Being a hypocrite...

Image from Facebook

We all put on a mask with people.  Only the real friends see behind that and still love you.  They don't expect you to be perfect.  They understand that it's okay to reach a place where both don't see the same thing or reach the same conclusion.  It's fine to agree to disagree.

Sometimes when you drop the hypocricy and speak your mind, it can change how your friends react.  They're comfortable and happy with you only when you wholeheartedly accept what they say. It's one-sided and that's how they like it.

"Don't change", they say.  Because they want you to echo their sentiments and show blind support.  

The minute you have an opinion that differs, they don't like it. "Why are you so mean?", they say.  "Why do you want to hurt me?", they question.  

They want that familiar path where everything is as they say it is and you must get on board or face the consequences.

When did being a hypocrite become the biggest criteria for being a good friend?

Why is it necessary to remain a hypocrite to retain and sustain any friendship?

It's one thing to be a crutch for a friend in need but when that is taken to be the full-time role, then the friendship is tainted.

Friends cannot always want to hear only the things that agree with their soul.  They have to be ready to hear and bear with the other side too!

True friendship is saying what you truly feel and knowing that the other person will accept what you say because it's your truth!  It's not for the other person to pick and choose when you can speak out or not.  It's a level-playing field.

I have made tons of friends along this journey and I have also lost many too.  It's always sad but it's also a progression when you are able to move on because you have no desire to remain the "old you" just for them.  You're the "new you" and you are happy.

In this ever-changing world, I think it takes a whole lot of courage to stop being a hypocrite and be who you are.  Even if it means that you have to let go of some people, it's part of the learning and growing process. And it can be beautiful when you know how to be you!

BEYOUTIFULL

32 years is a long time...

Image from Pinterest

... and life goes on.

I'm grateful for a good life and thankful for the family around me. 

Where would I be today, without their love and support?

Stephen cooking?

It's a little known fact but Stephen can cook!  

Almost four years ago when I first arrived to Singapore, I caught the most awful cough and flu.  Maybe it was the Singapore germs giving me a good welcome and helping me to build up immunities because since then, I've been fine.

It was during this time that I found out that Stephen could cook and tasty food too.

It's always nice to know that he can come up with something without recipes or experience or anything. 

When I think of that time when I was so ill, lying down and praying I would feel well soon, I also think of Stephen pottering around the kitchen and making pancakes for breakfast and a most delicious soup for lunch/dinner.  

I must pujuk him to repeat that performance!  Hahahahahaha!

The best 2015 moment!

Image from my whatsapp

A couple of days ago, I asked Stephen what was his most memorable moment of 2015.  He didn't hesitate at all.  He said it was when Jared and Gwen got registered.  His joy and excitement was obvious to everyone.

I believe him and we also have a video to prove it.    But that's in keeping with his personality which is always bubbly and effervescent!

For me, the registration was also a great moment, after all a marriage is such a momentous step for anyone.  

Yet, in keeping with who I am, my most memorable moment was a quiet and private one.

It was on 19 September 2015 at 3.27 pm, I was in the bus, heading to the Nursing Home to see my MIL and a whatsapp message (shown above) came in. 

Stephen added, "you are love and love is you" plus a little bit more. It was so random and unexpected that I was taken aback. 

It was just an ordinary and simple thing for him to do but for me, it was a sweet gesture of love, so blind, that sees beyond all my faults.  Is there any kind of love better than this?  I am so very blessed.

It is my best 2015 moment.

2016 Epiphany, Vision and Mission

Image from NCC website

Three days into the new year and already so much has happened. 

2015 ended so well and we are still reeling from all the eating and merry-making.  Now to walk off and work out a bit to stay in shape.  Our aim is to remain healthy so we'll take it slow with our food until Chinese New Year and then really get down to better habits after that. No point to set goals which would go flying out the window when the next festivity hits us.

Today's church service was about Possessing our Possesions. Very apt for me and my family. I loved the message and found that I had similar thoughts without realising it.  Now everything ties in so beautifully.  

Last week we had written our three prayer requests and the entire church prayed together.  There's something so awesome about this. I like the idea that we are praying with and for each other. 

The last few months of 2015 turned out to be such a revelation of God's love for us.  Everything we did flowed smoothly without hitches.  Healthwise, it was also my best year since arriving to Singapore.  All the earlier quirky viruses I caught have been put to rest.  

I've taken down all the Christmas stuff except for the curtains.  No, I didn't wait for the Epiphany as I used to do.  That's what an epiphany is about, isn't it: that moment of sudden and great revelation or realization that we don't need to be bound by any tradition that doesn't suit us.  

For us, it's full steam ahead for the wedding of the year in late November.  This will keep us focussed on how we will spend this year.  

It's going to be an exciting and probably a very eventful 2016 so I remind myself to take just one day at a time.  

Thank you, Jesus, for everything.

2016 IS HERE!

Out with the old and in with the new!

Take every chance that comes your way.

(All images from Pinterest)