Smalltown Charm

Last weekend we had the opportunity to visit the northernmost state of Perlis for a civil service conference. We were put up at a students' hostel (twin-sharing) with a common bathroom (separate stalls for toilet and bathing). After having left boarding school and college at least 20 years ago, this hostel experience brought back a lot of memories, wonderful ones.

What made the event extra special was that everybody was really, really nice! We felt welcome and at home, the sessions went very smoothly... and there were smiles all around.

The food in Perlis was superb; I have figured out that it is almost a rule that food at the northern part of Malaysia (Perlis, Kedah, Penang) tastes good... even the ones served at the airport. So there.

The event ended with 7 declarations for future improvement of the civil service corp. We thanked the hosts, and left on the 3.45 pm flight to KL, happy as clams.

Those Little Things

One word, one act, one favour, one smile, one kind thought... could make a whole lot of difference... depending on how you use it...

The funny thing is you could be saying the SAME DARN THING but if said the wrong way can steer the direction towards World War III.

An issue approached from a new angle: the outcome would have been so markedly different... and less confrontational... (... and your point being???)

Currently learning to love again... to be patient... and less stubborn... and to cook (!!!)

40 Years Young

This is it. Midpoint. Almost middle-aged. Maturity. Clarity.

Yesterday I turned 40. Have not had a chance to celebrate it with the children yet but have received many3 well-wishes in WA and Tg. Thank goodness for social media!

What's next? DBA maybe. Might as well right, unless you have other better plans.

Self-Love

A friend of a friend has resorted to weed/ drugs, due to multiple life problems:

Her husband took on a second wife and have not been home for 5 years;
Her 5-year old child is suffering from leukemia and has to undergo continuous treatment that frequently leaves him completely exhausted and weak;
She was slashed on the face due to issues with a loan shark, after the husband borrowed money and did not pay... leaving her scarred for life, physically and emotionally; and
She had/ is having an affair with another man... and do not know how to let go.... (among other things)

My friend could only offer solace in the form of a listening ear, without prejudice and without judging.

How does one get out of this situation?

We make bad decisions sometimes... we stumble and fall... at times we hit rock bottom and it feels like there is no way out... we wonder if there will EVER be a way out... BUT as corny as this sounds, I do sincerely believe that there is always light at the end of the tunnel:

There is hope because we humans are resilient and we can get through any obstacle if we keep pushing... if we keep believing in the goodness that can happen...

There is happiness that we will have to seek within ourselves, because we can't possibly find it in material things or in other people...

There is courage when we face our fears and our sorrows... and when we own up to our mistakes, with the promise to always do better... with purely blind faith that life WILL work out in our favour (eventually)...

We are stronger than any addiction that we succumb to. A choice has to be made: to be better. To be an overall good person, someone whom our children we would be proud of.

We all fight our own battles... sometimes we win, sometimes we lose... but the joy/strength is derived when we get back up just one more time. Things will get better. They always do.

YOU JUST HAVE TO BELIEVE!

Anchor in the Storm

There is a kind of love that is wholesome and fulfilling.. and makes you want to give your best... and there was a kind of love that was wild, volatile and destructive... leaving one spent and exhausted, trying to fight for something that was never meant to be.

Is there a good man out there? Someone who is genuine, loving and supportive... to a fault? Apparently there is, and the skeptic in me is almost convinced that this man will stay... and not have his fun and leave.

Ideally you should find this love the first time you take a hit, but if not... life gives you second chances. I feel now I can be myself, no pretenses... no facades... no fronts... I am who I am... and I am loved for being me.

Where will this lead? For once in my life I really don't know what I should do. One door has closed permanently... I have thrown away the keys... and many many more doors have opened. Which door will I take? Again, I need a moment to pause... take a step back... and remember to breathe... and let the answers be shown to me in time.