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Library of the City of Stuttgart. Germany

My Birthday!

Inspiration

A lady with disability at the starting line.

I was never the kind of person who would participate in marathons. An occasional stroll around the neighbourhood is all it takes to deceive myself that my body has fulfilled its exercising needs.

After a series of setbacks, I have unconsciously gained 11kg- putting myself in the overweight category. I never really bounced back from the setbacks and I allowed my weight issue to further lower my self-esteem. I have begun to be complacent about life and no longer have the vigour to perk up my lifestyle.

My sister, a marathon runner enthusiast, invited me to take part in the famous Penang Bridge International Marathon. At first, I thought she was mocking me! It was when she emailed me the registration form that I began to consider her suggestion seriously. My sister convinced me that I can just stroll the entire fun-run category while admiring the panoramically beautiful scenery the bridge promises. Just a few clicks on the mouse, and I have both registered and paid for my participation.

On the actual day, I had to wake up at 1am as my sister’s half-marathon category begins at 3.15am. As I was rubbing my eyes, I began to regret. “What have I gotten myself into?” The thought of calling the whole thing off did crossed my mind. When we finally parked the car, I saw many experienced and veteran runners warming up and eating their energy food (a term I recently learnt). I felt slightly intimidated and out of place as the crowd began to soar. But those feeling quickly faded when the drums thundered through the crowd and everyone was cheering and clapping. The joy and excitement was hysterically widespread. I proudly waved to my sister as she started her run.

My 10km fun-run started at 7am and I was already exhausted upon completing only the first 2km. I was a bit worried how I’m going to finish the rest of the run. But my spirits were immediately lifted the moment my eyes caught the magnificent view of the bridge. The sun had just rise, and many runners like me eagerly stopped and took photos. Perhaps it was due to the massive amount of endorphin pumped to my body, suddenly I decided that I want to finish the run within the qualifying time – 1.5 hours.
I began to pace my jogs and walks while checking the time on my watch. The motivation was readily available as there were many other determined runners around me, consisting the elderly and infirmed.

At the last 500 meters, many people who had already completed their earlier category were cheering at the side of the road, some even giving high-fives to encourage the runners. The euphoria at the finishing line was indescribable and I was very relieved that I was qualified for the certificate. While walking back to the car, my head was full of ideas on how to physically prepare myself for a better performance in the next year’s run. As I’m writing this, my legs still sore but my spirits remain high. This run has somewhat probed me into believing in myself that I can do better, be better. I truly believe that every runner will gain some insights about themselves or about life, when they put their determination and endurance into test.

Earlier, I joked that I signed up for this marathon just to have a feel of the previous suicidals on the bridge.
Well, when I was there, I didn't even dare to step too close to the ledge.
I looked down, and wondered to myself the extend of the horrific minds of those who jumped.

##Don't get stuck in comfort zone.

If you put a frog in a pot of water and slowly turn up the heat, the frog will remain in the pot and slowly boil to death.

However, if you drop a frog in a pot that is already boiling, it will immediately leap out!

#########

I'm becoming a frog broth!

"The most difficult jump is the one you have to do right after you've fallen"

-Olympic gold medal skater Scott Hamilton

i love this place

I'm clear-headed each time I'm here...

Peace of mind isn't just the absence of problems. Peace of mind comes from your ability to deal with issues.

It takes courage to be proactive and embrace hope instead of being reactive to depression or defeat. Being scared is what comes before courage.

"Courage is being afraid but saddling up anyway"- John Wayne.

Personal question, can you allow yourself to believe you are more than your past?

taken from The Transparent Life- Naomi Judd

wow, this facebook post I found feels like it was directed specially for my blog.

‎"When you are left with nothing but BROKEN PIECES, take them, rearrange them, and make MASTERPIECES." - Unknown

great things may come your way

I had a weird dream.
It's one of those dreams that you'd remember though you've long awaken.

I was cycling to an unfamiliar destination, and my front tyre was puncture.
I was directed to the most unlikely place to get help.

As I resume my journey, I was at the top of a mountain without any proper road or pathway.
I was very scared but I know there was no turning back.
The weirdest part was,
the scenery was very beautiful.

I'm no dream interpreter expert, but I know this dream does indicate my current emotions

My friend was going through some trouble.
Her anxiety was eerily similar to mine.
Her wise mom gave the following advice.

"What you are going through is normal. Learning process makes one fell like that but you get proficient with consistency. Quitting creates new problems."

It's very true.

There was a new restaurant at workplace.
Co-workers and I were very excited to try it out.
The set meals came with F&N drinks.
I got the grape flavoured soda.

After my first sip, I suddenly recall that Fanta-Grape (old name) was my favourite drink when I was a child. (isn't weird that we can forget so much about ourselves sometimes?)
I've always loved the colour purple, so naturally I'd pick Fanta-Grape as my choice of soda.
I've stopped drinking soda when I reached my teens. (when I learned about the sugar level)
As I continue to sip the drink, I began to recollect my childhood happy 'mood'.
Afterall, as a child, I only get my sodas on festive/grand occasions.
My co-workers were amused that I was enjoying the drink so much.

Ah... Fanta-Grape.

The reason I love Criminal Minds so much is because I can relate to so many of the dialogs in this drama series.


Jennifer 'JJ' Jareau: ...yes, there are monsters, and it's okay to be afraid of them. But it's not okay to let them win, and it's not okay to be one.

And at the end of every episode, there will be wise quotes that somewhat sums up the entire 1-hour show.

" A family is a place where minds come in contact with one another. If these minds love one another, the home will be as beautiful as a flower garden. But, if these minds get out of harmony with one another, it is like a storm that plays havoc with the garden. "-The Buddha