Friday, June 26, 2009

Swim Swam Swum

I love the pool down at the the bestie's apartment. The tranquil blue water was so inviting that everday I would squeeze in intervals between appoinments and errands just so I could take a dip.

There were more activities than usual probably due to the school holidays. Unfazed and armed with my speedo armour and goggles, I probably looked like I meant business and were going to dive into the water anytime and swim them long quick laps like a pro.

Alas, I had to let my audience (imaginary?) down when I warmed up by swimming the breadth instead. Wahahahaha... I could almost feel their jaws dropping.

Oh well, I do not swim for an audience. I swim because I take pleasure in it. The rhythmic strokes were calming. With rays of sunlight on my body while it's submerged underwater made me feel relaxed, cool and warm at the same time. The laid-back vibe allowed me to slow down and perfect my strokes. The sounds of chirping birds above water seemed almost like I was on a holiday. (Okay, not totally untrue.) It's therapeutic and serene. I feel great when I swim.

And I finally graduated into doing full long laps. Not just one, two laps okay. But many many laps.


HAPPY.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Whose cross to bear?

It was with a heavy heart when I hopped on the plane back home. This time I did not shout to the world about my return. I arrived quietly.

I was asked if my return would serve a purpose at all since this is not my battle. Even so, it is unthinkable for me to sit around and do nothing while the family is in the midst of a crisis. Though I agree my presence does not spell solutions, I am just contended to be there with the family in this difficult moment.

Pain, however, seemed like a constant companion in this trip. Before I could catch my breath again, I received news that the dear friend hits a rough patch herself. I am truly glad that I was there to lend her a shoulder.

It is unclear if my homecoming makes a difference at all. By sharing my experience, I reckon it might help the involved parties see the situation in different perspectives. Will they learn from my experience? I do not have that wishful thinking however. Because we human are after all funny creatures. We do not learn unless we are that burnt child who dreads the fire.

We all need time to lick our wounds after the fire but no man is an island. Even at our lowest, we must also have the strength to reach out for help. Asking for help is not a display of weakness. Rather we need immense strength to cast away that deadly sin called Pride before we can reach out to grasp that helping hand.

Similarly we need to forgive ourselves first before allowing others to forgive us. Because to err is human and to forgive is divine.

There is a time and place for everything. When that moment arrives, may the force and wisdom be with you.


When will I learn? The answers to life's problems aren't at the bottom of a bottle, they're on TV!
- Homer