Typically, a new year ushers in a positive vibe and a feel
good factor. The last couple of new years have not shared that sentiment.
However, it seems that the buzz is back. Amongst other factors, people have
just become tired of being negative. People just need a break from the tough economic
environment.
2014 has witnessed unimaginable violence, bloodshed and loss
of lives. Large parts of Middle East, Africa, Pakistan and Ukraine have been
under attack by various organizations / causes. Violence doesn’t really solve
anything. It festers a vicious cycle of revenge and further escalates the scale
of damage one inflicts. Human minds are choosing to look at violence as the
solution. Au contraire, it’s the only peace which allows progress.
On the economic front, 2014 has been positive. This positive
sentiment makes the outlook for 2015 better. The wildcard does remain the impact
of falling crude oil prices. Oil exporting countries have taken a huge hit due
to the fall in crude oil prices from $110/bbl to $45/bbl. Whispers on
Conspiracy Street talk about Saudi influencing prices to undermine Iran. Others
talk about USA driving prices lower to weaken Russia and a few believe traditional
drillers want to bleed the shale gas producers out of business. The simple fact
is that USA now produces twice the amount of crude than it did three years ago,
simple economics dictates that without increase in demand, surplus production
will reduce prices. The fact is, no one is certain as to the cause, but the
effects can be troublesome for oil dependent economies.
On the original subject of happiness, I think the time has
come to shed this negativity. The world has always been in turmoil, social
media has just brought it closer. Embrace the New Year with hope and a pledge
to live in the moment!
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