There is always this sense of doom coupled with a hope of better things to come whenever it's your birthday. Resolutions are made,new dreams written down on paper and the mood is generally upbeat. On the other hand,when we realise that not much has actually changed compared to our birthday last year,we go into a self pity trip that destroys much much more than it comforts.

So,when i celebrated my birthday recently,I was cautious not to fall into either of the two extremes listed above. Instead I hope ,and I truly hope,to be more aware of the fact that I am living a life that is my own,with its own unique issues and triumphs,and that comparison with others is folly. The reason most of us are unhappy is that we compare our current positions to others,or we wish that we were in a happier,more financially secure place than where we are now.

Because the truth is that we are damn lucky to be able to have a roof over our heads,with food to eat and water to drink,and people who love us-family,friends,whoever. And we have the luxury of wasting food that is enough to feed a starving African family. The bigger picture is what i'm thinking about,and urging readers to do the same.

I figure that the more we have,the more we want,and once we can't get it,we curse and abuse our fate and go into that self pity trip I was talking about earlier. I know this sounds very pop psychology,but let's just stop for a moment and think about what we have with us now,and picture ourselves without it. Then let's see what we value,and hopefully then we can differentiate between what we really need and what we want.

Apart from that,I'm confused about what subject to pursue for my residency-Internal Medicine or Psychiatry.Hopefully I'll come to a decision soon.

Good Night and Good Luck.