Friday, September 9, 2016

Live Life

Serenity Prayer
- Reinhold Neibuhr (1892-1971)

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

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Don't waste words on people who deserve your silence.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all.

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Don't start your day with the broken pieces of yesterday.
Every morning we wake up is the first day of the rest of our life.

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Your smile is your logo.
Your personality is your business card,
and the way you make others feel is your trademark.

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A lamp doesn't speak...
It introduces itself through its light...
Achievers never expose themselves...
But their achievements expose them.

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There is no definition for a good day or a bad day..
It all depends on you and your thoughts that, either you rule the day or the day rules you.

Rule your day.

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Rain drops may be little in shape and size...
But their continuous fall makes a river overflow...
Remember small consistent efforts makes massive changes in life...
Have a stress-free day!

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Happy are those who take life day by day, complain very little, and are thankful for the little things in life.

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Best philosophy in life is to keep the mind happy!
We don't know whether success gives happiness or not, but a happy mind can always lead to success.

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Weak people believe in revenge,
Strong people believe in forgiving,
Intelligent people believe in ignoring.

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If you think you are rich, there are many richer than you.
If you think you are clever, there are more people cleverer than you.
But if you think you are honest, then you are among the few, and in this instance, it is best to be among the few. - Tunku Abdul Rahman

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Time, Friends, Health and Relations,
Don't come with a price tag.
But when we lose them,
Then we realise the cost.

A beautiful post...from one mother to another mother

There were days when my home used to be filled with laughter, arguments, fights, jokes and loads of mischief.
Books used to be strewn all over the show. Pens and books all over, and clothes messing the rooms, thrown on the beds.
I used to shout at them to tidy up their mess.

In the morning,
One will wake up and say: mama I can't find a certain book.
And the other will say: I can't find my perfume.
And one will say: Mama where's my homework.
And will say: Mama I forgot to complete my homework.

Everyone used to ask about their lost possessions.
And I will say, but take care of your stuff, be responsible, you have to grow up.

And today I stand at the doorway of the room.
The beds are empty.
All the cupboards have only a few pieces of clothes in them.
And what remains is the smell of perfume that lingers in the air.
Everyone had a special smell.
So I take in the smell of their perfume for maybe it will fill the empty ache in my heart.

All I have now is the memory of their laughs and their mischief and their warm hugs.

Today my house is clean and organised and everything is in its place, and it is calm and peaceful. But it is like a desert with no life in it. Do not become angry with your kids about the mess.

Every time they come to visit and they spend time with us, when they are ready to leave, they pull their bags and it is as if they tug my heart along with it.

They close the door behind them and then I stand still and think of the many times I shouted them to close the doors.

Here I am today, closing my own doors. Nobody opens it besides me. Each one has gone to a different city or a different country. All left to find their own path in life.

They have grown up and I wished that they could stay with me forever.
Oh! God, take care of them and all other children wherever they may be, for you are their guide and protector... and always keep them happy.

A Mother

Beautiful Letter by a Father to his Children

Following is a letter to his children from a renowned Hong Kong TV broadcaster and Child Psychologist. The words are actually applicable to all of us, young or old, children or parents!

Dear children,
I am writing this to you because of 3 reasons:

i. Life, fortune and mishaps are unpredictable, nobody knows how long he lives. Some words are better said early.

ii. I am your father, and if I don't tell you these, no one else will.

iii. What is written is my own personal bitter experiences that perhaps could save you a lot of unnecessary heartaches. Remember the following as you go through life:

1. Do not bear grudge towards those who are not good to you. No one has the responsibility of treating you well, except your mother and I. To those who are good to you, you have to treasure it and be thankful, and also you have to be cautious, because, everyone has a motive for every move. When a person is good to you, it does not mean he really likes you. You have to be careful, don't hastily regard him as a real friend.

2. No one is indispensable, nothing is in the world that you must possess. Once you understand this idea, it would be easier for you to go through life when people around you don;t want you anymore, or when you lose what/who you love the most.

3. Life is short. When you waste your life today, tomorrow you would find that life is leaving you. The earlier you treasure your life, the better you enjoy life.

4. Love is but a transient feeling, and this feeling would fade with time and with one's mood. If your so called loved ones leaves you, be patient, time will wash away your aches and sadness. Don't over exaggerate the beauty and sweetness of love, and don't over exaggerate the sadness of falling out of love.

5. A lot of successful people did not receive a good education, that does not mean that you can be successful by not studying hard! Whatever knowledge you gain is your weapon in life. One can go from rags to riches, but one has to start from some rags!

6. I do not expect you to financially support me when I am old, neither would I financially support your whole life. My responsibility as a supporter ends when you are grown up. After that, you decide whether you want to travel in a public transport or in your limousine, whether rich or poor.

7. You honour your words, but don't expect others to be so. You can be good to people, but don't expect people to be good to you. If you don't understand this, you would end up with unnecessary troubles.

8. I have bought lotteries for umpteen years, but I could never strike any prize. That shows if you want to be rich, you have to work hard! There is no free lunch!

9. No matter how much time I have with you, let's treasure the time we have together. W do not know if we would meet again in our next life.;

Your Dad

12 Things to Always Remember

1. The past cannot be changed.

2. Opinions don't define your reality.

3. Everyone's journey is different.

4. Things always get better with time.

5. Judgements are a confession of character.

6. Overthinking will lead to sadness.

7. Happiness is found within.

8. Positive thoughts create positive things.

9. Smiles are contagious.

10. Kindness is free.

11. You only fail if you quit.

12. What goes around, comes around.


Perspective

You were born in a first class hospital, I was delivered at home, we both survived.

You went to a private primary school and I went to a public school, we both ended in the same high school.

You woke up from the bed and I woke up from the floor, we both had a peaceful night rest.

Your outfits are all expensive, mine are all simple and cheap, we both still cover our nakedness.

You ride on Lexus Jeep, Range Rover, G Wagon, Hummer Jeep and I use public transport but we still got to our various destination.

You may be reading this post from your Sony Xperia, BB Z10, Q10, Samsung Galaxy 6 Edge, Iphone 6+ and I typed it with my Touch one broken screen, we still see the message.

Lifestyle is not a competition and there are different ways to get a lot of things done, different lanes all leading to the same destination. Just because your neighbour is doing things faster does not mean you are failing.

Happiness doesn't come from having everything, but making the best out of what you have, it's all about how you see yourself.

Happiness is not having what you like. Happiness is liking what you have and being content.

Courtesy says, you must never ask a woman her age and a man his salary.

Do you know why? Have you ever thought about it?

Well there is a beautiful insight...

It is wrong to ask a woman her age because she hardly ever lives for herself!

And it is wrong to ask a man his salary because he hardly ever spends on himself!

Be that ONE

One tree can start a forest,
One smile can begin a friendship,
One hand can lift a soul,
One word can frame the goal,
One candle can wipe out darkness,
One laugh can conquer gloom,
One touch can show you care,
One life can make the difference.

Be that one today.

How to be Happy

In Singapore, Prof Tommy Koh is a smart man - he got first class LLB Hons from Singapore University (then called U of Malaya in the 1960's) and he is Singapore's Ambassador at Large. He is known for his 'law of the seas' legal expertise. I would like to share with everyone Prof Tommy Koh's suggestions on How to be Happy:

Everyone of you may already be happy but may yearn to be happier and I would therefore like to share with my fellow men 10 rules which may help to make you more happy perhaps!

Rule No. 1

Be a positive, optimistic and kind person.

Whether you are a happy or unhappy person depends largely on yourself.

Negative and pessimistic people are generally unhappy people.

Be kind to others. Kindness begets kindness.

Try to do a good deed every day.

You will find that by brightening the lives of others, you will brighten your own life.

Rule No. 2

Have a happy family.

Be good to your parents.

If they are elderly and living by themselves, try to visit them at least once a week and share a weekly meal with them.

One of the problems encountered by our older folks is loneliness.

Be on excellent terms with your spouse.

Whenever I am asked to speak at wedding dinners, I always advise the groom to be faithful to his wife, treat her as if they were still courting.

As for how to behave towards one's children, give a good example as parents.

Love them but not spoil them.

If you are lucky enough to have grandchildren, love them with all your heart.

Rule No. 3

Find a job you enjoy doing.

I think one of the reasons so many Singaporeans are unhappy is that they do not like their jobs.

Since we spend so much of our lives at work, it is important to find a job which is not a chore to endure but a pleasure to do.

In recent years, I have noticed a trend of many Singaporeans leaving their jobs for other jobs which pay them less but give them greater satisfaction. This is a good thing.

Rule No. 4

Treasure your friends.

In your life journey, you will make many friends - at school, at university, in sports or other activities and at work. I hope you will develop a small circle of very good friends, friends who will stand by you in good times and bad times.

Rule No. 5

Exercise regularly.

My wife and I try to swim every day. Exercise not only makes you healthier, it also makes you feel better. Therefore, make regular exercise a part of your lifestyle.

You can't be a happy person if you are not in good health.

Rule No. 6

Enjoy eating but neat healthily and avoid the sin of gluttony.

Singapore is a culinary paradise. Food is abundant, diverse and affordable.

You can eat well on any budget. Let us enjoy our food but let us also exercise some discipline when choosing what to eat.

I have always tried to follow the ancient Asian wisdom of stopping when I feel 80 percent full.

Rule No. 7

Be a volunteer and support philanthropy.

I once heard a speech by Mrs Barbara Bush, the wife of the 41st President of the United States. She said there was a period in her life when she suffered from depression. Instead of seeing a psychiatrist or taking medication to overcome her depression, she decided to be a volunteer.

She found that by helping others less fortunate than herself, her depression gradually disappeared.

Whether we are rich or poor, we should contribute to a cause or causes close to our hearts. In spite of our favourable tax regime and the presence of many wealthy people in our society, I was very disappointed to see how lowly Singapore ranked in the table of countries for philanthropy.

A wise man once said that no man could be truly happy if he lives only for himself.

Rule No. 8

Read books and listen to music.

Reading is an excellent habit. Books keep me company when I am alone.

Books transport me to another country, another culture, another time and into the lives of other people.

Reading is an endless source of happiness.

So is music. I listen to music every day. I thank 92.4 FM for bringing me so much joy every day.

Rule No. 9

Take pleasure in the little things in life.

My wife and I love our regular walks in the Botanic Gardens. I love to watch the sunset.

I find joy in meeting an old friend, attending a concert at the Esplanade and visiting a wonderful exhibition at one of our museums.

Most of all, I enjoy being with my grandson.

Rule No. 10

Don't envy others.

I received this good advice from a wise man, Dr Wee Kim Wee, our sixth President.

Dr Wee once told me that one of the reasons which caused people to be unhappy was that they were envious of others.

Dr Wee said he never envied his friends who had a better education or earned more money or lived in bigger houses or owned more expensive cars.

His rule was to be contented with what he had. I think this is a good rule.

Philosophically, it would be even better if you could feel vicariously happy when you see your friends and former students doing well in life.

Jangan Bangga, Jangan Berlagak

1. Jangan bangga berkulit putih kerena kulit terakhir kita - tanah liat

2. Jangan bangga dengan rumah besar kerana rumah terakhir kita - kubur

3. Jangan bangga dengan baju mahal kerana baju terakhir kita - kain kapan

4. Jangan bangga dengan kereta dan motor besar kerana kenderaan kita yang terakhir - keranda

5. Jangan bangga dengan minyak wangi berjenama kerana wangian terakhir kita - kapur barus

I am the '7%'

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain b Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote few lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

4. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

5. Cry with someone. it's more healing than crying alone.

6. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

7. Make peace with your past so it won't mess up the present.

8. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

9. Take a deep breath every now and then. It calms the mind.

10. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

11. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

12. It's never too late to be happy. But it's all up to you and no one else.

13. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

14. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy clothes. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

17. Always choose life.

18. Forgive others and yourself.

19. What other people think of you is none of your business.

20. Time heals almost anything. Give time a little time.

21. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

22. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

23. Believe in miracles.

24. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

25. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

26. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young.

27. Your children get only one childhood.

28. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

29. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

30. Envy is waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you need.

31. The best is yet to come...

32. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

33. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

It's estimated that 93% won't share this. If you are one of the 7% who will, share this with the title '7%'.

I'm in the 7%. Friends are the family and family is best friends that you choose.

Take Life Easy

After 20 years old, 'foreign country' and 'hometown' is the same. (No matter where, also can adapt)

After 30 years old, 'night time' and 'daytime' is the same. (A few days didn't sleep, doesn't matter)

After 40 years old, 'highly educated' and 'lowly educated' is the same. (Lowly educated persons, may even earn more money)

After 50 years old, 'beauty' and 'ugly' is the same. (No matter how pretty, at this age, wrinkles, dark spots, etc are starting to appear)

After 60 years old, 'high official' and 'low official' is the same. (After retirement, their status are the same)

After 70 years old, 'big house' and 'small house' is the same. (Joints degeneration, cannot walk, only require a little space)

After 80 years old, 'have money' and 'no money' is the same. (Even when spend money, also don't spend much)

After 90 years old, 'man' and 'woman' is the same. (Because, nobody can still do that sort of thing)

After 100 years old, 'lying down' and 'waking up' is the same. (After wake up also don't know what to do)

Your life and my life is like that, not much difference.

Take life easy, after all, having seen through life, that's life.

Cherish what you already have, find back what you have lost!