Christmas month - Day 30

The  Christmas month is almost over.  Tomorrow is New Year's eve.  Besides stating the obvious, I guess it's a checkpoint to see the good again and again and again.

Celebrate your life and be happy.  I've always believed that time well spent is a life well lived. 

(Images from Pinterest)

I'll do my best.

Image from WWW

Many years ago, I used to hear these words, "I'll do my best".  These days, I say it to others because it carries such a strong conviction in just mouthing those words.  

The one who used to say these words didn't realise the impact it would have on me.  But I have always thought that someone who responds with these words show a capacity to give their all.

The person is Suzee.  Some may know her, or of her, if they have been in my life long enough.  

I remember whenever I asked her to help me with something, her reply would always be "I'll do my best".  And it always was her best!

Once I asked her to sew some press buttons on some curtains for me, and she did them so neatly and beautifully.  More than that, she returned them to me the next day!

Another time, when she helped to paint my apartment, she chose the most difficult job of doing the grilles.  Where the brush couldn't reach wasn't a problem for her!  She just dipped her finger in the paint and used her finger to coat the parts that the brush could not reach.  That she would do something like that really blew my mind.  Until today when I see my grilles, I think of her and how she just went about to do her best.  

It wasn't any particular big project that she did for me, it was just small and random tasks but the manner in which she did it all, showed so much of who she is as a person.  I cannot remember everything that she has done for me but I will always remember her response!

How many of us remember to do our best in all we do?  I sometimes forget but Suzee's words ring in my head and then I do just that little bit more because that would be my best.  

It's how I can feel good and right with myself and in my heart.  It's how I know that I can do my best.  I am in awe of Suzee's attitude. 

Little does she know that her words have stuck with me through all the years.  Little does she know that I have tried to live with this motto.  

I hope that in time, someone else who hears me say "I'll do my best" will also feel something stirring inside and do the same.  

Thank you, Suzee, for all the love you've shown and continue to send to me. 

Whatever happens in life, I'll do my best, Suzee.  I hope you're proud of how your big heart has changed me.

Corazon means heart

Image from Twitter

The last time that I spoke to my Aunt Corazon was on the 19th of March 2014 and just five days before she died.

I strain to remember if there was a hint in her voice that she knew or felt something.  It's impossible. Our conversations were always about the same things and about the same people. 

Every time we speak with anyone, it never occurs to us that it might just be the last time we talk to that someone.  

I don't always think of my Aunt Corazon but when I do, it stops me in my tracks for a moment.  Like today on the anniversary of her death and it doesn't seem as if it's been that long and I still miss her.

It's two years already and I still feel her love for me.  

I think this is what real love is all about.  A person loves you so much in real life that even when they are gone, you still feel that love from beyond.

I hope it works both ways and that she can also feel my love for her wherever she may be now.

Keeping guard

Image picked  from Twitter

It's easier to speak from the heart because that's where the real feelings come from.  Hence it's a good idea to guard the heart because that's also where love is manufactured.

Who wants to keep hatred so that it can grow and fester?  No one.

Yet, there are some who do this and it amazes me that even as people grow older, they never tire of drama.  And when there's none, they create it.

Guard your heart and,  may I add, your words as it determines the course of your life.  This is a good one to meditate on.  

Mid-October and Christmas is around the corner :)

Image from WWW

Unbelievably, it's mid-October already.  

I love October for many reasons.  People start talking about Christmas during this month. Even stores and malls begin promoting Christmas things alongside the Halloween stuff.  

Some of my friends already think of putting up their Christmas tree so that they will be able to have everything ready when November comes.  I'm not one of them.

Our home in KL hasn't had any Christmas decoration since I left. The kids are either here with us in Singapore or in Sabah so it makes no sense to put anything up.  When I was still there, it was fun transforming the home into a Christmas wonderland.  I suppose I would be willing to do it all over again when the grandchildren come. *grins*

Over the last four years, I've noticed that Singapore stocks Halloween items so there must be a demand, hence the supply. While I am tempted to buy, I refrain.  I just take photos of the interesting displays.

Anyway, back to a reality check and a reminder to myself about the five points in the image.