Hope is a necessity

Years ago, I have always had this vision: When I close my eyes, in its total darkness, I can always see a little light at the far horizon. It is always very comforting to know that there's a light at the end of a tunnel. For a while I have gone through life not having that luxury of "seeing light at the end of the tunnel". Life's turmoil, worries and anxieties have piled up so much that I no longer can see that vision. Is it a necessity in life to have that hope? Or is it merely some luxury that is only enjoy by some? I realize I am not getting anywhere in that state. I need to focus to gain back that vision. Perhaps this is how I keep on having faith and hope.

An Inspiration From The Bible

It is amazing how coincidence this should be; even if you are not religious, please be tolerant of this post. If you are very free and feeling very bore, do this. Count the numbers of verses in the Bible, mark down the centre verse of the Bible........ and if you have done that, you will notice that it is Psalm 118:8 which says, "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." Amazing, isn't it?

Gold And Beyond By John Denver

On a snow crystal morning
Some place close to heaven
On the side of a mountain
In a race for the sun
In a matter of moments
The dream of a lifetime is won
Theres a fire in the heart
And it feels like the hunger
The spirit is burning
Consumed by the flame
To be one of the best
Of the best in the world
Is its name
To be faster and farther
Than anyones ever before
To be braver and stronger
And truer and then even more
To be all that you can be
And all that youve ever longed for
In the eyes of a mountain
All people are equal
In the eyes of all people
Our souls can be seen
In the course of our struggle
We'll know what humanity means
To be all that you can be
And all that youve ever longed for
We gather together
To face one another
We gather in silence
And sing in the sun
We gather in peace
To go for the gold and beyond
Words by John Denver, Music by John Denver and Lee Holdridge

This relatively unknown song by the late John Denver may not be among many people's favourite songs, nonetheless speak volume in terms of the powerful message of human latent potential and possibilities. Many a time, I feel that this should be the song sung during the Olympics. Hmmmm, maybe I should suggest to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Living, Loving & Learning By Leo F. Buscagllia

The year was 1986. That was the first time I ever heard about a Dr. Leo Buscaglia. I was going through a rough patch in life, uncertain of life and everything in general. Then, there was this guy who teaches love in his book. He advocated Trust and Trust Love. In the world where people are suspicious of one another, nations against nations, dog eats dog, to trust and to love is risky. Yet Risk is part of living. He warns, "the person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, and becomes nothing." Life as written by Leo Bugcalia is, in his own words "is not the goal, it's the trip that's life: Life is the trip; life is the process; life is getting there." I was encouraged to see life differently, that "wow" feeling was able to help me through the roough patch in life then.

Pay It Forward

Is there such human virtue anymore? Can we do something for people without ever thinking of any return? Pay It Forward tells a story of 12-year-old Trevor McKinney who believed in the goodness of human nature, that people will do good to others and not not expect payback. I have always hold this philosophy close to my heart. Yet this world is teaching us to expect returns -"There isn't any free lunch", when I give you something I want something equal if not more in return. I was deeply inspired by this movie, can we emulate this kid and his noble deed in real life? I believe we can if we all believe the goodness of human nature.

Synopsis of the movie: Young Trevor McKinney, troubled by his mother's alcoholism and fears of his abusive but absent father, is caught up by an intriguing assignment from his new social studies teacher, Mr. Simonet. The assignment: think of something to change the world and put it into action. Trevor conjures the notion of paying a favour not back, but forward--repaying good deeds not with payback, but with new good deeds done to three new people. Trevor's efforts to make good on his idea bring a revolution not only in the lives of himself, his mother and his physically and emotionally scarred teacher, but in those of an ever-widening circle of people completely unknown to him.

Be Inspired Always!

There are many things in life that has inspired us before. As we go on our life journeys, Are we still inspired by these things? I like to think affirmatively. However often than not we are numbed by the every day routines, frustrations and disapppointments in life, that we lack the energy to even feel inspired. Through this journal, I would like to again experience that child-like 'wow' feeling that I once had whenever I read an inspirational book, watched an inspiring movie, saw a awesome, beautiful and breath-taking scenery. I invite all of you to continue this journey and be inspired always.