When the recession hit us last year, the worldwide economic landscape was dire indeed. Singapore, being an open economy, was the first Asian country to go into recession – with more than 100,000 people losing their jobs. Government officials and Members of Parliament warned of tougher times ahead, and ordinary Singaporeans were unsure of what the future held.
In a little corner of this island, however, one person was wondering if he could do anything to lift the spirits of Singaporeans. He came up with a simple idea – little yellow coloured post-its or notes with words of encouragement placed in public areas. For the last 525 days, he has been placing these notes around town and in HDB heartlands, one per day.
“Don’t follow your dreams, chase them”, Don’t look down on somebody unless you’re helping him up”, “Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything”, “Rise determined, sleep satisfied”, “Anger is one letter short of danger”, “Don’t confuse money with wealth”, are some of the messages on the posters.
His blog, aptly named, “Things We Forget”, keeps an archive of his works.
In an interview with The Online Citizen, the person, who wishes to remain anonymous, says, “I wanted to do something that would remind me and those around me that a positive attitude is permanent and troubles are temporary.”
With almost 22,000 fans on his Facebook page at the time of this writing, clearly his works have touched quite a few people. “I once got an email from a girl who said she’d decided to give her boyfriend another chance because of one of the notes,” he says. “Another lady wrote saying that my notes helped her come to terms with the loss of a limb.”
It may be a small thing to do but it may just make the world a little better, he hopes.
He plans to have these words of encouragement printed on calendars, t-shirts and he is also contemplating an iPhone application.
So, the next time you come across one of these notes, hopefully it’ll remind you of some of the things which you may have forgotten.
Here is TOC’s interview with the person behind the notes.
How did the idea come about?
I thought of the idea bang in the middle of the recession last year when the general mood was one of pessimism and despair. I wanted to do something that would remind me and those around me that a positive attitude is permanent and troubles are temporary.
Where do you derive your inspiration for the words?
I’m inspired by the things that happen to me each day. The notes are as much a reminder to myself as to others. I’m also inspired by what’s going on in the world, by things i read and hear.
How long have you been doing this?
Well, for 525 days today.
What do you hope this will achieve?
I hope they will make me, those that read the notes and the world slightly better.
What keeps u going?
A lot of people write me emails or leave comments to the notes or on the Facebook page saying that the notes help them on a daily basis, that they have made their lives a little brighter or made their thoughts a bit more positive. That’s what keeps me going.
What do people think of these notes that you do?
I think most people like them.
All the quotes are positive, is there a particular reason?
I think there’s enough negative stuff around us already. The world needs positivity now.
I see that you post these little notes in various areas around Singapore. How do you choose where to put up the post-its?
I choose the places at random. I usually leave them wherever I happen to be once that day’s note is ready.
Have you received any complaints about the notes?
No.
Are there any particular incidents with the notes you’d like to share? Perhaps, someone was inspired to do something he otherwise might not have, after reading your notes?
Yeah, I once got an email from a girl who said she’d decided to give her boyfriend another chance because of one of the notes. Another lady wrote saying that my notes helped her come to terms with the loss of a limb.
Do you do this alone or is there someone helping you with this?
It’s just me.
Are you planning to have these sayings or words of wisdom printed on t-shirts, greeting cards, mugs, etc?
Yes, I am. I’m planning on doing calendars, tee shirts, iPhone apps etc.
Your Facebook page has almost 22,000 fans. Any comment on this?
I feel very blessed and lucky that so many people like what I do. I’m grateful for their love and support each day.
Which saying is your personal favourite?
“If not this, then what? If not now, then when?”
What is your own motto in life?
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
Lastly, may we know your age and name?
Ha ha, I’d rather have the attention focused on the TWF notes.
HELP keep the voice of TOC alive!
If you like this article, please consider a small donation to help theonlinecitizen.com stay alive. Please note that we can only accept donations from Singaporeans. Thank you for your assistance.Do you have a flair for writing? Volunteer with us. Email us your full name and contact details to theonlinecitizen@gmail.com
the 1 thinggie i insist i must remind you all to be greatFOOL to leekuanyew for he did cried mendeka mendaka the day tengku abdul rahman refused to pass water to him…
in realive he cried not because he was sad.. he cried simpLEE because his personal aide de camp forgot to brin that giant golf umbrella with him because that aide de camp assumed its ain’t gonna rained in padang square…
after that last hear rumour that the aide de camp was transfer out of the istana and become a target holder based in pulau hantu for our airforce F5 tigers to shoot…
Now, i am doing what scares me.
This is the way to live, to me.
Keeping to live in the dark is like no living a life worth living where life is finite and each second that passes by is when we approach certain death that much closer.
Very inspiring story. but ISD got you watched by now with all that CCTV!
I used to know some people who leave notes on vehicles of bad motorists eg for bad parking, obstruction etc. they do this after on their after-dinner walk.
I heard of a guy across the causeway who carried a stencil and spray political messages after midnite. This was after a political event in M’sia which split the Malay votes. But guess M’sia not enuf CCTV!
I do think his/her notes are very inspiring, but I hope TWF doesn’t get too commercialised when they start selling tee shirts and the like!
looks like times are tough for many who require motivation to carry on.
signs of the times.
sporeanos are beginning to wake up!
when they feel the pinch only.
i am glad to see that TWF has not declared its religious related. Being religious-neutral is good as more can benefit from his motivational words as some will distant if there is difference in faith.
humans….
It’s very inspirational and should be on everyone’s T’s.
Why not put them on t’s as today’s t’s just don’t have it, all the wrong words and slogans been printed and ugly signs too.
He’s the no.1 target from the authorities for posting notes…..
our arte in the sky…
bless me over my moanin porridge
forgive my sin for i had not brushed me teeth(run out of coldgate)
give my bro his daily roti
forgive his sin for gettin his buisness bankrupt…
please help him to stand again
if not…i hav to huntum BIG on 4Ds/Totos
prayed that i win (so far fifa2010..bet 6 games..lost 5)
it very very presurrise if you don’t win @ all..capitals low..wished i hav the keys to the cpf safes….
than again i do not rubbed shoulder with THE prataman himself…
~sigh~
i feel that native singaporeans lacks characters who would stand up for them to protect their interest.
There may be a few but still singapore lacks this kind of native citizen.
Is it because native singaporeans have no strong bonds? unable to bond together? divided by materialistic pursuits?
Native citizens need an Inspirational Character to bond them together as a strong team.
Kia Su means what?
Self preservation.
Period.
have spore ppl forgotten the COE?
last time a lot of kpkb right? now leh?
gotten numb liao is it?
have spore ppl forgotten about the ERP?
no more an issue liao right? got used already right?
how about influx?
how about train security lapse?
how about limp biskit salami?
how about mini bon bon?
how about TC fiasco?
how about mere mortal?
how about my uncaring face?
how about job security and opportunities?
how about expensive and more expensive flats?
how swiss standard and world cup?