There were once 2 brothers who lived on the 80th level. on coming home one day, they realized to their dismay that the lifts were not working and that they had to climb the stairs home. After struggling to the 20th level, panting and tired, they decided to abandon their bags and come back for them the next day. They left their bags then and climbed o­n. When they had struggled to the 40th level, the younger brother started to grumble and both of them began to quarrel. They continued to climb the flights of steps, quarreling all the way to the 60th floor.

They then realized that they had only 20 levels more to climb and decided to stop quarreling and continue climbing in peace. They silently climbed on and reached their home at long last. Each stood calmly before the door and waited for the other to open it. It was then that they realized that the key was in their bags which were left on the 20th floor!

That story is an analogy of how most people live their lives. We burden our childhood with the expectations of others, and live out our teenaged years doing what others think we should be doing. We carry these expectations until we can no longer believe in their worth.

By the time we reach our 20s, we are sick of this load and finally dump it. Finally free from the pressure of having to live our lives for others, we work enthusiastically and begin to build that castle of gold we aspire towards by laying the first few bars.

But by the time we reach our 40s, we find that we've become disillusioned with our dreams and aspirations. Discontentment sets in, and we begin to gripe, complain, and criticize. Our belief that life is miserable is so strong that we have effectively shut out the things which would have made life meaningful and joyous.

Upon reaching our 60s, we've grown weary of whining, and finally decide to live the rest of our lives in peace and resignation. We manage to deceive ourselves into thinking that at this point, nothing in this world can faze or disappoint us.

But as we lie there in our beds, waiting for the journey to finally come to an end, we tragically realize that we're unable to leave this earth in peace... because we had so many unfulfilled dreams. The dreams that we cast away, along with the burden of expectations so many years ago. So whichever level of the Staircase of Life you're presently at, take a long, hard look at the life you've lived so far. Did you waste a good part of it seeking the approval of others? Did you abandon your dreams because they didn't match the expectations of others? Did you squander a large part of your life bearing grudges, making invisible enemies, and complaining about the terrible state of your life? Did you dismiss your youthful aspirations by thinking that you're much too old to pursue them any longer?

Always remember to carry your dreams with you every step of the way. Do not end up with a bag of regrets.

xiaoqiang's words: " i am in 20s now. full of hope, more to expectations and commitments. i hope to pursue and fulfil them as well. i hope you people too. for those having exams, whether you are in singapore or overseas, best of luck but still, never neglect your health. *hugz*