“The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.” – Confucius.

The start of the year 2014 is marked and clouded with a high degree of uncertainty for many people. Consequently, one of the foremost questions being asked is, will this year be the end of the world as we know it?

Now, one can understand the apprehension of people at this time, given the activities and events globally over the past decade.

Today, we have witnessed one of the greatest economic crisis since the great depression and this has cast a cloud of despair over many.

In addition, there have been political upheavals and utterances of war among some world leaders, which not only breed fear but also give rise to serious anxiety. Moreover, the apocalyptic message being fed by religious leaders to members of that community helps contribute to the uncertainty.

Furthermore, the chaotic weather conditions that prevail globally undoubtedly bother the minds and are indeed frightening.

Notwithstanding the pessimistic outlook, there are reasons to be positive as well as have great expectations for the future. And we do well to reflect on the words of the noted poet, Alexander Pope: “Hope springs eternal in the human breast; Man never Is, but always to be blest: The soul, uneasy and confined from home, Rests and expatiates in a life to come.” – An Essay on Man, Epistle I (1733)

The fact is one should not allow the negatives and complacency to distort the expectations of hard work or ignore the collective will of people to survive and thrive regardless of adversities.

Today, the optimist would charge one to seize the moment; see it as an opportunity to become creative and innovative, think outside the box, and become proactive. This indeed must be the mindset if one wants to be disabused of the notion of an apocalyptic end.

Finally, let us not forget that the darkest of nights must yield to the rising sun and behind every dark cloud is a silver lining.

“Don’t worry about a thing,

‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right.”

— Bob Marley

Yes, don’t be a Pollyanna, but think positively and you will be happy for it!

Yvad Billings, Readers Bureau, Fellow