Hola from the land of rice paper rolls and flavor-bomb cuisine! Sending my greetings to whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If life’s been good on your end, kudos! Otherwise, fall down eight; climb up nine 😉

A few days ago, someone who means the world to me received hate mail about yours truly, and do I have to say, it came as a whirlwind tornado. Well, I’m not here to give any acknowledgment to that but to pen down the “insights” I’ve gained from the lemon-lime-and-bitters experience.

You’re doing it wrong: Perhaps, when facing problems or challenges in life, one of the first things our minds or the people around us might say out of concern/caringness/love/guilt/whatever emotions would be this. Do not jump to conclusions or the defensive end if we don’t agree with that. They’re entitled to voice their opinions, and so do we. Even if misunderstandings arise (which happens more often than one could imagine), trust our inner compass and believe that lessons will be learned. Perfection is an illusion.

I’m disappointed in myself. I’ve let myself down: This is by far the most vulnerable thing a human can admit to themselves (whether it’s saying it aloud or confessing to others). Oftentimes, we care so much about what impression we give to others due to the world we live in—be it due to social norms or personal decorum. Fret not; that’s just how humans function at times. End of the day, are we disappointed in disappointing others or… ourselves? Perhaps by saying this might help—I answer to my faith and my existence as a person with standards, morals, and experience. Those who matter would want the best for me, and vice versa.

Our past defines us. There are track records. Nothing beats statistics: Well, if a person’s been living a contented life and making a statement as such, I’d wish them the best and hope they’ll forever maintain that for the rest of their lives. However, on the contrary, if one hadn’t had many events/occasions/experience that are fulfilling up to this point in life and believes that nothing is going to change—they’re the maker of their destiny as that’s what they’ve been feeding their minds. Who are we to convince them otherwise, anyways? Ultimately, it’s one’s choice to live in a world they hope to see (be it a conscious choice or a mindless one).

My blog has never been a space where it’s only events or happenings I think are entertaining to be shared with others or joyous moments I want to remember. Whenever I feel sad, I find comfort in expressing myself in this virtual space; whenever I feel inspired, I’ll share it here and hope that my future self would remember what impacted the way I think and how I perceive the world.

Lastly, a few trifling words to those who wish for others’ downfall—May you find inner peace; whatever we offer to the world comes back to us. Tenfold, I’d dare to say.

Chacun voit midi à sa porte. Xx.

I love you and thank you. Our deal is still on, you and me sir.

Regards,

Rowena (shiroji too… on a balloon :p)

Okay… Initially I wanted to blog about Peter Pan & Wendy, I’ll save that for another time.

Freud’s theories are known throughout the globe and are still widely referenced by inspired psychologists, who later published books, scholar articles and some even have their own podcasts. Side note: podcasts are seriously amazing. Spotify has some insightful channels. Anyways back to topic, I remember my first “Introduction to Psychology 101″ class and BAM! Freud’s picture on the 100” screen and next to it, a HUGE headline that you can barely miss even if you had 10 sunglasses stacked in front of your eyes — “Father of Modern Psychology”. He must be important, first initial thought.

Freud believed that the unconscious mind is sort of like a portal for learning more about a person as opposed to through their consciousness. Carl Jung (another famous and widely referenced psychologist) was a supporter to Father Freud and believed that dreams are possibly the representation of the unconscious mind. So first things first, they liked each other… theoretically. The difference was that Jung did not agree that everything presented in a dream is related to repressed sexual desires.

Here comes a thought, both are renowned psychologists who have inspired tens of thousands of people (even more I believe). So what theories are you more inclined to?

A tout a l’heure!

Many things in life you cannot control, so learn to let go as soon as possible.

Back to writing… *all characters and events in this story are fictional, focus on the lesson*

Looking at the clock up on the wall, “tick, tick, tick” ticking away slowly… Fiona started remembering the fight that happened weeks ago with Lionel. A guy who had her feeling in ways she had never felt in a long time with anyone else. The romantic times they spent with one another, the true innocent feelings that were expressed, the future they have envisioned together, everything was perfect.

Fiona wiped her tears, it is almost 2 weeks now, from all the back and forth manipulation, massive confusion to the self-doubts, certainly an inner turmoil one has to go through, she had to do something, she had to move forward. She knew it is the right thing to do by letting the pain go, letting the memories go, most importantly letting herself go. Finally, kneeling on the floor, she said a prayer and let all the emotions that were bottled up go, but she knew she wasn’t alone — faith and by believing in the unknown, a whisper in her ear “let go”.

Driving to one of the cafes I frequently go to, excited and looking forward to my usual cuppa joe — Cappucino, sprinkling some brown sugar on top, letting it sit on a cloud of foam, somewhat reminds me of a crème brûlée, definitely a je ne sais quoi sensation, simple bliss yet so rewarding.

Suddenly a thought hit me and it got me inspired to craft an entry.

I quickly picked up my notebook, jot it down with diagrams, graphs and messy scribbles. Looking at the final product, something magical – a different perspective in life emerged, fate and synchronicity. To truly understand a concept is by putting yourself in different situations, to experience the emotions, to learn unfamiliar things, to temper oneself and to stay grounded in reality.

Turning my focus back to my cappucino, took a slow sip while my mind is filled with the possibilities that one can achieve in life, now THAT – completed my dessert with a little cherry on top.

Ta!

Ro

Lockdown is still ongoing here… Currently having a serious itch to visit Times bookstore — enjoy some coffee slurping and a good book.

Looking at the numbers, maybe another full lockdown? At this point, I’m pretty sure many people are used to being at home which is good. Even cinemas are delivering popcorn and snacks to those who are having a good time with their Netflix or Youtube.

Writing time!

“There’s more to life”

“There’s more to something than meets the eye”

Pretty sure there are many attention-grabbing quotes out there that vibes differently. So many stimulus triggering and exciting the thirst-to-learn in us, the need for knowledge, the want for adventures… and if I may add, stirring the fear of negativity or unfortunate events.

Is it possible to find the silver lining in fear? Imagine being burned by a hot kettle in the past, would you fear going near anything that resembles events that would end up having you experiencing the same pain? Don’t get me wrong, of course we all learn from the good (how to make people around you feel happy, what excites you, satisfaction from discovering different ways to tackle a problem, etc..) and bad (how to manage a difficult situation, what is damaging to your psyche, illegal activities, etc..) experiences in life.

Intense fear creates avoidance, avoidance creates detachment, detachment creates animosity. Opposite of fear is courage. Be courageous to face your fear then (well, if it’s something you find the need to conquer)

I’m definitely not facing my fear of lizards. Not in a million years.

Ro

“Battle with your shadow side”

Ta!

As mentioned in the title, I am lacking of inspiration lately. So much has happened, from being on cloud 9 vibes to being dragged to 6 feet under (try to stay sane at all times)

No matter what, keep your head held high, chin up, recuperate and step into the next chapter with your dreams and passion burning.

Usually when I choose to walk away from someone or some situation, it’s mainly because: 1) It has turned into a battle 2) There’s no point for me to stay anymore and lacking of reciprocity and piled with misunderstandings

Used to be my favourite quote “A la folie” — I might just had enough of that haha

Definition of insanity: investing in something again and again hoping for a different outcome

P/s: Give yourself a pat no matter what, love yourself, hug yourself. No one can understand your journey better than you! As long as you forgive yourself, learn and overcome any difficulties in life, the universe will grant you with blessings (might not be what you want at that moment, but what you NEED).