Homecoming

Anywhere can be your home really. As long as it is where your heart is. And truly, there is no place like home. 

:')

Float by...

Check out my newly condensed SoundCloud page at www.soundcloud.com/jolynkhoo :) I promise I will update regularly with new fluffy covers :)

Singapore's Haze - Record Breaking High PSI

It is a period of time when we should all stay united and take necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Let's not talk so much about who is doing it and their intentions behind it. There can be much truth and some lies. But that is, really not our main concern right now. Let's just be more responsible for our own health and the health of our family and friends. Know of somebody who's not coping well in this period? Show some concern and do something if you can. It is really not easy... Breathing problems are always an emergency and a matter that must be taken seriously. Even if your symptoms are less serious - a dry throat, chest tightness, itchy and painful eyes, a productive cough - we must not be casual about it. The haze is cancerous. Time to pilot our health!

Some health advice passed on from many people:
- N95 masks to be worn (If not, use a damp towel to cover your nose and mouth)
- Drink more water than usual (Helps the kidneys flush out any toxins absorbed through the skin and lungs)
- Build your immunity with more veggies and fruits and foods rich in Vitamin C, E and Omega-3 fatty acids
- Keep the doors and windows of your house closed
- Use an air-conditioner in your home to help remove pollutants

If you forgot everything I just said... My title says it all. Please take care.

No strings attached.

I know I haven't been seriously considering what I want to do with my music... how I want to express myself through my music, how my music identifies itself with my personality and how my music can speak to hearts. I am turning 21. And if that means something, I really want to bring my music higher. Instead of waiting for opportunities, people say, create your own. I guess that kind of encouraged me to upload my covers on Youtube. But you know, there is always a point in time when you get bored doing the same old things and I certainly do not wish that my viewers get bored either. Hope I can try something new... Anything.

You are not ugly.

I think it is good to recognize that you have weaknesses and moments of inadequacies. Acknowledging them is one thing but wallowing in them is another. I am currently struck by how one can wallow so much in self-pity from unfortunate events which I can understand, but link all that to personal physical attributes? Like what???

For example,

"My dog died... I am so sad... Sigh my exam is on my birthday... how depressing. I am down with a flu virus... must be the person who sneezed on me in the bus. Ahhh I hate my arms... So fat!!! My diet fails all the time. Sighhh why my legs so short... Omg I'm so sad and hungry I'm gonna die."

Next time when somebody goes on and on about how sad he or she is, so much so that it becomes a little ridiculous, tell the person to STOP IT. No kidding. You got to be truthful. And I believe that your friend will thank you for that. 

I'm hopelessly devoted to You

Recently I got reminded of my dreams and visions that I had two years ago and I do see myself in the process of fulfilling them... not quite there yet, not even half way, BUT I know I have been faithfully walking through. Faced quite a fair bit of challenges but they now seem very small compared to the blessings I received... So, thank you to all who were part of this support system! Thank you for staying connected and for your commitment. Know that I am committed to you as well. :) 

Death is the absence of Life.

We all have our moments of fear, joy, suffering, hopefulness, insecurity and being in love... And we know what it means to hold on. We don't need reminders. It is like an instinct... I guess? Yet at the same time, it is a choice that we have to make. To grip tight and hold fast with all our might or to simply release our hands and let go. Both takes courage... loads of it.

At the end of the day, darkness is just an absence of light. Similarly, sorrow is just an absence of joy.

Be brave, be strong.

I have learnt that it is never a crisis in your studies, relationships, health... but a crisis in your faith. My friend once told me that faith shines the brightest in the most trying of times. Till now, I still remember word for word.

Let's learn to stir ourselves up and encourage ourselves. When things don't change for the better, we do. :)

I know I have not been updating... Apologies. Had been insanely busy.

Clinical placement 2A is officially over! Thankful for a great 3-week placement at Society for the Physically Disabled with a wonderful supervisor and a pretty nice working environment. Brought home much memories and learning tips.

Also, I am proud of having good work-life balance. It is when you are in the working world where you find it a great challenge to maintain such a balance. Of course, don't burn out. Glad to be able to hang out with good friends and find quality time as well, for my family. Broke a personal record of cooking for the family 2 days in a week!

Apart from all that, I too, find it a real bliss to be able to be in my own private space, spending time doing what I enjoy. But I have to say that if not for opportunities, I would not have been so motivated to continue doing what I do. So, thank You for open doors. :)

Now, I am just looking forward to my Melbourne trip! Flying off tonight!

See you in 8 days, Singapore!

Yes or No? A tough choice.

A good friend of mine was right to say that it is unhealthy to always keep everything in. Sharing with a few people whom you can trust enough to share your deepest secrets and heartaches is important. Besides, letting somebody be accountable over your life helps to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings. Things that you cannot do will be understood and not misinterpreted as being a spoil sport. Dull facial expressions can be understood and not misillustrated as being rude or unfriendly.

I realised the huge amount of obligations that one has to face every day. And suddenly, the courage of saying Yes and No becomes equal...