Lucky and carefree?

These days I find that I am quite easily contented with little. Maybe it has to do with wanting less from people and also from life.  

I also know that choices have something to do with this new attitude and philosophy.  I practise being good to me and it's becoming a nice habit.  

If the world views this as being lucky and carefree then I agree.  It's a blessing, indeed.

Halfway mark

Image from Pinterest

This year has really gone by much faster than expected.  I still remember when it was January and now we are almost at the end of the sixth month which is the half-way mark of 2015.

A lot has happened but I'm a positive person and this has helped me in every area of my life.  The truth is that my cup runneth over and I am always grateful for where I am today.

I think I'm in some sort of a rut but it's a good kind of rut.  Routine is good sometimes.  Too many upheavals can be stressful.  I shall not complain that there isn't much excitement.  Overall, life is simple and good and I shall use this calm time to fill my cup with more of the things that make me smile.

A different kind of difference

Image from Pinterest

There are many people who come and go in our lives. Some leave us better people and others, well, they gave us a taste of what being bitter is all about.

I'm not one to waste too much time analysing or dissecting when any relationship goes awry.  I'll give it my best shot and then if it works, it's great but if it doesn't, I'll just move on.  

I did this for most of my life.  Yes, I've gained and lost along the way but nothing is permanent in this ever-changing world.

I felt a bit nostalgic this weekend because a friend sent me a text for Teacher's Day.  She was my student in the 80s and even when we never saw much of each other, we eventually became quite close and we feel a bond of love for one another.

What struck me and touched my heart was that she still remembered me as a teacher.  It's been over 30 years since I taught her but she still holds those memories.  I'd forgotten that was how we first met!

This greeting from her made me smile all day and little did she know that I've noticed she never misses to wish me whenever Teacher's Day comes along (since we reconnected).

Most teachers never get to see if they made a difference in the lives of their students.  They just do their job and hope that everyone will end up better than when they first came.

My friend, however, has given me a glimmer of the seed planted long ago and shown me that I made a difference in her life just as she continues to do for my life.

There are other students who have kept in touch and who have also shown love and appreciation but the one that stands out is Wendy Voo.

Thank you for the loving and lovely message on Saturday and on every other occasion too.  It made me remember why I love teaching so much. 

It's knowing that I made a difference in the life of just one person that makes it all so wonderful.

LKY ~ a photo I took

I took this while queueing just outside Parliament House. Stephen and I went on Saturday (28 March 2015). He knew I was keen to go and although we had set the alarm for 2.30 am, we awoke to the update that paying last respects was suspended. Hence, we went back to sleep and I had given up any chance of going. But after lunch, he decided that we'd make a last ditch attempt.  It was his second time and my first.  Yay!

Although I took several shots while waiting around, especially in the padang (field), I like this the most because it's a blend of the old and the new. 

Standing behind this iron fence gives a perfect perspective of me: not a Singaporean but residing in Singapore.

While there was so much going on during the last week and almost an entire nation mourning the loss of such a great statesman, I can only go by what I felt personally.  Stephen and I read everything and no matter what has been written, we go by what we feel and nothing has changed.  

We still believe that LKY did his best and although he wasn't perfect, he is certainly far from imperfect. 

Starting Over

Stephen went back to work today and as I sat at home, after doing my chores, I thought about 2015 and what's in store for me.

It was a good quiet afternoon that ended with a nap.  When I woke up, I decided to go for a walk. Stephen started his exercise regime yesterday and told me to begin only when I feel ready.  

I am glad I went for that brisk walk.  The weather was nice and cool and I returned feeling refreshed.  I like the new route and will stick to it.  Usually I listen to the radio or youtube while I walk but today I decided to click on the Joel Osteen link that Stephen sent to me.  It was a nice change.  It was uplifting and the message was appropriate for starting over!

Stephen shares many links which he feels I will like but this is the first one in 2015 that he's asked me to listen to.  

It's amazing how a message can touch one's heart so deeply.  If you're interested to hear it, you can click this link.