I happened to come across Miss Singapore Universe on TV yesterday. The pageant was bimbotic as usual and I am not stereotyping anyone here. This is how a gorgeous contestant dealt with this question. “If you had only $2 for one day, what will you do?” She answered, “I would go to Newton Circus for a plate of Char Kuay Tiao before going home to sleep.” Yeah. Intellectual response.

However, the winner’s response to this particular question impressed me. “What is the greatest weakness and strength of a woman?” “Fear, of not being able to meet society’s expectations and so not being able to put her best foot forward. But yet, women’s strength lies in their courage to face these fears and take that step to achieve a balance in their life, family and career.”

I think this applies to everyone in general. All of us have fears that we cannot overcome. But we tend to forget this simple principle. Fear does not bring you ahead. Courage does. The courage to face the world, to overcome your fears and to face the consequences of your actions. To err is human. Making mistakes is part and parcel of life but as long as you repent and reflect on your mistake, you have found the courage to go on.