Charting One's Path

I've taken a fascination to quotes of late. One that caught my attention recently goes like this ...

 

If you really want things in life to happen, you have to make them happen yourself. You can't sit around and hope that somebody will help you, you have to make your own future and not think that your destiny is just going to happen.

I truly believe in charting one's own path in life. Sure, there are things that are largely beyond our control but for the most part, I do feel that the decisions that we make ultimately shape our destiny. I am very much a decisive person. In fact, many have said that I take a stand too quickly. I tend to weigh the various perspectives presented and I generally make a quick decision. I seldom second guess myself and I very seldom look back at what might have been. Patience has never been a strong suit of mine but I do try when the situation warrants it. Life throws us curveballs every now and then. I don't avoid them. I face them head on and make the best of it. Although the path ahead is not always clear, therein lies the adventure.

 

 

Prayers at Pura Ulun Danau Bratan in Bedugul, Ubud, Indonesia.

Bonds

Chinese New Year is always a time for my extended family to get together, enjoy food, talk lots and have a good time. Indeed, it is a time to renew ties and further nurture our already strong bonds as a family. Such strong relationships require effort to build and maintain, and my family members, from the older ones to the much younger, continue to do so on an almost daily basis. We communicate often, we even have a Whatsapp group to keep each other updated on the latest happenings in our lives.

 

My inner circle of close friends too are very much part of my Chinese New Year celebrations. Gathering for meals and chit-chat is very much the norm, and such a tradition has been maintained for as long as we have been good friends. This I am grateful for too.

 

As we now truly embark on a fulfilling Year of the Horse, may all our relationships flourish and may we continue to have a supportive network to lean on when in need.


Good luck from a lion on the 8th night of Chinese New Year.

Traditions

Chinese New Year is a time for traditions. And no tradition is more meaningful than having meals with the entire family, both immediate and extended. Sometimes we tend to complain that we consume too much during the festivities but it is during meals with the family that one truly experiences the celebration that Chinese New Year entails.

 

My family and close friends share this sentiment. We gather often during the 16 days of celebration, from the eve till Chap Goh Mei, eat ourselves silly and enjoy the company that we keep. It is a time to strengthen our bonds and nurture our relationships as we start a new year.

 

Here's wishing all of you much merriment and love during your time spent with family.

 

 

Vegetarian on the 1st day of Chinese New Year.