I'm pretty sure I have been optimistic about the stress I have been facing the past 2 months. So so so many things had happened.

The new place. The new adventure. The new experience.

Though it's not been easy, I am still so grateful. :) Afterall, life is awesomely wonderful.

If there's one thing I was reminded today, it will be never be afraid to lose out.

When this world is so filled with self centered people, it can be tempting to be like just like them. It's a challenge to serve and be faithful in another person's vision or dream because we think what about our own visions and dreams? If we don't think for ourselves, who would take care of us?

I'm really glad that many years ago, I have decided not to fight for myself. I have decided to be happy and celebrate with others for all their victories. I have decided to help other people even at my own expense. I have decided to love and care for people the way I will do it for myself. I have decided to trust God to take care of me. And truly, who I am today is a result of how good God is to me. We are all a sum of our experiences. If I have never tasted His goodness, I wouldn't be able to continue with what I'm doing. I've seen how He has provided, how He has turned things around and how He has lifted me up.

If only more people will take a step to trust Him, their lives will be so much better.

I think it's ok to be at the losing end sometimes. It's ok to humble ourselves and serve others. At the end of the day, we are really just stewards of what God has blessed us with. No one is better than another person. We are all equal in the eyes of God.

Transition

I wasn't prepared for a whirlwind of adventure in 2018. It's only the end of 1st quarter but so many things had happened.

Well, I am truly truly grateful but at the same time fearful. I remember telling God that I will face all my fears this year. I even texted Daph to bring me for Wall climbing and put me on auto belay so that I can conquer my fear of free fall. I remember issuing a challenge to all my fears and swear to their faces that I will not let them hold me down. But, ah, it's easier said than done.

Once again, I need to lean to entrust who I am and what I do to God. I need to be able to die to myself and allow His love to mould me and make me a better person.

No matter what happens, every day is a gift that's meant to be cherished. Just as how a child opens up his presents with such great expectations and joy, I pray that I'll approach every single day with that same excitement and wonder.

Yes, tomorrow will be an awesome day with great possibilities! 🌟

If there's one place I want to be right now, it will be the Sea of Galilee.

I miss the pink skies, the calm waters. I miss walking along the promenade, having the view of gold marinated mountains reflecting the sun rays standing majestically in front of me. Golan Heights, they told me. But I think they should rename it Golden Heights.

Nope, I'm not thinking about holidays now. I'm just missing a place and reliving my memories. Really not a bad idea to do this more often. At least I get to travel for free! :p

I didn't know the burden is too heavy for me to bear.

I thought I am strong enough and invincible.

Why didn't I learn from my mistake a few years back?

Now it hurts so badly.

My poor wrist. ='(

Books from the past 2 years!

I don't remember loving reading so much. But today, as I held on to my hard cover "Out of our Minds" while reading at the bus stop and on the bus, I must say I look scholarly. Like a university student. Haha!

Interestingly, today as I shared with my students how I enjoyed reading, they gave me the "you are a nerd" face. I'm like "you shallow being". Haha! But really, if you read about the routines of highly effective and successful people, reading is one of their habits. Of coz, I don't read just so I can be like them. But there's so much value in reading. Broadening your world perspectives, giving you insights of people who are out of your circle of friends, challenging your world views and assumptions, and just lots more.

No wonder one of world's greatest invention was the printing press. Because of that, ideas and knowledge can be spread and shared. I'm sure we don't appreciate that now but if we are to bring ourselves back to the Middle Ages, we would know that books are a real privilege.

I like how I can ponder on what I've read for as long as I want. I love reading on the go coz my butt hurts if I sit too long at my study desk and my neck hurts if I lie on the bed and read.

So, today I unpacked my boxes of books from my home renovation and decided to put them up. There will be 3 more books that will soon be added to the collection. Can't wait for them to come but that means I got to finish up my current read soon!

Books bring me to the corners of the world that I may never have the chance to go. They bring people that I highly admire to be my mentor.