Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Decisions

Oftentimes we put off making decisions in the fear of what the resultant outcome might be. For many, we prefer to maintain the status quo. We are comfortable in our existing surroundings. We are familiar with our working environment. We feel secure.
 
Life is such however that we sometimes reach a crossroads and a decision has to be taken. Whichever path we choose will bring about change, hopefully for the better. When at such a juncture, one often has to weigh the pros and cons. I for one rely very much on my instincts. I am certainly not one for writing business plans for instance. It's all in my head, and in my heart. I go with my gut feel.
 
The next few months will be interesting ones. A bit of a hassle no doubt, but exciting nevertheless. A new direction always brings about new surprises. I hope they will all be good ones. Fingers crossed!
 
 
Ready for prayers in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Rekindled Friendship

Some of my friends from South Australia were in town for a holiday recently. I was given notice of their impending trip months ago and I had blocked my calendar so that I could catch up with them. When one is given sufficient notice, all it takes is a little bit of effort to put aside some time.
 
I hadn't seen Paul Pearce since our time in boarding school at Immanuel College in Adelaide. Suffice to say it's been a while. He's now a father of two, so go figure. In any case, it was a wonderful experience meeting Paul, his family and their friends who were travelling in a group. Re-living memories and creating new ones have undoubtedly rekindled our friendship. Add to that, new friendships with the rest of the entourage, and the little effort has certainly been rewarding.
 
Our time together enjoying Malaysian cuisine, introducing them to our way of life here and having many laughs over the past and present, was certainly time well spent.
 
 
Having dim sum at The Ming Room, Bangsar Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.


Sunday, October 13, 2013

A Mirror Of Life

When the writing for a TV show is great, it can teach us a thing or two about life. Be it from a comedic stance or at the other extreme a dramatic one, plots that mirror circumstances we face in every day life can sometimes help us view things in a different light, from a different perspective.
 
Shows that speak to us are those that make us feel good. Those that lift our spirits when we are vulnerable, those that enhance our sense of gratitude when we are happy, those that make us more appreciative of the important people in our lives.
 
Being entertained is already a plus, learning a thing or two in the process is very much a blessing.
 
 
Cute decorations in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Wise Words

Stepping out of one's comfort zone is a catalyst towards new and exciting expe-riences, don't you agree? I suppose we all know that, but the challenge really is to put that into practice. For many, it is easier said than done. Those who do so however, more often than not, are rewarded with new perspectives.
 
I was having lunch with a good friend recently, sharing news on the latest happenings in our lives. She had this to say ... 'I am not in a position to advise. Just sharing some things that life/God has revealed over time. We are all on a journey, each with own paths and sometimes experiences intersect. In sharing we help shed light hopefully and sometimes we ourselves see things even clearer. I love that you are in a new adventure'.
 
And to that I replied ... 'Aye to that'. To put one's best foot forward and to embrace what good life brings one's way.
 
 
Enjoying an afternoon in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Happy Travels

Travelling companions can make or break a holiday. When one journeys with those who are enthusiastic, considerate and purposeful, the resultant happy travels are catalysts for wonderful memories that one can look back on in time to come.
 
Enthusiasm - for exploration, for communing with the locals, for new cuisines - is infectious. Being considerate - sharing plans, seeking opinions, providing options - is appreciated. To be purposeful - shopping to benefit the economy, promoting local entrepreneurs, being charitable - is engaging.
 
To those heading for a holiday soon, I wish you wonderful travelling companions.
 
 
Photo shot in Hoi An, Vietnam, end September 2013.