CV Kidz Blog

Limits

2012-01-01T01:12:00.000-08:00

I realized that I set way too many limits to my abilities. I think I know myself and my boundaries so well, so whenever I THINK I've crossed the line, my mind tells me to quit.
Limits are good, in a way. They stop you from getting too big for your boots. But too many limits confine you into a tiny box.
Last night I dreamt that I was chasing someone on a bicycle. But after running less than a few meters, I told myself to slow down before I get tired. It was a DREAM, where I had the power to fly even, but my limitations in real life existed in my dream too!
That proves that limits aren't very healthy for growth.
So believe that you can spread your wings and fly...in a metaphorical sense, of course.

You are significant

2012-01-01T01:06:00.000-08:00

Identity crisis

2011-12-17T08:34:00.000-08:00

I was reading an article about e-dentity crisis. E-dentity crisis is the split personalities people have online on different sites. For me, E-dentity crisis is true. On Blogger, I sound different than I do on Youtube. I sound different on Tumblr compared to Facebook.
But does this apply in real life?
For yours truly, YES it does.
With different people, I adopt a different personality. To 'fit in', as people say. I try to blend into the environment, a human chameleon.
Why is this so important though? Why do we have to try so hard to adapt in a social environment? Why can't we just be who we really are, instead of struggling to meet society's standards and expectations? It's up to the environment whether they want to accept us as we truly are or not. As long as you're authentic, it's their problem, not yours.

To be the best

2011-12-17T07:48:00.000-08:00

To be the best is to show up as your best...when nobody's watching.
People are so addicted to the limelight (whether they know it or not) that everything they do is dedicated to building a personal image and reputation. So many things that once held meaning become hollow and shallow. People are in it just for the fame and name.
Does all this outside work make someone a better person? On the surface, maybe. But as the old saying goes, 'Beauty is skin deep'. So what use is an amazing outer exterior when you have a heart only set on achieving selfish goals to boost a false sense of self esteem?
Because that's exactly what it is. False self esteem that people build up when they are in the eyes of the people. But behind closed doors, they themselves know how unpleasant it can be. Others may envy them, leading such a perfect life...but usually it's these people who have it the worst. So caught up they are in maintaining a good facade that they forget to be who they really are inside.
So to be the best, you have to BE the best, not just act the part.

Time

2011-12-16T21:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I broke my watch. So I put it away in my bag.
It started bothering me for the rest of the day every time someone asked "What time is it?" or when someone mentioned the time. For example "It's one o'clock." So I check my wrist to find that there is NO WATCH there.
We're told time is an illusion. We as human beings do not move through time. Time moves through us. ( Yeah, it might sound a bit complicated). The definition of time is created by us human beings.
But that doesn't mean it's not important to be on time.
If you're late for something, it shows your arrogance (everyone will wait for me), lack of efficiency in work. etcetera. It's an icon of the negative side of you, showing disrespect for the punctual people.

Why War?

2011-12-15T07:31:00.001-08:00

Today we went to Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City. We got to see a lot of old weapons and traps- those Vietnamese guerillas and soldiers were really stuck in survival mode. They had to be aware of their every step, in case they hit a trap or land mine. There was no compassion or sympathy for the opponents-their only goal was to get rid of the enemy. In the documentary we watched, they even had a schoolgirl in their troops! Although she was weak, she told the other soldiers that she could go wherever they could go. They lived in underground tunnels for 20 years! The whole group of us went through a tunnel for, what, 10 minutes and came out sweating and panting. Imagine 20 YEARS in those tunnels! They had to cook their meals really early in the morning so that the smoke from their cooking could be disguised as morning mist. It was interesting, trying to figure out their strategy and how heir history fitted into their culture nowadays. It gave me a deep sense of appreciation of the era I live in, and a greater sense of urgency to do something before the human race loses the war against itself. It's an internal war we are fighting, and I am not just talking about health problems. The emotional side of humans is hardening and soon we may well be like those soldiers, watching an enemy soldier stabbed in the gut with sharpened bamboo, expressionless and cold hearted. That brings us to another lesson where we have to be more human in order to not be replaced by robots, because that is in the near future, possibly this lifetime. But that is a story for another post. Stay tuned, and give it a thought-Why war?

Smiling

2011-12-15T06:18:00.000-08:00

Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu
When someone smiled at me today I started smiling too
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin
When he smiled I realized I'd passed it on to him
I thought about that smile then I realized it's worth
A single smile like mine could travel round the earth
So if you feel a smile begin don't leave it undetected
Quickly spread this epidemic and get the world infected!

The only limits of tomorrow are the doubts of today

2011-09-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

That's right.
There's another saying that goes with the title:
' Do not underestimate the power you have over today;
Do not underestimate the power today has over tomorrow.'
You plant the seeds of the future in the present, and what other present like now? :)
Everything you do, every choice you make in the present, affects what's going to happen next. That's probably why time travel is impossible. The future is constantly changing. But it's all up to you! No pressure, yeah?
:)
So know that YOU (yes, you) have the ability to change your life.
With one simple choice.
Get rid of you fears, for the key to change is to have no fear.
Change.
And see magic unfold.

Unexchangeable

2011-09-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

There are some things in life that we would not sell for any price.
For me, those things are:
a) family
b) friends
c) shared moments

That basically sums it up.

Family is really important to me because, well, it makes a person complete. A family gives me the love and happiness that is really really hard to find somewhere else. And my family also plays an important role in b) and c). My family members are my closest friends. And they are the ones I have the most memories/shared experiences with. Even though we're just a band of 5, the difference we can make is unlimited. :)

Next up is friends. Friends for me are people with whom you can relate to. Because sometimes, it seems like your family is too different than you. So of course, the next best thing is someone(s) who have something in common with you. And for me, one of the best things about having different friends is that you get to try out different personalities, if you know what I mean.

Moments...I have cherished and treasured these as long as I can remember. I can remember lots of stuff that others can only faintly recall, and those moments keep me going whenever I feel uninspired. Those moments remind me that life is awesome.

One moment I would not trade:
Today at school the Interact Club had a sale. At the same time, there was a committee meeting going on. I really really wanted to be in the meeting, because I had tons of ideas. But the president assigned me to help out with the food sale, and this fact made me grouchy for about half the morning. What a waste of a day!
After school, when I was monitoring the ice-cream section, a pudgy primary school kid wandered up to the fridge.
He was staring so intently at the flavors, clutching two ringgit notes. What happened next was truly unforgettable. Here's how the conversation went-

Kid: Uncle...
Me: (thinking-is he talking to me??)
Kid: (looks at me) Auntie...how much is one scoop of ice cream?
Me: Oh, um...RM 1.50, and two scoops is RM2.

There was laughter all around the stall, and one of the older kids called me 'Auntie'. I didn't feel offended...in fact, I think I'll be going back to running the sale tomorrow. And I'll tell all the little kids to call me 'Auntie' Hahaha! I really admire that kid's effort to be polite!

One of the other committee members told me how fun the meeting was...I still wish I'd been there, but I think that I wouldn't have exchanged that moment for ANYTHING.

Meaningful Contribution

2011-09-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

Today a whole bunch of CVers headed down to the Association of Churches to participate in a charity sale. We sold stuff like homemade Kaya, homemade chocolate cake, soya sauce, instant oatmeal, chocolate powder and juice.
It was really fun. Everyone was very enthusiastic and upbeat. The best part of this enthusiasm was that it didn't meet a "muddy middle", in other words the point of time where all the enthusiasm is gone. No, that didn't happen. The people from our stall were yelling out the prices and products, all the while with a big smile and AWESOME energy!! Lots of people were attracted to our stall and in ONE HOUR, we sold out. :D We managed to raise RM1325 for the cancer society in Sarawak.
Thank you to all the participants for making today full of 3M moments!! You rock!!

Special thanks to Jodie, Patrick, Cliff, Jessica, Wilson, Marvin, Bernadette, Sherene, Li Sze, Regina, Jayden, Patrick, Faustina, Emily, Mio Ting (and her kids :P) and James for making this happen!! (I didn't forget anyone, right?)

You can count the seeds in an apple, but who can count the apples in a seed?

2011-09-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

That quote is all about potential. You can count all the seeds someone has, like for example you can label people with all sorts of talents and flaws. But most people just see the talents and flaws as someone's personality, and take it for granted. Those who really pay attention, can see those 'seeds' blossoming and turning into who knows what wonderful thing.
Here I would like to thank every single one of you who has believed in me more than I believe in myself.

4 years ago

2011-09-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

Four years ago on this very day, my dad was in an ICU getting a heart operation.
I was 9 years old, if my math is correct. I still remember very clearly what I was doing then at this exact hour.
I was lying in a bed at my grandma's house, with the house phone next to me. I couldn't sleep, no matter how hard I tried. I was praying for my dad's life. I didn't know how serious it was, but I was waiting for my mom to call home and tell me it was all ok. She didn't. I remember going to sleep that night wishing my dad all the best.
I think the biggest lesson for me the next day was appreciation. I was so grateful that the operation was successful, and that everything was ok. And when Dad said he was going to stop working for a week to sort of calm down after the operation, I was really glad, because I got to spend more time with him. And I think I was hoping that after one week he would like staying at home so much he would quit work and be at home all the time. No such luck. Haha...
I guess this story has many point-of-views. Mom told me that she was outside the ICU, where it was extremely cold. She was waiting with 3 other people who were also waiting for the good news.
Every story has many angles. So I guess one of the lessons that is learn-able from this is that we have to see the big picture to get what's really going on.

Compliments

2011-08-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

One thing I realize I RARELY give. That's it-compliments. I don't know why, I guess it's the ego in me not wanting to see the satisfaction on someone's face when they are praised. But actually, every deserves to be complimented once in a while.

Today, Dad went to buy an iPhone protecting sticker. The woman who was helping us out at the time seemed really grumpy, you could feel it from the way she talked to her partner. And then my Dad decided to do something about it. The people who ran the store were Foochow (like us!! :D don't know why, I'm always glad to see a Foochow no matter how grumpy they are!) So my Dad saw this as a chance to shift the energy. He started talking to them in that dialect. In most of the cases I've encountered, the other Foochow in discovering that we speak their dialect, would be considerably cheered up. But this woman somehow persisted on using Chinese to talk to us. But slowly, the ice melted...and Dad was admiring the skills she had in putting on the iPhone protector, she did it like a real pro!! And then the couple started laughing!!! And then Dad told them about Nana's (my sister, BTW) performance tomorrow night, and they actually responded really enthusiastically when they heard the song she was going to sing!!

It really made me smile inside, the way my Daddy can make people smile just by talking with sincerity. So...compliment people(don't forget yourself) more, and while you're at it, be SINCERE!! :)

Intention and courage

2011-07-27T04:58:00.000-07:00

This Monday, at school, it was raining heavily and the wind was really strong. before that it was alright but suddenly a really strong wind came and actually made the rubbush bin fly up to the sky . On the way back home, we saw a whole tree uprooted my mother said that it happened because the intention was not clear . like the roots, if your intention is clear, the roots will go deep and not spread out ! Actually, after a day ,the tree somehow was planted back leafless and it was also another breakthrough for me about having courage to stand up. so, set the right and clear intention and when you fall, have courage to stand up!

2011-07-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

The day before was my first day back at school after CV Grad Cambodia. I was a little nervous at first about going back to school after so long (although in reality what is there to worry about??) It was okay as the first day of school. People sort of 'commented' about my absence for so long, but I chose not to take it personally. I jsut accepted that it was the way they thought, and I chose to be aware of how I show up. :)

Yesterday, the teacher changed my seating position in class. This was because I was supposed to help a 'weaker' student in his studies. I never really liked this person, because he's so quiet and serious, and I am what you could call a chatterbox. :) But I realized this could prove as a good thing. You have to be good to help others be good in something. So I became aware that this was a reason for me to put in more effort to my studies, because not only do my grades depend on my hard work, so do his. Plus, the fact that he doesn't talk much could help me improve my communication skills. :P

Today--I didn't go to school because I had an upset stomach last night. I think this is a small issue, I could have gone to school today. But my dad, being, well..a dad, insisted that I stay home. I became aware that lots of people rely on their illness to seek attention from their loved ones. OR it can be the other way round, the loved ones jump at the chance to prove that they love the patient! :)

Haha, that's my 3-day recount of the past 3 days.

Commitment

2011-06-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

When 'commitment' is mentioned, I think about 'trust', because with trust, commitment is easier. I myself think of commitment as a 'trust test'. When someone commited to do something, you just have to trust that someone, like Linda told us. Same goes if you're the one who had commited.
I am now in CV Grad Ipoh, Penang. I had the most 3M experience. I stood by te sea as waves crashed into me. I felt fear. Then and there I commited to overcome my fear and don't let my fear take over me. My classmates may have heard this part, but there is more. After I commited, a lare wave washed up a seashell. It may be a coincidence, but I feel like it meant that that seashell is a reminder for me to keep my commitment.
Commitment, at the surface means that you finish what you promised or commited to do, at least that's how I see it. But deep in, there is a lot more. I'm still seeking for answers for the meaning. The reason I wrote this although I don't really know the deep meaning is because I commited to Natalie and myself to write it.

We, like, have commitment in our everyday life, both consciously and unconscoiusly. Sometimes we stick to our commitment, sometimes we don't. When we don't, we may not know it, but it may have hurt someone or break a relationship.

Commitment. Another way I think of it is as if it is a higher form of promise.

I hereby commit to write in this blog as much as I can! :P

Sarah Ngu

Long time no write!

LOVE

2011-06-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

I am in CV Ipoh & Penang!! I have learned something in Ipoh that I really will remember for a life time and it is about Love . Many people says that they actually `know`what love is. Well, I guess they do not. Linda asked us to define love , so I did. I looked it up in the dictionary and it means affection. I know that, I am not dumb ok!But, when they started sharing about their definition of love I started telling myself "Oh.. THAT define..." so I learned a lot like :

Love is the key of change
Love is everything
Love is a choice is how you look at it

But the biggest lesson and my awareness is...
Love is confined when defined

Well, about two days later, one of the CV member after knowing my awareness she say is not that type of define but is what is your understanding about LOVE these 4 letters.
Love is important in relationships, jobs, family and.. everything.

It is cool that how our family is nearly all CV family members but we are not perfect right? So sometimes our family have challenges not sometimes but nearly always. this time Linda paired me up with my mom and i t is great!! We seem to have more love in our relationship.

Thanks to cv..
And...
TODAY IS YOUR BEST DAY
whoever that is reading this. but if it is not I hope I made it..

NANA
Kuching! Rox!

Courage is in the Moment

2011-04-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

It's true-courage is in the moment.

Sometimes you feel the urge to do something, and a surge of motivation and energy overwhelms you. Then when this little voice comes and points out all the flaws in your idea, you think it over again and lose the enthusiasm to do it. This can be good sometimes, but when courage is needed for the good, this can stand as a real problem.

So, how do you overcome this?

Well, having a strong and firm intention helps a lot. Don't let anything waver your spirits--keep up whatever you are doing as long as you feel it is right. Whenever you feel like giving up, just remind yourself, what are you doing this for?

Silence is Gold?!

2011-04-15T04:45:00.000-07:00

I had a sore throat yesterday. It was torture, but being the type of person who loves to be involved, and a talkative one at that, I forced myself to speak. Mom says it's about unreleased emotions, maybe it was the 10% I got on my last test? I don't know. This morning I completely lost my voice. I felt really left out of all conversations, although everyone paid me more attention than before. Pity? But after that when I went for the Extra Curricular Activities, there were these team building games. I admit, I like shouting commands, telling people what to do. But the energy and spirit of the games just brought me up so high that I got my voice back. I still sounds like a boy going through, ahem, changes...but I AM SO HAPPY that I have my voice back and I don't have to write everything on a piece of paper. Life never lets me down.

100th post!

2011-04-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

Yay! Our exams are over!

Last week was our exam. I realized that although it's been over for about 18 hours now, but I am still...resentful, you could say, about not doing my best. This was my first term exam in secondary school, so I guess I was pretty nervous and forgot everything. But I tell myself there will be next time. And this thought will make me look forward to future exams in which I will definitely do better.

But I think it's also my competitive ''spirit'' that makes me feel all the more unsettled. You see, everyone in my class has high hopes of me beating the long-term genius. But I guess new beginnings always start off with a challenge to boost you for the future. I definitely won't repeat those mistakes once they are etched permanently in my mind.

Art, Books and Mutual Friends

2011-03-11T05:58:00.000-08:00

Those three things mentioned in the title are great conversation starters for me.
For example, I saw a girl reading a book I had read two years back. Turns out she has read the whole series (but I forgot most of it :P) It was a brief conversation, but it was there.
Then I got to know another girl more by talking to her about a person that we both know. It was funny and interesting. Later in class, we also drew lots of funny things together, 'inking' quotes on our hands.
I think that those three things are really good conversation starters as I know where I stand with those topics: I like drawing, reading and getting to know people.

Mentoring Program at School

2011-03-05T17:12:00.000-08:00

Today in school we had a mentoring program specially for the students in Form 1.
I got to school and registered, then I was brought to my group. I realized that I only knew 3 people in my group of 12. But after we got to know each other, we really worked well as a team. We gave each other encouragement and managed to win 5 games out of 7 games. We lost one and tied one.
During one of the games, one prefect said something the students are not encouraged to say. I realized that even "perfect" people are also human.
The games we played were rather fun, not really what I'd expect from SCHOOL. But after all, the people planning this are about our age. :P
Our team got 2nd place as an overall prize, so our group was very happy.
Today was a fun day, and I'm sure many people enjoyed it as well.

13 wishes

2011-02-28T05:34:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday. I have now officially lived 13 awesome years.
If I got a wish for every birthday and added it all up until now, here's what I'd wish for:
1.world peace
2.a happy family
3.true friends
4.to make a difference
5.to make dreams come true
6.to be more sociable
7.to think good of everyone
8.to show up as my best in life
9.to be more confident
10.to be more authentic
11.to exceed expectations
12.to adopt better habits
13.to be all I can be

Hey, now that I look back on the list...I have accomplished quite a lot of it! Well...I have a wayyyy longer life to go!

Today was a very different birthday experience. Why? if you remember one of my posts from last month, I have a classmate to share my birthday with. I got lots of birthday blessings today, and I made sure to say thank you in reply to each one.
   The friend who was born on the same day as I was, and in the same hospital too...she gave me a book. :)
   Another friend who decided to step out and befriend me when I was still new...she gave me a box of rainbow markers. :)
   Another friend who decided to include me in his project group...even though I had only been there for a week...gave me a hug. Another friend from another class gave me a hug too! :)
   And all the other well-wishers...I may not know you that well, but thanks for making my 13th birthday a special one. New friends, new life experience! :)

Comparing

2011-02-27T00:57:00.000-08:00

You know how people say comparing yourself to others is bad? Well, in a certain aspect it CAN help us.
   For instance, if you think life is rotten, you can compare yourself to those less fortunate than you. Shift your thinking and you can be a happier person.
  Another example of how comparing helps is something like this:
  When I was 9, I still couldn't ride a two-wheel bike. Really. And when I saw my 7 year old cousin riding it around like it was oh-so-easy, I decided to try it out. Guess what? I've been riding a two-wheel bike for four years now. :)
  One more example was when I joined primary school. Everyone was so different from me. That was when I decided to learn the ways of the Chinese School kids. It has proven to be quite useful.
  Comparing isn't always bad. It depends how you use it.

Leisure (by William Henry Davies)

2011-02-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

What is this life if, full of care

We have no time to stand and stare

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheeps or cows

No time to see, when woods we pass,

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams full of star, like stars at night

No time to turn at beauty's glance

And watch her feet, how they can dance

No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began

A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

How often do you take time off from the hectic day-to-day life?

Dedication means stopping at nothing

2011-01-14T04:34:00.000-08:00

Today I saw a prefect at our school carrying someone up the stairs. That guy broke his leg a few days ago, so he couldn't climb the stairs without causing a lot of trouble. The prefect carrying him up the stairs (all sweaty and red-faced) with another prefect holding his school bag and crutches was a scene that I don't think I will ever see again and feel the same way about it.

If you're wondering, his friends carried him down the stairs.

This was something that made me realize the prefect's dedication towards the school and their willingness to help people out.

Age doesn't matter

2011-01-14T01:41:00.000-08:00

Remember what I was saying about the leadership training?
Well today, that person came to give us a crash course in Leadership.
The course was during the Red Crescent (Malaysian version of Red Cross) meeting at school. The lecturer was one of the former presidents of the Red Crescent club, who later went on to lead leadership clubs. He was the one who helped support the club during its split from the International side of the school.
Anyway, the highlight of this course was this:
He told us to find people we didn't know and get into groups of five to discuss the values of a leader. Because leaders can adapt to any environment they are thrown into, right?
My friends told me not to split, and to stick with them. I was hesitating about this, because that did not seem to give the effect the lecturer was looking for.
Just then, I heard someone behind me ask: "What does Integrity mean?"
Somehow, I instinctively turned around and answered their question. It wasn't even directed at me!
But that was how I got into their group. Remember, I'm the 13 year old in this bunch of 14-15 year olds. But age doesn't matter. And we talked about 2 values a leader should have. After about 5 minutes, the lecturer told us to choose a representative. My team chose me.
I'm really glad that I had experiences on stage before, talking about leadership values...so although I was nervous, everyone else thought I did great! (mini Oprah Winfrey, someone said.. :D)
This was a great experience...especially since I did it voluntarily while others were peer pressured!

Intention again

2011-01-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been getting so much proof that intentions can come true, even the most impossible kind.
It's flooding here!
Right after we talked about floods last night...
Now we're thinking of a way to get to school. I won't try to guess the bad things that could happen. we'll probably have a good journey all the way. If we ever do decide to go out.
Have a nice intention-ful day!

Leadership

2011-01-10T02:18:00.000-08:00

Today we had a surprise assembly in school. We went to the hall and guess who the special guest were?
Everyone was clapping very hard. Why? Not because they were huge celebrities. No, they were Caucasian. I know, it may be hard to believe for adults but most kids think these things are very special.
  So this guy brought his family to our school, and turns out he's the President of this college in Perth. The reason he came to Kuching is because in his whole school, there are only two people from Malaysia. They both come from Kuching, and they were academically outstanding on campus.
  So the student he brought along with him was someone who used to study in the school I am currently studying in. His name was Nigel Lo. One of his traits that impressed me the most was not the fact that at a 20-something age he managed to create clubs and add them to college curriculum...no...although that is quite cool too...No, the thing that amazed me the most is that he managed to remember all the names of the people on campus in one year.
   He told us a story about a woman who helped a 17 year old autistic kid pass his exams. This kid had passed his Standard 1 exams 4 times in a row. With the help of this woman, he passed.
  He also told us how he helped change lives and give people new directions. He said that he would try and arrange a course with a few of us students, the first to sign up gets in the course. I wonder how he would react if he found proof that even kids younger than 18 can touch lives as much as adults can? How did YOU react the first time you met a CV Kid?
  Anyway, I have my intention set that I get the chance to join this course. :) I think this person can teach us about true leadership and confidence.
Have a great week!

Intention...

2011-01-10T02:08:00.000-08:00

The Universe is listening.
Lately I've been getting more and more proof that the Universe is actually reading my mind and responding to my thoughts. Not just MY thoughts, but the intention of anyone else.
For example, today I was thinking about Harry Potter. Not 5 seconds after that thought, the teacher started talking about Harry Potter. Hmm, maybe it was just a coincidence.
Okay, how about this?
A few days ago, I was reflecting on all the friends I used to have in my old schools. Then I thought about my KINDERGARTEN friends. Not long after that, I saw one of my old Kindy classmates. She had just started this year as well.
If that's not enough proof, listen to this:
We were listening to this radio channel, Hitz.fm
At the crossroads, the red light was taking an EXTREMELY long time. So we were looking around, and guess what we saw? We saw the Hitz.fm crew in a parking lot nearby! :O
And Nana said: "Oh my gosh!! That was my exact intention! I want to get their autograph!!''
We played games with the crew and got a few prizes!!! Yay!!!
Haha.
Anyway, I really appreciate the fact that the Universe keeps an open ear even for kids like me :)

Your Show-Up is Your Appearance

2011-01-09T01:09:00.000-08:00

If you asked a friend: "Why do you like me?"
And they say: "You look good" , you know that friend is just a surface friend.
If their answer is something along the lines of: " You're a nice person to talk to..." You know this friend is a true friend, a real keeper.
The way you act in daily life is actually how you look like to the people that matter. No matter how good you look on the outside, it always takes a heart of gold to gain true friendship.
  Now, I'm not saying that looks don't matter at all (we wouldn't want you to go without showering or combing your hair for weeks, right?) Being a nice person matters, but radiating that energy is mainly what your outer looks are for.
  You can tell a lot about a person through the way they dress, the way their hair is cut, the way they stand... all these little signs either get you friends or repel people from you.
  "If outer looks were all that mattered, go befriend a robot" -Natalie :)

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

2011-01-08T00:35:00.001-08:00

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
That is a question specifically directed at kids below 18.
Here's my stats from my experience with adults who ask this question:
2%- parents
10%-teachers
20%-people who want to give you their opinion
30%-people who reply my question about their jobs
18%-people who actually want to get to know me better
10%-friends
10%-forgetful people asking again
So sometimes when people ask me the question, I tell them I'm not sure. But to the teachers, I have to give them a specific answer.
Some adults think that kids should be allowed to dream.
Others think that kids have to meet society's expectations.
A majority of people think once kids reach a certain age, they have to stop fantasizing and think about their future jobs seriously.
So if you're 13 and you say " I want to be an astronaut!" The other person looks at you suspiciously and says: "Yeah right..."
But if you're 4 and you say " I want to be Superman!" Your parents smile and say you're cute.
Sometimes if we get discouraged too much, we try to keep our ambitions a secret. So maybe the next time you ask us, we might just give you a stony "I don't know."
I think the future is important, and that we should plan for it, but we don't need all the pressure on thinking what EXACTLY we want to be. All we have to know is how we want to be involved in society, and that can start now. Our future occupation will come to us with our strong values and intentions.
Warning to parents: Trying to make your kid a lawyer or doctor may produce negative results.

New School!!

2011-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Wow. I see a really big difference between my primary school and secondary school, and my perspective towards it.
In primary school, I had this unconscious thought that I had to be a very good kid, because somehow along the way, people have been planting scary illusions about primary school in my mind. Of course, I chose to accept it because I thought it was the best advice I could get.
  So I went to school, and I never believed that anything good could happen. Only until the few years before I graduated, when I was in Primary 4 or 5, did I realize that school is not a bad, the teachers aren't as mean.
  And before I came to my secondary school, I knew most people got a bad impression of it. Again, I chose to believe that it was true. So before school started, which was the holidays, I was really nervous. Since most of the people have been studying there since they were still very very young, and they should probably know their way around, right? Being a person who doesn't like to feel left out or , you know, seen as someone who doesn't know everything, I was afraid that I'd mess things up. Also, I was afraid that I wouldn't have any friends because everyone has been in the same class for at least a year.
  Then two days ago the holidays and ended and we had to go back to school.I was so nervous the night before. But the next day, most of that anxiety was gone. I had to face it eventually anyway, right?
  So I went into class and sat there. I was one of the early ones (The second one to get in class, actually) I was hoping for a girl to sit next to me. Because a girl would be easier for me to get along with, right?
  Well...guess what? My entire row was male...apart from another girl who had the same name as me. Natalie. So, the more you resist, the more the "problem" persists. Turns out it wasn't a problem at all (more about that later). So that was the first day, and when I got home, I had this thought.
"Boys are so lucky to be able to make friends so quickly."
  Girls can actually be harder to get along with. On the second day, I started to get to know the guys sitting around me. Turns out we read the same books, like the same things... SHOCKER! No, actually. After all, we are humans all the same. Humans of the same age, at that.
  And today, the third day. I finally began to feel that I was "one of them." Here's how it went. When I got to school, we started talking a bit more, and by then I had already remembered 98% of my classmates' names (the others were absent) so that made it easier. (I obviously learnt the name-remembering technique from CV :D) So we could communicate, right? And then during break time, Natalie asked to sit next to me. We started actually getting to know each other, and I found out that she was the only girl from her previous class that got into our form. She also introduced me to some of her friends. Now I'm known as Natalie 2. Haha. So Natalie is a really good friend now.
  One more thing. There's a subject in which there is a foreman (even though the class is only girls) and a vice-foreman. The foreman was selected by the subject teacher. She told the foreman to choose a vice-foreman. This afternoon, the foreman suddenly asked me if I wanted to be vice-foreman. I was a little surprised that no one else wanted to be vice-foreman. Turns out I was the first person she asked. I don't know why, maybe because I was the person standing next to her then? Maybe because we have the same birthday? (Yeah, we do! Now I share my name AND my birthday AND favorite books with different people in my class! Wow!) Anyway, I agreed to be vice-foreman as long as no one else wanted the job. But the question that is still stuck in my mind is: Why should I be the vice-foreman. I'm just "the new kid", after all. Even Natalie said that I would be a good vice-foreman.
  So that's how I came to enjoy school...quicker than I imagined!
  PS...It took me about 5 1/2 years to enjoy primary school. :o

My Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T01:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day:
We were at Damai Beach Resort for a family gathering. Our whole (extended) family was there! I had an awareness that even though we are family, sometimes we don't even know each other. Most people didn't even realize that their own family was studying in their school, their own class even!
It was a lot of fun together with the big family. I realized that people stay in their comfort zone a bit too much, limiting the number of people in their environment. But even if you have a million people in your environment, building a connection is what's the most important!
And the next day, we had lots of fun at the beach. But while we were enjoying ourselves, there were two people dying at the pool not far from the beach. My awareness was that life and death is going on every moment, and it may even be happening right under our noses.
Anyway, Christmas was a fun experience for me, hope it was the same for everyone else!

Short Term Happiness

2010-11-10T22:59:00.000-08:00

It's not bad, but it isn't what everyone on earth should be striving for.
Today, I finally got the exam results I had been looking forward to for, let's just say a LONG time.

And hey, I got straight As! But I wasn't as happy as I had imagined, though I felt really satisfied with myself. I never really thought I could do it, but there's proof that I can.. :) I'm really really really happy, sure. But this is really just short term happiness. Life goes on. Sure, maybe one day in the future I might look back on it and feel proud (seeing as everyone's proud of me now), but that's just as far as it goes. Still, I'm glad I can fill this little chapter of my life with this memory. This is a great accomplishment,and I intend for more to come.
So what I'm trying to say is, do something that you know will make you happy for life, not just a day, a month or a year. Short term happiness isn't bad. There's just more to life than that.

Contribute

2010-10-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

Don't ask what the world can do for you. Instead, ask what you can do for the world!
Everything you do in life is a chain reaction. What you do definitely comes back to get you. So if you sit around pointlessly all day, how can you expect good things to come to you?
Get out and do something that is good. it may take a while, but it'll come back to you. Sometimes its in material form, but most of the time the universe repays you with the feeling that you've done something worthwhile.
But why do some people just hang around waiting for their life to end? Imagine how regretful you'll feel at the last minute when you realized that your precious life was wasted, just like that, and knowing that others will probably make the same mistake you did.
That's the whole reason I'm writing this blog. I know what I've done will come back to get me one day. :)

Believing is Achieving

2010-10-20T05:06:00.000-07:00

Seeing is believing...what's with that quote?

You can't see air, yet you believe it is there. Well, you say that's because there's proof.

You can't see love, yet you know it is there. Why?

The blind can't see, yet they know they are walking on solid ground. How is this happening?

According to belief, seeing is believing. But did you know that believing is achieving?

Once you start to FULLY believe in something, even if it is a theory, a feeling, or even a hunch, you have officially achieved a level of trust in that object. And remember that thing about believing in yourself?
Believe in yourself, and you will at the very least achieve self confidence. Simple? That's just talking the talk. Walking the walk is way harder.(Unless you can't talk, then walking is easier)

If you fully intend to believe in something, you have to let yourself be vulnerable. Put that titanium wall of ego down for a minute and just BELIEVE that what you are doing is right. See if that helps.

BItterSweet

2010-10-19T03:37:00.000-07:00

You know how everybody always says that?

Lately I've been feeling BitterSweet as well. When I think about graduating and leaving my school, the bitter part is that--I'm leaving! The sweet part is all the great memories and fun we have had together in these past 6 years. We're still making the most of our time together at school!

Today I had an awareness on how to stop this bittersweet feeling from overwhelming you. Embrace the bitter, focus on the sweet. Wouldn't that be much easier? :)

Face yourself

2010-10-18T03:16:00.000-07:00

People who are afraid of being punished have Mastigophobia.

People who are afraid of change have Metathesiophobia

People who are afraid of bacteria have Bacteriophobia.

How about the people who are afraid to be themselves?

Selfphobia?

Well, if you are afraid of being yourself, aren't you scared all the time? Or are you just an outer shell, with no essence at all. That's called a zombie. Scary, isn't it?

Facing yourself is basically something no one else can do but...you! Sometimes it seems so much easier to lay the blame on others, but don't you realize if it's YOUR fault, you have the ability to change it? If it is someone else's fault, you can only wait and see what happens. So take the courage to be you, the imperfect one you have been and will always be! There's nothing wrong with that. Nobody is perfect.

You are the only one YOU. :)

The Movie of Life

2010-10-11T00:04:00.000-07:00

If your life was a movie, what would it be like? Would it be a happy ending, action-packed, humorous or just plain boring? If my life was a movie, it would definitely have one or more morals for the audience to learn. Comment and tell everyone what your movie of life would be like.

Being right vs. Doing what's right

2010-10-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

Most people would answer that they would choose DOING WHAT'S RIGHT in a heartbeat. But being right and doing what's right is one of the hardest choices and lessons to learn.
Being right is your ego. Doing what's right is doing what your heart tells you to do. But often, doing what's right may be risking the fact that you will be wrong in others eyes.
For a very simple example, your teacher asks you a question. And then you think the answer is A, but it might be wrong. SO you can just keep quiet and not say anything....you're not wrong that way. OR you can tell the teacher your answer, and although oyu might be wrong, you'll still be happy you did it...or regret it your whole life. It's just up to you, but chances are you'll forget it when you get up the next day. Life is too short to spend too much time debating over this.
But usually this comes to a deeper level of things, not just answers in school. Another example is if all your friends think doing charity is BORING but you find that doing it makes you (and others) happy. Will you continue doing charity and be looked down at by your friends but know this is your life purpose, OR just stay in the shadows and watch those happy people working away for a good cause....but feel bad even if your friends still like you? Hmm. You choose.

Focus on what you have...

2010-09-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

If you miss the vacation of a lifetime to go to a super important school thing, what would you think?

Possibly: "Aw maaaan! Why do I have so much bad luck? I was looking forward to that vacation and now I have to do stuff for SCHOOL? How is this happening? I should go on the vacation,cut school..." You'd probably be thinking much more than just that, but I don't want to waste too much time on that part. :P

So, how do you get yourself out of your 'misery'? it may be very hard, but it's worth a try:

First, forget why you are unhappy. Once you've got THAT out of your mind, it's like "Phew! What a weight off my shoulders!"

Then,remember why you are going to do the 'other' stuff that is interfering with your plans. Is it for a good cause? Imagine the lives that will be touched through this action. Is it for a project? Imagine how satisfied your teacher will feel when she sees your work. Anyway, think of the POSITIVE side of things.

Once you're cheered up, get going and leave all that negativity behind, please. The universe will clean up after you. :P

2010-09-28T01:54:00.001-07:00

Am I really THAT Good?

2010-09-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was the closing ceremony of the motivational camp my school had held. Actually there are lots of lessons I learned that can be shared, but this one was the one that touched me the most.
The camp started on Saturday and ended on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Along with the closing ceremony was a prize giving ceremony as well. Prizes were given to the best team in the five teams there were, and then The Best Male Camper there, and lastly The Best Female Camper. Sure, everyone wanted to get the Best Team prize, and I did too, seeing as I was the leader of one of the teams. But we didn't get it unfortunately. Of course, that means more things to be reflected on, what are the flaws in my leadership?

Then they gave out the prize to the best male camper, assuming the reason was his team spirit and dance talents. Then they were going to give the prize out for the best female camper. I thought it was going to the captain of the winning Team, and it appears their team thought so too. Getting the Best Team prize had obviously boosted their ego, and they were shamelessly chanting that their team captain would get the prize. But I also silently thought it was her. Then as the chanting for the other girl died down, I heard another name...my friends were calling out my name. I felt that everyone believed in me so much, and I sent them my thanks. But even then, I still didn't believe it would be me. I mean, there were 200 campers there. How big were the chances? Not very.

But when the emcee announced the winner, I still couldn't believe it. My mouth dropped open and my feet dragged me onto the stage. As I headed back to my place, everyone was like: I told you so!!!!

Well, up till now, I still don't believe it!

But thank you to everyone who believes in me, possibly more than I believe myself!

Support

2010-08-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel a new sense of energy and confidence when you know that somewhere out there, there is somebody giving you support? It may be just a smile or a friendly word of advice, or maybe even silent support! To give support to someone is a sign of believing in them, and having the trust and faith that they will excel in whatever it is they are doing.
I really appreciate all the support given to me from my family and friends, even any odd stranger on the street also helps me continue through my day! Thank you all!

Life's a journey

2010-08-17T03:57:00.000-07:00

Some people are on the road all their life, some people never get to travel. I'm glad to be somewhere in the middle.
Today we've 'skipped school' to go to Seattle, Washington for a CV grad which is mostly situated on board a cruise ship bound for Alaska.
Now I'm in Taiwan after almost a day of travelling since 6 this morning until now, which is about 7pm. Later tonight I'm going to board the plane heading to Seattle. I look forward to oodles of fun!

Well, what I want to share with everyone today is about the places we travel to in the journey of life. Some people find life good enough staying at home with their familiar daily routine. I mean, there's nothing wrong, more things could go wrong on the road instead of the comfort zone of home!

But why not, just for once, step out of your comfort zone. You can always go back! Life's short. Why not get out there and meet new people instead of hanging around with "the gang" all day long?

So look for adventure and LIVE the person you were meant to be, not that snail in a shell!

But no one ever said home was NOT good. You can do plenty of meaningful things at home as well. It just depends on HOW you do it. Routine means no change. So even at home, tweak things little to live a more exciting life.

But always ALWAYS remember: the most important journey in any individuals life? Is the journey to the heart.

3M moments---at the most unlikely time

2010-08-11T01:46:00.000-07:00

3M moments happen everywhere, and CAN happen every time, if only you'd let them. An these moments can happen at a most unlikely time. Today I experienced this thought.
I used to think that NOTHING good could happen in school, at least nothing worth remembering. But as I came to look closer and deeper at the purpose of us kids going to school, I began to uncover all the little miracles that happen at that very institute of supposed boredom. :)
This afternoon, we had a Red Crescent club meeting, as you could call it. Everyone was there, and for some reason the teacher decided to kick back and be the student that day, and let US do all the explaining of how to save someone in an emergency.
We each had our handbooks, and using those as guides, we would go up to the front of the class and explain what and why. The first group up was a pair of boys who were supposed to explain the values of being a Red Crescent member. Then one of them claimed to URGENTLY need to go to the toilet, so the other guy was left alone to all the questions of our class.
After that was my group, me and another girl. We were supposed to explain the basic rules of rescuing those who were injured and stuff like that. So we read a sentence each from the handbook, then the questions came rolling in, firing at us like missiles. (Okay, maybe I am exaggerating, but just a bit. They asked our group the most questions.) I expected to feel nervous and weak at the knees or something, but neither of those feelings came. Instead, I felt calm and steady. I answered their questions as quick as they were answered, so fast and SO confidently that I scared myself a bit. Everyone started asking more and more, and according to theory I answered them one by one,even answering the questions I didn't really know the answer to by quickly referring to the stuff I knew and coming up with suitable conclusions. The teacher seemed to seem it okay, so I was glad. I never knew that I knew so much about humans and how they function. I even managed to answer those absurd questions with a sense of humor. Example, someone asked me to explain HOW to remove blockage from someone's nostrils or mouth, to prevent suffocation. I answered that with : "Well, you use your hands..." and then everyone started laughing.It was so fun and enjoyable!
That's all I'd like to share with everyone. Oh, and one more thing...don't EVER wait till 'the right time' to live your true potential!

Step back and let someone else shine

2010-07-31T01:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, you just need to step out of the spotlight and lets people outshine you. For me, when that happens I feel useless. But now I am starting to learn that you don't always have to be number one.

For example: Today there was a science quiz , and inter school competition. So our school team, 4 of us got the team prize. But what about the prize for the ONE person who got the highest marks? well, one person out of my team got that... and he was the LAST person who I thought could do it! None of us others got anything else. It felt humiliating at first, but I started to see things in a different light. It's a big thing to actually feel important in your life, so I am very happy that he had his chance to stand out and be the one who is 'in the spotlight'. Oh, and he used to be called a 'Garbage fish' by our headmaster, but now I hope the head will see him in a new light, and let him feel the glory of being a champion!

Why is there poverty?

2010-07-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that one of the problems our world is facing is poverty.But why is it there? Isn't there any way to stop it?
Of course there is! Poverty is not created by the people who are poor, but the system of the society that creates this famine.
Muhammad Yunus, a "Banker for the Poor" founded a bank that loans money to the poor on micro credit, and has now helped over millions of people fulfill their dreams in life. This person DARED to dream, to step out and take the first step towards a poverty-free world. That is a great value worth respecting, and I think it's very very cool that he had the courage to be different and to be selfless.

All about environment

2010-07-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

"With Smelly Socks Come Smelly Feet."
Strange metaphor, but what does it MEAN?
It means that in a good environment, you are good. In a bad environment...well, you know.
So obviously we need to stay in a good environment. But what does a good environment mean? Is it a place where we get to have fun all day? Forget that!

A good environment is one in which all the people support you and give you the strength to overcome the obstacles in life.
A bad environment leads to destruction of your mind and soul. So it's obvious, that the environment most people choose to be in, but how do they get there? Ah, that is either up to you or fate to decide...

Being Yourself

2010-07-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

It's not easy, I know. All around us, there are billions upon millions of reasons why we should NOT be who we truly are, but a mere figment of the society.

Why don't we want to stand out? Is it because we are afraid of what if? What if people will

think I am so-and-so? Well, this might be hard to understand, but NOT being you is a waste of who you are!

You were MEANT to be who you are, not who you think you should be! Daringly STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD!

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves,

who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.

There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

our presence automatically liberates others.

Meanignful Story to Share!

2010-06-17T03:45:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine opened his wife's underwear drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package:

'This, - he said - isn't any ordinary package.'

He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box.

'She got this the first time we went to New York , 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on , was saving it for a special occasion.

Well, I guess this is it.

He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothing he was taking to the funeral house, his wife had just died.

He turned to me and said:

'Never save something for a special occasion.

Every day in your life is a special occasion'.

I still think those words changed my life.

Now I read more and clean less.

I sit on the porch without worrying about anything.
I spend more time with my family, and less at work.

I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through.

I no longer keep anything.

I use crystal glasses every day...

I'll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if I feel like it.

I don't save my special perfume for special occasions, I use it whenever I want to.

The words 'Someday...' and ' One Day...' are fading away from my dictionary.
;If it's worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now...

I don't know what my friend's wife would have done if she knew she wouldn't be there the next morning, this nobody can tell.

I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends.
She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels.

I'd like to think she would go ou t for Chinese, her favourite food.

It's these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come..
Each day, each hour, each minute, is special.

Live for today, for tomorrow is promised to no-one.

If you got this, it's because someone cares for you and because, probably, there's someone you care about.
If you're too busy to send this out to other people and you say to yourself that you will send it 'One of these days' , remember that 'One day' is far away... or might never come...

No matter if you're superstitious or not, spend some time reading it.
It holds useful messages for the soul.

Thanks for reading to the END!

I AM RIGHT... as usual

2010-06-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

Don't you just hate the people who say----or think like that?
Well, of course everyone thinks they are right in some point of their lives. But everyone sees things differently. What may be right for you, could be a horrible sin for others. It all depends on our background and how we are brought up.

Do you think keeping a dog at home is right? Maybe your answer is yes. But if you were allergic to dogs, would it be right? Probably no.
Then, do you think watching PG movies are right? If you are only 10, maybe the answer is no. But how about looking from the point of view of a 20-year old? That's a whole different matter.
The message is: What you think is good, might not be that way for someone else. Be open to different ways of thought, and embrace it.

Making Friends

2010-06-13T04:20:00.000-07:00

Making friends is very very very very easy...for some people.
Making friends is soooooooo difficult! ....for some people.
Making friends is a waste of time... for some people.
But no matter who you are, you are bound to have at least 1 friend. No? Hmmm...

For those who think making friends is easy, good for you! But watch out: not everyone becomes your friends for a good reason. But so far, you are probably in good hands.
For those who think making friends is difficult, think again. Try making friends with people who think making friends is easy as pie. This attitude is contagious and is bound to spread to you.
For those who think that making friends is a bore, well... all i can say is: YOU'RE WRONG!
Lastly, I would like to share this cheesy line often written on greeting cards:
A king has a gold ship;
A queen has a silver ship'
BUT I have a friendship.
Friendships which are priceless are often free.

Integrity

2010-06-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

Integrity is about being truthful and honest. Well, that's the main foundation of integrity.

Integrity means standing up for what you think is right. You keep your beliefs firmly and defend it no matter what. You are also honest and very very very reliable. You walk the walk, and talk THE talk.

Integrity is being authentic and genuine. You can't be totally honest if you are hiding who you are inside. Right?

Integrity is the compass of life. Without integrity in any of your relationships, life is a lie.

Integrity is NOT for show. Oprah Winfrey said- Real Integrity is oing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not.

If all this is a little too much, just remember : Keep your integrity, keep your honor.

Courage

2010-06-01T02:36:00.000-07:00

Braveness and Boldness may seem related to Courage...they are. But the point it, Courage goes way deeper in you.
   Courage affects you physically,mentally,emotionally and spiritually. Every thing we do is related at least a little bit to courage.
   Waking up in the morning and accepting that the day is yours...that's courage.
   Daring to try something new...that's courage
   Being who you are...that's courage too.

   To be courageous, you have to trust the people around you, your environment, but most of all, you must must must trust yourself. And going the other way round, you need to have courage to trust people, too.

   Courage is daring to come out of your shell, to see the world as it really is. You need to have and open heart, and an open mind. Face the world as it comes with courage.

   Courage is also learning to feel, to see deeper into yourself. It takes courage to face who the authentic you is, whether you like it or not. Admitting you're wrong, that's courage as well.

   Courage means being willing to stand up for what you feel is right. For example, you could think cruelty to animals is not good. Although people around you disapprove, you still stand up for your beliefs. That is courage.

Courage is being unafraid of facing fear and failure. Courage is always trying again and doing your best.

   Courage may not always roar out loud. Often, courage is the voice at the end of the day that says: I will try again tomorrow.

Remember: Courage is not the absence of fear; but the judgment that there is something more important than it.

Being Fair

2010-05-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

"It's not fair! Not fair!"

I hear that a lot in school whenever someone loses in a competition or something like that. I say that, too. But I know this: Life is NEVER fair.

In all those games we play, there are always rules, mainly for the purpose of being fair. But how about LIFE?

Someone might get something you want. Someone might be more or less successful than you. does that matter?

Being content, we will never need any fairness in this world. If we are satisfied with what we have and grateful for it, we don't need to worry whether it is fair or not... unless what we are satisfied about is against someone else.

What about when it comes to YOUR turn to being fair? How do you deal with it when, for example, two of your little siblings want cake, and there are three pieces? In this situation, it's easy: give them a cake and a half each. But you see, we don't have to fuss over small matters like this. If one of your siblings is willing to give up their share of cake, it will seem fair no matter what, because they're satisfied.

What, in life, do we think fair and unfair?

Gratitude

2010-05-28T05:53:00.000-07:00

"You must be grateful for what you have." How many times have we heard that? Lots. But how many of us succeed to do it?

Not many people are aware of how much "danger" being ungrateful can be. Without being grateful, we will never be satisfied with what we have, in ourselves, and other people.

And without being fulfilled, we will be working for our whole life. We can never enjoy the fun of life. We can never BE, what is the use of this?!

Being grateful can make one a happier person.

BE HAPPIER...

NOW!!!!!!

Doing your Best

2010-05-28T05:50:00.000-07:00

Did you know that every single thing you do, every step, every move, is crucial to all life on this planet?

And now that you know you matter so much, why not put your all into ~~being a contributio~~n.No, the best contribution you can be.

  But remember...Be your BEST, not your PERFECT. That's rule Number 1 of being the best you can. No goals that are too high, no expectations at all. No pressure!

  Rule 2? Don't limit yourself. Oh, well...if you must have a limit, the sky's the limit. Happy? But if you aspire to be a astronaut or something like that, the borders of the universe is the limit. I've said enough.

  Rule 3: Never, ever, ever, take other people's opinions personally. Really, some people love what you do...the key word being SOME. Not everyone loves your ideas and thoughts, you know. But are you supposed to care? No! You're you, and that's what matters.

  Well, three rules are enough for starters, huh?
Remember: The world needs you the way you are...at your best!

2010-05-22T01:03:00.000-07:00

Breakfast at McDonald's

This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! (After the story, there are some very interesting facts!)

This is a story someone forwarded to me, and it's very meaningful, so I decided to share it with everyone out there.

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.

The last class I had to take was Sociology.

The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.

Her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.'

The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.

I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake,

literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.

It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.

We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then
even my husband did.

I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.

As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men.

As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling'

His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.

He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching..

The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend.. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.

I held my tears as I stood there with them.

The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted..

He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).

Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.

That is when I noticed all eyes in the

restaurant were set on me, judging

my every action.

I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.

I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand..

He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.'

I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.'

I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..'

We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.

We are not church goers, but we are believers.

That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.

I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.

I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it.

Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?'

I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.

She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.

In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son,the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:

UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.

Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to

LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS -

NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE..

There is an Angel sent to watch over you.

In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over.

An Angel wrote:

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart

To handle yourself, use your head..

To handle others, use your heart.

God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest.

Happiness is only TRUE when it is Shared

2010-05-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking..

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room ' s only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end.
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.
Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind ' s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.
She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can ' t buy.

'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present ..'

Do not keep this letter.

Just forward it to your friends to whom you wish blessings.

You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost.

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Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you're alive, it isn't.

2010-05-03T03:31:00.000-07:00

So true...

Why are we alive here?

To play meaninglessly everyday?

To do things that are not helping community a single bit?

To do things we don't like to?

We are here for a purpose...only you know what.

Some people are here to bring their heart's song to this world.

Some are here to give others their wisdom.

Some are here to teach.

Some are here to make things lighter.

Some are here to make life easier for others.

Some give,

Some take.

Some take action,

Some tell others to take action.

What do you do?

The Importance of Teamwork

2010-04-27T02:17:00.000-07:00

Why is it that some people just love being on a team, and others hate it the most?

Some people prefer working alone, mainly because it is hard to get an unanimous decision from a large group of people. The chances of there being disharmony in the team is also higher. Therefore, some people think working alone is better.

Others like to work with a team...or so they say. A few of them own the team like an accessory, to prove that they're the boss. They take pleasure in ordering people around, telling them what to do. These people probably have been bossed around once too much in their past, and they're trying to make up to it by ordering others around.

The rest of the people work on teams, doing their best to contribute and make a difference. They act as equals, no one has a higher position, and if they do, they just treat it as a sort of title, irrelevant to their responsibility.

The good parts of being on a team is that everyone has to agree together on everything, so it is harder to let one person pull the whole team down, for there will be that someone who steps up to change.

So...it's up to you... team or no team?

Believe you were born for greatness

2010-04-17T19:42:00.001-07:00

Everyone is here on this earth for a reason. Is the reason great or not? Depends on you.

Some people like Einstein and Newton are born into this world without a single hint of meaning in their life. They find i themselves.

Other people know they are here for a purpose, and the purpose comes to them as they go through life.

How about you? Do you have any clue what your purpose here is? Maybe it is to be a world-inspiring leader, or a person who does little deeds to make this world a better place?
You could be the light in darkness, or the darkness in light.

Just remember, you were born for greatness. Remember the caterpillars and look at what they can be.

The 'CAMP'

2010-04-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a single-day 'camp' at our house. Nope, no one slept over, my dad just held this miniature version of a CV gathering/course, and my classmates all attended it.

The first thing we did in the morning was the usual CV dance songs. After the song, my friend said to me: " Now I know why you're such a wierdo. I hate this stuff". I didn't take it personally, I just shrugged it off, since it was gurantedd she'd enjoy it by the end of the day.

Then my dad told them about the FOUR agreements:

Be impeccable with your words

Don't take things personally

Do not make assumptions

Do your best.

Then he taught us how to apply it in our lives. He also shared about a little exercise, to cool down 5 seconds before getting angry, and he also showed them the effect of bad words to the water in us.

Then we did some group sharings about the people who empowered us the most. I realized that all of the sharings are based on academics and school sports. SO all you teachers out there, know that you have an impact on your students.

Each person got to choose a representative from their team to talk. Then my dad got us to dance, but no one actually wanted to. REALLY surprisingly, one of our teachers stepped out to dance! After that, everyone started dancing too.

After that, we had an 18 legged race. Each team stood in a row, and all our legs got tied up together. Our main goal was to reach three posts and collect the objects there. Saying it from my experience, my team had GREEN greens, one focused on winning, one focused on arguing with the previous green. Then it was a bunch of blues and tans all the way down the row. Oh, and our legs got terribly hurt. OUch. But I could say we enjoyed the process as we sang some songs along the way. It was funny and enjoyable, come to think of it.

I really really want to give the team that got there first (we got there last) extra credit. Although it really seemed unfair that it looked like they got their legs tied loosely, they were really coordinated. I admit I was really unhappy with that fact and the teachers were barreling on about the fact that we were complaining about the other team. Okay, so as I was saying, I really think that team was great. The apple greens were practically leading the mini greens! The team leader, a WBG apple green, was really good. He got the whole team coordinated. Then, another team player, an apple green as well, kept on nudging the captain to let them rest. They stood there for five seconds, counting down 5...4...3...2...1... and they went on, counting the rythmm of ther footsteps as they went. I really think that group deserved it.

After that we did another group sharing. All of the sharings I heard were...unexpected from my classmates. I really saw a new side of them!

Nothing wrong with being young

2010-04-09T06:11:00.000-07:00

All kids look forward to growing up. But when they get to the age they wanted to be, they want to go back. Sigh...

That's all just a waste of time. If you're young enjoy it, and do what you can to help the world and build the future. If you have already gone past the young age, teach youngsters and learn yourself too!

Did you know that if you think you're too old/too young, it really makes you like that?

So SHIFT the thought, and you will be the age you are...at heart!!!

ALL LIFE IS AN EXPERIMENT.THE MORE EXPERIMENTS YOU MAKE THE BETTER

2010-04-06T02:57:00.000-07:00

Life IS one big experiment, vital to all of us. Experiments fail and succeed, depending on the experimenter.

Of course the more experiments we make, the more ground we cover. That way, we gain experience and know what works with what, and which mixture creates an explosion.

Whatever experiment you make, you gainfrom it, no matter what the product. So, dare to step out of your comfort zone, only testing magnetic forces instead of trying out the study of space? Explore your life...the sky's the limit!

Don't let the sun go down with anger still around

2010-04-06T02:49:00.000-07:00

My dad got a jar of little paper strips of advice from the Cv auction, and I picked one out...

It said: Don't let the sun go down with anger still around.

What does that mean?

Anger has never been an empowering thing since the beginning of mankind, because it sends out negative rays of energy. So what would the world be like if everyone was angry at the same time, even for one second. it will be the end of the world as we know it. Ouch.

So, what we can do is to shift the bad anger to good forgivance, to others and yourself...make the world better,starting now.

BEING OPEN TO NEW OPPORTUNITY

2010-04-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

being open to (new) opportunities
At one point in time i was really getting sick and tired of eating sushi because we kept eating there OVER and OVER again.So one day, Joan, dad and i went out for lunch and was trying do decide where to eat. I can distinctively remember my reluctance to eat ANY sushi, but i actually remember giving in without much of a fight. after settling in, i saw one of my best friends walk into the restaurant. I was in complete shock, firstly because he was leaving Brunei and spent his last school day that Friday, and secondly because i thought he was already in Australia. It was definitely a miracle as that very Friday didn't get to say goodbye to him due to my DOE community service happening at the same time as his farewell party and i am VERY grateful that i agreed to eat sushi. That day i learnt to be more open to any opportunity that could come my way.
by Brian Tan

Why Do People Have Idols?

2010-03-28T00:24:00.000-07:00

You know how all those fans scream their throats out at concerts? I've always thought that a bit silly, but now I've taken the time and compassion to understand, and I finally got an explanation.
Of course, mostly people admire superstars, all that glamour and fame... but different people like different idols, right? Everyone is different, and everyone has a different definition of what they lack.
Get it? Most people aren't satisfied enough with who they are, and one way is to find a role model, which young kids and teenagers usually do. When I hear my friends gabbing about this idol, that idol, this pop star, that actor... I feel like rolling my eyes...there they go again!
But I realized that these friends really do not love themselves enough to be satisfied. They're always complaining and saying they can't do this, that...to escape most of the time, but they manage to convince themselves they aren't good enough to achieve things.
So some people may see something in this star that they don't have. Example: Confidence. It's very hard for a kid to have confidence if everyone is saying all these nasty and dis-empowering things to them. So they turn to an idol--someone who won't say anything bad to them because they probably will never meet them. As they grow and develop self-confidence and independence, don't they grow out of that? :)
But of course, other people like the idols for something else...their music, their movies...so not everyone is the way I explained it!!! :)

Time Flies!!!

2010-03-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

Time Flies!!!

Doesn't it seem that just the other day you were doing this...

And now you're doing that?

Time flies if we're unaware and not living in the present.

How do we stop time flying? Take the batteries out of the clock? Yeah, right.

We can't stop time. The most we can do is make full use of it. It would REALLY be a waste if we let our life flow through our fingers just like that...
THINK THINK and THINK...

What can you do to make a difference in this life? It may be too boring now, but staying boring doesn't help...at all.

Try to figure out the things you can do which will help this world. Maybe you can get up and do a bit of exercise. Yes, that will help. We need as many healthy Violet people in this world as we can have! I mean, how can you contribute if you're on the verge of collapsing?

Then, we can also stop slouching around and write our journal...This can be a great contribution as well. This could be a piece of history...or a valuable fragment of our era... :D
The conclusion is, lying around just helps time go by faster. So get up and DO something!!! Take action!

I Did It!

2010-03-20T01:26:00.000-07:00

Yeahhhhhhhhh!!!

I did it!!!

I got into the finals in a storytelling competition!!!

What I want to share about is that I was a nervous wreck before I went onto the stage to tell my story. I kept on having illusions, that I would goof up, do it wrong, forget my lines...

But who knew? I took many deep breaths, summoned up my courage and told myself I'm okay. I'd done this many times, right?

So all that worrying for nothing!!!

We really need to spend more of our lives in an optimistic mood!!

Now I'm getting ready for the finals...

WISH ME LUCK!

CV Changes Lives (from a kid's point of view)

2010-03-19T23:04:00.000-07:00

by Sarah and Natalie AND Nana

Natalie: Before CV, I used to read the WHOLE day. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating. I read 2 quarters of a day, at least. I read about 200 books a year, if my calculations are correct.
What's wrong with that? Well, reading too much consumes a LOT of your time, especially when the book is so enthralling that you can't bear to put it down. My family was always nagging me to put down the book, and take a look at what is behind those pages, to spend time with them. (My sister and brother had this serious opposition against books then) Stories can be real or pure fiction, but either way it is NOT real for you. It may be real for the author, but not for you. Sorry to disappoint you, but reading too much doesn't necessarily help you gain knowledge. Everything has to be in balance.
Sarah: Before CV, I, like Natalie, was also a bookworm. That time, only my father went to CV. He is almost like begging me too put MY book down, or take my eyes off the TV. Whenever he took the book in my hand away, I always have a spare one on my chair, just in case. He asked me why I would want to read while eating. I used this excuse : rice is so boring to look at. But now I know that that time, I just wanted to ESCAPE. Escape from questions that my family may ask. That time, I used to hate CV because I thought CV is separating my father from us. But after I came to CV, I found out that CV actually pulls our relationship close. Although sometimes I still do read or watch TV while eating, we began having lively talks at dinner. One of the reasons we didn't do that before CV is because my father works so hard that he doesn't have time to have dinner with us. But CV truly changed his life. Now, he makes some space in his work so that he can have dinner with us. Even if he can't catch up with dinner ( since sometimes he comes home at about 8 something at night ), I still talk to him after I get ready, though it is not exactly like what we do in CV ( not even like what we do at the dinner table ), I don't mind. Being able to talk with my father, even for a short period of time, I feel good, really good. Well, I guess that it's right to say that nothing beats your family. No, I don't guess, I am 100% sure.
Nana: Hi, I am Nana. I am Natalie's sister. And my sister loves reading, but I am different. I love much other things. Thats why everybody is special in their own way.
I wrote an e-mail to my CV3 classmates and other people that I admire the most and love the most, and Linda even talked about it (in the bridge call). Wow! I can't believe it that such little things can make a whole difference. Cool! So I want to share what CV brought me.
First of all,they taught me that you shouldn't keep waiting until you regret because in my CV3 I don't want to share. I waited until the last day of CV ( The last day that I can see my classmates of CV3 ) then I only really go and share with my heart, without thinking . Haha...
Second of all ,is that you don't have to think to share what you feel because that sentence: 'What do you FEEL like Sharing' doesn't meant quickly think of what to share. You know that you need to use your heart to share. That is very important because on the last day of CV3 a classmate of mine asked me to tell her what I was going to say, and I answered that I don't need to think. She told me what she was going to say. I think she really gave me that strong awareness. Haha...
So now just till here cant go to far cause there is more coming up.
Love,Nana
Natalie: Other than being a read-a-holic, I had what I thought was shyness. I'd cower behind my parents when any guests came, when i was younger. Just before CV, when I was around 10 years old, I'd pretend that I was doing something else, or just hide. What it really was is this 'illness' called No-self-esteem-itis. I always had these visions that I'd screw up on every move in front of others. It must be some painful moment in the past that made me that way. I wonder what it is...maybe I hid it in myself. When I went to primary one, I could easily tell that I was way ahead of my classmates...but I didn't dare to actually show it. My English was better, because I went to an English kindergarten, but my Chinese was partially rotten.
So every day at school was very painstaking; I tried to suppress myself, not showing what I can do. I faked that my English is at the same level as theirs, and my Chinese is as good as them. No such luck. Teachers kind of see through you. They KNOW when you are faking, and when you are genuine. Do they teach that in teacher training courses? So they were praising me about my talents, and everyone was looking up to me. Sure, you think I enjoyed it. NOT! It was very very embarrassing for me back then. All these parents asking me questions, classmates borrowing my homework... All very overwhelming for a little girl. But after CV, I feel much more confident and I know how to deal with this...popularity. :)
We truly hope our perspectives help you.
Love,
Nat, Sarah & Nana

Believing in Yourself

2010-03-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

by Sarah
I used to lack self esteem(I still do sometimes). After CV, I found out that I do that because I want to please people and have fear that if I do or say something wrong it'll make them mad and making them mad will make me feel lonely as I will have no friends.
I admire people that have lots of confidence, maybe the main reason is because I lack confidence in myself. They seem so confident in themselves when they do things such as speaking on stage.
There was once when my mother wanted me to say a short verse in church. I said "no" at once. I was afraid that if I said something wrong, I would become the laughing stock at church.
Now, I try to calm myself by making a mental note : They won't recognize me, anyway. They won't laugh at me because they are polite. I am glad I made that note although sometimes, I still can't help feeling scared when I am asked to say a speech alone or something like that. But you can bet that I won't go as shaky as a leaf nor pale as a sheet of paper when I have to speak on stage!
With CV tools, believing in yourselves is much more easier. >_*

Let Your Core Values Guide You

2010-03-19T01:20:00.000-07:00

Letting your core values be your guide...

Sometimes, following your values is hard, especially when your environment doesn't support it. If your core values are suppressed, it is very very very hard to live a fulfilling, meaningful life.

You don't need any special analysis to find out your core value. Try figuring out what are the things you love to do, and the values that show up.

Example: You like gardening, because it makes you feel peaceful, and gives you a sense of calmness. Why? Do you like the atmosphere? Is it because you like to see living things grow? If it really is what you enjoy doing, don't stop. On the contrary, try to bring more of it into your daily life.

Don't worry if people judge you against the values you own. Their values are just different from yours!

Taking The Leap Of Faith

2010-03-19T01:05:00.000-07:00

What does 'taking the leap of faith' mean?

I'm not so sure myself :) , but here's my version of explanation:

Taking a leap of faith means doing something you somehow KNOW will work out, and just doing it without hesitating or having second (third fourth fifth?) thoughts.

Some people are USED to doing it. But for most people, it's mostly a life-changing leap.

As Ko (a CV instructor) shares with us, 'Jump off the highest cliff and build your wings on the way down.' (I know, I don't have it EXACTLY right, but...:)

Oh, it doesn't mean I'm asking you to jump off a cliff or something. Just saying that making a leap of faith may work out great, or not-so-great, from your own point of view. But it happens for a reason, and you deal with the consequences as they come.

An example is this. When I'm blogging, I just write whatever that comes into my mind. Sometimes, I'm not that satisfied with my work. But, I just take the leap of faith...or 'click' of faith, and just click PUBLISH POST, deciding that not everyone in the world will see it as I do. It may not be perfect, but I always hope it helps someone in the world out there. I'm going to take the click of faith now...

Using your talents fully

2010-03-18T01:02:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
Last week, my teacher asked me for a favor.
She heard from someone that I am very good at decorating (I wonder who told her) and she asked me to decorate the computer lab. It was a bit surprising and..well...pleasant. I had the awareness that people really believe in me more than I believe in myself.
I finally agreed to help, because what is the use of having talents if you don't use them?
So I told her I'd tell her my ideas, and then I started thinking of what to decorate it with... Love? :)
I realized that when we are pressured to do something, we don't do it as well as we do when we are doing it willingly. At least that's my theory.
So now, I'm still stuck on ideas... and the 'deadline' (well, I know they don't actually exist, but I gotta keep my promise) is Monday!!! Oh, well. I can do it!!!
-Natalie

TRUST

2010-03-17T01:16:00.000-07:00

Trusting something or someone is something that is easy... or hard.
To trust someone takes great courage... and it feels great to trust, too. But if you trust blindly, it will be very ugly...
Trusting may be hard after someone you trust betrays you. But if you forgive and forget, and slowly build the trust, you will feel relaxed and much better.
Then, getting people to trust you takes a long time to build up. If you take that trust for granted, they will just stop believing in you, and it will take an even longer time to build up the trust.
So, choose who to trust carefully, and guard the trust that others give you.

CV Event of the Century!!!

2010-03-15T05:31:00.001-07:00

Wowowowowowowow!!!
I just heard some great news!
In Kuching's CV this time around, there will be 11 CV graduates who are under 18, which means only kids.
There will probably be 3 kid Logistics: me, Emily and Sian.
Then, the other kids who will be attending CV4: Nana, Sarah, Delphine, Bryan, Mabel, Angel, Eric and Elwin.
I think this will probably be a very special event, because I think so far this is the first time more than 10 kid CV graduates will be on the scene. Wow!! A true historical event!
I hope you will be here to witness it!!!
See you there!
Love,
Natalie

Everything Happens for a Reason

2010-03-06T17:35:00.000-08:00

Don't get mad at the world for sending you the 'wrong' thing. The universe works in mysterious ways, so everything that happens, happens for a reason.

For example, you could be looking for a book but the bookstore didn't have it. So you randomly pick up a book from the shelf, and that turns out to be a life changing book...

You may think this is very strange, but this is really the law of attraction. This was meant to be. So the reason you have this incident happen to you affects you or those around you sooner or later in life.

So, make the right choices, for it will determine your future. There will come the time when you look back on that choice of yours, and be so grateful... or resent it. Either way, everything that happens in our life is significant. Be careful what you choose!

Spice It Up!

2010-03-06T05:17:00.000-08:00

Do you ever get the feeling that there are classes that make you want to go to sleep? I don't know about you, but when the teacher starts going into all the facts and stuff we are supposed to memorize, I feel like dozing off...
Do you know what our class does? We know all the others are probably bored out of their socks too, and the ones who really listen are straining very hard, and they wouldn't mind a bit of fun, too.
We look for an appropriate subject to come up with, for instance, if the teacher is talking about... let's say something about ambitions. Then someone or other would ask her what her ambition was when she was young. I discovered that one of my teachers actually wanted to be a nurse... but she didn't get accepted for the job... and how she got to be a teacher.
These little conversations we have with the teachers really spice up our classes. We are practically conversation striking pros! :)
But sometimes, the teacher doesn't like so many questions. They might quickly change the subject, or get angry. We're so lucky our teachers don't!
This method of spicing up classes makes us learn things better... and get to know the teachers better. And after we ask more questions, the teacher is actually more open to these conversations, knowing that what she says is good for us and we like to talk about things that are different and more interesting. Say goodbye to all those sleepy-time classes!

Time Management

2010-03-06T04:12:00.000-08:00

This is a request of a CV kid... :P

Time Management may sound like a big word, like something only grown-ups do. But it is really simple, and sometimes kids master it better than adults.

Ingredients:
Discipline
Memory/ A way to remember what to do
Knowledge of telling time

First, you need to know what you want to do. If you didn't know that, forget about managing your time because if you aren't clear of your intention, why manage your time?

After you clarify all you need to do, quickly give it a rating:
Which one needs to be done first? Homework, games or the house chores?
Calculate how much time you have to do all that, and
Give yourself a time limit to accomplish this thing. But don't pressure yourself!!! That's the last thing you need in time managing!

Then, do it! Don't procrastinate, and don't forget what you need to do. This method of work is soooooooo much more effective than just rushing around and getting things done the stressed way! Did I mention you feel so relaxed after you finish your job?

Hope this helped!!!

Change the World

2010-03-06T03:31:00.000-08:00

Many people want to change the world... but they think they don't have the ability to do it. Well... the truth is... you can!

You can help by doing big things, but little things make a big difference!
Picking up litter, donating a few coins, helping someone you know or don't know... even SMILING can make the world a better place!

Of course, no one is stopping you from doing bigger things. You can organize visits to Children Homes, Old Folks' Homes, Animal Care Centres... Just to brighten up their day, and add a little bit more joy to the world.

But the best hing you can do to help make this world a better place... is to Live, Love and Laugh! Send your great energy all around the world!!!!

WHAT IS JEALOUSY?

2010-03-05T03:52:00.000-08:00

Jealousy comes mainly from dissatisfaction towards yourself, and comparing yourself with others.
Some people are jealous because they think others are better than themselves. Some are jealous because they think they lack something that others have.
People react to jealousy in different ways. Some hate the person they are jealous of, some work hard to get what they are jealous of, some just keep it inside and feel angry all the time.
How do you deal with jealousy? Of course, tell yourself no one is perfect, and the person you are jealous of has something you don't, but you have something they don't too! Love yourself.

Birthday Party in Awareness

2010-03-02T23:51:00.001-08:00

A few days ago I had this huge birthday party at my house. The only words to describe it are: 3M,and wonderbrilliantly awesome!
Let me give you the play-by-play version:

I woke up so early in the morning, cause I was so excited. I mooched around for a while, waiting for the seconds to tick by. Then, I got my parents to organize a treasure hunt. While they were planning it, I kept interrupting them, but they told me to TRUST TRUST and TRUST. I finally did, and it turned out...good!
Around 8, there were phone calls of impatience from my friends to my dad, asking when he was going to fetch them from our school. Since the treasure wasn't hidden yet, my dad told them to wait.... and I realized that kids can get so impatient when they're excited!!!
At last, the treasure was carefully hidden away. We went to fetch my friends and boy, were they a busload!
We had to split into two rounds, and I got left behind with two of my friends. They were complaining about this other girl, and I kinda got sucked into that energy... oops... but I quickly caught myself on this one!
When my dad came back and brought us home, I was preparing to take my friends on a tour of the house. But boy oh boy... greens work so efficiently!!! Nana had already brought them around the whole house!!! Yikes!!!
We hung around and played a few games, threw a ball in the pond accidentally, finished half a box of juice, ate all the crackers... we did anything we could think of to occupy ourselves. Time sure crawls when you are excited!
After waiting...waiting...and waiting,m the second batch of kids arrived. Then, the teachers came! We formed a line and welcomed the headmaster (he actually cared enough to show up!!! and he's planning another trip!) and the teachers. Only then did we start to eat.
We cut the cake, and did the usual birthday business. Then... the highlight of the party: the TREASURE HUNT!!! We were split into 2 groups; East and West. I was the leader of the West group. We searched high and low for the clues. we found clues 1, 2 and 3... but the wind was so mischievous... if you get what I mean! But guess what? The East team found the treasure first, because they found the 4th clue without bothering about the first ones. The 'Grand Prize' was RM 100, and we had to do something in a group with it. So we got into a 'campfire' or 'Alignment Circle' to decide what to do next. We threw around about 2 suggestions, until someone talked about donation. That of course, was a Green who beat me to it.... guess I'm not green enough :P
'Who agrees?' I asked. We couldn't forget the team members, because only an unanimous decision is an official and fair one.
Guess what? All 23 people raised their hands! Kids sure operate fast! I think, that if we were adults (and unaware), we'd be talking about... I don't know. But we'd be bickering.
After that we played hide-and-seek and got an older guest to perform some tricks. I was aware that some people really believe this magic, probably because of the way they are brought up. Some parents use scary fairy tales to force their kids into becoming good. This just increases their fear.
After that everyone went home. Some had so much fun they stayed behind longer.
All I can say is, that is a birthday worth remembering, and a time worth re-living!

Heart of Gratitude!!!

2010-02-23T03:09:00.001-08:00

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held
up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins
in the hat.

A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them
into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words.
He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new
words..
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the
blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how
things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one
who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"

The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a
different way."
I wrote: "Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it."

Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply
said the boy was blind. The second sign told people that they were so lucky
that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was
more effective?

Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have.. Be creative. Be
innovative.
Think differently and positively.
When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000
reasons to smile....
Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence.
Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.
The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling…
And even more beautiful is, knowing that you are the reason behind it!!!
If you like, share.

Enjoy your day with a heart of gratitude

Calling people by their names

2010-02-23T02:52:00.000-08:00

Calling people by their names empowers them... did you know that?

During our trip to KK, my dad was extra sure to ask the names of all the people who helped make this trip memorable: the waiter, the flight stewardess and stewards, a guy on the roadside who told us directions...
I realized that this made them very empowered, and they felt very happy and lightened. But one thing that happened in the restaurant made me think. You see, there was this waitress, who was serving us something... I forgot what it was.... but my dad asked her what her name was, and she thought he was asking the name of that dish! It made me realize that she probably thinks that we are only here for the food, and the food is more important than her. But of course, things always come second after people!
I was also aware that getting to know their names draws us an inch closer to knowing more about them. If you didn't know your best friend's name, would you really be qualified as best friends? And after knowing their names, our impression lasts longer. I remember all the names of the people my dad took the effort to get closer to, and their pleased looks made our day!
Taking the effort to remember names is not hard, you can:
a) write them down
b) memorize them
c) remember in your heart
I suppose you know which way is the most effective...

Do you understand how people feel?

2010-02-19T20:40:00.000-08:00

Do you realize that sometimes in school, the kids are automatically grouped into a few groups: The better-marks group, the middle-results group and the no-hope group.

Most people don't do it on purpose, but unconsciously these groups are sorted once you get to know their showup.
The teachers in my school are always giving the better-marks group more chances, and they get scolded real bad if they don't act like the teachers expect them to. The middle-results group are safely beyond flunking, but the teachers don't show as much respect to them. The no-hope group? The teachers practically give up on them!
Under the teachers influence, the students start to feel superior...or useless. How do we solve this problem?
We can do it by trying to mingle around with all these 'groups' , getting to know how they feel and think. From there, we can understand them and find ways to help them or communicate with them. And slowly, the teachers may start to show more respect to the class.
This way, you can also connect better with your friends. Knowing them, you can easily talk to each other without any conflict! :)

Why do some parents jam their kid's schedules up?

2010-02-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

Do you realize that some kids have these tightly packed schedules? Do you ever wonder why? Or are you one of them?

Some parents have probably never been to tuition classes. That could be one of the reasons why they do that to their kids. Letting their kids get the full experience, hoping they will become something their parents aren't.

Another reason may be to show off. I think probably 98% of the highly positioned people who aren't aware yet ,mostly send their kids off to tuition classes. (The other 2% maybe forgot they had kids) Then at some cocktail party, they can tell all their friends about their children's achievements, waiting to hear the phrase: "How far does an apple fall from a tree?" or something like that.

One more reason is overprotection. Your dad or mom loves you so much that they send you to any class they can send you to, hoping you will have no trouble finding a job when you are older.
I don't find that very effective. You need to have passion to do things well...

Back to the point, some parents have their own other reasons. All we can do as kids is to have compassion for them, and yet still get our own life into our own hands. I trust you can do that!

Computer Games

2010-02-19T07:25:00.000-08:00

I know we kids all love to play games.
But why computer games?
I think that bcause the computer games are so like real life, that we can escape into them and convince ourselves that it is real and you are doing something worthwhile.
Sure, computer games can be put to good use.
My brother Noel and my mom were just having such a fun time playing games together. But of course, sometimes computer games also cause separation.
We can fight over who has the highest score, who gets to play, which game is the best to choose...
I think if we compared those to the real games, the games where you can really interact with people you know, not just cyber chat. For all you know, the person on the other end of the line might be an alien! :O
Anyway, I don't mean to sound all bossy or something, but I suggest that all those computer addicts out there... get a taste of the real world!!!!!

2010-02-18T01:14:00.001-08:00

These are all the Upcoming Events!!!
Core Value 1
Brunei
11 Mar 10 - 14 Mar 10
Thursday, 06:30PM
Core Value 2
Brunei
11 Mar 10 - 14 Mar 10
Thursday, 06:30PM
Core Value 3
Brunei
11 Mar 10 - 14 Mar 10
Thursday, 06:30PM
Core Value 1
Shenzhen, China
18 Mar 10 - 21 Mar 10
Thursday, 06:30PM
Core Value 2
Shenzhen, China
18 Mar 10 - 21 Mar 10
Thursday, 06:30PM
Core Value 3
Shenzhen, China
18 Mar 10 - 21 Mar 10
Thursday, 06:30PM
Core Value Graduate - BRUNEI
Brunei
25 Mar 10 - 31 Mar 10
Thursday, 06:30PM
Core Value 1
Kuching, Malaysia
01 Apr 10 - 04 Apr 10
Thursday, 06:30PM
Core Value 2
Kuching, Malaysia
01 Apr 10 - 04 Apr 10
Thursday, 06:30PM
Core Value 4
Kuching, Malaysia
01 Apr 10 - 04 Apr 10
Thursday, 06:30PM
Business Extraordinary
Kuching, Malaysia
23 Apr 10 - 25 Apr 10
Friday, 08:00AM
Business Extraordinary
Taiwan
21 May 10 - 23 May 10
Friday, 08:00AM
Core Value Graduate - Ipoh & Penang
01 Jun 10 - 06 Jun 10
Tuesday, 09:00AM
Core Value Graduate - THAILAND
Bangkok, Thailand
18 Jul 10 - 24 Jul 10
Sunday, 06:30PM
Core Value Graduate - ALASKA
19 Aug 10 - 29 Aug 10
Thursday, 06:30PM
Core Value Graduate - CHINA (KUNMING)
20 Oct 10 - 27 Oct 10
Wednesday, 06:30PM
Core Value Graduate - TAIWAN
Taiwan
28 Oct 10 - 03 Nov 10
Thursday, 06:30PM
10th Annual Master Mind Program - Mendocino
Mendocino, USA
03 Jan 11 - 10 Jan 11
Monday, 06:00PM

WHICH ONES ARE YOU ATTENDING?

2010-02-18T00:03:00.000-08:00

Say NO to Negative Thoughts!
Being negative was never a good thing. But do you know how much it effects you?
A negative thought, action or word can trigger a chain reaction which makes the energy spiral down, down, down until someone stops it.
Imagine for a moment: Tasha is quarreling with her younger brother Terence. Tasha tells on him to her mom. Her mom is already so stressed, what with all the pressure at work, that she yells at Tasha. Then, Tasha storms back to Terence and tells him off, like, this-is-all-your-fault or whatever. Then dad comes home from a s-t-r-e-s-s-f-u-l day at work, and he is in a very bad temper. Their mom, too caught up in problems of her own, is ranting about all the things that happened today, including the fact that young Terence was called to the principals office. This causes Terence to protest, and Tasha is jeering at him. Their dad has enough of this rubbish, and decides to go into the room. In the end, what could be a pleasant dinner is ruined by this terrible energy.
Now, let's rewind. Tasha could have chosen not to quarrel with Terence and sort it out nicely. Or if not, she could have given in to him like a big sister should do. Or if her mom could be more compassionate and see things from her kid's point of view, they would be happy. Or the children could show more consideration to mom. There are so many choices they could make to result in a happy ending.
We have many chances to make choices to change, but the only thing standing in the way is our ego. The best way is to slowly calm down, in the meanwhile pushing the ego down slowly, and then give in or just step out of the conversation. That could save us a lot of trouble. In fact, it could change your environment! Take action now!!! :)
PS* does anyone have problems at home or at school? Tell us your problem, and I'll post it on the Blog, and everyone can comment on your problem. Who knows, maybe you could find a solution to the problem from one of our little teachers!

2010-02-17T23:40:00.000-08:00

Natalie's Awareness

2010-02-14T05:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Chinese New Year's Eve. I had dinner at a Sushi place,and I realized that their sushi was not as good as the one we usually eat in CV! My awareness was that we shouldn't take these small things for granted. THANK YOU David!!! :)

Another awareness that came to me was when my uncle told me that all of my family think I am the one who will be a doctor when I grow up. This is the expectation that others lay on you, as Linda always says. Well, I told him I'm not going to be an actual DOCTOR doctor, but maybe a 'doctor' who helps you find yourself. What I really want to be is an instructor for CV!!! I wonder what LInda would think of that... :P

And ANOTHER awareness is that we should NEVER EVER do things halfway, leave and do something else and try to resume it where we begun. I learnt that... the painful way! Ask Sarah or Nana... they know what I was doing then.

That is what I feel like sharing... thank you, and Happy Chinese New Year!

Welcome To CV Kidz BLOG!

2010-02-13T23:11:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!
Welcome to Cv KidZ Blog. everyone can share their awareness, and talk to each other about the latest CVs...

If you have a BIG awareness and you want to post it where everyone can see, e-mail: corevalue.natalie@gmail.com. I'll help you post it!

Don't forget to keep sharing!