{dreaming}

These past few days I've been having multiple dreams in my sleep. Sometimes the dreams are random, but other times I guess they reflect our inner desires and the workings of the subconscious mind...

{shaving}

One of the best feelings I've felt in my life is getting a shave at the barber's on a fine Sunday morning.

{running}

I've just got back from running. Most of the time I just jog, but sometimes I run. I'm happy and satisfied every time I complete a jog or a run.

Running (or jogging) puts me at my physical limit. I know that every time I run, I'm doing my body a favour. I'm letting my heart pump blood to my extremities. I'm increasing my lung capacity. I'm clearing my head. I'm giving myself the chance to sweat. I'm working myself out.

8 weeks ago, my time for 2.4K was 12.5 min. Last week, I did it in 11 min 50 s, just 10 s under the RBAF limit (feel free to correct me). I feel I've improved over the weeks, although I know I can go a lot further.

I jog about 2-3 times a week now, and run about once a week. Most often I do about 3K, but sometimes I do 4K although I most often jog 4K, not run it.

{change}

"Di antara cabaran paling mencabar ialah kesediaan kita mengakui kelemahan yang ada, di samping tidak pula lambat untuk membuat pembaikan-pembaikan."

Excerpt from His Majesty's Titah in conjunction with National Day last year.

{sometimes}

It's interesting looking at all the paradoxes and ironies in day-to-day life. Like for example, sometimes the students with the best results are the ones putting in the least effort. Sometimes the fittest and most athletic people are smokers.

These few days I've been reflecting on something: that sometimes the people most opposed to physical aggression and 'roughness', are themselves rough and aggressive in their words and the way they treat other people.

{in the face of adversity}

I AM A MAN
IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY, NO MATTER HOW GREAT,
I WILL REMAIN CALM.
IT IS BECAUSE I HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE
BUT EVERYTHING TO LOSE IF I LOSE MY FOCUS
SO WHAT IF MY LIFE, AND ALL THAT I LOVE
WERE ON THE LINE?
I WILL PROVE MYSELF TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY
FOR FAILURE IS NOT IN NOT SUCCEEDING
BUT IN NOT TRYING AT ALL.

IT IS NOT IN BRUTE STRENGTH THAT
A MAN PROVES HIS WORTH
IT IS IN STRENGTH OF HEART AND OF CHARACTER
AND OF SOUL
IT IS NOT IN TRYING THAT
A MAN LOSES HIS WORTH
BUT IN NOT DUSTING HIMSELF AFTER THE FALL

Written sometime early last week, on a sheet from an exam pad which explains the physical length of each line; what with handwriting as big as mine.

{everytime}

I think that the best way to hold on to something is to not hold on too tight; not to control. I read somewhere that it's just like holding on to sand; hold on too tightly and it just slips from between your fingers. But cup your hands nicely, and the sand remains. It's all about accepting other people's subtle differences. It's about not being intent on changing someone to suit your every prerogative. It's about tolerance, and getting along.

It's about being aware and conscious of how others feel, and being sensitive to the workings of their hearts. It's about selflessness. Relationships are full of happiness and joy and they last when there's acceptance of each other's temperaments, and appreciation of each other's characters as a whole.