The below extract makes sense. And that only we can decide if we want to be happy or not, and how do we want to lead our lives. Money is only a commodity, it should not contain emotional attachments to it.
"Those who were happy reported thinking such as "Yeah, this sucks, but I still have dreams. There are still things I can do. And I'm going to focus on those things." Those who were miserable made statements such as "This is so unfair. My whole life is ruined. I will never be happy." In obtaining the life histories of the patients, I saw that those who were happy had full and active lives, they had friends and jobs and were involved in activities. Whereas those who were miserable, often did nothing but stay in bed with little social contact and had more problems with bed sores and other ailments due to the inactivity.
I noticed that those who were happy made a clear choice to be happy. They could often describe the precise moment or the words that they said to themselves.
Since then, even though we have had much more significant stressors in our lives, I'm no longer waiting to be happy because I recognize that happiness is a choice that we make every day. Happiness is not due to the things that happen or don't happen to us. Happiness isn't due to how much money we have or the house we live in or how successful we or our children are. Happiness is present every day we choose for it to be present.
Therefore, happiness is a choice to feel the emotions that result from an event, to fully grieve, but also, to recognize our ability to accept what life offers us rather than remain focused on what is taken from us. Happiness is an attitude."
http://www.excelatlife.com/happiness.htm
Monday, January 24, 2011
Buddha Quotes
By Kwee Lain
1. Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
2. Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.
3. It is better to travel well than to arrive.
4. Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.
5. Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.
6. Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.
7. To keep the body in good health is a duty. Otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.
8. There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.
9. The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.
10. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.
1. Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
2. Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.
3. It is better to travel well than to arrive.
4. Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.
5. Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.
6. Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.
7. To keep the body in good health is a duty. Otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.
8. There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.
9. The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.
10. You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
19 Days into 2011
School has started. Every lecture leaves question marks in my head. I hope it gets better.
So far, I am happy with the way the year is starting out work wise.
Last Sun 16th, I went for a concert introduced by Sam as her friend plays the cello in the event. It was inspiring and I was impressed with a brilliant pianist who played the 2nd symphony (Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini). He is Meng Chieh Liu and displayed exellent showmanship and utter mastery. He managed to evoke a variety of emotions in me throughout his performance.
Jackie visited last weekend too. The usual dim sum, egg tarts and Stanley market rounds. She and M managed to buy many knick knacks at Ladies Market, surely that is something that I am unable to do. I didn't think there would be anything at that tourist trap! I'm glad they had fun buying and wearing boots! I was a little sad to see her leave, as it had been so nice to have someone truly cares for me in HK, and when she left, I felt the warmth dissipate.
Chinese New Year will be upon us in less than 2 weeks time! It would be nice to go home to a sunny island. A definite welcome change from the frigid weather here!
So far, I am happy with the way the year is starting out work wise.
Last Sun 16th, I went for a concert introduced by Sam as her friend plays the cello in the event. It was inspiring and I was impressed with a brilliant pianist who played the 2nd symphony (Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini). He is Meng Chieh Liu and displayed exellent showmanship and utter mastery. He managed to evoke a variety of emotions in me throughout his performance.
Jackie visited last weekend too. The usual dim sum, egg tarts and Stanley market rounds. She and M managed to buy many knick knacks at Ladies Market, surely that is something that I am unable to do. I didn't think there would be anything at that tourist trap! I'm glad they had fun buying and wearing boots! I was a little sad to see her leave, as it had been so nice to have someone truly cares for me in HK, and when she left, I felt the warmth dissipate.
Chinese New Year will be upon us in less than 2 weeks time! It would be nice to go home to a sunny island. A definite welcome change from the frigid weather here!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Christmas Weekend, 2010 & 2011
This was a nice long weekend. Spent with almost the same bunch of friends. Nice and simple nonetheless. I got a pair of shoes tailor-made!
2010 in Retrospect
Personal life wise, was in a relationship and made more friends!
Work wise, job went pretty well, almost bored now.
Studies wise, good and survived the first semester
Healthwise, could be better, revived bouts of ballet and squash. Languished in running.
2011 Resolutions
Hope to travel to the U.S for A's wedding
Hope to find a new role that I might like and be good at. I hope to do quant and write
Hope to learn/continue an sport that I truly enjoy
Hope to pick up an activity, or a musical instrument
Hope to do some charity work. Might be dog walking, reading to kids, or visitng an old folks home.
Hope to have some stability in religion, maybe weekly to St Johns.
Looking forward to spend time and communicate more with my family
Protect the environment, waste less water, conserve electricity, recycle and reuse!
Walk where possible
2010 in Retrospect
Personal life wise, was in a relationship and made more friends!
Work wise, job went pretty well, almost bored now.
Studies wise, good and survived the first semester
Healthwise, could be better, revived bouts of ballet and squash. Languished in running.
2011 Resolutions
Hope to travel to the U.S for A's wedding
Hope to find a new role that I might like and be good at. I hope to do quant and write
Hope to learn/continue an sport that I truly enjoy
Hope to pick up an activity, or a musical instrument
Hope to do some charity work. Might be dog walking, reading to kids, or visitng an old folks home.
Hope to have some stability in religion, maybe weekly to St Johns.
Looking forward to spend time and communicate more with my family
Protect the environment, waste less water, conserve electricity, recycle and reuse!
Walk where possible
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The Search for the Ugliest Shoes
It is hard to find a really comfortable pair of shoes that is not ugly. My feet hurt after just half a day of walking. And it doesn't help that I am having leg cramps, and backache, which point to lack of exercise. This I would woefully agree. But no, I did not wear heels, just uncomfortable flats.
So I came home, determined to look up a brand of comfortable black flats on the internet, but so, because I failed, I can only think of Manolo Blahnik or Sergio Rossi. I think they both make good shoes. So, the former is a Spanish designer, who creates excellent collection of shoes for women. I think he shot to fame thanks to Sex and the City's Carrie. According to the designer, feminine footwear really can make a woman irresistible. I think by feminine, he means high heels. Maybe he should try wearing his own creations for a day.
As genetics has it, wearing towering heels is really not a good idea for me, as I do not need the added height, nor do I desire to walk around poorly paved roads with potholes in it and have to yank them out from the ground when they get stuck! So I picked some of the flatter heels I might look out for when I visit the shops. I do hope they are not narrow, as I have wide feet!
And now, from branded to comfortable! Considering Naturalizer, most possibly found in HK's version of OG!
So I think the pictures sum up my point very succinctly. It's not always an easy choice to choose comfort over style, but I am trying. :)
So I came home, determined to look up a brand of comfortable black flats on the internet, but so, because I failed, I can only think of Manolo Blahnik or Sergio Rossi. I think they both make good shoes. So, the former is a Spanish designer, who creates excellent collection of shoes for women. I think he shot to fame thanks to Sex and the City's Carrie. According to the designer, feminine footwear really can make a woman irresistible. I think by feminine, he means high heels. Maybe he should try wearing his own creations for a day.
As genetics has it, wearing towering heels is really not a good idea for me, as I do not need the added height, nor do I desire to walk around poorly paved roads with potholes in it and have to yank them out from the ground when they get stuck! So I picked some of the flatter heels I might look out for when I visit the shops. I do hope they are not narrow, as I have wide feet!
And now, from branded to comfortable! Considering Naturalizer, most possibly found in HK's version of OG!
So I think the pictures sum up my point very succinctly. It's not always an easy choice to choose comfort over style, but I am trying. :)Learn how to Sing?
It says on the below excerpt that singing motivates and engages your mind and soul. It is theraputic. I can understand why KTV is such an enjoyed sport, why people sing in church, why one will hum when you are happy! So ... I might just take up singing classes when my exam is over! I think its the same idea as why I can't dance when I am not happy... so this means I have to be with happy people whom I like when I go party!
"Singing is an act of vibration. It takes music from the realm of the unformed- whether that is in your mind or from that magical space of inspiration- and moves it from within to without. From the first breath singing moves the energy in a circular way inside your body.... The use of the voice can bring about catharsis, a cleansing from the expression of emotion, which is why we feel better after singing certain types of songs. All of this occurs even if we are not conscious of what we are singing, but when we really connect with an intention, the power of the voice and music together are powerful tools in creation.
Whether you sing along to the radio or use vocalization as part of your meditation time, singing and harmonizing are healing activities that bring your body’s vibrations into alignment with the universe."
Taken from "Harmonizing with the Universe" on http://sharelife.wordpress.com/
"Singing is an act of vibration. It takes music from the realm of the unformed- whether that is in your mind or from that magical space of inspiration- and moves it from within to without. From the first breath singing moves the energy in a circular way inside your body.... The use of the voice can bring about catharsis, a cleansing from the expression of emotion, which is why we feel better after singing certain types of songs. All of this occurs even if we are not conscious of what we are singing, but when we really connect with an intention, the power of the voice and music together are powerful tools in creation.
Whether you sing along to the radio or use vocalization as part of your meditation time, singing and harmonizing are healing activities that bring your body’s vibrations into alignment with the universe."
Taken from "Harmonizing with the Universe" on http://sharelife.wordpress.com/
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Sun Yat Sen Medical Sciences Museum
This museum which is usually empty and contains exhibits of medical science experiments on rats is transformed into a fashion gallery tonight. As I walked home from school I heard some music and realised it was the Joyce's Boutique 40th Anniversay. If not for the music, I could also tell from the big cars parked along the normally empty driveway, and their chauffeurs dressed in white or black suits. So I took a picture of the entrance to the party which was lined with people waiting to go into the museum, which promptly opened at 10.30pm. Visitors to the main entrance were greeted with waiters with drinks on trays.
It was a classy setup and I don't think they did disservice to the historic site. HK continually amazes me at how creative they can get with space, and making the most of an idea, to present it in the most innovative ways. It's such an interesting end to be a passer-by to such a happening event, which I wasn't attending even though it is at my backyard. It is not my scene, but more of the rich and the tai-tais. I will definitely check out the event if I can! It's free to the public!
Pictures taken from my camera. :)
Article from SCMP - 8th Dec 2010.
Over the past 40 years, Joyce Boutique has been synonymous with cutting-edge fashion in Asia. Since the early 1970s, when founder Joyce Ma opened a small multi-label boutique at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the retailer has discovered and championed some of the industry's most innovative designers, including Yohji Yamamoto, Dries Van Noten, Comme des Garcons and Balenciaga. Ma was the first to open monobrand stores for luxury brands in Asia such as Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan and Thierry Mugler, and also pioneered a lifestyle retail concept with Joyce Flowers, Joyce magazine and Joyce Cafe in the 80s and 90s.
With so many achievements it's fitting that the retailer chose to celebrate its 40th anniversary in grand style by launching, "A Journey in Fashion", a large-scale multimedia exhibition that will debut in Hong Kong, before continuing on to Shanghai and Paris, where it will close Fashion Week in March.
The exhibition, which has taken over a year to co-ordinate, will be presented at The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, a 100-year-old heritage building in Mid-Levels that is being used for a fashion event for the first time. Covering two floors, visitors will be led through five rooms, each offering an insight into Joyce's history and development, supported by rare archive images, press clippings and installations. One-on-one interviews with designers and fashion visionaries such as Ann Demeulemeester and Dean and Dan Caten from DSquared will be conducted by influential blogger and ex-Joyce magazine editor Diane Pernet.
A Journey in Fashion opens to the public from tomorrow at The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, Square Street, Mid-Levels. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm (closed on Mondays); 10am to 5pm on December 24, 25 and 31. Admission is free. For inquiries, please call 2524 7828.
It was a classy setup and I don't think they did disservice to the historic site. HK continually amazes me at how creative they can get with space, and making the most of an idea, to present it in the most innovative ways. It's such an interesting end to be a passer-by to such a happening event, which I wasn't attending even though it is at my backyard. It is not my scene, but more of the rich and the tai-tais. I will definitely check out the event if I can! It's free to the public!
Pictures taken from my camera. :)
Article from SCMP - 8th Dec 2010.
Over the past 40 years, Joyce Boutique has been synonymous with cutting-edge fashion in Asia. Since the early 1970s, when founder Joyce Ma opened a small multi-label boutique at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the retailer has discovered and championed some of the industry's most innovative designers, including Yohji Yamamoto, Dries Van Noten, Comme des Garcons and Balenciaga. Ma was the first to open monobrand stores for luxury brands in Asia such as Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan and Thierry Mugler, and also pioneered a lifestyle retail concept with Joyce Flowers, Joyce magazine and Joyce Cafe in the 80s and 90s.
With so many achievements it's fitting that the retailer chose to celebrate its 40th anniversary in grand style by launching, "A Journey in Fashion", a large-scale multimedia exhibition that will debut in Hong Kong, before continuing on to Shanghai and Paris, where it will close Fashion Week in March.
The exhibition, which has taken over a year to co-ordinate, will be presented at The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, a 100-year-old heritage building in Mid-Levels that is being used for a fashion event for the first time. Covering two floors, visitors will be led through five rooms, each offering an insight into Joyce's history and development, supported by rare archive images, press clippings and installations. One-on-one interviews with designers and fashion visionaries such as Ann Demeulemeester and Dean and Dan Caten from DSquared will be conducted by influential blogger and ex-Joyce magazine editor Diane Pernet.
A Journey in Fashion opens to the public from tomorrow at The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, Square Street, Mid-Levels. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm (closed on Mondays); 10am to 5pm on December 24, 25 and 31. Admission is free. For inquiries, please call 2524 7828.