes and sink, do the laundry, and fold clothes. These chores, once annoying and mindless, have become something else — grounding, almost therapeutic. Living alone has helped me turn even tasks I didn’t want to do into habits I now appreciate. In the evening, I walk in the yard, water the plants, and then shower again. At night, I usually work on clients’ projects. If there’s no work, I watch a movie or call my relatives who live in other regions. By around 10:30 pm or 11 pm, I go to sleep. These days, the way I’m living could be described as “slow living”. In times like this, when distractions are everywhere, it helps calm my mind.
But let’s clear up a common misunderstanding: Slow living isn’t a lifestyle that only people with lots of money can afford. It’s not about buying organic soaps, handmade furniture, or taking retreats in the countryside. It’s about a mindset. A way of approaching life.
Slow living is about living with awareness — it’s not about drifting through life aimlessly. It’s about feeling the tiny droplets of water falling while we’re hanging washed clothes for just four or five minutes. It’s about feeling the warmth of the sun-dried clothes through our fingertips as we fold them. It’s about inhaling the fresh scent of soap. It’s about feeling our hands touch the water running from the faucet while washing the dishes. It’s about noticing the little suds and the texture of the plates.
While cooking, while eating, while showering, while sleeping, even while working – It’s all about mindfulness, being fully in the moment, feeling through all five senses — touch, smell, taste, sound, sight – and completing each task with that awareness. Even if something takes just five minutes, we need to fully enjoy and feel what we’re doing. People tend to focus only on what’s bothering them. But we should shift our focus more towards the present moment in our process.
Next, overthinking is one of the biggest barriers to mindfulness and slow living. It pulls us away from the now. Instead of living, we start analysing everything. Instead of enjoying our meal, we’re thinking about yesterday’s argument or tomorrow’s deadline. Our body may be in the moment, but our mind is sprinting in circles.
Overthinking is exhausting. It creates problems that don’t even exist. It turns simple situations into complicated ones. It robs us of sleep, peace, and presence. And sadly, it’s become a normal part of modern life. We scroll endlessly through advice posts:”10 ways to stop overthinking”, “5 habits to become your best self”, and “Do this every morning to change your life.”
But in this age of information overload, it’s so important not to become a slave to that information. At the end of the day, we’re responsible for our own lives. And only by living in alignment with our values and being satisfied with the way we live.
Mindfulness is the medicine for overthinking. When you truly notice the moment, your breath, the smell of rain, the warmth of tea in your hands, your mind has no choice but to slow down. And when the mind slows, peace enters.
A person who’s always tired and constantly rushing through everything can never live the same quality of life as someone calm, mindful, and present in each task. It’s not the same level of happiness, not the same sense of meaning.
When I first began this journey, I didn’t realize how loud my thoughts had become. Even while doing simple tasks, my brain was racing – checking notifications, replaying conversations, worrying about things I couldn’t control. It took effort to bring myself back to the now, again and again. But over time, it became easier. Like building a muscle. The more I practised mindfulness, the less I overthought. The more I paid attention, the less anxious I felt. That’s the hidden gift of slow living — it trains our minds to stop running and start listening.
I don’t want to give people advice like “Do this to improve your life”. Because honestly, I’m not doing anything extraordinary myself. I’ve simply chosen to live slower. Not to perform, but to experience. To notice how the floor feels under my feet when I walk. To hear the birds outside my window. To eat meals without checking my phone. To breathe deeply and fully before starting a new task.
In the past, I used to be hard on myself and criticize myself unnecessarily. For example, I’d push myself to get up at 5 am and go to the gym by 6 am. If I couldn’t stick to that, I’d beat myself up and feel useless. Now? I don’t even set an alarm. By 5 am, I naturally wake up. This isn’t just about routine. It’s about rhythm – living in a way that feels gentle, authentic, and balanced. There’s no perfect formula. No schedule we need to copy. Just a series of choices. In the end, everything comes down to the choices we make.
We can choose to rush through life, always chasing the next thing, never feeling enough. Or we can choose to slow down, breathe, and trust that the present moment is already rich with meaning. Slow living is a quiet rebellion in a noisy world. It’s not a trend. It’s a return to ourselves, our senses, our humanity.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
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In a world often driven by desires, aspirations, and immediate satisfaction, it is easy to become passionate about what we want to be. These desires, whether materialistic, celebrity-driven, or status-oriented, seem to dominate our goals and ambitions. However, focusing solely on what we want to be can lead to a shallow existence, driven by external validation and passing pleasures. Instead, we should prioritize what we should be the qualities, roles, and responsibilities that contribute to our growth, well-being, and the well-being of those around us.
In a world often driven by desires, aspirations, and immediate satisfaction, it is easy to become passionate about what we want to be. These desires, whether materialistic, celebrity-driven, or status-oriented, seem to dominate our goals and ambitions. However, focusing solely on what we want to be can lead to a shallow existence, driven by external validation and passing pleasures. Instead, we should prioritize what we should be the qualities, roles, and responsibilities that contribute to our growth, well-being, and the well-being of those around us. By shifting our focus from what we want to be to what we should be, we can foster a deeper sense of purpose, fulfilment, and societal contribution.
Understanding “What You Should Be” versus “What You Want to Be”
At the core of this discussion lies an important distinction: the difference between what we want to be and what we should be. “What you want to be” is often based on external desires or personal interests; it could involve wanting to be famous, rich, or admired. These goals are frequently tied to material success or the pursuit of passing pleasures. While there is nothing inherently wrong with having ambitions, when they are the sole focus, they can lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of meaning.
On the other hand, “what you should be” refers to the values, responsibilities, and qualities that we are meant to cultivate to live a fulfilling life. It involves striving to be a person of integrity, kindness, resilience, and responsibility. Focusing on what we should be centres around personal growth, the development of character, and contributing positively to our communities. It encourages us to think about our roles in a broader sense and how we can contribute to the collective good.
Read more: https://www.gnlm.com.mm/prioritize-what-you-should-be-rather-than-what-you-want-to-be/
In a world often driven by desires, aspirations, and immediate satisfaction, it is easy to become passionate about what we want to be. These desires, whether materialistic, celebrity-driven, or status-oriented, seem to dominate our goals and ambitions. However, focusing solely on what we want to be can lead to a shallow existence, driven by external validation and passing pleasures. Instead, we should prioritize what we should be the qualities, roles, and responsibilities that contribute to our growth, well-being, and the well-being of those around us. By shifting our focus from what we want to be to what we should be, we can foster a deeper sense of purpose, fulfilment, and societal contribution.
Understanding “What You Should Be” versus “What You Want to Be”
At the core of this discussion lies an important distinction: the difference between what we want to be and what we should be. “What you want to be” is often based on external desires or personal interests; it could involve wanting to be famous, rich, or admired. These goals are frequently tied to material success or the pursuit of passing pleasures. While there is nothing inherently wrong with having ambitions, when they are the sole focus, they can lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of meaning.
On the other hand, “what you should be” refers to the values, responsibilities, and qualities that we are meant to cultivate to live a fulfilling life. It involves striving to be a person of integrity, kindness, resilience, and responsibility. Focusing on what we should be centres around personal growth, the development of character, and contributing positively to our communities. It encourages us to think about our roles in a broader sense and how we can contribute to the collective good.
Read more: https://www.gnlm.com.mm/prioritize-what-you-should-be-rather-than-what-you-want-to-be/
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The day on 28 March 2025 was an unforgettable day for all citizens of Myanmar. Ten minutes to 1 pm on that day, a devastating earthquake jolted Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and Bago Region, resulting in several casualties.
The day on 28 March 2025 was an unforgettable day for all citizens of Myanmar. Ten minutes to 1 pm on that day, a devastating earthquake jolted Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and Bago Region, resulting in several casualties.
The Mandalay earthquake measured 7.7 on the Richter scale. Among the earthquakes that have occurred since the 1900s, this is the second most powerful. Out of the 18 significant quakes we’ve experienced, the one in 1912 was the strongest, at 8.0 on the Richter scale. This recent earthquake was extremely powerful and caused significant loss and damage. Over 3,700 people have died, and more than 5,000 were injured. About 70 people are still missing. Around 67,000 homes have been destroyed. Approximately 6,400 schools and around 350 hospitals and clinics were damaged. Many roads and bridges have also been destroyed. This article aims to commemorate the powerful Mandalay earthquake that struck on 28 March 2025 and to draw as many lessons as possible from the event.
The day on 28 March 2025 was an unforgettable day for all citizens of Myanmar. Ten minutes to 1 pm on that day, a devastating earthquake jolted Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and Bago Region, resulting in several casualties.
The Mandalay earthquake measured 7.7 on the Richter scale. Among the earthquakes that have occurred since the 1900s, this is the second most powerful. Out of the 18 significant quakes we’ve experienced, the one in 1912 was the strongest, at 8.0 on the Richter scale. This recent earthquake was extremely powerful and caused significant loss and damage. Over 3,700 people have died, and more than 5,000 were injured. About 70 people are still missing. Around 67,000 homes have been destroyed. Approximately 6,400 schools and around 350 hospitals and clinics were damaged. Many roads and bridges have also been destroyed. This article aims to commemorate the powerful Mandalay earthquake that struck on 28 March 2025 and to draw as many lessons as possible from the event.
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SMALL objects we carry daily hold a quiet charm – a keychain from a favourite trip, a ring softened by time, a note folded with love, or, most often, a photo tucked inside a wallet.
These aren’t just things; they’re pieces of the heart, carrying memories, love, and the people who make life special. We carry them not for their material worth, but for the stories they whisper every time our fingers brush past them.
SMALL objects we carry daily hold a quiet charm – a keychain from a favourite trip, a ring softened by time, a note folded with love, or, most often, a photo tucked inside a wallet.
These aren’t just things; they’re pieces of the heart, carrying memories, love, and the people who make life special. We carry them not for their material worth, but for the stories they whisper every time our fingers brush past them.
Each item tucked away holds a universe. A faded train ticket, a dried flower, or a scribbled phone number – reminders that someone mattered, that a moment once lit the heart. Among these, the photo in the wallet stands apart. It’s often a small, square token of love, folded neatly, a little worn around the edges. It’s carried day after day, year after year, surviving the chaos of everyday life. Yet somehow, it remains intact, holding a gaze, a smile, or a memory we never want to lose.
A friend recently shared a story that warmed the soul, showing just how much these keepsakes mean. Her husband went to the market one sunny afternoon to buy fish for dinner. It was a typical day – nothing grand, nothing out of the ordinary. He stood in line, waiting for his turn at the fish stall.
The fish seller, a woman with kind eyes and a ready smile, greeted him with unexpected warmth. “Your wife,” she said kindly, “always comes here for the freshest fish. I save the best for her and give her a small discount.” The husband blinked in surprise. He’d never met this woman before, had never spoken to her. And yet, she knew who he was. Curious, he asked, “How do you know her?” The fish seller laughed softly. “When she pays,” she explained, “I see your photo in her wallet. I’ve seen it so many times, I’d recognize you
anywhere.” The husband’s heart lifted.
Something about this simple recognition stirred him. A warm smile crossed his face. This woman – just a kind stranger – had seen a piece of his life carried every day, lovingly, by the person he loved most. That photo, quietly residing in his wife’s wallet, had introduced him to the world without his knowing.
When he got home with the fish, he told his wife the story. They laughed, the sound ringing through the kitchen like wind chimes on a breezy afternoon – joyful, intimate, and familiar. It wasn’t just a funny moment. The things we carry, even without thinking, reveal so much about who we are and who we love.
That evening, the husband felt a softness in his chest. He joined his wife in the kitchen, their hands moving together in rhythm as they cooked. The garlic sizzled, the onions turned golden, and their conversation flowed like a favourite song. My friend later said that meal was unforgettable – not just for the fish’s fresh taste, but for the love that flavoured it. It wasn’t a grand celebration or an anniversary dinner. It was a Sunday, perhaps, or a regular day that bloomed unexpectedly because of one small photo and the feelings it carried.
Over dinner, the husband asked gently to see the picture she carried. She smiled, reached into her purse, and slid her wallet across the table. Inside was a small, well-worn photo of him as a child, perhaps seven or eight years old – grinning, gap-toothed, full of wonder. He looked at it in quiet amazement. She had carried this memory, this younger version of him, close to her heart for years.
This moment touched him deeply. It wasn’t just the photo – it was the constancy of love, the way she had quietly held him close even in his absence, even when he wasn’t aware. Love doesn’t always need grand gestures. Sometimes, it shines brightest in the ordinary – a worn photo, a fish seller’s smile, two people standing side by side at the stove, cooking dinner like a team. Moved, the husband asked for a photo of her, one he could carry. Later that night, he slipped it into his wallet, pressing it between cards and bills with gentle reverence.
He wanted to carry her as she had carried him—a silent, loving promise tucked away for everyday life.
Love weaves through life’s moments in subtle ways. When young, wallets hold photos of first loves – crushes that make the heart race, summer romances, scribbled notes on notebook paper. As time passes, that picture might be of a spouse – the person who’s seen the best and worst of us, shared in our laughter, and steadied us through grief. When children arrive, their bright eyes and gap-toothed smiles take centre stage, a daily reminder of why we keep going. And as years roll on, we might carry photos of those we’ve lost – parents, friends, even pets – holding onto their memory with tenderness, as if their gaze in the photo offers comfort across time.
In a loud, busy world filled with notifications, deadlines, and digital noise, these simple keepsakes bring us back to what truly matters. The photo in a wallet – tucked beside old receipts and cards – is a quiet nod to the one who holds our heart. It’s a reminder that we are not alone, that someone is loved and remembered.
Whose photo rests in our wallet? A partner, a child, a parent, a friend, or perhaps a beloved pet? Maybe it’s someone who has passed, whose memory is carried close to our hearts. Each photo tells a story – of connection, of belonging, of a chapter in the book of our lives. Some of us might carry our own photos, reminders of who we once were, of how far we’ve come.
Over time, the faces in our wallets change. As we grow, so do the stories we choose to carry. The innocent love of youth gives way to the depth and endurance of mature connection.
In adulthood, the image of a partner represents stability, shared struggles, and a bond forged over the years. As parents, the joyful chaos of children becomes the focus – their smiles a bright thread running through long days and sleepless nights. And in later years, photos of those who’ve passed become treasured keepsakes, their absence softened by the comfort of memory.
In an age of smartphones and cloud storage, it might seem old-fashioned to carry a photo in a wallet. But maybe that’s exactly why it matters more than ever. It requires intention. It demands space in the finite, physical world we move through. It’s not swiped away or forgotten among hundreds of images – it’s chosen, preserved, honoured.
Some people don’t carry photos anymore. That’s okay, too. But perhaps the story of the fish seller and the husband will linger. Perhaps it will prompt us to pull out an old photo and place it back in the fold of our wallet.
Or maybe we’ll take a new one, capturing someone we love just as they are now – a moment, a glance, a truth worth carrying. Life’s beauty hides in simple things: a shared meal, a knowing glance, a photo carried close. My friend’s story – of a fish seller, a photo, and love shining in the everyday — reminds us that we’re all holding onto something precious, often without realizing it.
Because in the end, it’s not the things we own that define us. It’s the things we carry—the memories, the love, the quiet acts of care.
And when life gets busy, when the days blur together, when the world feels too fast, these small things become our anchor. They remind us of what really matters. They bring us back to ourselves.
The husband in that story will probably never forget the fish seller’s smile, or the way his wife quietly, lovingly carried a photo of him for years without ever needing to say a word.
That’s what love looks like. Not grand declarations. But small, steady signs. A photo in a wallet. A memory in a pocket. A heart held close.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
SMALL objects we carry daily hold a quiet charm – a keychain from a favourite trip, a ring softened by time, a note folded with love, or, most often, a photo tucked inside a wallet.
These aren’t just things; they’re pieces of the heart, carrying memories, love, and the people who make life special. We carry them not for their material worth, but for the stories they whisper every time our fingers brush past them.
Each item tucked away holds a universe. A faded train ticket, a dried flower, or a scribbled phone number – reminders that someone mattered, that a moment once lit the heart. Among these, the photo in the wallet stands apart. It’s often a small, square token of love, folded neatly, a little worn around the edges. It’s carried day after day, year after year, surviving the chaos of everyday life. Yet somehow, it remains intact, holding a gaze, a smile, or a memory we never want to lose.
A friend recently shared a story that warmed the soul, showing just how much these keepsakes mean. Her husband went to the market one sunny afternoon to buy fish for dinner. It was a typical day – nothing grand, nothing out of the ordinary. He stood in line, waiting for his turn at the fish stall.
The fish seller, a woman with kind eyes and a ready smile, greeted him with unexpected warmth. “Your wife,” she said kindly, “always comes here for the freshest fish. I save the best for her and give her a small discount.” The husband blinked in surprise. He’d never met this woman before, had never spoken to her. And yet, she knew who he was. Curious, he asked, “How do you know her?” The fish seller laughed softly. “When she pays,” she explained, “I see your photo in her wallet. I’ve seen it so many times, I’d recognize you
anywhere.” The husband’s heart lifted.
Something about this simple recognition stirred him. A warm smile crossed his face. This woman – just a kind stranger – had seen a piece of his life carried every day, lovingly, by the person he loved most. That photo, quietly residing in his wife’s wallet, had introduced him to the world without his knowing.
When he got home with the fish, he told his wife the story. They laughed, the sound ringing through the kitchen like wind chimes on a breezy afternoon – joyful, intimate, and familiar. It wasn’t just a funny moment. The things we carry, even without thinking, reveal so much about who we are and who we love.
That evening, the husband felt a softness in his chest. He joined his wife in the kitchen, their hands moving together in rhythm as they cooked. The garlic sizzled, the onions turned golden, and their conversation flowed like a favourite song. My friend later said that meal was unforgettable – not just for the fish’s fresh taste, but for the love that flavoured it. It wasn’t a grand celebration or an anniversary dinner. It was a Sunday, perhaps, or a regular day that bloomed unexpectedly because of one small photo and the feelings it carried.
Over dinner, the husband asked gently to see the picture she carried. She smiled, reached into her purse, and slid her wallet across the table. Inside was a small, well-worn photo of him as a child, perhaps seven or eight years old – grinning, gap-toothed, full of wonder. He looked at it in quiet amazement. She had carried this memory, this younger version of him, close to her heart for years.
This moment touched him deeply. It wasn’t just the photo – it was the constancy of love, the way she had quietly held him close even in his absence, even when he wasn’t aware. Love doesn’t always need grand gestures. Sometimes, it shines brightest in the ordinary – a worn photo, a fish seller’s smile, two people standing side by side at the stove, cooking dinner like a team. Moved, the husband asked for a photo of her, one he could carry. Later that night, he slipped it into his wallet, pressing it between cards and bills with gentle reverence.
He wanted to carry her as she had carried him—a silent, loving promise tucked away for everyday life.
Love weaves through life’s moments in subtle ways. When young, wallets hold photos of first loves – crushes that make the heart race, summer romances, scribbled notes on notebook paper. As time passes, that picture might be of a spouse – the person who’s seen the best and worst of us, shared in our laughter, and steadied us through grief. When children arrive, their bright eyes and gap-toothed smiles take centre stage, a daily reminder of why we keep going. And as years roll on, we might carry photos of those we’ve lost – parents, friends, even pets – holding onto their memory with tenderness, as if their gaze in the photo offers comfort across time.
In a loud, busy world filled with notifications, deadlines, and digital noise, these simple keepsakes bring us back to what truly matters. The photo in a wallet – tucked beside old receipts and cards – is a quiet nod to the one who holds our heart. It’s a reminder that we are not alone, that someone is loved and remembered.
Whose photo rests in our wallet? A partner, a child, a parent, a friend, or perhaps a beloved pet? Maybe it’s someone who has passed, whose memory is carried close to our hearts. Each photo tells a story – of connection, of belonging, of a chapter in the book of our lives. Some of us might carry our own photos, reminders of who we once were, of how far we’ve come.
Over time, the faces in our wallets change. As we grow, so do the stories we choose to carry. The innocent love of youth gives way to the depth and endurance of mature connection.
In adulthood, the image of a partner represents stability, shared struggles, and a bond forged over the years. As parents, the joyful chaos of children becomes the focus – their smiles a bright thread running through long days and sleepless nights. And in later years, photos of those who’ve passed become treasured keepsakes, their absence softened by the comfort of memory.
In an age of smartphones and cloud storage, it might seem old-fashioned to carry a photo in a wallet. But maybe that’s exactly why it matters more than ever. It requires intention. It demands space in the finite, physical world we move through. It’s not swiped away or forgotten among hundreds of images – it’s chosen, preserved, honoured.
Some people don’t carry photos anymore. That’s okay, too. But perhaps the story of the fish seller and the husband will linger. Perhaps it will prompt us to pull out an old photo and place it back in the fold of our wallet.
Or maybe we’ll take a new one, capturing someone we love just as they are now – a moment, a glance, a truth worth carrying. Life’s beauty hides in simple things: a shared meal, a knowing glance, a photo carried close. My friend’s story – of a fish seller, a photo, and love shining in the everyday — reminds us that we’re all holding onto something precious, often without realizing it.
Because in the end, it’s not the things we own that define us. It’s the things we carry—the memories, the love, the quiet acts of care.
And when life gets busy, when the days blur together, when the world feels too fast, these small things become our anchor. They remind us of what really matters. They bring us back to ourselves.
The husband in that story will probably never forget the fish seller’s smile, or the way his wife quietly, lovingly carried a photo of him for years without ever needing to say a word.
That’s what love looks like. Not grand declarations. But small, steady signs. A photo in a wallet. A memory in a pocket. A heart held close.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
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As a matter of society, almost everyone wants to be wealthy in terms of material possessions, including movable and immovable property and assets, jewellery items and precious ornaments in operating their livelihoods as careers. A comfortable life with a decent amount of money can provide a sense of security for oneself and one’s family. However, for wealth to be truly fulfilling, everybody needs to notice that they have equipped themselves with wisdom and moral integrity.
As a matter of society, almost everyone wants to be wealthy in terms of material possessions, including movable and immovable property and assets, jewellery items and precious ornaments in operating their livelihoods as careers. A comfortable life with a decent amount of money can provide a sense of security for oneself and one’s family. However, for wealth to be truly fulfilling, everybody needs to notice that they have equipped themselves with wisdom and moral integrity. Moreover, they have to really understand and firmly uphold the concept that the more they become wealthy, the more responsible they become for the trust of the people they have taken.
Hopes of a successful person
In today’s world, being a successful person requires not only economic achievement but also social recognition. In the past, someone who earned a lot of money was often automatically considered ‘successful.’ But nowadays, that mindset has changed in society. People in the current generation consider that success is no longer measured solely by money and property wealth. It also includes how well a person interacts with others in society and how much support or contribution they offer to others through genuine mindsets.
When studying successful individuals who have become well-known, it becomes clear that their achievements are not only due to economic stability in doing business, but also their ability to demonstrate good character, interpersonal skills, and loving-kindness for others. Those individuals are not only capable of recognizing and managing their employees with various forms of respect, but they are also actively engaged in social organizations. Their success impacts not only themselves but also the broader community. This has become a new definition of success in today’s world. Moreover, their mindsets must be better than ordinary people, showing systematic activities in their behaviours without assaulting and harming any others, even if they perform meritorious deeds as well as non-criminal activities.
Invisible public trust
Especially, the building of public trust is an invisible cornerstone of success. For a business to be sustainable in the long term, the trust of its customers, the reliability of its workers, and the respect of the community are critically important. Wealth gained without trust is often temporary and will eventually collapse one day. If so, those individuals pretending themselves as trustworthily eminent persons will suffer the impacts of shamefulness.
Social ethics not only prepare for the future, but also shape the perspectives of people today. For example, a business owner who strives for success by imposing pressure on employees or using deceptive marketing tactics that harm consumers will not be seen as a respected leader. However, when they act with responsibility and accountability, they can gain long-term respect from the public.
In today’s world, for business success, one needs not only expertise, technology, and market research, but also to develop their own attitude, speech, and actions. To truly assess a person’s worth, one must measure not only their financial value but also the value of their words, actions, and the positive impact they contribute to the social environment.
Therefore, in today’s success, the concept of “ethics” should no longer be left behind. It has become a fundamental cornerstone that cannot be overlooked on the path to success. For anyone wishing to create success not only for themselves but also for the benefit of others, it is essential to have trustworthiness, integrity, and high social ethics. It is because the morality of humans can change everything in a short time.
Essence of true and lasting wealth
For example, some people involved in illegal activities in business may survive for a while, but in the long run, they lose trust and may be excluded from society. True and lasting wealth is not just about having a lot of money. It comes from creating a business that benefits others, managing employees with fairness, and contributing to society. These actions can lead to wealth and, at the same time, build a long-lasting reputation and honour.
Currently, starting a business is not only a personal endeavour but also a responsibility toward the entire community. In the past, businesses were primarily profit-driven, often without considering employees, customers, or environmental issues. However, as times change, there is a growing connection between social responsibility and business practices.
For a business to truly have value, it must bring benefits to others. As an example, a business manufacturing foodstuffs or giving services of food supply services can bring satisfaction to consumers by producing high-quality, health-safe products. If so, the reflection of such business will help polish the integrity of relevant business people. Such a business can not only benefit individual customers but also create jobs for young people, be recognized as a valuable business within the community, and increase its impact through energy and investment initiatives that avoid harm to the natural environment.
Fair management of business leaders
Moreover, managing employees fairly is another key consideration for any business leader. Treating employees with equitable and proper wages and respect in the workplace, and providing opportunities for career development, builds a strong foundation of trust for the business. Fair management practices enhance employee engagement, increase job satisfaction, and support the long-term success of the business. Only when employees are satisfied with the management of business people will they expedite efforts in the workplace in order to boost the business.
Especially in today’s world, contributing to society has become an indispensable responsibility of modern businesses. Supporting social enterprises, investing in education, and engaging in long-term sustainable development projects not only earn the respect of the public but also enhance the reputation of a business. Social contributions are essential to creating value with purpose, and through helping others within a community, a business can create “long-term value” beyond just profits.
When all of this is combined, the concept of “wealth” is not only measured by financial gain, but also by honour, integrity, and the place one holds in society. Wealth can be seen through the positive impact on others, responsibility, and such business practices.
Therefore, business leaders today who create value not just for themselves but for others, lead with fairness for their employees, and engage in social assistance, are the ones who can truly achieve comprehensive wealth. These leaders gain not only financial success but also the respect, trust, and admiration of their communities.
Fundamental necessity for wealth
A person with integrity can be proud of their success while also leading a more stable life with the support of others. In this era where social values are crucial, having ethical conduct has become a fundamental necessity for wealth. All people enjoying the fruits of success should not forget the lives of their started businesses and efforts. They have to understand that the worth and integrity of their lives were built on the pawn employees of their businesses and their trust.
Integrity is one of the most important qualities in a person, and it has a significant impact not only on one’s personal beliefs but also on the broader social environment. A person with integrity can live peacefully with others and not only take pride in their success, but also achieve a more stable and prosperous life through the support, cooperation, and efforts of others.
In today’s world, business success is no longer measured solely by economic achievements but also increasingly by social impact, and more people are beginning to attain this kind of success.
Greatest attributes with integrity
One of the greatest attributes of a person with integrity is that they can truly take pride in their accomplishments.
Such individuals manage their success responsibly, make good use of natural resources, and often adhere to traditional customs and practices. For example, those who succeed consistently over time demonstrate their accomplishments as a strength. Their ability to interact well with others and to deal with social issues is rooted in the trust they earn from those around them.
In today’s era, the social sector has become interconnected with economic matters, and business success has become something that can be practically evaluated. This requires effective management not only of technology, education, and the environment, but also of social issues. In this context, individuals with integrity and ethics gain respect, peace, and admiration from others, and they must also support and contribute to the success of those around them.
A successful entrepreneur, even after their lifetime, leaves behind not only the value of personal integrity but also a respectful perspective on their surroundings, offering new ways to generate positive impact. Responsibilities and outstanding work that benefit society are built on a foundation of meaningful value. For a business leader, contributing to social welfare brings lasting relevance, celebrates the success of others, and shares in their efforts — actions that are essential to fostering a vibrant and effective society for all humanity.
However, individuals with integrity demonstrate fairness, justice, and development for others. Not only do they achieve wealth, but they also play an exceptional role in society. While recognizing and honouring the contributions and efforts of others, and even when showcasing their own success, true accomplishment lies in also creating value for others. In reality, success is not measured by one’s wealth alone, but by how one helps stabilize the lives of others and upholds dignity, laying the foundation for long-term trust and a greater societal success.
Today, personal integrity is becoming an advantage. For those who live life with responsibility, it plays a vital role in enhancing even modest business success. Such individuals must uphold their values and maintain protection against unethical influence.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
As a matter of society, almost everyone wants to be wealthy in terms of material possessions, including movable and immovable property and assets, jewellery items and precious ornaments in operating their livelihoods as careers. A comfortable life with a decent amount of money can provide a sense of security for oneself and one’s family. However, for wealth to be truly fulfilling, everybody needs to notice that they have equipped themselves with wisdom and moral integrity. Moreover, they have to really understand and firmly uphold the concept that the more they become wealthy, the more responsible they become for the trust of the people they have taken.
Hopes of a successful person
In today’s world, being a successful person requires not only economic achievement but also social recognition. In the past, someone who earned a lot of money was often automatically considered ‘successful.’ But nowadays, that mindset has changed in society. People in the current generation consider that success is no longer measured solely by money and property wealth. It also includes how well a person interacts with others in society and how much support or contribution they offer to others through genuine mindsets.
When studying successful individuals who have become well-known, it becomes clear that their achievements are not only due to economic stability in doing business, but also their ability to demonstrate good character, interpersonal skills, and loving-kindness for others. Those individuals are not only capable of recognizing and managing their employees with various forms of respect, but they are also actively engaged in social organizations. Their success impacts not only themselves but also the broader community. This has become a new definition of success in today’s world. Moreover, their mindsets must be better than ordinary people, showing systematic activities in their behaviours without assaulting and harming any others, even if they perform meritorious deeds as well as non-criminal activities.
Invisible public trust
Especially, the building of public trust is an invisible cornerstone of success. For a business to be sustainable in the long term, the trust of its customers, the reliability of its workers, and the respect of the community are critically important. Wealth gained without trust is often temporary and will eventually collapse one day. If so, those individuals pretending themselves as trustworthily eminent persons will suffer the impacts of shamefulness.
Social ethics not only prepare for the future, but also shape the perspectives of people today. For example, a business owner who strives for success by imposing pressure on employees or using deceptive marketing tactics that harm consumers will not be seen as a respected leader. However, when they act with responsibility and accountability, they can gain long-term respect from the public.
In today’s world, for business success, one needs not only expertise, technology, and market research, but also to develop their own attitude, speech, and actions. To truly assess a person’s worth, one must measure not only their financial value but also the value of their words, actions, and the positive impact they contribute to the social environment.
Therefore, in today’s success, the concept of “ethics” should no longer be left behind. It has become a fundamental cornerstone that cannot be overlooked on the path to success. For anyone wishing to create success not only for themselves but also for the benefit of others, it is essential to have trustworthiness, integrity, and high social ethics. It is because the morality of humans can change everything in a short time.
Essence of true and lasting wealth
For example, some people involved in illegal activities in business may survive for a while, but in the long run, they lose trust and may be excluded from society. True and lasting wealth is not just about having a lot of money. It comes from creating a business that benefits others, managing employees with fairness, and contributing to society. These actions can lead to wealth and, at the same time, build a long-lasting reputation and honour.
Currently, starting a business is not only a personal endeavour but also a responsibility toward the entire community. In the past, businesses were primarily profit-driven, often without considering employees, customers, or environmental issues. However, as times change, there is a growing connection between social responsibility and business practices.
For a business to truly have value, it must bring benefits to others. As an example, a business manufacturing foodstuffs or giving services of food supply services can bring satisfaction to consumers by producing high-quality, health-safe products. If so, the reflection of such business will help polish the integrity of relevant business people. Such a business can not only benefit individual customers but also create jobs for young people, be recognized as a valuable business within the community, and increase its impact through energy and investment initiatives that avoid harm to the natural environment.
Fair management of business leaders
Moreover, managing employees fairly is another key consideration for any business leader. Treating employees with equitable and proper wages and respect in the workplace, and providing opportunities for career development, builds a strong foundation of trust for the business. Fair management practices enhance employee engagement, increase job satisfaction, and support the long-term success of the business. Only when employees are satisfied with the management of business people will they expedite efforts in the workplace in order to boost the business.
Especially in today’s world, contributing to society has become an indispensable responsibility of modern businesses. Supporting social enterprises, investing in education, and engaging in long-term sustainable development projects not only earn the respect of the public but also enhance the reputation of a business. Social contributions are essential to creating value with purpose, and through helping others within a community, a business can create “long-term value” beyond just profits.
When all of this is combined, the concept of “wealth” is not only measured by financial gain, but also by honour, integrity, and the place one holds in society. Wealth can be seen through the positive impact on others, responsibility, and such business practices.
Therefore, business leaders today who create value not just for themselves but for others, lead with fairness for their employees, and engage in social assistance, are the ones who can truly achieve comprehensive wealth. These leaders gain not only financial success but also the respect, trust, and admiration of their communities.
Fundamental necessity for wealth
A person with integrity can be proud of their success while also leading a more stable life with the support of others. In this era where social values are crucial, having ethical conduct has become a fundamental necessity for wealth. All people enjoying the fruits of success should not forget the lives of their started businesses and efforts. They have to understand that the worth and integrity of their lives were built on the pawn employees of their businesses and their trust.
Integrity is one of the most important qualities in a person, and it has a significant impact not only on one’s personal beliefs but also on the broader social environment. A person with integrity can live peacefully with others and not only take pride in their success, but also achieve a more stable and prosperous life through the support, cooperation, and efforts of others.
In today’s world, business success is no longer measured solely by economic achievements but also increasingly by social impact, and more people are beginning to attain this kind of success.
Greatest attributes with integrity
One of the greatest attributes of a person with integrity is that they can truly take pride in their accomplishments.
Such individuals manage their success responsibly, make good use of natural resources, and often adhere to traditional customs and practices. For example, those who succeed consistently over time demonstrate their accomplishments as a strength. Their ability to interact well with others and to deal with social issues is rooted in the trust they earn from those around them.
In today’s era, the social sector has become interconnected with economic matters, and business success has become something that can be practically evaluated. This requires effective management not only of technology, education, and the environment, but also of social issues. In this context, individuals with integrity and ethics gain respect, peace, and admiration from others, and they must also support and contribute to the success of those around them.
A successful entrepreneur, even after their lifetime, leaves behind not only the value of personal integrity but also a respectful perspective on their surroundings, offering new ways to generate positive impact. Responsibilities and outstanding work that benefit society are built on a foundation of meaningful value. For a business leader, contributing to social welfare brings lasting relevance, celebrates the success of others, and shares in their efforts — actions that are essential to fostering a vibrant and effective society for all humanity.
However, individuals with integrity demonstrate fairness, justice, and development for others. Not only do they achieve wealth, but they also play an exceptional role in society. While recognizing and honouring the contributions and efforts of others, and even when showcasing their own success, true accomplishment lies in also creating value for others. In reality, success is not measured by one’s wealth alone, but by how one helps stabilize the lives of others and upholds dignity, laying the foundation for long-term trust and a greater societal success.
Today, personal integrity is becoming an advantage. For those who live life with responsibility, it plays a vital role in enhancing even modest business success. Such individuals must uphold their values and maintain protection against unethical influence.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
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AT 12:51 pm on 28 March 2025, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar. As a result of this Mandalay earthquake, the National Disaster Management Committee declared emergency conditions in the affected areas, including Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, the northeastern part of Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, and Bago Region.
AT 12:51 pm on 28 March 2025, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar. As a result of this Mandalay earthquake, the National Disaster Management Committee declared emergency conditions in the affected areas, including Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, the northeastern part of Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, and Bago Region.
The recent earthquake in affected areas had left deep scars not only on the land and infrastructure but also on the hearts and minds of its people. As rescue operations and rebuilding efforts continue, it is vital to recognize that emotional healing must be addressed alongside physical recovery. Providing psychological support to those affected is essential for restoring a sense of safety, hope, and resilience in the community.
Understanding the Psychological Impact: Natural disasters often trigger intense emotional responses. Victims may experience fear, helplessness, grief, anxiety, and even guilt for surviving. Children may become withdrawn or clingy, while adults might suffer from insomnia, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The emotional toll is often hidden but can be long-lasting if not properly addressed. Therefore, psychological support should be an integral part of any disaster response strategy.
Immediate Psychological First Aid: In the aftermath of the Mandalay earthquake, the first step is to provide Psychological First Aid (PFA). This involves creating a calm and supportive environment where survivors feel safe and heard. Trained volunteers and health workers can offer emotional comfort, listen without judgment, and guide individuals toward available services. Providing accurate information and reconnecting people with loved ones also helps reduce anxiety and confusion.
Creating Safe Spaces and Community Support: Establishing safe spaces for different age groups is crucial. Child-friendly areas allow children to play, express themselves, and regain a sense of normalcy. For adults, group discussions, religious ceremonies, or storytelling sessions can foster mutual support and healing. Cultural and spiritual practices play an important role in the psychological recovery process and should be respectfully incorporated into support efforts.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
AT 12:51 pm on 28 March 2025, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar. As a result of this Mandalay earthquake, the National Disaster Management Committee declared emergency conditions in the affected areas, including Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, the northeastern part of Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, and Bago Region.
The recent earthquake in affected areas had left deep scars not only on the land and infrastructure but also on the hearts and minds of its people. As rescue operations and rebuilding efforts continue, it is vital to recognize that emotional healing must be addressed alongside physical recovery. Providing psychological support to those affected is essential for restoring a sense of safety, hope, and resilience in the community.
Understanding the Psychological Impact: Natural disasters often trigger intense emotional responses. Victims may experience fear, helplessness, grief, anxiety, and even guilt for surviving. Children may become withdrawn or clingy, while adults might suffer from insomnia, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The emotional toll is often hidden but can be long-lasting if not properly addressed. Therefore, psychological support should be an integral part of any disaster response strategy.
Immediate Psychological First Aid: In the aftermath of the Mandalay earthquake, the first step is to provide Psychological First Aid (PFA). This involves creating a calm and supportive environment where survivors feel safe and heard. Trained volunteers and health workers can offer emotional comfort, listen without judgment, and guide individuals toward available services. Providing accurate information and reconnecting people with loved ones also helps reduce anxiety and confusion.
Creating Safe Spaces and Community Support: Establishing safe spaces for different age groups is crucial. Child-friendly areas allow children to play, express themselves, and regain a sense of normalcy. For adults, group discussions, religious ceremonies, or storytelling sessions can foster mutual support and healing. Cultural and spiritual practices play an important role in the psychological recovery process and should be respectfully incorporated into support efforts.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
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Natural disasters have significant impacts on developing countries. Hazards such as earthquakes, storms, floods, and droughts damage infrastructure, agriculture, and industries, slowing down economic growth. Due to limited financial resources, recovery efforts in developing countries tend to be slow. Additionally, natural disasters cause loss of life, injuries, and displacement, worsening poverty and inequality. The disruption of clean water supplies, outbreaks of infectious diseases, and damage to healthcare systems affect public healthcare.
Natural disasters have significant impacts on developing countries. Hazards such as earthquakes, storms, floods, and droughts damage infrastructure, agriculture, and industries, slowing down economic growth. Due to limited financial resources, recovery efforts in developing countries tend to be slow. Additionally, natural disasters cause loss of life, injuries, and displacement, worsening poverty and inequality. The disruption of clean water supplies, outbreaks of infectious diseases, and damage to healthcare systems affect public healthcare. The destruction of schools and educational institutions halts children’s education, leading to long-term human capital losses and hindering sustainable development.
Characteristics of Developing Countries
Developing countries typically have low GDP and economic growth, relying more on agriculture than on industries and services. They often have lower rankings in the Human Development Index (HDI), with lower literacy rates and weaker healthcare systems. Basic infrastructure, such as transport, electricity, water supply, and communication networks, is often limited, and urban development is slow. High birth rates and mortality rates may be present, with large income gaps between the rich and the poor. Job opportunities are limited, and unemployment rates are high. Developing countries frequently rely on foreign aid or loans for economic development. Investment in research and development is low, leading to slow technological progress. Their economies are highly dependent on natural resources (e.g., mining, agriculture), and exports mainly consist of raw materials. Gender equality and human rights challenges may also be prevalent.
Severity of Natural Disasters
Natural disasters impact individuals as well as entire countries or regions. In developing countries, these impacts can be particularly severe. Damage to infrastructure (roads, bridges, factories) halts production and trade. The destruction of agricultural land and the loss of crops threaten food security and export revenue. Recovery requires large financial resources, diverting funds from development projects. Displacement and increased poverty from disasters disrupt social stability. The destruction of schools and hospitals interrupts education and healthcare services, delaying human capital development. Psychological trauma within communities can affect long-term social development. Floods, landslides, and droughts degrade natural resources (soil, water, forests), affecting sustainable development. Climate change is making natural disasters more frequent and intense, necessitating greater investments in environmental conservation. Governments face significant challenges in disaster management and administration, as emergency response efforts often take precedence over other development policies. Disasters disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, exacerbating cycles of poverty and inequality. Job losses and reduced income due to disasters increase social disparities.
Mitigation Strategies
Developing countries must implement strategies to mitigate the effects of natural disasters. These include establishing disaster monitoring and early warning systems (e.g., storm alerts, earthquake monitoring), educating local communities about disaster preparedness and conducting rescue drills, constructing disaster-resistant infrastructure (e.g., reinforced homes, strong bridges), incorporating sustainable urban planning to avoid hazardous areas, promoting climate-resilient farming practices (e.g., drought-resistant crops) and water resource management, increasing the use of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar power, wind energy), forming national disaster management agencies and securing emergency response funds, implementing disaster insurance programs, seeking financial, technical, and training assistance from international organizations, enhancing regional cooperation to share resources and knowledge, and providing special protection and support for vulnerable groups such as women and children. By prioritizing these measures, countries can reduce disaster-related damages and losses.
Benefits of Disaster Preparedness
By enhancing disaster resilience, developing countries can achieve several benefits. Economic stability improves, and recovery costs decrease. Social development strengthens, reducing poverty and inequality. Environmental protection enhances climate resilience, mitigating climate change. Early disaster forecasting and improved emergency response systems reduce death rates. Public awareness campaigns and disaster preparedness initiatives empower communities to respond effectively. Well-executed prevention strategies safeguard homes and infrastructure (e.g., roads, bridges, dams) from destruction. Agriculture and food security become more stable. Forced displacement due to disasters decreases, lowering refugee crises. Healthcare systems improve, helping prevent disease outbreaks (e.g., diarrhoea after flooding). Preserving forests and promoting sustainable farming practices enhance climate resilience. Improved water management prevents floods and droughts. International cooperation increases funding and technological support for disaster risk reduction. Through education and training, communities gain resilience against disasters.
Natural disasters significantly impact the economy, society, and development prospects of developing countries. However, by prioritizing preparedness, infrastructure development, and international collaboration, these countries can mitigate disaster effects and support long-term development. Strategies should be adapted to local needs to ensure effective implementation. Developing countries must integrate proactive disaster risk reduction policies, strengthen infrastructure, and encourage community participation to build resilience against future disasters.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
Natural disasters have significant impacts on developing countries. Hazards such as earthquakes, storms, floods, and droughts damage infrastructure, agriculture, and industries, slowing down economic growth. Due to limited financial resources, recovery efforts in developing countries tend to be slow. Additionally, natural disasters cause loss of life, injuries, and displacement, worsening poverty and inequality. The disruption of clean water supplies, outbreaks of infectious diseases, and damage to healthcare systems affect public healthcare. The destruction of schools and educational institutions halts children’s education, leading to long-term human capital losses and hindering sustainable development.
Characteristics of Developing Countries
Developing countries typically have low GDP and economic growth, relying more on agriculture than on industries and services. They often have lower rankings in the Human Development Index (HDI), with lower literacy rates and weaker healthcare systems. Basic infrastructure, such as transport, electricity, water supply, and communication networks, is often limited, and urban development is slow. High birth rates and mortality rates may be present, with large income gaps between the rich and the poor. Job opportunities are limited, and unemployment rates are high. Developing countries frequently rely on foreign aid or loans for economic development. Investment in research and development is low, leading to slow technological progress. Their economies are highly dependent on natural resources (e.g., mining, agriculture), and exports mainly consist of raw materials. Gender equality and human rights challenges may also be prevalent.
Severity of Natural Disasters
Natural disasters impact individuals as well as entire countries or regions. In developing countries, these impacts can be particularly severe. Damage to infrastructure (roads, bridges, factories) halts production and trade. The destruction of agricultural land and the loss of crops threaten food security and export revenue. Recovery requires large financial resources, diverting funds from development projects. Displacement and increased poverty from disasters disrupt social stability. The destruction of schools and hospitals interrupts education and healthcare services, delaying human capital development. Psychological trauma within communities can affect long-term social development. Floods, landslides, and droughts degrade natural resources (soil, water, forests), affecting sustainable development. Climate change is making natural disasters more frequent and intense, necessitating greater investments in environmental conservation. Governments face significant challenges in disaster management and administration, as emergency response efforts often take precedence over other development policies. Disasters disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, exacerbating cycles of poverty and inequality. Job losses and reduced income due to disasters increase social disparities.
Mitigation Strategies
Developing countries must implement strategies to mitigate the effects of natural disasters. These include establishing disaster monitoring and early warning systems (e.g., storm alerts, earthquake monitoring), educating local communities about disaster preparedness and conducting rescue drills, constructing disaster-resistant infrastructure (e.g., reinforced homes, strong bridges), incorporating sustainable urban planning to avoid hazardous areas, promoting climate-resilient farming practices (e.g., drought-resistant crops) and water resource management, increasing the use of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar power, wind energy), forming national disaster management agencies and securing emergency response funds, implementing disaster insurance programs, seeking financial, technical, and training assistance from international organizations, enhancing regional cooperation to share resources and knowledge, and providing special protection and support for vulnerable groups such as women and children. By prioritizing these measures, countries can reduce disaster-related damages and losses.
Benefits of Disaster Preparedness
By enhancing disaster resilience, developing countries can achieve several benefits. Economic stability improves, and recovery costs decrease. Social development strengthens, reducing poverty and inequality. Environmental protection enhances climate resilience, mitigating climate change. Early disaster forecasting and improved emergency response systems reduce death rates. Public awareness campaigns and disaster preparedness initiatives empower communities to respond effectively. Well-executed prevention strategies safeguard homes and infrastructure (e.g., roads, bridges, dams) from destruction. Agriculture and food security become more stable. Forced displacement due to disasters decreases, lowering refugee crises. Healthcare systems improve, helping prevent disease outbreaks (e.g., diarrhoea after flooding). Preserving forests and promoting sustainable farming practices enhance climate resilience. Improved water management prevents floods and droughts. International cooperation increases funding and technological support for disaster risk reduction. Through education and training, communities gain resilience against disasters.
Natural disasters significantly impact the economy, society, and development prospects of developing countries. However, by prioritizing preparedness, infrastructure development, and international collaboration, these countries can mitigate disaster effects and support long-term development. Strategies should be adapted to local needs to ensure effective implementation. Developing countries must integrate proactive disaster risk reduction policies, strengthen infrastructure, and encourage community participation to build resilience against future disasters.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar