The dweller within

Sitting in a dark space, I slowly let my thoughts gather, I imagine my thoughts to fill up this space as wide as an amphitheatre. All my sadness and joy, my embarrassment and pride, I filled the space with myself. At that moment was when I felt it, a voice within that judged my every action, my every decision, and he is my critic. "You should have done that, you could have avoided it, you would have done better if."

Critic is a dweller, he sneaks through your mind and soul and he sentence a judgement on them. He is the arm that pulls you back before your leap, he questions your heart and her motives. But do not judge your critic too harshly, he is afterall just cushioning you from any possible harm or hurt. He is just a protector but caging you in a cradle like a vulnerable child, keeping you away from anything that could possibly hurt your fragile pride.

It is never easy negotiating with your critic, you can never come to a consensus. By accepting that fact, you will be able to come to better terms with yourself. Remember any past regrets you have in life? Did your critic judge them too harshly for you?

But life is just too short to let the dweller stop your every move! We want change! We want progress! We want to reach new heights!

Persuade him. Comfort him. Shove him, beat him down, trample on him! Whatever it takes, you take control, and you decide your destiny.

Gap in the sky

(Photo source : http://www.fotocommunity.com/pc/pc/display/21282818)

The clap of thunder rocks the earth, the downpour of rain drench the world. With a disoriented beam of plasma tearing through the heavens, the fragile sky tore. Humbled at the presence of the almighty prowess of mother nature, I felt so small, so minute and totally insignificant in this universe. But I picked up a certain courage, and pitied the vast blue sky.

"Why do you cry? Why do you weep? Why do you scorn at us with such almighty fit."

"Are you angry? Are you sad? Or are you resentful that nobody cares?"

I saw the flashing light, and heard a monstrous crash, with a 'BOOM', the clouds just left.

Gap in the sky, like a scar you appear, a gentle reminder of your presence, ever so near.

As quickly as the storm came, as hurriedly as it left, leaving behind a subtle moist in the earth. As the warmth crawl back in, as the surroundings brighten up with signs of life. Oh mother nature, what a tease, you could've killed us without a flinch.

Thank you for your kindness and gentle breeze, as you caress every being with such ease. Thank you mother, you gave us life, because of you we take flight.

A date with your Hair Stylist

I am sure everyone have certain affinity with your hairstylist, it was never the salon, it has always been "MY PERSONAL STYLIST". 

So today I did not go back to my usual stylist, Izoc, because I just felt like getting a quick trim. So I drop by the new hair salon across the street. I was so disappointed when Kai Wei (got his name card to find out) walked away to explain something to a colleague, he didn't excuse himself, so it was only natural to him that I sit there and wait for something to happen.

Boy I must say how much I miss Izoc, his attentiveness is unparalleled, it is always very personal and he gives me very personal advice on my hair and also on life. We share our favourite music and what we think of the new film that is showing.

So you see, being in a business of hair, it has never really been which salon you work for, it is always what you can provide as a stylist. I chanced upon Izoc 2 years ago when I was having a break from work and decided to just drop in a salon for a trim. I am never the kind to tell what I want for my hair, it has always been,"the weather is hot and I want to look good, do something about it". Izoc never fail to give me a new look every time and he always tell me what he wants for me on my next visit, can you see how much personal attention he gives me here? To already be planning for a follow up, how stupid am I to jump ship and "cheat" on my wonderful hairstylist!

Till today, Izoc is not only a dear friend, he is my personal stylist, he knows me as a person and not a customer, I go back to him not only as a loyal customer and most important, a dear friend.

We are even on Scramble with Friends!

The best business strategy has always been to generate repeat customers, it is not easy, but not difficult either. Look at Izoc, he hooked me in since day one, doesn't matter if he changed the salon he works in, I will travel anywhere to find thim, because he is "MY PERSONAL STYLIST". 

First Rejection

"Congratulations!" My mentor exclaimed in text, "Today you got your first rejection!" Oh, ok, so now I am suppose to be happy with that? Oh yes, today is my first home visit and luckily or unluckily, it was a very dear neighbour whom I help get a porcelain knife set, nothing big, just my little way of starting and trying to build awareness for myself.

Ok, so aunty, not being very receptive, I took the initiative to look around her place for clues and leads that I could use in the future, you know, being initiative and ask smart questions that would maybe stir some curiosity. Don't give up, I kept telling myself, it is about the future, let the now be a foundation for a fruitful and successful future.

I now understand why I got a congratulations from my mentor, it is because she is glad that I am getting a wholesome learning experience from my first few steps, with this I will be better ready for more challenges and pick up difficult tasks. Building a long term business is our goal, I believe this will work with hard work and persistence, so rejection or insult, I will endure, as long as my conscience is clear, I will go to bed every night giving myself a pat on the back. Congratulations Alvyn, another day of great work and changing lives!

I hope you learn to pick yourself up from rejections too, because the worst kind of rejection is by yourself.

The Moving Room

The moving room, ever so lonesome and at the same time never alone. Walking into it is like entering a whole new dimension, with it's mirrors and buttons,we choose our destiny. The door closes and we are offered a minute of reclusion, you can choose to relax and forget everything, or gear up for what's happening after the door opens. I was in a moving room today, and I was admiring it's all seeing ability,to be able to watch over and observe everyone come and go.

We are our true selves by how we act when no one is watching. The moving room has this ability to judge us for who we are in this sense. There is the model wannabe,flirting with the mirror wishing some talent agency would scout for her. Mr impatient always jamming on the buttons and rushing everyday. Pregnant woman wishing she never had the child causing her to miss her promotion. The moving room never judged because she understands, she understand her role in the universe, because the world has its way of working and she cannot interfere. Moving room will not betray because she is not built to, unlike the people she sees daily. We are not born to betray,but we decide to,it is a concious choice to betray, we betray our hearts, our pride, to attain things we think can bring us happiness,usually momentarily.

My heart spoke to the room and asked for enlightenment,"with your all seeing wisdom,please guide me". All she said was,"Walk out the door and live your life". Yes,Live your life,yes. 

I waited for the door to open, I know my next step and why I am going to succeed. As the first ray of light enters, I bid the moving room goodbye, and stepping forward, basking in the glory of my new chosen life.