We live in a disposable society.We buy things, use them and then throw them away. Our landfills continue to grow, despite no one wanting garbage in their own back yard. Meanwhile, debt is also growing. People continue to spend money they don’t have on things they don’t need.
We need to come back to reality. We need to focus on growth in our bank accounts, not on growth in the landfills and growth in our debt. So what’s the solution? How can people grow their savings, while shrinking their garbage and depleting their debt?
LOVE is the answer.
We need to learn to appreciate what we already have. We need to love what we have.
If you love what you have, you don’t feel the need for more. If you love what you have, you can easily say no when you’re bombarded with thousands of marketing messages to buy each day. If you love what you have, you’re not going to throw something out once it gets a little used.
People who love what they have are happy. They see the beauty in what they’ve got. When they buy new stuff, they are very selective--because it has to be something they can love. People who love what they have perform proper maintenance, and ensure they get the most out of their purchases.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce the money you spend this year, spend some time admiring what you already have. Love your possessions. Maintain them so they last longer.
Disposable items are always more costly in the long run. Loving what you have costs nothing, but can save you lots of money. It can also save you time. You won’t need to run out and get something new just because you have money in your pocket. Why would you want something new? Save time and money by loving what you already own!
Is it any wonder that the average "millionaire next door" has a car that’s eight years old? People that are rich love what they have. They know the value of quality, and they know the value of getting the most out of their purchases.
Do you spend time dreaming of a new car, or loving the car you’ve got? Do you spend time dreaming of new furniture, a new house or new clothes? Or do you spend some quality time loving the furniture, house and clothes you’ve already been blessed with?
Save your money, your time and your environment this year: love what you have.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
living life to the fullest
Are you living all you can? If so, you are one of the few lucky souls that either was born with an incredible spirit - OR one of us who had to learn it the hard way. You can learn to live life to the fullest. It takes practice to defeat the habits that hold you back.
What keeps most people from living each day, each moment, to the fullest? Three things: Worry, Regret, and Fear.
Worry is living in the future instead of the moment. Worry is a pessimistic approach to life. When you live in worry, you're constantly asking 'what if this happens?', 'and if this happens, what if that happens?'
You trade your life for shadowy possibilities, piling one on top of the next until the weight of 'what if' pins you in your pessimism.
Regret is living in the past instead of the moment. Regret is a shameful approach to life. You look behind you, and wish things were different. You constantly tell yourself 'if only I'd done that differently', and 'if I had done that differently, I'd be there instead of here'.
You trade your life for guilt and sorrow, examining every decision until your second-guessing becomes paralysis and you stop moving forward.
Fear is living in uncertainty instead of now. Fear is a timid approach to life. When you live in fear, you hold back, denying yourself and others a world of possibilities.
The antidote to worry is refocusing on NOW. Right this moment. What do you see, what do you smell, what do you taste, what is in your lap and in your life right this minute? This is what's real.
The cure for regret is two-fold: acceptance and forgiveness. It is what it is. You are where you are. You cannot change what was, you can only build on what is. You did the best you could with all of your resources at that moment. It's what you will do NOW that matters.
The solution for fear is faith. You have been protected and provided for right up to this very minute. It will continue. Do good for others; trust you will receive good in return.
Take an inventory of the things you have to be thankful for, and you will see the big picture.
This moment will never come again. Savor it for all it is NOW. Direct your attention toward the people and places and things you experience NOW.
What keeps most people from living each day, each moment, to the fullest? Three things: Worry, Regret, and Fear.
Worry is living in the future instead of the moment. Worry is a pessimistic approach to life. When you live in worry, you're constantly asking 'what if this happens?', 'and if this happens, what if that happens?'
You trade your life for shadowy possibilities, piling one on top of the next until the weight of 'what if' pins you in your pessimism.
Regret is living in the past instead of the moment. Regret is a shameful approach to life. You look behind you, and wish things were different. You constantly tell yourself 'if only I'd done that differently', and 'if I had done that differently, I'd be there instead of here'.
You trade your life for guilt and sorrow, examining every decision until your second-guessing becomes paralysis and you stop moving forward.
Fear is living in uncertainty instead of now. Fear is a timid approach to life. When you live in fear, you hold back, denying yourself and others a world of possibilities.
The antidote to worry is refocusing on NOW. Right this moment. What do you see, what do you smell, what do you taste, what is in your lap and in your life right this minute? This is what's real.
The cure for regret is two-fold: acceptance and forgiveness. It is what it is. You are where you are. You cannot change what was, you can only build on what is. You did the best you could with all of your resources at that moment. It's what you will do NOW that matters.
The solution for fear is faith. You have been protected and provided for right up to this very minute. It will continue. Do good for others; trust you will receive good in return.
Take an inventory of the things you have to be thankful for, and you will see the big picture.
This moment will never come again. Savor it for all it is NOW. Direct your attention toward the people and places and things you experience NOW.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
You're a Beautiful Person
I wish that I could tell every person that I meet that he or she is a beautiful person--and have them believe it. I wish I could look them in the eyes and tell them of their beauty and have them accept the words for what they truly are--the truth, plain and simple.
You and I both know that most people will deny their beauty, expressing what they feel is modesty or humility. It's easier for us to be told that we're talented or intelligent--our own beauty is something that we don't want to face.
You could help me to convince people of their innate beauty. You could agree with me in an effort to reinforce the message. You could give a few specifics to illustrate just what we're talking about when we say the person is beautiful. You could reassure the person that I'm not saying it to flatter or to try to win the person over or get something out of the person, but just trying to express in words the beauty I see when I look into that person's eyes and see the human being there, the person who gets happy and hurt and who laughs and who cries.
You can help me by reminding the person that beauty isn't about comparing ourselves with others, but about the part of us that shines when we love others and love life. It's not all physical and it's not all spiritual, but a tender combination of all that we are.
And when that person says, "No, not me," you could argue the point and ask him or her not to talk down about him or herself, to admit to the beauty that's there, to accept it, to thrive in it. Because you know just as well as I do that this person can hurt his or her own self-image and feelings by denying the beauty.
Please help me to convince people of their own beauty. Will you do that? Thank you. And we'll start right here, with you: You're a beautiful person.
You and I both know that most people will deny their beauty, expressing what they feel is modesty or humility. It's easier for us to be told that we're talented or intelligent--our own beauty is something that we don't want to face.
You could help me to convince people of their innate beauty. You could agree with me in an effort to reinforce the message. You could give a few specifics to illustrate just what we're talking about when we say the person is beautiful. You could reassure the person that I'm not saying it to flatter or to try to win the person over or get something out of the person, but just trying to express in words the beauty I see when I look into that person's eyes and see the human being there, the person who gets happy and hurt and who laughs and who cries.
You can help me by reminding the person that beauty isn't about comparing ourselves with others, but about the part of us that shines when we love others and love life. It's not all physical and it's not all spiritual, but a tender combination of all that we are.
And when that person says, "No, not me," you could argue the point and ask him or her not to talk down about him or herself, to admit to the beauty that's there, to accept it, to thrive in it. Because you know just as well as I do that this person can hurt his or her own self-image and feelings by denying the beauty.
Please help me to convince people of their own beauty. Will you do that? Thank you. And we'll start right here, with you: You're a beautiful person.
Creating your own life
Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there; they serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be; your roommate, neighbor, professor, long-lost friend, lover or even a complete stranger who, when you lock eyes with them, you know that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.
Sometimes things happen to you and at the time they may seem horrible, painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower or heart. Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good or bad luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests - whether they are events, illnesses or relationships - life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. Safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless. The people you meet who affect your life, and the successes and downfalls you experience, create who you are; even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones.
If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart to.
If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally; not only because they love you, but because they are teaching you to love, and they are opening your heart and eyes to things you would have never seen or felt without them.
Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself; for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you, either. You can make of your life anything you wish. Create your own life and then go out and live it.
Sometimes things happen to you and at the time they may seem horrible, painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower or heart. Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good or bad luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests - whether they are events, illnesses or relationships - life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. Safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless. The people you meet who affect your life, and the successes and downfalls you experience, create who you are; even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones.
If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart to.
If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally; not only because they love you, but because they are teaching you to love, and they are opening your heart and eyes to things you would have never seen or felt without them.
Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself; for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you, either. You can make of your life anything you wish. Create your own life and then go out and live it.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
How Do We Treat Others
When others are angry with you, loving to you, critical of you, and so on, do you treat them the same? We tend to treat others, except those in a position of authority or power over us, the same way they treat us.
Let's say you enter a restaurant expecting great service and a tasty meal. The waiter or waitress is snarly and literally throws the food on the table. You ask for a glass of water to go with the meal and they act as though you had asked for something impossible.
Our first reaction is to be unkind in return and also decide that they will not receive a tip. Is this the right reaction in this or in any situation?
Perhaps they have just been informed a loved one is seriously ill and in a hospital, or they haven't the money to pay their rent and are facing eviction from their home, or they have a severe headache. This list could go on endlessly.
The problem we face is that we have no way of knowing what the other person is going through at that point in their life. Even the finest people are sometimes so overwhelmed by circumstances they act rashly. And who is to say we wouldn't act the same way in similar circumstances?
The next time you begin to treat another as badly as they have treated you, try to put yourself into their circumstances. We can never put ourselves into the exact position of another, but it will help us to be more understanding.
By always doing our best to treat others as we would wish to be treated, we make things better for ourselves and others with whom we come in contact.
Let's say you enter a restaurant expecting great service and a tasty meal. The waiter or waitress is snarly and literally throws the food on the table. You ask for a glass of water to go with the meal and they act as though you had asked for something impossible.
Our first reaction is to be unkind in return and also decide that they will not receive a tip. Is this the right reaction in this or in any situation?
Perhaps they have just been informed a loved one is seriously ill and in a hospital, or they haven't the money to pay their rent and are facing eviction from their home, or they have a severe headache. This list could go on endlessly.
The problem we face is that we have no way of knowing what the other person is going through at that point in their life. Even the finest people are sometimes so overwhelmed by circumstances they act rashly. And who is to say we wouldn't act the same way in similar circumstances?
The next time you begin to treat another as badly as they have treated you, try to put yourself into their circumstances. We can never put ourselves into the exact position of another, but it will help us to be more understanding.
By always doing our best to treat others as we would wish to be treated, we make things better for ourselves and others with whom we come in contact.
I Believe
I believe in the supreme worth of the individual and in his or her right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.
I believe that the law was made for people and not people for the law; that government is the servant of the people and not their master.
I believe in the dignity of labour, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no person a living but that it owes every individual an opportunity to make a living.
I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living and that economy is a prime requisite of a sound financial structure, whether in government, business, or personal affairs.
I believe that truth and justice are fundamental to an enduring social order.
I believe in the sacredness of a promise, that one's word should be as good as one's bond; that character--not wealth or power or position--is of supreme worth.
I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of humankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free.
I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over.
I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.
I believe that the law was made for people and not people for the law; that government is the servant of the people and not their master.
I believe in the dignity of labour, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no person a living but that it owes every individual an opportunity to make a living.
I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living and that economy is a prime requisite of a sound financial structure, whether in government, business, or personal affairs.
I believe that truth and justice are fundamental to an enduring social order.
I believe in the sacredness of a promise, that one's word should be as good as one's bond; that character--not wealth or power or position--is of supreme worth.
I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of humankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free.
I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over.
life is like a book
Life is a book of mysteries. You never know which page will bring a good twist. So keep on reading because happiness comes suddenly.
Life is like a book, each day a new page with adventures to experience, lesson to learn & good deeds to replicate. Have a color page everyday.
Your life is like a book. The title-page is your name. The preface is your introduction to the world. The pages are a daily chronicle of your efforts, trials, pleasures, discouragements, ambitions, and achievements. The principal subject of your book may be business, romance, tragedy, comedy, poetry, science, literature, or religion.
Life is like a book; some chapters sad, happy or exciting. But if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter holds.
Life, in so many ways, is like a good book. You are happy when you get to read it. But so very sad when you put it down.
Life is like a book because a book is a movie in your head but in real life the movie is you!!!
Life is like a book. Each day is a new page. May your book be a bestseller with adventures to tell, lessons to learn and tales of good deeds to remember.
When you run so fast to get somewhere, you miss the fun of getting there. Life is not a race, so take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.
Life is a mixture of sunshine and rain, teardrops and laughter, pleasure and pain. Just remember, there was never a cloud that the sun couldn't shine through.
When you born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you are the one smiling and everyone around you is crying.
The happiest person doesn't have the best of everything in life. Perhaps he is just good in making the best of everything that life brings along his way. Stay happy always!
The beauty of life does not depend on how happy you are, but on how happy others can be... because of you. God Bless!
No one can go back and make a new beginning, but anyone can start from now and make a happy ending.
When you find a dream inside your heart, don't ever let it go.... for dreams are the tiny seeds from which beautiful tomorrows grow.
Remember - you are worth not for what you have, not even for who you are, but for what others have become because of you. Wish you the best!
Life is a one-way street. No matter how many detours you take, none of them leads back. So enjoy life every moment as none of them will happen the same way again.
Life can give you a hundred reasons to cry, but you can give life a thousand reasons to smile.
Smile when in leisure. Smile when in pain. Smile when troubles pour like rain. Smile when someone hurt your feelings, because you know, smiling always starts the healing!
It's not the possession of good things that bring happiness. It is the ability to enjoy what comes. Happiness is an attitude.
Why do we close our eyes when we sleep, when we cry, when we imagine, when we kiss? Because the most beautiful thing in the world is unseen.
Life they say is touch and go. Some people you know may only be there for a time. Some may go away but people who find you special will always find ways to stay.
Day by day your thoughts and acts are being inscribed as evidence of your success or failure. What you will record on the remaining pages of your book is of vital importance. Hour by hour the record is being made which must stand for all time.
One day the word “Finish” must be written. Let it then be said of your book that it is a record of noble purpose, generous service, and work well done.
Life is like a book with many different chapters, some tell of tragedy and others of triumph. Some chapter are dull and ordinary, others intense and exciting. The key to being a success in life is to never stop on a difficult page, to never quit on a tough chapter. Champions have the courage to keep turning the pages because they know a better chapter lies ahead.
Life is like a book, each day a new page with adventures to experience, lesson to learn & good deeds to replicate. Have a color page everyday.
Your life is like a book. The title-page is your name. The preface is your introduction to the world. The pages are a daily chronicle of your efforts, trials, pleasures, discouragements, ambitions, and achievements. The principal subject of your book may be business, romance, tragedy, comedy, poetry, science, literature, or religion.
Life is like a book; some chapters sad, happy or exciting. But if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter holds.
Life, in so many ways, is like a good book. You are happy when you get to read it. But so very sad when you put it down.
Life is like a book because a book is a movie in your head but in real life the movie is you!!!
Life is like a book. Each day is a new page. May your book be a bestseller with adventures to tell, lessons to learn and tales of good deeds to remember.
When you run so fast to get somewhere, you miss the fun of getting there. Life is not a race, so take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.
Life is a mixture of sunshine and rain, teardrops and laughter, pleasure and pain. Just remember, there was never a cloud that the sun couldn't shine through.
When you born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you are the one smiling and everyone around you is crying.
The happiest person doesn't have the best of everything in life. Perhaps he is just good in making the best of everything that life brings along his way. Stay happy always!
The beauty of life does not depend on how happy you are, but on how happy others can be... because of you. God Bless!
No one can go back and make a new beginning, but anyone can start from now and make a happy ending.
When you find a dream inside your heart, don't ever let it go.... for dreams are the tiny seeds from which beautiful tomorrows grow.
Remember - you are worth not for what you have, not even for who you are, but for what others have become because of you. Wish you the best!
Life is a one-way street. No matter how many detours you take, none of them leads back. So enjoy life every moment as none of them will happen the same way again.
Life can give you a hundred reasons to cry, but you can give life a thousand reasons to smile.
Smile when in leisure. Smile when in pain. Smile when troubles pour like rain. Smile when someone hurt your feelings, because you know, smiling always starts the healing!
It's not the possession of good things that bring happiness. It is the ability to enjoy what comes. Happiness is an attitude.
Why do we close our eyes when we sleep, when we cry, when we imagine, when we kiss? Because the most beautiful thing in the world is unseen.
Life they say is touch and go. Some people you know may only be there for a time. Some may go away but people who find you special will always find ways to stay.
Day by day your thoughts and acts are being inscribed as evidence of your success or failure. What you will record on the remaining pages of your book is of vital importance. Hour by hour the record is being made which must stand for all time.
One day the word “Finish” must be written. Let it then be said of your book that it is a record of noble purpose, generous service, and work well done.
Life is like a book with many different chapters, some tell of tragedy and others of triumph. Some chapter are dull and ordinary, others intense and exciting. The key to being a success in life is to never stop on a difficult page, to never quit on a tough chapter. Champions have the courage to keep turning the pages because they know a better chapter lies ahead.
Like a pencil
It occurs to me that I have a lot in common with a pencil. That’s right – a simple and humble little pencil. Not the fancy mechanical kind. That’s too high maintenance for me. And I'm not as showy as a plume pen or as smooth as a ball point. I don’t live in bold strokes like a heavy marker. But I'm a lot like a pencil.
Like a pencil, I have a built-in eraser. I can correct my mistakes. No, I can't change the past, but I can make it right again. And if I can't erase history, I can at least erase a great deal of guilt and anger with forgiveness.
Like a pencil, I do better if I'm sharpened once in a while. My mind and skills grow dull without occasional honing. Even my spirit and attitudes need refining if I'm to be at my best. And there is something else, too. I find that the difficulties of life wear away at me, and they can either grind me down or shape me into a person who is more capable and creative. The sharpening I get from living through tough times is often painful, but I know it can make me a better person.
Like a pencil, I can do some pretty terrific things with a little guidance. Other people bring out the best in me, and with the help of others, I can do far more than I ever can alone.
Like a pencil, I should leave my mark whenever possible. I too often underestimate my influence on another. I have daily opportunities to leave something good behind. That is what it means to leave my mark. It may be in small ways, it may be in the lives of people I love, people I have touched or nurtured, or even in incidental conversations struck with strangers. But, I have a mark to leave and should use every opportunity to leave something good behind.
Like a pencil, it is what is on the inside that matters. A pencil without lead is useless. And a yellow pencil will not do when a black or red pencil is called for. What is on the inside is all important. My outer appearance matters less than I probably think, while it’s the stuff on the inside that folks notice about me. Whether it is understanding or intolerance, love or bitterness, peace or unrest, kindness or self-centeredness, hope or despair, courage or fear, what is on the inside matters most.
Like a pencil, It will never leave its mark on water and will wear itself down against a mirror. I do best knowing my strengths and limitations. I can’t do everything well and that is okay. There is still plenty of good to be done by doing what I do best.
Like a pencil, the biggest part of my purpose in this life can be summed up in three words: to be useful. When I’m too broken to hold it together, when everything is ground away or worn down, when I no longer have anything to contribute, I know my life is coming to an end. But until then, my job is to be useful.
Like I said, I have a lot in common with a pencil.
Like a pencil, I have a built-in eraser. I can correct my mistakes. No, I can't change the past, but I can make it right again. And if I can't erase history, I can at least erase a great deal of guilt and anger with forgiveness.
Like a pencil, I do better if I'm sharpened once in a while. My mind and skills grow dull without occasional honing. Even my spirit and attitudes need refining if I'm to be at my best. And there is something else, too. I find that the difficulties of life wear away at me, and they can either grind me down or shape me into a person who is more capable and creative. The sharpening I get from living through tough times is often painful, but I know it can make me a better person.
Like a pencil, I can do some pretty terrific things with a little guidance. Other people bring out the best in me, and with the help of others, I can do far more than I ever can alone.
Like a pencil, I should leave my mark whenever possible. I too often underestimate my influence on another. I have daily opportunities to leave something good behind. That is what it means to leave my mark. It may be in small ways, it may be in the lives of people I love, people I have touched or nurtured, or even in incidental conversations struck with strangers. But, I have a mark to leave and should use every opportunity to leave something good behind.
Like a pencil, it is what is on the inside that matters. A pencil without lead is useless. And a yellow pencil will not do when a black or red pencil is called for. What is on the inside is all important. My outer appearance matters less than I probably think, while it’s the stuff on the inside that folks notice about me. Whether it is understanding or intolerance, love or bitterness, peace or unrest, kindness or self-centeredness, hope or despair, courage or fear, what is on the inside matters most.
Like a pencil, It will never leave its mark on water and will wear itself down against a mirror. I do best knowing my strengths and limitations. I can’t do everything well and that is okay. There is still plenty of good to be done by doing what I do best.
Like a pencil, the biggest part of my purpose in this life can be summed up in three words: to be useful. When I’m too broken to hold it together, when everything is ground away or worn down, when I no longer have anything to contribute, I know my life is coming to an end. But until then, my job is to be useful.
Like I said, I have a lot in common with a pencil.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Forgiving without condoning or forgetting
I suspect all of us have been hurt in deep and lasting ways by the words or acts of another. It's normal in such situations to feel hostility toward the person who hurt us. If we allow the offense to linger, we may carry the hurt and resentment in the form of a grudge. Usually this causes more unhappiness for us than the person we're mad at.
Some religions speak of forgiveness as a moral duty, others as a worthy virtue, and still others impose preconditions on the wrongdoer before he or she is entitled to be forgiven. Whatever your religious views, psychologists say the ability to forgive is closely correlated to happiness and mental health.
Some people refuse to even entertain the idea of forgiveness because they don't think the person they resent deserves to be forgiven. Others don't want to appear to condone or excuse the conduct and certainly don't want to reconcile with the person.
The essence of forgiveness is a voluntary decision to abandon continuing resentment, to let go of anger, and to move on. It doesn't require or imply condoning, excusing, or forgetting. Nor does it require that the forgiver re-establish a relationship with the wrongdoer.
The capacity to forgive is related to the character strength of empathy. People who can empathize with an offender and see things from that person's perspective are much better able to forgive. The older we get, the more forgiving we're likely to become.
Hmmm. We usually get wiser, too. So maybe it's wise to forgive.
Some religions speak of forgiveness as a moral duty, others as a worthy virtue, and still others impose preconditions on the wrongdoer before he or she is entitled to be forgiven. Whatever your religious views, psychologists say the ability to forgive is closely correlated to happiness and mental health.
Some people refuse to even entertain the idea of forgiveness because they don't think the person they resent deserves to be forgiven. Others don't want to appear to condone or excuse the conduct and certainly don't want to reconcile with the person.
The essence of forgiveness is a voluntary decision to abandon continuing resentment, to let go of anger, and to move on. It doesn't require or imply condoning, excusing, or forgetting. Nor does it require that the forgiver re-establish a relationship with the wrongdoer.
The capacity to forgive is related to the character strength of empathy. People who can empathize with an offender and see things from that person's perspective are much better able to forgive. The older we get, the more forgiving we're likely to become.
Hmmm. We usually get wiser, too. So maybe it's wise to forgive.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Letting go
In exactly the same way that birds have to find the courage to let go of a branch in order to actually fly, we must also let go of our emotional branches if we are to experience the exhilaration of soaring to our highest potential in life!
The branches we hold on to are our innermost attachments: our beliefs, our bad habits and those memories which keep us stuck. And then there are the outer attachments: they are people, possessions, positions and privileges. We must be aware that as long as we hold onto them, we will actually live in fear and we will never feel the freedom that we all deserve. Once you become aware of those birds and the initial courage they display when they let go of their branches just prior to flying, you will be capable of experiencing life in a totally different way.
This can be your new recipe of how to live a life where you learn to let go of one branch at a time, and learn to have new experiences, one at a time. The birds have found that by letting go of one branch, they are then able to spend the rest of their lives trying many other branches, one branch at a time, and they can enjoy the view from each new vantage point. What a way to live!
Are you actually flying and soaring in your life, or are you stuck on one branch, resenting others as they fly past?
You can do it, go on, just try letting go!
Remember this - not letting go of old stuff is the same as driving through life with a flat tyre on our cars; not stopping to change it; hoping that it will fix itself; pretending that the ride is smooth; knowing that it isn't; until one day it gets so loud and bumpy that we are forced to stop and take a look, and actually get help!
The branches we hold on to are our innermost attachments: our beliefs, our bad habits and those memories which keep us stuck. And then there are the outer attachments: they are people, possessions, positions and privileges. We must be aware that as long as we hold onto them, we will actually live in fear and we will never feel the freedom that we all deserve. Once you become aware of those birds and the initial courage they display when they let go of their branches just prior to flying, you will be capable of experiencing life in a totally different way.
This can be your new recipe of how to live a life where you learn to let go of one branch at a time, and learn to have new experiences, one at a time. The birds have found that by letting go of one branch, they are then able to spend the rest of their lives trying many other branches, one branch at a time, and they can enjoy the view from each new vantage point. What a way to live!
Are you actually flying and soaring in your life, or are you stuck on one branch, resenting others as they fly past?
You can do it, go on, just try letting go!
Remember this - not letting go of old stuff is the same as driving through life with a flat tyre on our cars; not stopping to change it; hoping that it will fix itself; pretending that the ride is smooth; knowing that it isn't; until one day it gets so loud and bumpy that we are forced to stop and take a look, and actually get help!
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
There are nothing you cannot do
There's nothing to fear, you're as good as the best.
As strong as the mightiest, too.
You can win in every battle or test.
For there's no one just like you.
There's only one you in the world today.
So nobody else, you see.
Can do your work in as fine a way.
You’re the only you there’ll be.
So face the world, and all life is yours.
To conquer and love and live.
And you’ll find the happiness that endures.
In just the measure you give.
There's nothing too good for you to possess.
Nor heights where you cannot go.
Your power is more than belief or guess.
It is something you have to know.
There is nothing to fear, you can and you will.
For you are the invincible you.
Set your foot on the highest hill.
There's nothing you cannot do.
As strong as the mightiest, too.
You can win in every battle or test.
For there's no one just like you.
There's only one you in the world today.
So nobody else, you see.
Can do your work in as fine a way.
You’re the only you there’ll be.
So face the world, and all life is yours.
To conquer and love and live.
And you’ll find the happiness that endures.
In just the measure you give.
There's nothing too good for you to possess.
Nor heights where you cannot go.
Your power is more than belief or guess.
It is something you have to know.
There is nothing to fear, you can and you will.
For you are the invincible you.
Set your foot on the highest hill.
There's nothing you cannot do.
Thinking Positively
If you want to get somewhere, you have to know where you want to go and how to get there. Then never, never, never give up.
The secret of life isn't what happens to you, but what you do with what happens to you.
Help other people to cope with their problems and your own will be easier to cope with.
Never use the word impossible seriously again. Toss it into the verbal wastebasket.
Self-trust is the first secret of success. So believe in and trust yourself.
Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven't half the strength you think they have.
Joy increases as you give it, and diminishes as you try to keep it for yourself. In giving it, you will accumulate a deposit of joy greater than you ever believed possible.
How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself - so always think positively.
Go at life with abandon; give it all you've got. And life will give all it has to you.
The secret of life isn't what happens to you, but what you do with what happens to you.
Help other people to cope with their problems and your own will be easier to cope with.
Never use the word impossible seriously again. Toss it into the verbal wastebasket.
Self-trust is the first secret of success. So believe in and trust yourself.
Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven't half the strength you think they have.
Joy increases as you give it, and diminishes as you try to keep it for yourself. In giving it, you will accumulate a deposit of joy greater than you ever believed possible.
How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself - so always think positively.
Go at life with abandon; give it all you've got. And life will give all it has to you.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Hope
If you can look at the sunset and smile, and find beauty in the colours of a small flower, then you still have hope.
If you can find pleasure in the movement of a butterfly, and if the smile of a child can still warm your heart, then you still have hope.
If you can see the good in other people, and if the rain breaking on a roof top can still lull you to sleep, then you still have hope.
If the sight of a rainbow still makes you stop and stare in wonder, and if the soft fur of a favoured pet still feels pleasant under your fingertips, then you still have hope.
If you meet new people with a trace of excitement and optimism, and if you give people the benefit of the doubt, then you still have hope.
If you still offer your hand in friendship to others that have touched your life, and if receiving an unexpected card or letter still brings a pleasant surprise, then you still have hope.
If the suffering of others still fills you with pain and frustration, and if you refuse to let a friendship die, or accept that it must end, then you still have hope.
If you look forward to a time or place of quiet and reflection, and if you still watch love stories or want the endings to be happy, then you still have hope.
If you can look to the past and smile, and when faced with the bad, when told everything is futile, you can still look up and end the conversation with the phrase ... 'yes, but ....' Then you still have hope.
Hope is such a marvellous thing. It bends, it twists, it sometimes hides, but rarely does it break. It sustains us when nothing else can. It gives us reason to continue and courage to move ahead, when we tell ourselves we'd rather give in.
Hope puts a smile on our face when the heart cannot manage. Hope puts our feet on the path when our eyes cannot see it. Hope moves us to act when our souls are confused of the direction.
Hope is a wonderful thing, something to be cherished and nurtured and something that will refresh us in return. It can be found in each of us and it can bring light into the darkest of places. So never lose hope.
If you can find pleasure in the movement of a butterfly, and if the smile of a child can still warm your heart, then you still have hope.
If you can see the good in other people, and if the rain breaking on a roof top can still lull you to sleep, then you still have hope.
If the sight of a rainbow still makes you stop and stare in wonder, and if the soft fur of a favoured pet still feels pleasant under your fingertips, then you still have hope.
If you meet new people with a trace of excitement and optimism, and if you give people the benefit of the doubt, then you still have hope.
If you still offer your hand in friendship to others that have touched your life, and if receiving an unexpected card or letter still brings a pleasant surprise, then you still have hope.
If the suffering of others still fills you with pain and frustration, and if you refuse to let a friendship die, or accept that it must end, then you still have hope.
If you look forward to a time or place of quiet and reflection, and if you still watch love stories or want the endings to be happy, then you still have hope.
If you can look to the past and smile, and when faced with the bad, when told everything is futile, you can still look up and end the conversation with the phrase ... 'yes, but ....' Then you still have hope.
Hope is such a marvellous thing. It bends, it twists, it sometimes hides, but rarely does it break. It sustains us when nothing else can. It gives us reason to continue and courage to move ahead, when we tell ourselves we'd rather give in.
Hope puts a smile on our face when the heart cannot manage. Hope puts our feet on the path when our eyes cannot see it. Hope moves us to act when our souls are confused of the direction.
Hope is a wonderful thing, something to be cherished and nurtured and something that will refresh us in return. It can be found in each of us and it can bring light into the darkest of places. So never lose hope.
Life is just like a camera
Think about life like a camera.
Focus on the what’s important.
Capture the good moments.
Develop from the negative ones.
And if things don’t work out,
Take another shot.
I don’t even know what I can add to that awesome quote! It is such a great way to look at life, It totally reminded me of how we need to look at our lives.
It mean that if you ever mess up or make a mistake, remember you can always take another shot. As long as your camera still has battery… as long as you’re still breathing… you can take another shot.
If we focus on what really matters in life and brush off the stuff that just doesn't matter; and if we really appreciate the good times and cherish each special moment of time we are given in this life; and when things go wrong the only positive thing we can really do is to grow from the experiences and allow them to make us into better people going forward; and when it doesn't work out the way we want…well get back up and try again because that is the only way we can move forward and be successful in this life.
Make most of your life, focus on your dreams and aspirations. Live in happiness and prosperity, improve your problems and transform your mind, body and soul for yourself.
Focus on the what’s important.
Capture the good moments.
Develop from the negative ones.
And if things don’t work out,
Take another shot.
I don’t even know what I can add to that awesome quote! It is such a great way to look at life, It totally reminded me of how we need to look at our lives.
It mean that if you ever mess up or make a mistake, remember you can always take another shot. As long as your camera still has battery… as long as you’re still breathing… you can take another shot.
If we focus on what really matters in life and brush off the stuff that just doesn't matter; and if we really appreciate the good times and cherish each special moment of time we are given in this life; and when things go wrong the only positive thing we can really do is to grow from the experiences and allow them to make us into better people going forward; and when it doesn't work out the way we want…well get back up and try again because that is the only way we can move forward and be successful in this life.
Make most of your life, focus on your dreams and aspirations. Live in happiness and prosperity, improve your problems and transform your mind, body and soul for yourself.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Yesterday's Door
I have shut the door on yesterday,
Its sorrows and mistakes.
I have locked within its gloomy walls
Past failures and mistakes.
And now I throw the key away,
And seek another room.
And furnish it with hope and smiles,
And every spring-time bloom.
No thought shall enter this abode
That has a taint of pain.
And envy, malice, and distrust
Shall never entrance gain.
I have shut the door on yesterday
And thrown the key away.
Tomorrow holds no fear for me,
Since I have found today.
Its sorrows and mistakes.
I have locked within its gloomy walls
Past failures and mistakes.
And now I throw the key away,
And seek another room.
And furnish it with hope and smiles,
And every spring-time bloom.
No thought shall enter this abode
That has a taint of pain.
And envy, malice, and distrust
Shall never entrance gain.
I have shut the door on yesterday
And thrown the key away.
Tomorrow holds no fear for me,
Since I have found today.
People and Plants
Plants grow best when we pay attention to them. That means watering, touching them, putting them in places where they will receive good light. They need people around them to notice if they are drooping at the edges or looking particularly happy in the sunlight. The more attention a plant receives, the better it will grow.
We need to be noticed in the same way. If we notice a family member or friend is drooping, perhaps we can pay some special attention to him or her. All of us need someone to care about how we are and to truly listen to us.
We can share and double someone's happiness by noticing and talking about it also. We help the people around us to grow by listening to their droopy edges as well as their bright days.
People need this as much as plants need light and water.
We need to be noticed in the same way. If we notice a family member or friend is drooping, perhaps we can pay some special attention to him or her. All of us need someone to care about how we are and to truly listen to us.
We can share and double someone's happiness by noticing and talking about it also. We help the people around us to grow by listening to their droopy edges as well as their bright days.
People need this as much as plants need light and water.
I have choice about today
I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today and I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
Today I can complain because I have to go to school eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can appreciate that I have a place to call home.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
Today I can complain because I have to go to school eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can appreciate that I have a place to call home.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
Smile
A smile costs nothing, but gives much.
It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.
It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.
None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor, but that he can be made rich by it.
A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship.
It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature's best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone, until it is given away.
Some people are too tired to give you a smile;
Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.
It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.
It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.
None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor, but that he can be made rich by it.
A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship.
It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature's best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone, until it is given away.
Some people are too tired to give you a smile;
Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
A New Ending
No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.
There isn't promise of days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but can promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
Disappointments are like road bumps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards. Don't stay on the bumps too long. Move on! When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight, and be happy.
There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard. You can't make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, and the rest is up to the person to realize your worth. It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride. We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.
Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.
There isn't promise of days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but can promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
Disappointments are like road bumps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards. Don't stay on the bumps too long. Move on! When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight, and be happy.
There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard. You can't make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, and the rest is up to the person to realize your worth. It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride. We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.
Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.
I Am Your Attitude
I am seldom considered, though I do more to influence everything about you than virtually any one thing in your life. I often control the time you get up in the morning, the time you go to sleep, what you eat and drink and the very thought that runs through your head. I can make you either happy or sad, loving or hateful, cheerful or remorseful, congenial or spiteful and in doing so, control the very capacity that you have for success.
No, you don’t often think of me instead you BLAME the problem I create on the shortcoming of others, or the state of the economy, or your family or a million other reasons. Often at times unable to find anyone else to BLAME you look for shortcomings within yourself on which to lay the BLAME.
When my impact on your life fully is considered in your every thought and action, when you are mindful of my awesome power, when you nurture and groom me for positive use in your life, I can become more contagious than the most prolific disease ever witnessed by man. My influence will spread to every person you come in contact with.
Groomed and nurtured in a positive manner there will be no person or obstacle that can stand in the way of my success or fail to be impacted for the better.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
You are UNIQUE!
There are billion of population in this planet. None of them is like you! What a miraculous thing is to be you! Nobody has the same combination of talents, abilities, sorrows and opportunities. No one has the same friends, family jokes or acquaintances. Nobody‘s finger prints are the same. No one has the same concerns or goals like you. No one! You are unique!
Accept and enjoy this uniqueness. You don‘t have to pretend to look more like other expect you to be. Don‘t be afraid to be different. No one in the world has the same things going on in his mind, soul, spirit as are going on in yours. It is a gift only to you. Treasure and share your uniqueness!
Nobody can speak your words. Nobody can smile your smile. No one can bring the same unique impact of you to another person.
Enjoy your uniqueness, let it flow out among your family and friends, all the people you meet.
Give yourself away and be inspired by the fact that you are UNIQUE!
Accept and enjoy this uniqueness. You don‘t have to pretend to look more like other expect you to be. Don‘t be afraid to be different. No one in the world has the same things going on in his mind, soul, spirit as are going on in yours. It is a gift only to you. Treasure and share your uniqueness!
Nobody can speak your words. Nobody can smile your smile. No one can bring the same unique impact of you to another person.
Enjoy your uniqueness, let it flow out among your family and friends, all the people you meet.
Give yourself away and be inspired by the fact that you are UNIQUE!
Monday, June 29, 2015
Pen, Paper and White Out
Life is like a pen, paper, and white out.
Paper is your life.The Pen is you.
We go through life making our mark wherever we go.
It is impossible to never make a mistake.
Sometimes we scratch it out. Start a new sentence or just continue on like it doesn't exist.
Sometimes we use whiteout to hide it and mask it. Pretend it's not there, pretend it never happened.
We write over it, above it, below it, around it.
Sometimes we don't even know we made a mistake until we stop and take the time to reflect and review.
We stop using whiteout when we don't care.We stop scratching out when we don't mind.We stop looking for mistakes when it doesn't matter.
Whatever the case, the mistake is there. We will always know where it is and how it got there. We know the truth behind the mask. We know what it took to fix that mistake. We may forget that it exists, but when something comes about that reminds us of it, we will always remember how little or much it hurt.
Paper is your life.The Pen is you.
We go through life making our mark wherever we go.
It is impossible to never make a mistake.
Sometimes we scratch it out. Start a new sentence or just continue on like it doesn't exist.
Sometimes we use whiteout to hide it and mask it. Pretend it's not there, pretend it never happened.
We write over it, above it, below it, around it.
Sometimes we don't even know we made a mistake until we stop and take the time to reflect and review.
We stop using whiteout when we don't care.We stop scratching out when we don't mind.We stop looking for mistakes when it doesn't matter.
Whatever the case, the mistake is there. We will always know where it is and how it got there. We know the truth behind the mask. We know what it took to fix that mistake. We may forget that it exists, but when something comes about that reminds us of it, we will always remember how little or much it hurt.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Life is just like a box of chocolate
Life is like a box of chocolates, It’s messy and makes you get your hands dirty.
Life is like a box of chocolates, you get used up and thrown away.
Life is like a box of chocolates, everybody wants their share even when it should all be yours.
Life is like a box of chocolates, you either love it, hate it or allergic to it.
Life is like a box of chocolates, each piece is different but it takes them all to complete the package.
Life is like a box of chocolates, If its empty it makes everyone sad.
Life is like a box of chocolates, If you only try the ones you like, you’ll never know how great something new can be.
Life is like a box of chocolates, if you start running out, find a way to get more!
Life is like a box of chocolates, so much high and low in our life and we will never know what will happen to us tomorrow. We have to decide what paths we will take in our personal life and every decision takes us to a different destination. No matter how hard a person wants to plan for a good life, nothing will ensure us that the future will be like what we imagines it. We can whether end up as the best paid expert on our area or as someone who is unemployed and is grabbing every odd job just to earn a living. But at the end, it is up to us whether we will make out the most of what the life has brought us. Even if we do not live our perfect lives we can try and be satisfied with the things we have.
Life is like a box of chocolates, we will have to face it and solve it when the time is come.
Friday, June 19, 2015
The World of Acapella
So this time I'm going to talk something a bit different which is acapella. I believe not many of you know what is acapella. Acapella mean singing without instrumental accompaniment and only make sound or sing using our body parts......Errr..... I mean our mouth, hands or legs.
The reason why I like acapella singing is because of the movie Pitch Perfect that released in 2012.
The movie give me so much inspiration and passion about acapella singing. By only making sound using their mouth is not just cool but can be done anywhere anytime which is good for me because I dont't know how to play any instrument (*sad*).
Here is one of the performance in the Pitch Perfect movie:
After I have watched the movie several times, I feel like I had not get enough of it. So after that I found out that there is an acapella competition in US called The Sing Off. After since I keep watching that competition and learn a lot more about acapella which gave me such a rush about it.
Here are of my favourite performance in the Sing Off (skip to 1.45 for the singing part):
Acapella singing group not just only an entertainment but some of them also make a career out of it.
For an instant, Pentatonix (Sing Off season 2 winner). Pentatonix is now one of the most well known acapella group in the world with a lot of sold out performance around the world.
If you haven't heard of Pentatonix here is one of their performance:
As much as I have learned about acapella, acapella can produce more different and diverse sound than the electronic sound that music industries can produces. This is one of the reason why I think acapella is way more cooler than the instrumental music.
As much as I talk about my passion toward acapella, Malaysia still seen not yet famous or well-known with acapella singing yet. WHY?? In my opinion, I'm think that Malaysia music industries is still far behind than other foreign country. This is why is it not weird that acapella isn't famous here.
But I hope acapella can be more happening here by introducing it in every university or other institutes including here in UTAR. How??? Maybe open an singing basic classes or club or even society to build their interest in singing and then introduce them the awesomeness of acapella.
Malaysia has so many international artist and singer that famous worldwide but most of them get signed or attached to big company oversea and never came back to Malaysia to continue their career here. Why? One of the factor is because most of the Malaysian is quite close-minded and can't accept certain kind of genre of music. Without a great influence of a singer and local musics is hard to inject the interest of singing to the society and therefore the harder to put the interest of acapella to them.
As time flies, we are still way behind the trend and the music is keep evolving. Meanwhile acapella singing style is reaching a whole new level. Therefore, to anyone who love singing or acapella please don't hesitate to contact me and let's meet up and make this happen!! :-)
There are a lot of different kind of acapella genre which included madrigal group, Barbershop Quartet, Doo-wop quartet, Close harmony/vocal jazz group and vocal band etc. But the current trend of acapella is vocal jazz and vocal band.
An acapella singing group normally have more than four members which consist of a lead vocal singer, backup vocal singer, bass and a beatboxer. The more the members the more diverse of the group is.
An acapella singing group normally have more than four members which consist of a lead vocal singer, backup vocal singer, bass and a beatboxer. The more the members the more diverse of the group is.
The reason why I like acapella singing is because of the movie Pitch Perfect that released in 2012.
The movie give me so much inspiration and passion about acapella singing. By only making sound using their mouth is not just cool but can be done anywhere anytime which is good for me because I dont't know how to play any instrument (*sad*).
Here is one of the performance in the Pitch Perfect movie:
After I have watched the movie several times, I feel like I had not get enough of it. So after that I found out that there is an acapella competition in US called The Sing Off. After since I keep watching that competition and learn a lot more about acapella which gave me such a rush about it.
Here are of my favourite performance in the Sing Off (skip to 1.45 for the singing part):
Acapella singing group not just only an entertainment but some of them also make a career out of it.
For an instant, Pentatonix (Sing Off season 2 winner). Pentatonix is now one of the most well known acapella group in the world with a lot of sold out performance around the world.
If you haven't heard of Pentatonix here is one of their performance:
As much as I have learned about acapella, acapella can produce more different and diverse sound than the electronic sound that music industries can produces. This is one of the reason why I think acapella is way more cooler than the instrumental music.
As much as I talk about my passion toward acapella, Malaysia still seen not yet famous or well-known with acapella singing yet. WHY?? In my opinion, I'm think that Malaysia music industries is still far behind than other foreign country. This is why is it not weird that acapella isn't famous here.
But I hope acapella can be more happening here by introducing it in every university or other institutes including here in UTAR. How??? Maybe open an singing basic classes or club or even society to build their interest in singing and then introduce them the awesomeness of acapella.
Malaysia has so many international artist and singer that famous worldwide but most of them get signed or attached to big company oversea and never came back to Malaysia to continue their career here. Why? One of the factor is because most of the Malaysian is quite close-minded and can't accept certain kind of genre of music. Without a great influence of a singer and local musics is hard to inject the interest of singing to the society and therefore the harder to put the interest of acapella to them.
As time flies, we are still way behind the trend and the music is keep evolving. Meanwhile acapella singing style is reaching a whole new level. Therefore, to anyone who love singing or acapella please don't hesitate to contact me and let's meet up and make this happen!! :-)
Saturday, June 13, 2015
The Years of Booty
As time pass, we have seen the evolution of music from classical to barbershop quartet to pop. We had also heard a lot of different kind of genres from country to blue and rock etc. But in the recent years we had seen a tremendous change in the music industries. Most of the songs have an big impacts to the society nowaday. Which certain kind of songs I really questioning myself WHY this kind of song had so much impacts.
Most of the song that become so famous, top-charted, sold out performances and most talked in the internet and news is song about BUTTS!! WHY?!?!
For an instant the song that everyone know: Anaconda by Nicki Minaj.
WARNING: (view on your own risks)
For me the song is very catchy but lyrics have no meaning at all. The whole song is just about butts, more butts and even more butts...... So do the video. (watch the video at your own risks)
Beside Nicki Minaj, Jenifer Lopez and Iggy Azalea Booty song also one of the well known butt song.
WARNING: (view on your own risks)
There are also some butts song with hidden meaning with it. For example, Meghan Trainer- All about That Bass.
Meghan Trainer has send a strong positive messages for women, but somehow she doesn't think that she a feminist. This song is about the "bass" but still I like it because of the strong messages of the song.
At certain point I'm really don't understand the music industries now. I don't really understand some of the booty song in the market now. The whole performances or videos just have a lots of sexy ladies dance and shake their butts and nothing else but still so popular worldwide.
I'm also wondering why must most the songs just talk about butts and why not other body parts? For example maybe song about arm, hair or eyes etc. I guess maybe butts get more attraction than other body parts?
The trend of butts is still going on until now and I hope that in the future we will hear something else other butts.
For more songs about butts: http://stylecaster.com/the-25-best-songs-about-butts-a-ranked-guide/
Most of the song that become so famous, top-charted, sold out performances and most talked in the internet and news is song about BUTTS!! WHY?!?!
For an instant the song that everyone know: Anaconda by Nicki Minaj.
WARNING: (view on your own risks)
For me the song is very catchy but lyrics have no meaning at all. The whole song is just about butts, more butts and even more butts...... So do the video. (watch the video at your own risks)
Beside Nicki Minaj, Jenifer Lopez and Iggy Azalea Booty song also one of the well known butt song.
WARNING: (view on your own risks)
There are also some butts song with hidden meaning with it. For example, Meghan Trainer- All about That Bass.
Meghan Trainer has send a strong positive messages for women, but somehow she doesn't think that she a feminist. This song is about the "bass" but still I like it because of the strong messages of the song.
At certain point I'm really don't understand the music industries now. I don't really understand some of the booty song in the market now. The whole performances or videos just have a lots of sexy ladies dance and shake their butts and nothing else but still so popular worldwide.
I'm also wondering why must most the songs just talk about butts and why not other body parts? For example maybe song about arm, hair or eyes etc. I guess maybe butts get more attraction than other body parts?
The trend of butts is still going on until now and I hope that in the future we will hear something else other butts.
For more songs about butts: http://stylecaster.com/the-25-best-songs-about-butts-a-ranked-guide/
Thursday, June 11, 2015
LUCY
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The movie is about a woman that accidentally overdosed some kind of blue drugs that leaked into her body and she started to use more and more of her brain capacity (from 10% - 100%) and start to do something that a normal person can do from controlling other human to control all the non-living stuff and travel back to time.
What I like so much about this movie is of course all the action in it is amazing. Most people of course think that having a lot of drugs might open up our brain capacity and do a lot of crazy amazing stuff as in the movie. But in the reality having too much of drugs only create imagination and illusion only. Which I think this is the inner message of the movie.
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I did read and research about the brain capacity if it is real. And it is real that a normal human only use less than 10% of our brain capacity. What happen if a normal human use more than 10% of the brain capacity may remember pi(π) to the twenty-thousandth decimal place or perhaps even have telekinetic powers.
source: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-people-only-use-10-percent-of-their-brains/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-11/do-we-only-use-10-per-cent-of-our-brains/5648810
This movie had send us a very important message which is drug is dangerous to us. (effect of drugs used in movie is NOT applied to real life!!!) Therefore, don't ever use or take drugs. It give no benefits to us.
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