Swap

Today, I watched a movie about two brothers magically switching places after one of them made a wish.

It definitely made me reflect on my own life.  Who would I want to swap places with?

A famous person whose life seems perfect?  Someone in my family or a friend who's got everything in their life going perfectly well?

My life has lots of flaws.  And certainly not the best.  But who said life isn't messy?

Flawed or not, messy or not, I would still choose me.  I would still want to live my own life.

Sure, I had done things in the past that I can no longer undo and failed to do some things I should have done.

Sure, my life is so far from perfect and there were heaps of opportunities I have missed and dreams I'm still seeking to fulfill.

But all those things are part of my life and make me who I am.

Tomorrow, another day begins.  My life goes on and I'm still me.

I can choose to be happy or not.

I can choose to keep walking or not.

And I can choose to live my best life or not.

The choice is mine.

For only I can live my own life.

 Loved

When I was seven years old, I remember I had a tough time starting off at a new school.  And even adding to my woes was the bullying that I had experienced in the hands of a classmate who I thought was a friend.  It was really hard I would always cry and wish I was bigger and older so I could get out of there!

But when I got bigger and older, I was not spared from the troubles and heartaches of high school and university.  Even to this day.

Life is tough.  And at different times in my life, I have experienced failures and depression trying to make sense of things and find my way.

Thankfully, I'm able to get up every time.  Not easy and definitely not overnight, but I just keep trying.

And it helps to remind myself that I was created for a purpose.

That I was designed for happiness.

That I am wonderfully made even with all my imperfections.

Because I am precious.

And I am completely and perfectly loved.

Precious

It was raining when I woke up one morning, so I decided to just stay home and do some stuff on my computer.

As I was browsing through some of the photos I have taken from my travels, I thought it would be good to put them together into a book (oh yes, why not ü).

And since I was feeling poetic at that time, I went through the day writing haikus to go with the photos.

That was last year.

Since then, I have sold copies of my book ("Precious").  Not as many sales as the books in bestselling lists but enough to help raise funds for various charities (thank You, Lord!).  Enough to make my heart happy ü

I dream of writing more books.  Not only to provide life inspirations to others but also to help the needy in my own little way.

Using the simple gift of writing that I have been blessed with, I strive to spread love and hope and help bless the world.

Every time I write a book or blog, I could feel God's hand on mine.  And it makes me appreciate life more.  Count my blessings.  Feel how precious and loved I am.

As I write this, I'm on to my third book.  And I hope it will help bless the world too!

Simple

I've always been a fan of simple things.  I live a simple life, write simple books and blogs, cook simple dishes, think in simple ways, and do simple things.

That thing we call life is not simple though.  Navigating through its intricacies is tough.  I've had my share of flops and disappointments.

It's not easy.

But with lots of prayers and hard work, I strive to pick up the pieces and start anew.

And as I go along life, I try to deal with things on my own simple terms, make each day worthwhile and create the simple life that I love.

I believe that life is beautiful, no matter how complex it is.

We can aim to find the simple joys around us every day.

Seek to appreciate the goodness of life.

Experience the wonderful blessings God showers upon us.

Choose to be simply happy.

And enjoy life!

*(Simple is good...so in the hope of sharing my simple everyday discoveries to help and inspire others, I have created a blog, lovethesimple.com.  Yes, let's enjoy life!)*  

Sound of Music

Here comes my fave view of the hills and ocean again!

I just love saying that to myself every time I drive past that beautiful hilly place on my way to the shopping center where I do most of my weekend errands.

I just can't get enough of it especially when the hills are looking very green and the lovely blue ocean in the background is beaming.  Then as I look at the view, I would always hear the Sound of Music playing in my head (haha ü).

Yes, simple joys like this make my routine weekend drive special.  And I feel so blessed and happy!

Last weekend, it was raining when I drove past.  Visibility wasn't good, and the hills and ocean were looking dull.  But it didn't matter.  Rain or shine, it's a true blessing to be able to experience God in both dreary and bright moments.  In both the ordinary and extraordinary.  In anything.

And my heart just wants to sing every time!

I go to the hills
When my heart is lonely
I know I will hear
What I've heard before
My heart will be blessed,
With the sound of music
And I'll sing once more.
(Excerpt from the song Sound of Music, sung by Julie Andrews)

Dishes

For a moment, I just stared at the dirty dishes in the sink.  

I don't like washing the dishes.  I always find myself struggling to do it.

But I do it anyway.  I just try to console myself with the thought that after the 'pain' of doing the chore, the kitchen will be clean and tidy again ü

And it helps to remember that dirty dishes mean that there's food on the table every day.

There are many other things I hate doing, like waking up very early in the morning to go to work (because I'm not a morning person) or driving long distances or doing the laundry, etc.

After much grappling, I still manage to do them.  Not only because I have to, but also because deep in my heart I know that I am blessed (I have a job that pays the bills, a car that takes me to places, a complete set of eyes and body that lets me drive, clothes to wear, etc).

I believe that we are surrounded by an ocean of blessings and we just have to grab them.  Yes, it may not be always easy but it pays to remind ourselves that after each night comes the light of a new morning.  A new day of blessings.  New moments.  New opportunities to be happy.  

Another chance to be a light to others.

Another chance to be grateful.

And live our best life.