If you just believe

Have you ever heard the song " Believe" from the movie Polar Express, sung by Josh Groban? It is the most heart warming song with the most important message--- faith.

I'm not talking about faith, as in religion. I'm talking about faith, as in the faith that no matter what happens, you believe in yourself. When everyone is looking down upon you, or when you feel like no one is about to support what you are doing, you NEED this faith, to make it through.

Sometimes, it sounds easier than done to just believe in yourself. There will always be doubt creeping up into your mind and you'll start to wonder: Hmm...can I make it? What if I fail? This is when you need to use the power of faith, to make it through.

Case and point:

I have doubted myself for my entire life. Until today, I'm still wondering whether my blog has any value at all. That is, if I'm crapping here. But, somehow, yesterday I experienced something unique and wonderful, and I WANT to share it with you.

I was going through my daily life in the usual way. Practising the piano, doing chores, going online and many more. I realized that I am always lacking something, a sense that I am unique and truly amazing in my own way. I have never really "conformed" to any social networks or to my peers for that matter. Always had the "natural ability" to stand out in some ways, like a habit. I'm almost 19 but I don't feel like one at all. I don't do things just because my peers are doing those. But I don't have faith that the way that I live my life is the best way I knew how.

So, I sat down and thought about the time when I felt very good about myself. I remembered that when I was young, I had a breakdown. Being the youngest in the family, I have always felt like I'm the one that was always protected and taken care of, quite dependent in many ways. I have a high sense of dignity, but not much confidence. And so, a single word about my ignorance would tear my fragile heart apart.

One day, I finally could not take it anymore and I cried hard. I asked myself: Why do I always feel so stupid and angry with myself? What can I learn from this? What's wrong?

From then on, my life completely changed. I started to look into personal development, self help books and stuff. Trying to search for answers. I continued this until my late teen years, but then I suddenly stopped, because I thought my effort was enough.

Then, I started to plunge down my emotional ladder again, but in a different way. This time, I did not depend on others to cling onto, but I depended on the internet and the computer. A totally different kind of delusion.

I realized, that the time when I had faith that I could change and face challenges was the happiest. I felt good about myself. Because I believed, although heart-broken, that I am not worthless, because I can change myself if I wanted to.

If you would just believe, the world would be a better place.

What I learned about hair care

I have never kept long hair when I was young. However, I was always fascinated by hair, in some strange and unique way. Sometimes, I was walking around in the mall with my family and I would then notice someone's beautiful long hair, put up in a unique updo, and then I would stare at it. I secretly yearned to keep my hair long instead of the "matter-of-fact" bob that I have kept for more than a decade. And finally, when I turned 15, I kept my hair long without having to leave it as long as possible before my mum has to cut it and then I would have to protest that long hair seems nice.

Since a lack of "role models" has caused me to be quite awkward to the business of making myself look beautiful, I had to turn to online resources. My mum always kept her hair short, my sister was a bit of a tom-boy, so I had to be quite independent in these stuff. Every morning, before I go to school, I would tie my hair in hairstyles that I have created my own, or braid one day, then ponytail one day. Although it is quite unnoticeable for those lacking in observation skills, my mum can't help but noticed it. So, she had nothing to say about me keeping long hair, since she doesn't have to worry about it.

Although I loved my long hair, and the opportunity to have fun with hairstyling, I have to confess I don't inherit the greatest gene pool of all time. My father's line is "blessed" with gray hair, kinda a signature symbol of me differentiating my maternal with my paternal family. So, my gray hair naturally shows now cos I'm having long hair. And classmates were all pointing out that I have LOTS of them.

I finally got the hold of a good hair care routine this year. I learned that shampooing my hair too often is not a good thing. Although I did that because I go to the gym every weekday, but now I have developed a good habit of not shampooing it.

So, here is my hair care routine. I hope you can learn a little something from it.

Sunday- Massage with coconut oil( only on the scalp and ends of hair, preferably at night before sleep), shampoo hair, condition hair
Monday- Rinse away coconut oil (in the morning), rinse hair, leave-in-condition hair
Tuesday- Shampoo hair, condition hair

...Then just alternate the routine everyday for one week.

And another tip:
Never sleep with your hair on a cotton pillow case, it leaves your hair dry and tangled. Try using a silk pillow case, or tie your hair up into a braid before you sleep.

Since I tried this routine for at least 3 months now, I can be quite certain that it can work for you too!

Extraordinary stories of ordinary people

There is always a story behind a person. Whether it is without drama, or just like any predictable story of a good girl or boy, it is always worth knowing. To me, listening to others talk about their story or their past experiences have a very weird and therapeutic effect, as if their happiness and joy can fill into my loneliness, and make me feel better.

If you watch American Idol, then you will know what I'm talking about. Potential winners of the show are always backed with interesting stories, whether it is a fight to be forever free from poverty, drugs or family problems, or a fight for life. These stories are somehow manipulated to draw in the sentiments of the audiences, and therefore make the potential "idol" become somehow worthy of being an "idol".

Sometimes, I use my leisure time to watch interviews about successful artists, entrepreneurs or celebrities, for example Donald Trump and Bill Gates( above). It's not that I'm really concern and have a thing about their personal life, but I just find it fascination that everyone has a different way of interpreting the things that happened in their life. Some may take an accident in childhood as a blessing or a sign of destiny, while some may take the road onto faith and sense of purpose. Whatever it is, I feel like I can learn from what they have experienced, and apply it into my life. Somehow, I feel connected to them in every level, because there are just so many "universal" things that we have in common.

Have you ever wondered how a person became who they are today? The path they took, and the story behind it? Well, I have always wondered. And it seems to me like it is much more important to be able to know what they sacrificed and did to get there, than what the papparazzi are concerned about. And it also seems much fairer if I just listen to them speak as a person, and appreciate their personalities, instead of looking at what they achieved and what they did wrong, because everyone is not perfect. In my opinion, if someone succeeded in something, they must have done something really special to get there. And that is what I'm interested about!

Watching ice skating: The spectacular Vancouver Olympics 2010

I love dancing. And I also love watching experts dance...especially figure skating. This morning, I finally took the opportunity to watch the Vancouver Olympics 2010. And I was delighted that ice skating was on.

Canada's figure skating duo was spectacular! Partly because I also caught a little bit of that Canadian spirit last year, and also because their choreography and skills are just astounding and breath taking! I secretly knew they would win the gold medal...and yes! I was Right!

As the couple stood singing their national anthem, I sang along as I still remember vividly the lyrics to the anthem of the country who I respect and appreciate in many ways because she not only gave me a wonderful education, but also led me to make more friends.

O Canada!

Correct Way to Multi-Task

Do you feel groggy after surfing the net for too long? Watching YouTube videos with multi-tabs? Do you feel like you suddenly don't know what you are doing or what you are living for???

This is the danger of multi-tasking. It keeps you from looking at the big picture, but instead you are just so focused on achieving so many things at the same time that you don't even feel your own body. Your attention is so focused and diverted at all these small tasks that you forgot to live...instead you are just running chores everyday!

Besides, it can be really fatal at times. I saw a real life example on tv one day. A busy mother left her youngest child in the car who died due to the heat as she was just so preoccupied the whole day that she literally "forgot" her own child....so tragic!

However..I'm not saying you shouldn't multitask just because it's dangerous. It is beneficial to everyone if it is done the right way.

Multitasking should be used moderately and wisely, just like with anything else. A few rules to remember:

1) Do a few things at a time only when something needs waiting.
For example: While waiting for the rice to cook, do other things. Or while waiting for your email to load, you open another website.

2) Multitask only when you want to save time, not to create more trouble. For example, you can't watch the tv and study at the same time...although I know you will insist. This is because you won't be able to concentrate on your studies which will cause you to do another round of revision to make up for it. Isn't it a waste of time???

So, the next time you find yourself spending hours and hours using the internet or the computer, but more than you really should, stand up and take a break. Go get a glass of water. Then you will will better!

Habits

Do you find it hard to keep yourself away from the internet? Do you find yourself YouTubing and just cannot stop doing it? In other words, do you have ANY addictions in your life?

To me, habits shape a person's entire life. This is because habits become unconsciously carried out once it is carefully "programmed" into your conscious mind. Now, the key to a successful life is to implant the 'right' or 'good' habits into your mind by practicing it continuously, for a certain period of time.

I'm sure you must have heard that changing or instilling a habit takes about 21 days to 30 days to be successfully done. To modify or change a certain behaviour or habit, there is a thing called "Behaviour Modification Model" (Adapted from Prochaska, Norcross, and DiClemente, 1995,pp. 10-50), which is one of the psychological theories about social change. It states that to change a really bad habit, for example smoking, will require 6 steps. First, precontemplation, where a person needs to go through a stage of denial or refusal to change.Second, contemplation, where a person will begin to question whether the 'addiction' that they have should be corrected by confronting themselves. Then, preparation is the next stage as a person goes through a certain investigation about their problem. After that, action kicks in. Where active commitment to change really occurs. However, maintenance should be carried out after that...or else everything will be back to square one. Lastly, it is termination, which is the completion of a change or behavior modification. Only 20 per cent of changes reach this stage.

To me, to change a bad habit or to instill a new habit has a simple trick. I will do it at the exact same time everyday by consciously following it up with something that I already do everyday.

For example, I used to have the bad habit of leaving all my showering bottle's cap open after using. My mother started to nag me everyday and then I decided to change that. How did I do it? Very simple. The first day that I decided to change, after using a bottle, I close the cap right away. Because, I always forgot to do that when I wait until I am done bathing. So, I just break THAT habit by doing it right BEFORE. This kind of thing does not take you 21 days to implement.

However, I do have to say that, to change a really big and bad habit, it might take you longer than 21 days or 30 days if you miss even 1 day. It differs with individuals. But, you have to remember...if you forget to do it for one day, you will tend to not do it the next day. So, if you want to succeed fast, you can keep a check card or use your mobile's reminder to help you.

Until then, best of luck!

Stand to be alone

The famous poet Robert Frost is one of the favorite poets among my siblings and I. His poem "The Road Not Taken" was included in the literature component in Malaysia's high school syllabus. Thus, all three of us were quite familiar with that poem.

Although I did not take the poem very seriously when I had to study it, I now understand how much it means to me. Sometimes, you just have to age a little bit before you understand something that you read.

"The Road Not Taken" talks about choosing the road that most people never took, and also making the decision to be yourself although you might become extremely lonely. For me, it has a deeper meaning to it. It means that in order to succeed as a person, you have to be able to stand to be alone, that means you have to endure the pain of being quite isolated in your dreams sometimes, because everyone is unique. It is because people tend to follow each other like sheeps that they never realize who they are in the end...or sometimes, even lose a whole lot about their own personality and individuality in the process.

I myself have always thought I am queer. I never fit in. And of course, I realized in time that it is pretty dumb to fit in. Because you never will. The only thing you can do is to search for similarities between people, and thus learn to live with each other. Not to sacrifice your special qualities to become just like everyone else. And so, I never tried to impress people after that. Although I felt like I was doing the right thing, I always feel quite lonely in this path.

So, in a nutshell, to really come out strong, you have to learn to be lonely first. Then, you will succeed by becoming the person you can be, and also letting others appreciate you for who you are, instead of just another stereotype.

Just Another Day

While the excitement for Chinese New Year can still be heard everywhere, the celebration for me has been toned down to just watching chinese movie series and eating biscuits.

It has been a whole lot different many years ago. It used to be that everyone in my family will wear their new clothes, put on a big smile and then have a great time with our relatives. However, as time passed by, some faces have disappeared and the young 'uns have all grown up. The initiative to make a difference rather than 'just another day' has gone.

However, it is never too late to feel happy by being just a little bit more grateful. I consoled myself by thinking that I am really fortunate and lucky to spend a whole week of my LONG holiday with my family...not having to worry about my lunch, and not having to deal with being alone in the house at times. To me, Chinese New Year is all about family, love, rest, laughter, food, cherish, art and tradition. In this thousand years old tradition, I see the Chinese spirit, of diligence and patience....that has brought us to this land, Malaysia...without becoming just another race that has forgettable culture heritage.

Nevertheless, I can still find excitement and happiness by just using a little bit of childishness. In my opinion, you really become old and a terminal adult if you lose your ability to find joy and excitement in the littlest things. Take this mandarin orange for example. I was peeling it off to eat it but then I suddenly used my imagination and formed it as if it was a flower.Besides, I still jump with joy when I think about food...I still sing and hum songs in my head and feel great. Just use a little bit of your inate childishness and you will feel much better. Although there is a lot of serious business and sad things in this world, there is no use to be weighed down by it. Otherwise, you will lose out on contributing a little something to the world while you are able!

Wishing everyone a PROSPEROUS chinese WOOHOO year!

Hello!

Gongxi Gongxi!!

Today is the 29th, which is a couple of days before the first day of Chinese New Year. Many of my friends have already headed back to where they came from and are preparing for the annual celebration of their culture and their roots. As overseas Chinese, I am proud to say that our ancestors have done a good job maintaining our culture, language and roots even though it has been a long struggle.

In Malaysia, the cause of celebration is still evident. In shopping malls and schools, decorations are highly regarded and thus creative ways of lighting up Chinese New Year can also be found easily. Below is the Chinese New Year theme in Midvalley Megamall.


The young generation today may not fully understand the meaning behind their chance to still be able to speak Chinese, celebrate chinese festivals and attend chinese schools. They might even think it is a given, or some might not even love their own culture. However, I am very thankful of all that I was given, and thus am very active in becoming a part of Chinese cultural activities.

Today, I was one of the panel of judges for the JinJang primary school's caligraphy competition. Although not the standard I was hoping for, it was a good experience for me as I was always the participant, not the judge. Now a switch in positioin rendered me quite baffled, as I realized that a lot of theories about caligraphy cannot be applied today. This also tells me that nothing, not every rule can be used all the time. A quick mind and a flexible paradigm should be held in every single situation....including this one.

After the judging, I was required to sit in front of the students as I was a guest. As they sang the Chinese new year songs that they had learnt, presumably for quite some time, I was delighted by their energy and happy faces. Their voice oozes happiness and contentment, and I was reminded of the excitement I had of Chinese New Year when I was a kid.

Lastly, I wish everyone a happy, prosperous and eventful new year. May you enjoy your holiday in good health and good spirit!!

祝：
虎年大吉
新年快乐！

My First Poke at Chinese Paper Cutting

So, here it is, my first poke at chinese paper cutting.

Of all the chinese folk arts, I wanted to learn chinese paper cutting the most. Its wonder lies in the possibility of creating one of the most imaginative and intriguing depiction of life. For example, I have seen masterpieces that look like they were painted, but were actually paper cut by masters of this art.I cannot post up any examples of what I'm talking of because I don't own any. Wait till I reach this stage. (=P)


Chinese New Year is approcahing and I am SOOOOOO excited!!! I will be using this "new" folk art that I learn to decorate my house! I will post pictures of this soon!

Art and Life

Learning the arts can NOT be separated from learning in life. Art represents life in various forms, a way people learn to look at certain things in life with a different perspective. Music, theatre, dance, art, writings etc., all these are the beautiful representation of the elements of life. Love, passion, death, emotions, friendship, bondage and many more are often the themes of artists and professional performers.

Of the many years I dwindled around different kinds of art, I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to be nourished in the artistic and intellectual sense. I have learned and am still learning the piano, Western art, Chinese calligraphy, dancing(well just for fun) and singing. And until today, I am still intrigued and I yearn to learn more each day.

There is a very important connection between all these art forms, that they all carry its own meaning, it embodies its soul in your mind, which means: It means what you want it to be. That is why I love the arts. It is so much more open to imagination, creativity and individuality that I love it more than I love sense and sensibility, well sometimes.

But I think the most important thing is to use 'the arts' to enrich your life, not as a practice or as merely enjoyment for the sake of enjoyment. It has to help you grow as a person, everyday. In music, there is humour, there is healing, there is sharing. In dancing, there is confidence, there is consoling, there is storytelling. In theater, there is life, there is sorrow, and there is joy. In every single expression, there is a miracle, and it is a mere beauty....words are inferior to explain it.

Visualization

Imagination is the greatest gift humans have. Without it, there would be no i-pod, internet, automobiles or electronic light today. Without it, we could not have a successful life, because imagination is the key to the creation of life.

However, there is a very important part of imagination. Visualization is the part where you hold the ideal image of something that you want to achieve, for example the image of you on stage, enjoying the applause from your audience. Why do we have visuals in our mind? Why do we NEED visuals in our minds? The answer is very simple: We need to propel our dreams or desires in our subconscious mind into our conscious mind, so that we can realize our goals in life.

Think about it! How many times have you heard of cancer survivors, winning their battle against diseases and depression, just because they believed, and visualized what it would be if they made it through. How many times have you imagined yourself doing that yoga pose, and then you succeeded?

Sometimes, all we need is a little bit of faith and visualization. Believe that you can do it, pre-plan your success through visualization, and you'll be amazed that you can do whatever you want to do!

My Passion, My Blood

Music has been my best companion since young. I am an avid listener of the radio, and also the daughter of both parents who love music. They listen to classical chinese music, oldies and stuff like that. While I was like a sponge, soaking it all in until it became my flesh and blood.

I always listen to music that make me feel a certain something that I can't really explain. It must have some depth and musical variety to attract me. Sometimes I use music to calm myself down, sometimes I use it to relax, and in the future it will become my means of living.

So, I hope you guys enjoy learning from me as I share everything I know about music. I also look forward to learn from you guys whom I know has a lot of knowledge and passion out there!