Retreat

What everyone needs is a retreat. Not a getaway to a fancy destination (although that might help!), but a means to retreat into peace and tranquility into one's own mind. When there is a storm wrecking havoc outside, there is a cave where you can seek shelter and refuge. However, you have to find the cave on your own. You have to creat it, if it doesn't exist.

At the moment of frustration and overwhelm, things explode and get out of hand. Attacks are lashed out and insults are hurled, whether intentionally or not, and it cannot be undone. Today, Edward was wiser than me when he rationalize that you shouldn't take things too personally, after all, we are at work (or more like war!). When a war goes on, there are casualties at all sides, no matter where the fight is directed all. Instead of changing the topic or vehemently agreeing and letting me wallow in self-pity and rage, he did neither. His advice actually proved to be true (it's very rare that advice gets proven in scenarios, as they are after all meant to be advice). However, as you never let your emotions get to you, you should also never let your guard down.

Gratitude that I actually didn't lose my cool came pouring in. It could be potentially damaging if I hadn't held my thoughts and responded to fire with fire. I would just have been a rash, hot headed fool that engages in battles when the ego is challenged, no matter how trivial or unimportant it is. Again, there are very few good genuine people left. From the moment he spoke, I could tell he was a humble and down-to-earth person. Same as Al.

Don't let someone have that much control over you. Master yourself, find that safe retreat and haven, disengage and engage back with tact. That is the hard part of being complex and human, Cats are very interesting to watch, yet they are very loveable and relatable.

Basic instincts for survival was what we once was, now it''s not just basic survival, it's also keeping up with the Joanases/Kardashians/bandwagon/trend. However, near death incidents will always shake you up and wake you up at the core, no matter what your status or situation is, having a brush with death makes you feel more alive and aware of how little we matter in the grand scheme of things and how fragile each of us is. While a loss is mourned, the world continues at the smooth steady pace towards the future and progress, regardless of passing.

The impact will wear off and the wheel will continue turning. If you don't matter to the world, the only thing left is the figure out what in the world matters to you. And with that, you can live a more fullfilling life.

Gratitude entry 7

I am grateful that:

My thoughtful younger brother bought me tealive (what was once known as chatime)! He even queued for half an hour. Thank you bro.

With no Wifii and in completely hot weather, I was able to complete my work. Japanese Class is a stone throw away from my home. I was able to set expectations and have more freedom now.

It's not a game, but if it is, I think I have the upper hand.

Gratitude Entry 6

I'm grateful that I have a sister who is confident and proud of herself, not insecure like most girls are. Oh, she is also fashion-conscious and business-minded, not to mention pretty! Thank goodness I'm the older sis here haha :D So there's no pressure to be anyone, there are trendsetters on one hand, and there are those who are comfortable in their own skin. I'm the latter. 

I feel happy to be understood and supported, and recognize that listening to certain songs really put me in a happy reflective mood. I am grateful that our era has really outstanding songwriters, Ed and Tay Tay. And it's very nice of her to drop a country song. It makes listening to her old country tracks even more meaningful. 

Today's seminar spoke about setting your own standards, and letting your own standards (not society's or anyone else's), determine your happiness. My takeaway is that you just need to be sure of what you really want when you are chasing a goal or pursuing something, or go with your instincts and gut feeling. For instance, right now I prefer a fast paced job with reasonable demand that build my skills and also makes me feel skilled (my input is valuable!), it would be very boring to sit in office with no meetings, brainstorming, events and networking, and just a plain desk job or making calls (even if it pays higher). I am glad that I had the opportunity to realise this. 

While Hun said he had good dreams about me today, I have dreamy flashes of seeing myself conjuring up 'Love Story' scenes with horses, the countryside and beautiful dresses. Ed's Castle On The Hill just adds to it more.. :)  Life-stories and coming of age stories are the perfect recipe for songs, and I am glad that as I discovered today!) I'm not the only one who digs meaningful lyrics and looks into them in-depth, rather than just addictive tunes. 

My conclusion is that irrelative of wealth or social standing, I want to live a life that is blessed with good health, and rich in experiences, and entertained by loves ones and in turn entertaining loved ones. 

Gratitude Entry 5

I am grateful that I chanced upon a new inspiration, a 98 year old yogi who loves life, and a 60-something ex convict that time travelled from the 1970s to the 21st century. The woman is as healthy as anyone could be and defying expectations and possibilities, while the latter has found peace despite losing out some of the best years in his lifetime, and now stunned at the world's pace, but adapting gracefully and peacefully. 

I am grateful that I am able to cherish bonds with my family, and not let anything get in the way- this morning, I had breakfast when Po Po and Da Jiu came, and was happy to play host for our first guests! It was a nice feeling, just being able to serve some freshly cut fruits. 

I am grateful that I have hiked two days straight (with light yoga afterwards) and feel no fatigue. I am very grateful to have a hiking spot that is so easily accessible and safe, that I can hike alone anytime (family joining is a bonus!).

I am grateful that my little brother is growing up- he is very disciplined with his time, and committed to his health. He has also extended much generosity and kindness to his friends. The most mature mark is when he didn't let us know that we missed his birthday. 

I am grateful that (until this point in my life) I never had to undergo any hardships that involves slavery and war, or totally thrown into a new country little help to start anew. I am grateful that my trip to South Korea had given me a little bit of understanding, while my knowledge of the Japanese language will continue to improve, and this will open up a world of possibilities in terms of understanding Japan and Japanese culture.