Stairway to health

Just over two years ago, whenever I saw a flight of steps, I'd groan inside my head.  Now after a steady albeit inconsistent regime of walking and some cycling, I have overcome my dislike of stairs.  I see one and I think "no problem" and just walk up or down.  

Stephen dashes to the Toa Payoh Hub and back when we need something. He used to walk to and fro without problem but the bicycle is a much faster mode.

On a good day, he can walk or cycle for hours.  Often he'd do a combination of cycle/walk/cycle or cycle/swim/cycle.  I am in awe of his energy, especially after a full day of work.  There are times when he wakes up at 4.30 am to go for a brisk walk around and when he's back, I'm still asleep! :-) 

I'm not on par with him where stamina and energy is concerned but because of his enthusiasm, I have improved from the sloth that I was. 

Pic from WWW

I seem to have rhythms of three or four days and then I stop for a couple of days again.  Now I've decided that I will be disciplined and start September with a simple routine.  It's all about setting one's mind to achieving it and getting it done.

Let's see then... :)

Suicide :(

Image from Facebook

Everyone is shocked that Robin Williams is dead.  At 63, it seems too soon but for me, the news that it is, apparently, suicide is shocking. 

Personally, I don't know anyone who has died that way.  Not that I can remember anyway, unless I have deleted the memory.  

If we, who didn't directly know him, feel the sadness, then how much more, his family and friends?  I think that the loss of a life in this manner must be really hard for his children.  

May his soul rest in peace. 

Listen and learn

I may not be considered an exceptional family member or friend but I do consider myself an exceptionally good listener.  They say that most people listen with the intention to reply and I am guilty of that sometimes but I am also capable of just listening.

I used to think that I would be able to solve people's problems but I'm over that already.  I realise that people just want to talk and they are always on the lookout for an eager listener.  Even if they don't know it themselves and even if they won't admit it, they will gravitate towards the one who listens.

When I saw this image on Facebook, in my mind, I thought of the people who appreciate that I listen to them when they need to let it out.  Do they know it is an effort not to offer advice or give an opinion! Probably not, as the state they are in wouldn't allow them to think of the person listening.  They just want to get it off their chest!  

I do share a positive slant to it if I can or I give some encouragement.  Listening is a two-way street!

I think that in our subconscious mind, we search for people who we think will understand us and we are so grateful when we find that there is always someone out there who will care enough to just listen.  

And while I listen, I learn as well.