Of Determination and Never Giving Up

I have posted before on the lessons I learn every day from my children. This post is about my little boy who turns one next month on the 5th of July. At 8 months 3 weeks, he took his first step much to our excitement. Ever since then he progressed until he started walking steadily at 10 months. And still he pushes himself forward, increasing speed and trying our new 'stunts'. Every parent can relate to these special moments that they share with their children. What I admire is, no matter how many times he falls on his adorable tush, he just keeps grinning and tries again. He doesn't want help and he knows what he wants. My daughter too was like this and I hope that, as I face daily challenges, I can emulate their gumption and determination. To not only not give up but to do it with a smile and to expand and try new and different things.

A week in Labuan

I find myself in Labuan for a week. We came here on an early morning Air Asia flight. My first impression of Labuan was not very good as it took ages and ages for our bags to arrive. And mind you ours was the only flight at that time in the well designed and clean airport, which is relatively small (so they should not have taken so long). I have to say that the airport personnel that I saw moved really slowly. But other than that., I have no complaints about Labuan.

First, a little info about Labuan. Labuan is an island southeast off the coast of Sabah, off the northwest coast of Borneo, north of Brunei Bay and faces the South China Sea. It is situated in East Malaysia and is a federal territory comprising the main island of Pulau Labuan and six smaller islands namely Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Daat, Pulau Rusukan Besar, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, Pulau Papan and Pulau Burung.

We are staying at the Waterfront.. I would definitely recommend this place. The rooms are really nice. I haven't taken photos yet, but will try to do that soon.

The 'mascot' of Labuan; swordfish. This is at the airport roundabout so you can't miss it. It really is beautiful when they turn the water on. Sometimes, it's switched off.

For photos of the hotel we stayed in, The Waterfront Hotel go here.

To say or not to say, to be or not to be..

When confronted with situations that cause you much grievance, you just wish you could say what you want to the other person. However, you can't. You may think it's all right to do so to a stranger but life has a funny way of sneaking up on you. In other words, a stranger today may be a face you see regularly tomorrow. But the situations that I am talking about are the kinds where it's a common face. A face that you will be seeing for a long time. Not a spouse but more like a friend, or a relative or even an acquaintance.In situations such as these, what are you to do? Just bite your tongue and hold it in? What happens then is, if said feelings are quite strong, it starts to fester and grip you and it takes so much of your time trying not to think about it that you actually spend time thinking about it. I find myself in such situations from time to time. Don't we all? Now, if it were my spouse I would just say what's on my mind. It is in situations that you can't that you need to (or rather I try to)

*these are for situations that aren't extreme in nature

a) remember that there are people who face greater pain on a daily basis- so count your blessings
b) keep repeating 'Let it Be' - singing the song helps
c) accept that you worrying won't help one bit - not just realising but accepting
d) it will consume you too - don't let that happen
e) remember to stay true to yourself and your values- even if they don't know what that means
 f) and if all else fails just blank it out...

but I have to say, even by doing all this, those ill feelings still rears up its head ever so often..

I find praying and reading God's word helps me. It helps me remember that I am answerable to Him. That all this seems small in comparison to His love and His purpose for me. Now all I have to do is to not forget....