Sunday, April 17, 2011

Renewal

As we join with the Christian community to commemorate Holy Week, we reflect on the many sacrifices that have been made for us and offer thanksgiving. Whatever religion or denomination we belong to, let us take an introspective look  within and make an effort to remember the reason for our salvation and continue to live life with this in mind. Hope you had a great Palm Sunday and let us all make a conscious effort to pay our respects for life and humanity this upcoming week as we await in anticipation renewal this Easter.
photo credit - treehugger.com

Are you trapped in TV Land??

Sometimes we need to be mindful of the message the media sends to us…. song lyrics, videos, movies and TV shows can all be entertaining but it leaves us wondering what is the meaning of it all ---especially for impressionable minds it can be a bit misleading. Not only the young ones are susceptible to this but also persons who may not have a firm grasp of reality or knowledge of themselves. I love music, movies and TV (some) as much as the next person but does it really alter our perception of real life and influence our judgement? Although it is sometimes a microcosm of our world ---we need to be careful that we don’t get consumed by it all. Be that as it may, when I first started
photo credit - tbs.com
typing this post, it was really my intention to pay tribute to TV shows of today and yesterday. One of my earlier posts made mention of 80s shows but there are some from the 90s and today that were memorable. I don’t get a chance to watch much TV anymore but when I do these are some of my favourites…can you think of anymore? ©



Le Femme Nikita (1990s)

Highlander (1990s)

Saved by the Bell (1990s)
My so-called life (1990s)
Relativity (1990s)

Melrose Place (1990s)
Beverly Hills 90210 (1990s)
photo credit - guardian.co.uk
Sister Sister (1990s)

The Parkers (1990s)

Blossom (1990s)

Full House (1990s)
Who's the Boss (1990s)

Living Single (1990s)

Fresh Prince of Bel Air (1990s)

Party of Five (1990s)

Mad About You (1990s)




Nikita (present)
photo credit - tv.ign.com

Gossip Girl (present)

The Game (present)
Girlfriends (recent)
Friends (recent)
Will and Grace (recent)

The New Adventures of Old Christine

The Big Bang Theory

Two and a Half Men

How I met your mother
The Simpsons




Saturday, April 16, 2011

A Diamond is Forever

photo credit - tvseriesfinale.com
At the moment I feel very blessed to have such great friends. Some I’ve known for over 10 years and some less -- the common thread however is that we all understand each other almost to a “T.” Now I have been through my share of friends and I believe that it is important that you establish each type. One of my nearest and dearest friends of about 6 years told me today between bbms and during one of our marathon tele conversations is that you have to know what type of friendship you have. Some people may just be around for a reason or a season. Some may be more needy than others; some may not really be “for you” but stay around for whatever reason. Others are just “liming partners” to hang out whenever and then others are just there to serve a purpose in your life and then they’re gone.

I am lucky that I have some that have stuck with me thru thick and thin and vice versa. Sometimes you can have a friend that you have only known for a short period of time and they seem to know and understand you better than some who have known you your whole life. You know you have found a diamond when that person without judging accepts you just the way you are with your idiosyncrasies and all and allow you to be yourself, yet you both contribute to the other’s journey to become better and more wholesome individuals inside and out. They are not competitive and are free from pettiness and haughtiness. Nobody’s perfect and at the end of the day if you can’t be yourself around your friends and family who can you be yourself around? When viewing friendships you want people within your immediate circle who share similar interests, beliefs and are healthy to be around and can augment each other. It’s a give and take and it takes patience and kindness, tolerance, understanding and appreciation. You know you have a good friend when sometimes words are not necessary and when you're having a bad day they automatically know and can cheer you up with just a smile. ©

photo credit - livesinabox.com

 So to all my true friends that have made it this far (smile:-) here’s to you: Cheers!


 “True friends are like diamonds, precious and rare, fake friends are like autumn leaves found everywhere.”  – Author Unknown


Sunday, April 10, 2011

It's all about Perspective


photo credit - kenlauher.com
Is the glass half full? or half empty?
Life is funny. You can look at something today and then a year or 5, 10 years from now you may feel differently about it. It can add a whole new spin on things. It’s called maturity, experience and wisdom.

You may look at something today and someone else may view it in a totally different light. This can be a matter of contention for a lot of people but that’s just the way the world is and we have to learn to live with it. You can do all the arguing in the world that you want but sometimes if two people don’t see eye to eye on a subject – there’s no reasoning and no backing down from one’s point of view. It could be family, friends, colleagues or world leaders...sometimes it’s difficult to figure out why educated people can’t just agree on one issue when everything seems clear cut and black and white in your mind or maybe to an outsider. It’s like watching a movie and shouting out the obvious but yet the actors not being aware continue blindly on because they have a role to play. A point to consider is that if everyone were alike then there would be no diversity in the world, no freedom to choose…we would all be clones/machines that walk, talk and look alike with the same hairstyle, choice in clothing, sense of humour and mannerisms. There would be no difference in culture or opinion. The fact that I have chosen this particular photo for this article can also influence a person's perspective. But sometimes that is just the chance you have to take.

It can be a job, or a boss, company policy, legislation, a parent or a game. For simplicity we'd use my blog as an example…some persons tell me that they find it inspiring and brilliant work that make them think and brightens their day or offers a solution to their problem….I was even encouraged to publish books. I have gotten repeated "hits" from all corners of the world --as far as Australia, Indonesia, Slovenia, Netherlands and Russia to name a few. When I wrote for the newspapers persons of all different ages and denominations also told me how much they can relate. Yet to others it’s open to interpretation --- some may prefer some posts more than others --some may just not "do" inspiration—some may like fiction or true stories --or it may just not touch others in quite the same way. No matter people’s interpretation however it does not faze me because I am doing what I love and will continue to do it regardless. It’s how we deal with our differences that set us apart from the actors in the movies. Do we get offended or annoyed or do we try to determine what is the reason behind a person’s opinion and take it in stride extracting from it what we can and deciding for ourselves what is our own truth? It takes a really big person to see it for what it’s worth and move constructively forward.

Some things are timeless. Maybe your perspective won’t change on some matters. But when we can look back at our “past selves” and recognize that we have flaws and have made mistakes then we realize how much we have really grown and only then can we move on and avoid making them again. It’s good to change your perspective sometimes. ©



Tuesday, April 5, 2011

The Universal Language of Musiq

photo credit - search4tutors.ie
They say music is the “heart of our soul.” This is so true, I’m sure there is a song for every possible emotion we experience and for every symbolic moment in our life…first dances, graduations, first dates, new car, new job/promotion, wedding day, new baby, anniversaries…even in times of anger and sorrow—music can heal a wounded heart and ease grief in times of loss of a loved one. Music is timeless…it’s therapeutic and it’s the lifeblood of any party. I personally like 80s music…but I have an appreciation for all genres spread over the many different decades. Music can make anyone feel that they are the best singer or dancer in the world and music can make people do strange things! It can arouse feelings of nostalgia or produce a montage of emotions. Let’s face it --without it our life would be silent, apathetic and mundane…. well maybe I’m being a bit extreme but as you can tell I love musiq!! View my profile for a list of my favourites and share some of your own! ©

I would leave you with a quote from one of my all time FaVouriTE artistes:


“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
Bob Marley (1945-1981)


How many of u remember this one!!!???

Friday, April 1, 2011

Come Follow Me:)

photo credit -contentrix.com
Hey folks...I just added a new gadget to my blog....it's on the right of your screen---if you scroll across & down. If you like what you're reading, show your support by becoming a "follower" of my blog!!

Have a great weekend...whatever time zone you're in!


Thursday, March 31, 2011

It's My LIFE!!!

The first quarter of the year has almost ended....tomorrow is April---aLreadY!!! Are you on your way to achieving your short term goals for this year?! Think about it...it's Your life. Time to get moving and shaking...for time waits on no man! I can happily & proudly say that last year was a milestone in my life and I achieved a lot of things that I had on the "back burner" for a while...but with perseverance and a healthy serving of faith...I made it! So my new goal for this year is to abandon my fears and try new things...stop worrying about things that are not under my control....enjoy the little things in life more and make it count and add up to Big things in the long run! Stop worrying about what people think especially those closest to you. It's your life after all and everyone has/had a shot at their own. It's My time! Yes it's your time too. I have worked hard and I deserve it and so do you!

On another note, I made a new friend at the mall today when I purchased my new blue tooth car kit and it just makes your day when you receive good customer service. It makes you appreciate your purchases even more.  This has been a good week. I got my first pedicure and manicure which I was so skeptical about for years...and why I never got it done...but it worked out well (I have had massages before though--go figure)! It felt heavenly to be pampered and given good service....made an aquaintance there too...Something can be learnt from everyone you meet in life and sometimes in the most unlikely of places. From ever since I can remember, people just open up to me after having just met...young, old, male & female. I had lots of things in common with all of these people and I don't know if it's all the endorphins talking after my post-gym workout but at the end of the day ---the exchange was interesting. I hope I was able to touch or influence them in some small but extraordinary way!! (: It also inspired me even more to start my own business...and who knows maybe this year is gonna be The yEar:-) I tried a new sushi place also this week and caught up with an old friend...even tried Japanese beer! We were pleasantly surprised. 

So here's to you! If you're feeling that it's too late to try something new and live without abandon...it's never too late. Live with exuberance so that you can share your passion for life and experiences with others--even if it's a smile or thoughtful nod of understanding...or like the gentleman this week who upon seeing my car door stuck on the pavement...ran to my rescue and said "don't worry --I'll get that!" Sounds trivial but it gives you a good feeling...totally discounts some of the other ills in the world and society today. You too can make a difference in your own little way. You would be surprised by how many people you inspire without even knowing it. Peace. ©

Sushi nite

Must see video...listen to the end!!
                            

Friday, March 25, 2011

Positive and Negative

It's true that you are an amalgamation of all the experiences you would have had in your lifetime. Every experience have shaped you into the person who you are today. But one cannot blame their present actions and the situation they find themselves in at the present moment on their past history.  

Sometimes we get caught up in a viscous cycle but we can’t allow ourselves to fall into that trap and stay entrapped forever. Easier said than done right? Hmm maybe, but whether it is an issue of trust or simply escaping an unhealthy situation there is always a way out or solution to our problem. 

Success stories are borne out of hardship and trials. When we are faced with a difficult situation, we can look at it as a test -a test of our strength, fortitude and willpower. I can certainly testify to many a test of my faith and resilience and today I can say that there is always a rainbow after the storm if only you believe. You can never give up the battle and always keep striving to achieve your true potential.

It is also important to remember that there will never be an ideal situation – the perfect situation in life does not exist…you may never have the perfect career, child[ren] or meet the perfect man or woman. These things are elusive. If someone says that their life is perfect then they are probably not telling you the whole story and we must remember that things are not always what they seem. 

You have to make life perfect in your own way. You have to be happy and grateful for your blessings and fortune in life…always looking for the good. Although it is not always easy to look at life in this way since we are human and we live in an imperfect world, however what we want is in within our reach if only we see it for what it’s worth.  

As a child my father always told me that the world is made up of positive and negative and although the details of the story are a bit fuzzy at the moment, the message stuck with me throughout my life. It is up to us to choose. The positive path will always lead to happiness ultimately. If we choose the negative we will either learn from our mistakes eventually or if we don’t we will self-destruct. So we don’t want to choose that path regardless of how alluring, exciting or glamorous it looks from the outside. 

As I reflect on all the many periods in my life ---the happiest times were when I was with company I enjoyed and doing the things I loved. If I’ve learnt anything from my years on this earth, is to keep those you love close and show your appreciation in simple but meaningful ways because you don’t know how long they will be in your life; always follow your dream and don’t put off something you can do today for tomorrow because life is short and unpredictable and you may never get another chance. 

The world is yours for the taking, free yourself of your inhibitions…be cautious especially with matters of the heart but learn to trust your instincts and let go …let it all unfold…step outside and let your dreams become reality. ©


“But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.”
[1 Corinthians 13:10]

Special greetings go out to the new visitors to my blog from Indonesia, China and France!! Feel free to post your comments:-)

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Dreams can come true

This just goes to show that with hard work and persistence dreams can come true!