World Youth Day 2008

WYD 2008 just finished last Sunday, 20 July 2008. This event touched my heart intensely as I witnessed hundred thousands of young people, full of energy and kind spirits, and the very humane Pope, united to praise God. It gives me hope, that in this mad world, there are still plenty of decent people.

I also like the theme song: Receive the Power

The lyrics:

Verse 1
Every nation, every tribe,
come together to worship You.
In Your presence we delight,
we will follow to the ends of the earth.
Chorus
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Receive the Power, from the Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Receive the Power to be a light unto the world!
Verse 2
As Your Spirit calls to rise
we will answer and do Your Will.
We’ll forever testify
of Your mercy and unfailing love.
Chorus

Bridge
Lamb of God, we worship You,
Holy One, we worship You,
Bread of Life, we worship You,
Emmanuel, we worship You.
Lamb of God, we worship You,
Holy One, we worship You,
Bread of Life, we worship You,
Emmanuel, we will sing forever.
Chorus

10 Ways to Turn That Frown Upside Down

1. Be less virtual, more 3-D.

Indulge in some human contact. Even time with strangers ramps up your sense of well-being. You laugh much harder when you're with other people in a theater than when you watch a movie at home.

2. Making a list of things you're grateful.

Count your blessings, not your worries.

3. Rack 'em up.

Think of every positive experience during the day as a bead on a string, and see how they add up. This simple exercise makes you focus on even the smallest positive moments, like a fellow driver waving you to go first at a four-way stop, or an e-mail from an old friend in a spam-filled inbox.

4. Think memorable, not material.

If you have to choose between, say, a new car and a family vacation, pack your bags. Even the sexiest sports car becomes routine over time. But the memory of a good time with friends and loved ones will last forever.

5. Go to the funny side.

Try to smile at the absurdities of life.

6. Escape to your stress-free zone.

Think of a place where you always feel calm and happy. Then, when you're tense and miserable, call it up mentally, with as much detail as possible. Smell the suntan lotion. Feel the sun. Hear the sea. Play this video in your mind when your spirits slump.

7. See the glass as half full.

Always look at the bright side. You might be feeling like your life right now is one giant downhill slope. But if you stop and assess it honestly, you'll see you actually have it pretty good.

8. Find your inner artist.

Think back to when you had time for creative expression. Were you in a rock band? Did you write poetry? Did you love tinkering with cars? Remember feeling so engaged that you lost track of time? Joyful expression can bring happiness.

9. Do good.

Acts of kindness, however small, deliver as much pleasure to the giver as to the getter.

10. Seize the moment.

Rather than waiting to celebrate a big event, why not do it today? Bake a cake just because. Take someone out to lunch. Raise a toast to a good day. Go ahead, be happier.

- Reader's Digest July 2008

Life Without Limbs

Today i was forwarded an email about Nick Vujicic, titled:

Next Time You Think Life is Hard...Think Again!

He was born limbless, missing both arms at shoulder level, and having one small foot with two toes protruding from his left thigh. His life was filled with difficulties and hardships. Being bullied at his school, Nick grew extremely depressed, and by the age of eight, started contemplating suicide. After begging God to grow arms and legs, Nick eventually began to realize that his accomplishments were inspirational to many, and began to thank God he was alive. When he was seventeen, he started to give talks at his prayer group, and eventually starting his non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs. More information on this website: http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/. Truly inspirational.

Practical tips to survive a depressing day

• Hug and kiss your spouse and family.
  
• Don't read depressing news, especially the news about how bad a person could be. Avoid at all cost. Instead read happy, optimistic articles/news.
  
• Turn-off hand/mobile phone if possible.
  
• However, call (better than emailing) old friends and organize lunch to catch-up.
• Talk to people. Show interest in what they are doing. Listen.
• Pretend you are happy and excellent. Smile a lot.
  
• Have enough sleep.
  
• Listen to spirit uplifting songs. Try this one below:

The Way To Happiness

Reader's Digest July 2008

I bought the magazine at the airport and read this article on the plane. Quite good. You can read more here.

In a nutshell, factors to happiness are:

Faith
During hi-school time, I was a churchgoer. At uni time, I was an activist for Christian organization. After uni, I was more secular, even considered becoming an atheist, then agnostic, and just lately I am attending church again. I can vouch for the Big Boss that I was happier feeling protected. So, a BIG tick for Faith.

Work
Sometimes I felt very miserable during work. I hated my manager or my ignorant colleagues. I hated the boring, time-consuming, repetitive works etc. However, I can say now with confidence that having no work is far worse. I am so grateful that I have my job. I try to learn something new and set some challenging task for myself. Suddenly the day seems brighter.

Marriage and Family
No questions about it, like a bridge over troubled water.

Give money away
To give is to receive even more.

Freedom
Freedom from worldly attachments, freedom from God's laws (meaning we do not need the law because our hearts have been conforming the law i.e. more ethos than ethic)

In the beginning....

But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads? (Albert Camus)

I am not a happy person. In fact, I am depressed most of the time. This is especially true lately. Many problems, which I think no big deals since everyone I know also have their own problems. But still, I am not happy. So I started this blog to record ways, tips, methods and events to help myself to be a happier person.

I dedicate this blog to my family who have always been my source of strength in trying times. Thank you for loving me...