3 2 1..... GO

Listening to : Electric Feel - Katy Perry

Through this little period of 'testing' in the form of exams...

I guess I've taken this little time to reflect and look back at how I've performed.

I guess now that it's all over. I know there're definitely a few things which I can say that I've learnt.

Certain things I know I definitely will not do again, certain things I think I'll do more...

Well here goes, hope it makes sense to those who've just ended their exams and wonder what's wrong. Why are they feeling a certain way??

Firstly, definitely, I have to remember that the people around me matter.

Guess it isn't just me who realized it. But everyone around me have said at least once or twice.

This exam mentality and the whole idea of 'chionging' has well brought about a changed mental.

That we are sadly supposed to neglect everything around us and well, just study.

This is well, sad, but real cause we really do that.

We just shut ourselves out from the World.

I can honestly say that in the midst of exams, I've only spoken to Shiming and even that is limited.

So yes, I do think that I really need slightly more time with the people around and well...

Don't forget the important things in life which have brought you thus far to begin with.

Another things is well... The people you mix with.

Honestly, you wanna soar like eagles, you don't mix with turkeys.

Simple mentality, very true. Resources and knowledge is spread by people, no books....

So yes, if you wanna do well, find the smart people, befriend them, and STICK with them.

However, not trying to say you neglect your others, but at least maintain a reasonable amount of contact with them... I didn't at all. Which was epic fail.

I guess one thing is that instead of simply studying and studying, I have to actually like it.

I recently received an interesting comment, that I'm no longer as passionate.

As on fire about the things that I study.

It's simple and evident. I'm pretty much like a book, easy to read.

If I like something, I keep talking about it. If something bothers me, I'll say it out.

And so.... I haven't been expressing much excitement I used to as compared to that in JC days.

So... I guess I have to start assimilating whatever I'm studying into life, and enjoy it.

Look at the wonders around it!

Basically, not results driven but knowledge driven.

Lastly, another thing is well, being an overcomer, looking and realizing that there're good things out there. We all talk about looking for the joy in suffering.

Sometimes it isn't there or well.. It's tough to find.

Maybe, just maybe, this joy is something which is right before your nose.

Don't miss out on the things which really matter, the dreams and visions you've had all along.

I'm sure, I'm very very sure that in the midst of working hard, we all have had that thought.

Maybe I should just give up and well, forget it.

But we need to remember the little wonders...

The things which are truly there for us and have impacted us before and hold on to them!

I mean, look at Michael Jackson, imagine if he was pressured to be a boxer when he was young..

And Mohammed Ali was driven to be a singer, what a disaster that would be.

We are all here for a purpose, doing something we like with that vision we have.

Cling on to that, cause that will drive you!

It may not be a vision, but person, REASON why you're in it...

The strongest people always have one... They know why they're in it for...

Because When the rubber meets the road and the results seem achievable....

We need all the help we can get...

Even if it's from the smallest of sources, it can do miracles for us in these desperate times...

So no matter how tough you are, I'm sure all these things have come across your mind before.

But ultimately, suck it up. Bear with it. Enjoy it and take some time to always remember....

FIGHT ON!

All Iz Well

Listening to : Pretty Girl Rock

Time to take a little sit at the bus stop of life.

During this exam period, I've done SO much thinking that I struggle to keep focused.

Many things have come and gone to distract and well cause some confusion at times.

Some we warranted, some weren't. However, one of the things which really made me think...

Was well, 3 idiots. No I'm not talking about any familiar 3 literal idiots that you know.

I'm talking about the movie... 3 idiots.

Well, for a lack of a better picture, this kind of explains what this movie is.

About 3 stooges finding out what it really means to be in college.
Studying what they really want to study, do what they really want to do.

To make their passion their profession, in all the rat race that we're in.

It's not so much about chasing that certificate or that grade, it's reality, the structure that we're in is largely unforgiving, merciless and ruthless when it comes to placings.

You are graded not by your efforts but by the standards of others.

Which really, sucks. It doesn't matter how much you know but it really matters how much others know.

Which made me realize, do I really want to be doing this? Slogging my life at this?

I know that ultimately, I've got many things I wanna do, many visions and dreams.

Don't get me wrong, I love what I'm studying, engineering is really interesting!

However, when it comes to a point when everything just seems so route and mundane.

It all doesn't make sense anymore. So what is your passion? The one thing that you love to do?

I mean, for us kids now, yeah this is our time to study.

But don't make it a chore, but instead, live it up, actually learn and not study.

Be really interested in what you're doing and not the other way round.

I know, it can get real tough at times, but essentially, this is what matters.

Don't focus on the grade, focus on what you've learnt.

"Don't chase success, chase excellence and success will chase you with it's pants down"

Very often, we're tricked into believing that this is not how things work.

If we want to make it up the ladder of life, we have to do things which we don't like.

I can say that it will probably bring you to far places, but well.

Will you really be happy? Seek to enjoy what you do.

Yeah, there may be fears such as, but what about my future?

What about my life to come? I won't have money.

However, I've learnt this phrase which has pretty much stuck with me this period.

"All Iz Well"

It doesn't improve the situation you are in one bit, but it gives your heart courage to face it.

It's not about doing it to the best, but doing it to the fullest.

Which really made me think, I want to do engineering, I want to learn.

But so do I for crossfit.

There's much more to life than your books everyone.

It's a reality which we need to understand, it doesn't revolve around grades.

On the other hand, your life revolves around many other things.

Don't dedicate your life to this rat race, succumb to the pressures of it. Instead, really make it a point to do what makes you... Happy.

Who am I?

Listening to : Clash - Junkie XL

I'm sorry World, I'm not here to lose.

I'm here to WIN! This is my time, my house.

Now is the moment, the time to make things happen.

I've got much more I wanna say. Really, but time doesn't permit.

For now, this is my opportunity to let GOD shine!

"I will conquer what has not been conquered.

Defeat is not in my creed.

I have trained my mind and body for this.

I recognize that my opponents do not expect me to win.

But I will not surrender. Weakness will not be in my heart

I will gladly go into that hall and I will move, groove and do everything that I can do.

I will reach my field of battle at any means possible.

And when I get there, I will arrive Violently.

The enemy CANNOT stop me.

To my side I have comrades. Never will I let them fall.

My opponent does not know my heart.

No one can deny me, define me or tell me who I can or cannot be!

What I can or cannot do.

Belief will change my World!

Defeat and retreat, are not defined to me.

I do understand this, I understand victory and never surrendering.

This week is the week, right here, right now.

I will not go home not without giving everything I've got.

Who am I?

I am a conqueror!"

ATC

Listening to : Don't Look Now - Keri Hilson ft Far East Movement

I probably dislike it when people get all mushy and explicit about feelings.

Maybe it's just me but I've always thought that you actually reserve who you truly are to others.

Revealing yourself to people who really know you.

While honestly, putting up a front in front of others at times.

It's quite surreal cause you'll never know when someones rise and fall depends on your own rise and fall. It can get rather tough at times but you'll get used to it...

Thus, I honestly wonder why some people post up real sensitive stuff for the entire World to see.

Trying to garner pity? Appeal to emotions?

Ok, some may take it in a harsh manner. Trying to have two points of view.

Some may say that it's facebook and twitter, I have all the liberty of saying how I feel.

Yeah I guess you do. But sometimes, the true question at times is whether being in a liberated free World really means what it represents?

Are we really free to say what we want to without ever affecting others?

Are we ourselves oblivious and unaffected by the words said by others?

I choose my next few words very carefully.

I do know that I'm somewhat treading on thin ice here.

But this is the Truth, it should set you free! But sometimes, it doesn't....

Your words create your World. Your words shape the surroundings around you.

Simple, just try, one day, don't smile, just put on the most sour face you can come up with.

Then display how you truly feel at every turn of the day.

Showing how much you just hate everything and just keep keep whining about how life sucks.

Trust me, it doesn't take a real rocket scientist to give you some statistical readings or charts...

You'll probably feel like hell, like you wouldn't wanna keep on in whatever it is anymore.

Now instead of that, head to where ever you are going to.

Put on a smile for the whole day. Be cheerful, be positive, be encouraging.

Keep believing and say to yourself, you can do it.

Wake up feeling happy, go to sleep thanking GOD for the marvelous day.

Have fun with you friends and speak happy things, talk about exams in an excited manner!

Now you'd you think you'll feel?

The simplest of things can make the biggest of difference.

So when you feel life sucks....

Don't confess it, change it!

Sometimes, you may need to share it with someone if it's slightly too unbearable.

Don't get me wrong, sharing burdens is definitely a must.

But over-doing it becomes a kettle.

When you just get hot and can't take it, you start boiling and there you go whistling!

That not only ruins whatever mood you're in, but also the mood of the people around you.

You may say that it's uncontrollable, it's beyond my reach!

You are always in control! In every situation you are in.

What you are in, be it in an exam, in a project, in a meeting, in a fight....

You always have control! Of your mouth, of your emotions, of your actions...

The last excuse I can ever accept is those few words.

It's beyond my reach! I can't help it....

But this is truly when you're decision comes in.

Are you going to give in and back down on your emotions? Or be on top of it?

Just like working out. Just like pushing yourself to your physical limits.

Power is nothing without control, balance, flexibility.

You may be strong willed, you extremely strong in the wrongest of ways.

Take time to reflect about your day.. That's what I try to do at least.

The heat is really catching up on me. But as for now, I can still keep sanity.

Sometimes, I blog about what I want to tell myself. What I need to get used to myself....

This is one of them, only till recently, I've been letting things rule me.

Well, This is MY HOUSE!

Motion

Listening to : Ours - The Bravery

If there was one thing you could do.

If there's one thing at all, what would it be?

No, I'm not talking about a bucket list idea...

But what is that one thing you would want to do for life?

A job, a career, a fun thing...

Well, I guess everyone in my stage of life is somewhat searching for what that is!

All I know is that there has to be some enthusiasm.

There has to be well, some love, some excitement in it.

Something to kind of turn you on.

Do what you love kinda thing??

Well, either way, I'm not too sure what is it for me myself.

However, I do know that well, the greatest people all have that singular passion in life.

To do something extraordinary!

I know it may seem like a tall order at first, but at the start, everyone may treat it as a big deal.

But somehow, it always seems to blossom to become an amazingly beautiful work.

Well, just take a look. Some of these real amazing people..

Needless to say, this man over here well, has passion!

His works may not seem too prudent at first sight, but well...

There's just something in his eyes, of burning desire to really change the country.

He has big shoes to fill, big problems to solve. But well....

I've good hopes for this US president. Passion is what drives him!

This man over here, is a classic.

He is pretty much the epitome of passion. Passion personified.

Nothing less than the best from him every time he steps up to the pulpit.

But no, it's not for the fame. It's really for the desire to change the world.

That's the thing about having passion and having that desire.

It's different from Working, from doing something cause you 'have' to.

You'll do it even if there're no returns whatsoever, you'll do it day in and out in spite of the heat.

You'll keep it up even when everyone goes against you.

You'll even do it with a smile cause you love it. Even though it can get tiring.

I'm sure there were times Pastor really felt like giving up.

Too many times... I'm sure.

But it's that certain passion and drive which keeps him from it. Passion to serve God.

Passion to serve the people. It's amazing what he does....

Really, I can never live up to that amount of expectation if I were him.

Well, the thing is, your passion can wear you out sometimes. So it's important....

Not to go to an extreme... Well, those are just some tips, no real backing... Yet...

Sometimes, your passion can be a real pain.

But that's when the real idea kicks in.

Cause you love it when it hurts, that's when it really starts to grow on you.

When you start to develop yourself to accomplishing it all.

What's more, you'll wanna spread what joy it has brought you to them.

But ultimately, even if it doesn't rack in big bucks, you'll pick up the keys, open the doors everyday to it. Cause you love it.

Maybe the best thing about it, is when eventually, people will come to see it.

And join you in it. :))

I actually wanted to end off with pressing on with your passion though it really gets rough.

But well, I guess I feel happier today...

It's not so much about pushing on and slogging through it.

Enjoy it. :) Have fun in it!

Do what you love, love what you do.

Don't go to school to study, go to enrich yourself.

Don't go to work to earn money, go to make a difference.

Don't turn to your left or right, you, yes YOU!

Make your day right. NOW!

Mighty``

Listening to : Run - Snow Patrol

I'd always like to think that there're people constantly looking out for me.

Believing in the things that I do...

With a slight glimpse of hope that in the end, there'll be people there knowing I can do it!

There'll be people there to rejoice and enjoy with me till the end.

I know there're people like that. :)

I'm really thankful for them. From the deepest of my heart, without them, I wouldn't be.

However, there's just a higher level to that, the respect which can be garnered.

Or rather, respect which I am willing to give.

I know I don't talk about this much... Maybe cause I don't exactly have one.

Or rather, I don't exactly identify with one which I can really relate to.

One which I can exactly give my life to and willing to press in to.

I've had past mentors and disciplers which I truly look up to.

However, it is quite comforting to know that I have found one.

I admit, I do respect him and I have ever since he sat me down one day to talk to me.

However, it was only till recently that I really opened up to him. To really be more responsive and desire to press in so much more.

I normally, really don't push for fellowship. I honestly let it come as it is.

But somehow, to this particular individual, I truly want to press in to.

I find it strange, but I find it really timely too.

Cause when I was really down and out, he had the heart to be there.

Not just that, to look for the care rather than the rod so instantaneously...

Which followed soon after...

But come on, that's life right. O mean what, can we really expect from something like that?

I just hope that from here on out, I've got some direction which is guided.

Maybe this will keep me from falling again and again.

At the same time, I try my hardest to be that pillar of strength for many others.

That at the same time, is another tall order on my part. However...

I've come to terms with that.

I guess I'm getting a small hang of that. I just wish that the prior fruits that I've had...

Will eventually flourish to be great and mighty things!

SECRET FRIEND!

Listening to : Angel - Akon

I hate to do it alone. To go through life living all by myself.

I have always thought to myself that I'm ok alone.

Or rather, if I were to be put on an island all alone, I'll probably get by just fine.

Like it totally won't be awkward to eat a meal alone sitting down enjoying great food.

Then I just realized today, I do hate it....

I may have been wrong to think that the extreme scenarios of aloneness are okay.

In fact, they're far from it.

I guess this is what being a companion for 4 years have done.

(No I'm not complaining!!)

But I've just realized this which seems quite strange to me.

Many things which seemed doable alone, doesn't exactly seem the case now.

I have always belittled encouragement especially in the tracks.

I mean, would a small soft voice actually affect the runners mental capability.

I used to always doubt that and never believed in real cheering!

I always did so just to get a small high for myself.

But now I know, encouragement, no matter how small, may mean the World at times.

It really does make sense to me nowadays.

I can never go through a crossfit WOD without someone shouting at me.

I just can't seem to do it. I won't be able to push as hard.

If someone were to say. LETS GO ONE MORE REP!

Then to me, it really does make a big difference!

I used to acknowledge that studying alone through the night is possible and okay.

Now, studying alone for more than 2-3 hours really fries my brain.

Makes me lose all motivation and I just wanna stop.

I won't be able to serve as well, give my all over and over again if it wasn't for people around be telling me that I can do it, encouraging me bit by bit.

My perception has changed big time.

I've become well... people dependent.

I need people around me for me to excel. For me to go beyond what I can.

I need that push, that competition, that encouragement.

Be it small or big.

Sometimes, the strongest motivation can come from the person whom is slogging it out with you!

I will always remember, how people shout and say COME ON!

In a work out when they themselves are struggling to finish it.

It gives me well, HOPE to the end...

Sometimes, even the enthusiasm from another can be a source of mighty strength!

The look of determination and focus and either freak or inspire you to do things greater!

Man oh man, now when I look back, I wonder how on Earth I survived living like that.

Well, I do not doubt that some alone time is very important.

I admit that having some is even vital for progress!

However, I have come to realize, that most of the times, I'm with someone.

Either screaming or shouting alongside for VICTORY!

Man, I need more friends like that. I'm being frank here....

It's my blog, I can say what I want....

YES! I need more encouraging, enthusiastic friends!

Maybe even like this fella here....