A Walk Along The Promenade

Last Saturday, a group of us went for a walk along a promenade. It was a very nice walk route with plenty to see.

Unfortunately, plenty of others have the same idea as well. So, the road was too crowded to be comfortable. Apart from the walkers, there were joggers and cyclists. Just too many people, in my opinion, sharing not too wide a road.

It was particularly difficult if you are trying to take pictures. People crossing in front of you, cyclists coming at you in both directions. You had to look out and be very cautious to stay out of harm’s way.

It wasn’t a very long route – only about 5.4 kilometres. In between the chatting, walking and taking of photographs, one and a half hours slipped by without our noticing it. It was fun, and an enjoyable walk.

These waterfront apartments cost an arm and a leg.

Somewhere on the island, there was rain. But luckily, we were not heading in that direction.

People everywhere. Busy, busy, busy.

We didn’t stop to smell the roses, but I did stop to take a few photos of the flowers and plants along the way.

These are Stachytarpheta Indica, also known Indian snakeweed. This is the first time I see them in red colour.

Don't know what these are.

A Bismarckia palm

I don't know what this palm is.

The rain was getting nearer.

We ended up at the Gardens by the Bay, where we had something to eat for dinner.

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Stadium Train Station

My mates and I were going for a walk. We arranged to meet at the Stadium train station. I went a bit early to have a look around the place and to take some photos.

Here are some shots of the station and the immediate area.

This is the entrance to the station.

Exciting the station. I think the pictures on the glass are a nice touch. It also assures you that you are at the right station.

A congregation area. You can rest and relax here, or wait for your friends.

The immediate surrounding.

I don't know what is colourful building is. I wanted to have a look, but I was running late.

I will post about my walk tomorrow.

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Letting Go

"Letting go is like pulling out a tooth. When it was pulled out, you’re relieved, but how many times does your tongue run itself over the spot where the tooth once was? Probably a hundred times a time. Just because it was not hurting you doesn’t mean you did not notice it. It leaves a gap and sometimes you see yourself missing it terribly. It’s going to take a while, but it takes time. Should you have kept the tooth? No, because it was causing you so much pain. Therefore, move on and let go." - Unknown

Why is it so difficult to let go?

Letting go is difficult because there is attachment. If there is no attachment, it will be easy to let go – be it a relationship, person or thing. But once you are emotionally attached to that thing or person, or even the situation, letting go is hard. Even when you know that it is better to let go, you sometimes hang on hoping that things will change or improve.

But how long are you willing to hang on to the unpleasantness in your life? Is it worth hanging on, or is it better that you let go and move on? That is the question you have to ask yourself, and a question only you can answer. At some point, a decision has to be made.

Learn to let go. Better things may be waiting for you down the road. But if you do not let go of whatever it is you are hanging on to, you might not get to enjoy it. There is a time to let go, and a time to hang on. Knowing when to let go and when to hang on is key to a happy life.

Sometimes people are reluctant to let go because change is uncomfortable. The rut – if you had been in there long enough feels more comfortable, than the uncertainty of change. You have to be brave, and embrace change. Don’t wait until change is forced upon you. It would be even more unsettling. Whereas if you are willing to change, you can plan and you will have time to adapt.

There is a time and season for all things. Nothing lasts forever. So, be brave! When it is not fun any more, when the time to move on has come, let go and move on. Better times and better things are ahead – waiting for you, surely!

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Keep Healthy

It is commonly acknowledged that health is the first wealth. If you have health, you can have everything. Well, maybe not everything, but most things that you are willing to work for.

If you don’t have money, you can make more money. But, if you don’t have health, money will be of no use to you. Maybe you can be sick more comfortably. But what good is that? I am sure you would rather have good health, than being rich but sickly.

We can literally choose to be healthy – unless there is some heredity sickness in the family. It is not difficult to be healthy. Just don’t abuse the body – the only one you have. Get rid of unhealthy habits. Watch what you put inside your body. Moderation in all food consumed. That would be a good guide. Followed by an effort to exercise.

There are five basic things to bear in mind if you want to have good health: -

Rest/Sleep
The body needs to recharge after a day of activities. Sleeping seven to eight hours a day gives the body time to do that.

Food
Eat simply, but healthily. The occasional indulgence is fine, but don’t overindulge.

Fresh air
The body needs fresh air to rejuvinate the organs. Spend some time with nature – in the gardens, or parks. Take in some fresh air.

Water
It is said that about 60% of our body is made up of water. So we need to constantly replenish the water we lost, to hydrate our body. Drink lots of water – plain water is best, not pop sodas.

Exercise
If you are not a sports person, then jog or walk at least three to four times a week. Include some simple stretching and breathing exercises in your routine.

Follow these five basic requirements and your body will thank you for keeping it in shape.

Health includes your mental health too. One way to keep mentally healthy is to not mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future. Appreciate and be grateful for what you have instead of whining and complaining about what you do not have. Be thankful for the little things, enjoy the present moments. More importantly, let go of all negative thoughts, and events that drain your energy. Accept what you cannot change.

Maintain a happy disposition. Keep optimistic, smile and laugh often. Look at things with beauty, look at nature with wonder. Understand life unfolding and going on around you. Understand what life is all about. Learn how to go with the flow of life, and not against it.

If you are able to do all of the above, you will have good health – mental and physical. It is not too difficult, is it? The alternative is your health will deteriorate and you won’t be able to enjoy your life. Your body, what some call a temple, will crumple. You will see healthy individuals enjoy themselves while you lament the lost of your health. And that is sad, and no fun.

Life is short. Don’t waste it chasing after money, or over indulging yourself. Otherwise you might have to spend your money trying to buy back your health. A poor, but healthy labourer is better than a sickly billionaire. And likely, to be happier too.

Choose good health. Without health, you cannot enjoy life, or your success, and you certainly wouldn’t be happy.

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Rain Clouds

The weather everywhere has been a bit unpredictable recently. So much rain, so much water everywhere.

This is usually quite a dry month for Singapore. But recently, there has been quite a bit of rain. It rained heavier and lasted longer too, resulting in flash flooding. In one instance, the water level came up to a car's window. Many cars were stalled in the middle of the road - something that is quite unseen.

Luckily, I do not have to leave the house if I don't want to, so I was not affected or inconvenienced by the recent floods.

Here are some pictures of intermittent rain clouds. These are not the most serious of rain clouds because I was already safely in the house when the serious ones came around.

In most recent days, the sky is grey.

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Goals

They say a goal properly set is halfway reached. Hence, when setting a goal, you have to give it some serious thoughts. You have to be clear about your objective. No point setting a goal you are unlikely to reach. Or setting a goal so easy to reach, it isn’t worth mentioning.

Goals have to be realistic. They must be practical and achievable. They must be meaningful, or desirable - something which you are passionate about, so that you will pursue them with enthusiasm. Goals that are clearly set and properly defined have a better chance at success.

If your goal is long ranged, break them down into smaller goals. This way, the ultimate goal will not look too unreachable. Set about to reach each goal. When you reach the first goal, reach out for the second goal, and then the third. In this way, you will ultimately reach the final goal.

This breaking down into smaller goals will help you to stay focussed. There are stops along the way. Upon reaching them, you can stop for a while and have a rest, if you like, or you can proceed with the next goal. Achieving each smaller goal will help to motivate you while you strive towards the final goal.

Of course, not all goals are realized. That is all right. Don’t be despondent. The important thing is you tried and you did your best. Sometimes, all it means is that this is not an area where you excel in. But at least you tried, and hopefully, you had fun and learned something from the process. That is why, when choosing your goal, make sure that it is something you enjoy doing.

While working towards your goal, you have to periodically check your progress. Sometimes, the goal may be a bit more difficult than you thought. You might need a bit more time. In that case, you will have to alter your plan a bit, to give yourself more time. The goal is just a guide. Feel free to alter the goal as and when there is a need to. It is all right, as long as you keep the ultimate goal in mind, and not give up just because you encounter a little hiccup on the way.

Set yourself a time frame for completion of your goal, but let there be allowances. This is in case of unforeseen circumstances or difficulties that may arise. At the same time, don’t set an open end time frame for your goal. That is not goal setting at all.

Having achieved one goal, you can plan and decide your next goal. Goals give you purpose in life. Achieving your goals is satisfying, and it boosts confidence in yourself.

Decide what you are passionate about and then go about setting your goals to achieve them.

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A Simple Lunch

Instant noodles with egg.

Sometimes, when I am too lazy to cook a proper lunch, I will just have a bowl of instant noodles for lunch. It is easy to prepare. Boil some water, put in the noodles, and the mixes. Let it cook for a couple of minutes and you have a bowl of noodles.

Usually, I will fry an egg to go with the noodles. Sometimes, I will add the leftover vegetables from last night’s dinner – if any.

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An Afternoon Walk

There were a couple of places which I wanted to explore last week. But there were quite heavy rains, and there were reports of landslides and muddy paths. So, I decided to postpone my visits to these places.

I had to fall back on the usual walk route and some of the flowers along the way.

The bridge is one end of my walk. This is where I turn back.

A shot from the bridge towards the walk back.

Here are some of the lovely flowers on my route. All of them are perennials. They brighten up the route with their blooms and colours. They also attract bees, ants and butterflies. It is nice to see nature at work.

Duranta Erecta

Heliconia Rostrata also know as lobster claw. Ants seem to be attracted to them.

Caesalpinia Pulcherrima or Peacock flower

This looks like Camila Japonica, but I am not sure.

I don't know what these yellow flowers are.

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