My life has always been chaotic… I pride myself being one of the very few punctual people within and without my group of friends… I am often early, rarely late… despite the obvious irregularities in my life, I am still able to organize my personal time, my work time and my social life… I may not carry a diary everywhere I go, but that’s what the mobile phone’s organizer is for… I make weekly entries over the weekends (based on what’s in my diary) and enter anything I commit myself to on the spot (which I later enter into my diary)… This is why when people ask me to describe myself in one (1) word I’ll say “oxymoronic”… [Google the word if you don’t already know it’s meaning]
Segregation and Segmentation are two keys to happiness… Life’s very much like an organization… every department is crucial to the function of an organization as a whole… an organization that functions effectively and efficiently is an organization that’s meeting it’s goals (in terms of management only)… similarly, a person who has his life organized and “functions” “effectively” and “efficiently” will be a person who has his or her goals (life, short-term and/or long-term)… logic will dictate to you that a person who gets what he or she wants is a happy person… so the key to happiness in life is organization (to be organized) in life…
Compare the two, organization (the entity) and organization (to be organized)… they’re actually very similar… here’s what I mean by Segregation and Segmentation in life…
Segregate your life in the sense of your mindset… Differentiate the events in your life in terms of importance, place priorities appropriately… never forget those most important to you… never abandon those who need you, but NEVER sacrifice your own needs for the needs of others…
Segment your life… like the departments in an organization, you should segment your life… things look more challenging and complicated then they really are when you look at the “forest as a whole”, things will seem do-able when you “see the forest for the trees”… often life’s not as hard as we make it out to be… often the complication if life is due to drama… we often look at problems and not problem… take your time to formulate a strategy on how to tackle issues, never jump head-strong into anything…
So… there’s nothing more to say… organize your life and you’ll be a happier person…
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
The road to perdition
As u leave the small town of Chaos and Heartache, u must always keep in mind the general rules of long haul traveling.
Firstly, be grateful that you finally found the way out of this place. Many have not and are still stuck, not knowing why and where they are. Many will die in this town. Consider your self lucky you will not have to spend anymore time there.
Before you warm your car engine. Pack. Pack all the souvenirs that you have accumulated from this town. Momentos from all the places you have been, things that you did together. Anything that could remind you of the place. Separate all the nice memories and the rotten ones.You need to make room for new memories now. But don't throw the memories away just yet. Even the bad ones. Pack it in a box and put it away. I will explain later why you have to do this and bring it along. Don't, however pack your heart with the other things. You will need it. For without it, you will be the living dead. No human can function without a heart and you are just a human. Carry your heart with you no matter how heavy it is.
The journey will be long, the roads will be bumpy and winding and the signposts will not be accurate. No one knows why that is so you basically have to rely on intuition and your own sense of direction. Fret not, u have great sense of direction, it has gotten you out of the town so you are half way there. If all else fails, rely on the sun. It will guide you on the basic direction. North, West, South and East. This should help you navigate as you develop your own circumventing skills.
Watch out for potholes, wild animals crossing and sharp turns. Speed up at certain roads when the coast is clear and slow down when you cant see what is in front of you.
Just like any solo travels, be cautious of misleading roads. It could get you lost, or worse get you back into the town of Chaos and Heartache. You can stop and ask for directions, but remember not everyone knows the place you are heading to, so take all direction tips with a pinch of salt. Your faith is your vehicle and your friends and family is the fuel on which it runs on. Laughter, is your car stereo.
You will feel lonesome as the journey progresses. Do what you like to kill some time. Read if u like reading, sing if you like singing, write if you like writing.
Be fit and healthy. The journey will also take a lot from your body. You will need a healthy and strong body to last you in your journey. You cant afford to fall sick. No one will be there if you're sick, it will just delay your journey.
Having said that, take breaks as and when needed. Find the right safe spot and rest. Cry, if need be. Or sleep.
My mum says that when you are on a journey to a new place it feels longer because all the trees and plants are giving salam to you. So appreciate that. Remember, your life and your journey is not bigger than everything else. Thousands have been on the same path. You are no different.
You will meet many strangers, smile to them be kind to everyone. The kindness of strangers can help you connect again. Stop at small towns along the way. Try new things while your there. Who knows you could find the place endearing and decide to stay there for a while. That's the best part about road trips. You will never know what great things that can happen.
The further you are from the town, the easier the road will be. Not all the roads will be an uphill climb. Try your best not to look back. If you do, look at it from the point where you are now and not where you were from. Sometimes, you can only see things much better from a far. When you are too close, you cant see anything else. Put it this way, a bird will look at the cage differently once its out of it. The view from inside and outside are such polar opposites.
Don't worry about your destination. Enjoy the journey. You will know where you are going when you reach there. Weird as it sounds, it will make perfect sense later.
This part is important. At one point, you will be tired. That is when you will doubt the decision you have made to leave town. You will think of going back. You are uncertain of the road in front of you and you think now, the town wasn't that bad. You will think that you have fully recovered and you want to go back and maybe fix things. You think it was bad judgment to leave and the urge to speed back to where you started will be strong. Very strong. This is normal. You have to fight that, with all your might. Pray. Do what ever it takes. If that is not enough. Open the box of memories that you have with you and look for the sharpest most hurting memory in there. That one thing that caused you the most pain and suffering. Hold in your hands maybe even bring it close to your heart. As morbid as it sound, you need the pain to remind you why you are doing this. Bleed if you have to. Not everything about this journey will be pleasant. The reality could be raw and excruciating. Let it get ugly then suck it up and be a man. These are the demons coming out to pull u back into the town. Don't let them win. Fight the urge. You might be your worst enemy here. Remember, the demons are in you. So in order to kill them, you would have to kill a part of you. You have to be prepared for this. You might lose the battle, but you might also win.
Once you have successfully done this. You will find that things will improve dramatically. But just like any battle, you will be left with scars and bruises. Its a small price you have to pay for your emancipation. I never said it was gonna be easy did I?
So now you are ready for your escape. I have imparted what I know and I hope it will help. Of the many things I do know, there are many more I don't. I have emotional blind spots as well you see. But these are the general rules and if you follow them you should be able to get far. The rest, you will have to find out for your self. Dont be scared.
Lastly, the destination will be worth all that has happened from the first day you meet him/her until now. Then and only then can you truly feel safe again, create new dreams in your new haven. For God is Maha Adil and Maha Mengetahui. If you are ikhlas in your actions, God in all His mercy will send you saviors in many unimaginable ways. Good luck, stay strong and true to your self, and be safe on your journey. I will see you on the other side.
Firstly, be grateful that you finally found the way out of this place. Many have not and are still stuck, not knowing why and where they are. Many will die in this town. Consider your self lucky you will not have to spend anymore time there.
Before you warm your car engine. Pack. Pack all the souvenirs that you have accumulated from this town. Momentos from all the places you have been, things that you did together. Anything that could remind you of the place. Separate all the nice memories and the rotten ones.You need to make room for new memories now. But don't throw the memories away just yet. Even the bad ones. Pack it in a box and put it away. I will explain later why you have to do this and bring it along. Don't, however pack your heart with the other things. You will need it. For without it, you will be the living dead. No human can function without a heart and you are just a human. Carry your heart with you no matter how heavy it is.
The journey will be long, the roads will be bumpy and winding and the signposts will not be accurate. No one knows why that is so you basically have to rely on intuition and your own sense of direction. Fret not, u have great sense of direction, it has gotten you out of the town so you are half way there. If all else fails, rely on the sun. It will guide you on the basic direction. North, West, South and East. This should help you navigate as you develop your own circumventing skills.
Watch out for potholes, wild animals crossing and sharp turns. Speed up at certain roads when the coast is clear and slow down when you cant see what is in front of you.
Just like any solo travels, be cautious of misleading roads. It could get you lost, or worse get you back into the town of Chaos and Heartache. You can stop and ask for directions, but remember not everyone knows the place you are heading to, so take all direction tips with a pinch of salt. Your faith is your vehicle and your friends and family is the fuel on which it runs on. Laughter, is your car stereo.
You will feel lonesome as the journey progresses. Do what you like to kill some time. Read if u like reading, sing if you like singing, write if you like writing.
Be fit and healthy. The journey will also take a lot from your body. You will need a healthy and strong body to last you in your journey. You cant afford to fall sick. No one will be there if you're sick, it will just delay your journey.
Having said that, take breaks as and when needed. Find the right safe spot and rest. Cry, if need be. Or sleep.
My mum says that when you are on a journey to a new place it feels longer because all the trees and plants are giving salam to you. So appreciate that. Remember, your life and your journey is not bigger than everything else. Thousands have been on the same path. You are no different.
You will meet many strangers, smile to them be kind to everyone. The kindness of strangers can help you connect again. Stop at small towns along the way. Try new things while your there. Who knows you could find the place endearing and decide to stay there for a while. That's the best part about road trips. You will never know what great things that can happen.
The further you are from the town, the easier the road will be. Not all the roads will be an uphill climb. Try your best not to look back. If you do, look at it from the point where you are now and not where you were from. Sometimes, you can only see things much better from a far. When you are too close, you cant see anything else. Put it this way, a bird will look at the cage differently once its out of it. The view from inside and outside are such polar opposites.
Don't worry about your destination. Enjoy the journey. You will know where you are going when you reach there. Weird as it sounds, it will make perfect sense later.
This part is important. At one point, you will be tired. That is when you will doubt the decision you have made to leave town. You will think of going back. You are uncertain of the road in front of you and you think now, the town wasn't that bad. You will think that you have fully recovered and you want to go back and maybe fix things. You think it was bad judgment to leave and the urge to speed back to where you started will be strong. Very strong. This is normal. You have to fight that, with all your might. Pray. Do what ever it takes. If that is not enough. Open the box of memories that you have with you and look for the sharpest most hurting memory in there. That one thing that caused you the most pain and suffering. Hold in your hands maybe even bring it close to your heart. As morbid as it sound, you need the pain to remind you why you are doing this. Bleed if you have to. Not everything about this journey will be pleasant. The reality could be raw and excruciating. Let it get ugly then suck it up and be a man. These are the demons coming out to pull u back into the town. Don't let them win. Fight the urge. You might be your worst enemy here. Remember, the demons are in you. So in order to kill them, you would have to kill a part of you. You have to be prepared for this. You might lose the battle, but you might also win.
Once you have successfully done this. You will find that things will improve dramatically. But just like any battle, you will be left with scars and bruises. Its a small price you have to pay for your emancipation. I never said it was gonna be easy did I?
So now you are ready for your escape. I have imparted what I know and I hope it will help. Of the many things I do know, there are many more I don't. I have emotional blind spots as well you see. But these are the general rules and if you follow them you should be able to get far. The rest, you will have to find out for your self. Dont be scared.
Lastly, the destination will be worth all that has happened from the first day you meet him/her until now. Then and only then can you truly feel safe again, create new dreams in your new haven. For God is Maha Adil and Maha Mengetahui. If you are ikhlas in your actions, God in all His mercy will send you saviors in many unimaginable ways. Good luck, stay strong and true to your self, and be safe on your journey. I will see you on the other side.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Short Postings...
Note: Most of what I’m going to write about is in reversed-chronology…
It’s been a long and tiring week… was only able to socialize last night [caught a movie (Pandorum) and had drinks at Starbucks @ Pavilion]…
(changing topic)
I realize yesterday that most young people are very confrontational… I’m not that old, it was just a year or two ago that I was confrontational too… but regardless of how I was, I was able to “agree to disagree”… everybody’s entitled to their own opinions, there’s no right or wrong, and even if I believe (emphasize BELIEVE) that there’s a clear line between right or wrong on certain issues, I don’t see a need to impose my opinions and believes on others…
Excluding family members, I have only been rude to one friend ONCE… I felt so bad that I raised my voice when he refused to listen to my points on a certain issue that I texted him apologizing… my point here is DON’T BE RUDE when making a statement… and DO NOT think that you’re superior to others, we each have our own niche, you’re only making a fool of yourself acting like you know it all...
(changing topic)
On a gastronomic topic, I had lunch on Friday at Mahbub @ Bangsar… if you guys haven’t been there do go… their briyanni with ayam madu is really really good… I’ve been to that mamak a couple of times over the years, normally do dabao roti canai for b’fast with my mom or by myself, but I’ve never had lunch there, hence last Friday was the first time I had their briyanni… it’s definitely not the best I’ve ever had, but definitely one of the best in KL…
It’s located opposite the Bangsar mosque… I can’t give more detailed directions as I’m bad with the names of the roads…
(changing topic)
Sometimes I wish I could cancel all my appointments… but to me a promise is a promise, I’ll try my best to keep my promises… often my friends would say I look sleepy… well Duh!.. I work from 8 to 5:30 (but often leave the office at 6 / 6:30)… I wake up around 6am, I need to shower before meeting you people, and I dislike KL traffic (always congested)… me looking tired is because I am tired… I sometimes think why do these people ask me the questions with obvious answers… honestly there should be legislatures about “crimes against common-sense”…
It’s been a long and tiring week… was only able to socialize last night [caught a movie (Pandorum) and had drinks at Starbucks @ Pavilion]…
(changing topic)
I realize yesterday that most young people are very confrontational… I’m not that old, it was just a year or two ago that I was confrontational too… but regardless of how I was, I was able to “agree to disagree”… everybody’s entitled to their own opinions, there’s no right or wrong, and even if I believe (emphasize BELIEVE) that there’s a clear line between right or wrong on certain issues, I don’t see a need to impose my opinions and believes on others…
Excluding family members, I have only been rude to one friend ONCE… I felt so bad that I raised my voice when he refused to listen to my points on a certain issue that I texted him apologizing… my point here is DON’T BE RUDE when making a statement… and DO NOT think that you’re superior to others, we each have our own niche, you’re only making a fool of yourself acting like you know it all...
(changing topic)
On a gastronomic topic, I had lunch on Friday at Mahbub @ Bangsar… if you guys haven’t been there do go… their briyanni with ayam madu is really really good… I’ve been to that mamak a couple of times over the years, normally do dabao roti canai for b’fast with my mom or by myself, but I’ve never had lunch there, hence last Friday was the first time I had their briyanni… it’s definitely not the best I’ve ever had, but definitely one of the best in KL…
It’s located opposite the Bangsar mosque… I can’t give more detailed directions as I’m bad with the names of the roads…
(changing topic)
Sometimes I wish I could cancel all my appointments… but to me a promise is a promise, I’ll try my best to keep my promises… often my friends would say I look sleepy… well Duh!.. I work from 8 to 5:30 (but often leave the office at 6 / 6:30)… I wake up around 6am, I need to shower before meeting you people, and I dislike KL traffic (always congested)… me looking tired is because I am tired… I sometimes think why do these people ask me the questions with obvious answers… honestly there should be legislatures about “crimes against common-sense”…
Friday, October 2, 2009
Key To a Happy Life...
I’m a little more optimistic now than I was a few weeks ago…
I see the silver-lining in everyday events… I was in a dark place, everything seemed doomed to me… but no more!.. I’m in a good place now…
There’s no one individual that I can thank for this turn of events, but there are many individuals who’ve helped me move on… I need to thank my friends, despite the fact that initially they wanted me to get back together with my ex, they supported me after I explained to them why I cannot, and I must not, get back with my ex…
I had the most wonderful time with my friends when I was in Penang recently…
Their support, they being there with me, enjoying ourselves, really made me realized that I cannot live in a world filled with melancholy… my outlook on life changed the morning when I left KL for Pg, Diana’s probably the only person, besides my mom and sister, who knows what happened that morning and how for the first time I let my heart out to my mother in front of my sister… what triggered me to let my heart out is also what made me realize how puny I am in this world, but despite being puny I have my family with me at all times… I am ever grateful for what happened, because it has changed me profoundly…
I’m learning from the classroom of life, I will prevail above those who sought to bring me down… I will succeed in all my endeavors, and I will triumph over my inner-demons…
I am Muhammad Taufiq Zamri.... I am proud of who I am… I am proud of what I’ve accomplished… and I will make my family proud by what I will ascertain in terms of education, career and wealth in the future…
Learn from me people, life’s about what you make of it… your perceptions on life is a big deal… look for the good in life and build your life’s foundation around that… bad things happen, so what? We’ve all gotta move on… it’s in your hands… choose to learn from those bad things, choose to become stronger and move forward in life… it’s your life, take charge of it!..
Well I’m going to sleep soon… been a busy day…
Good night to all, and to all a good day….
I see the silver-lining in everyday events… I was in a dark place, everything seemed doomed to me… but no more!.. I’m in a good place now…
There’s no one individual that I can thank for this turn of events, but there are many individuals who’ve helped me move on… I need to thank my friends, despite the fact that initially they wanted me to get back together with my ex, they supported me after I explained to them why I cannot, and I must not, get back with my ex…
I had the most wonderful time with my friends when I was in Penang recently…
Their support, they being there with me, enjoying ourselves, really made me realized that I cannot live in a world filled with melancholy… my outlook on life changed the morning when I left KL for Pg, Diana’s probably the only person, besides my mom and sister, who knows what happened that morning and how for the first time I let my heart out to my mother in front of my sister… what triggered me to let my heart out is also what made me realize how puny I am in this world, but despite being puny I have my family with me at all times… I am ever grateful for what happened, because it has changed me profoundly…
I’m learning from the classroom of life, I will prevail above those who sought to bring me down… I will succeed in all my endeavors, and I will triumph over my inner-demons…
I am Muhammad Taufiq Zamri.... I am proud of who I am… I am proud of what I’ve accomplished… and I will make my family proud by what I will ascertain in terms of education, career and wealth in the future…
Learn from me people, life’s about what you make of it… your perceptions on life is a big deal… look for the good in life and build your life’s foundation around that… bad things happen, so what? We’ve all gotta move on… it’s in your hands… choose to learn from those bad things, choose to become stronger and move forward in life… it’s your life, take charge of it!..
Well I’m going to sleep soon… been a busy day…
Good night to all, and to all a good day….
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Describing Me Thru Music…
If you can relate and connect emotionally to these songs than you’d understand the kind of person I am…
Happy Ending by Mika (not the radio edit but the 10min one)
Feel the Sun by Melanie C
First Day of My Life by Melanie C
I Started a Joke by Bee Gees
Duel by BOND
Big Love Adagio by BOND
Pasha by Vanessa Mae
Vio Pipe by Butterfingers
You’re So Vain by Carly Simon
Karma by Cokelat
Helwa Ya Baladi by Dalida
A Question of Lust by Depeche Mode
Satu by Dewa (not Dewa 19)
Stay In Shadow by Finger Eleven
One Thing by Finger Eleven
Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (Once OST)
And many more…
Happy Ending by Mika (not the radio edit but the 10min one)
Feel the Sun by Melanie C
First Day of My Life by Melanie C
I Started a Joke by Bee Gees
Duel by BOND
Big Love Adagio by BOND
Pasha by Vanessa Mae
Vio Pipe by Butterfingers
You’re So Vain by Carly Simon
Karma by Cokelat
Helwa Ya Baladi by Dalida
A Question of Lust by Depeche Mode
Satu by Dewa (not Dewa 19)
Stay In Shadow by Finger Eleven
One Thing by Finger Eleven
Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (Once OST)
And many more…
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Damned If I Do, Damned If I Don’t...
Was talking to a friend about my prospects in regards to becoming a columnist… after he reviewed my blog, he suggested that I start writing pro-government entries (articles)… For the record, I am neither pro nor anti government… I’m more interested about equality and fairness…
I’ve decided to swallow my pride and start a new blog that will be called “Life On The Other Side”… in that blog there will be no government bashing, and there will be no reference to the inequality in this country (unless it is at the expense of Pakatan Rakyat)…
It’ll be one of those blogs which praises the governments’ triumphs… In a word, it’ll be BORING…
I’ve decided to swallow my pride and start a new blog that will be called “Life On The Other Side”… in that blog there will be no government bashing, and there will be no reference to the inequality in this country (unless it is at the expense of Pakatan Rakyat)…
It’ll be one of those blogs which praises the governments’ triumphs… In a word, it’ll be BORING…
Monday, September 14, 2009
I’m a Quarter Tamil and Proud of It!
I’m proud that I’m one-quarter Indian, Tamilian to be exact… my grand-dad’s from Budamangalam, Banglore…I do not look Indian (some say I look Arabic, others say I look Caucasian), I do not behave like an Indian, but my pallet is very much Indian… don't get me wrong, I enjoy eating a variety of food, I’m a sucker for Wan Than Mee, Jawa Mee, Chinese Chicken & Duck Rice, as I must admit I enjoy eating Char Siew Bak very much… but, when I’m given the choice, I’d pick Southern Indian food anytime, I enjoy the occasional Northern Indian food too, but I dislike the feeling you get after eating Northern Indian food (by Malaysian term, it’s heaty)… Banana Leaf anyone?
Since I was young, I was always fascinated by the Tamil language (my mom lived in India when she was younger so she speaks REAL Tamil, not what Malaysian Indians speak)… I find the intonation and expression that people have to put into the language when speaking Tamil very intriguing… contrary to what you hear people speaking here, Tamil is a very soft language with a myriad of expression and emotions expressed thru hand gestures, facial expressions and movements of the eyes… Tamil is the oldest language still spoken, and is most similar to the ancient language of India (Sanskrit)…
My fascination with the Tamil culture isn’t just limited to their food and language, the aspect of Tamil culture that impresses me most is their classical dances, the Bharatanatyam… The degree of control the dancers command is nothing less than perfection… every time I watch a Bharatanatyam performance, I feels like my souls is liberated… the music that accompanies the dance has a certain quality about them that brings the spectators a sense of tranquility and peace… I often find myself in a paradox, I feel like I’m drifting, and yet I’m very much aware of every movement the dancer makes, and I admire those movements, it’s like a state of trance…
My mom’s 62 this year, I’m thinking of hiring Bharatanatyam dancers for her 70th birthday… Taking into consideration the time I’ll be going off for my studies, I’ll have around 5 to 6 years to work and amass money to hire the dancers (first choice would be to get it from India)… I’m sure my mom will be entertained and touched by this gift I plan to give her… naturally I’m going to cater food from this really good Southern Indian restaurant I found in Penang (well that’s the plan for now, lots of time to change the plan)… for my mom I plan to serve masalla dhosai with chicken tikka masalla, bendi masalla, palat paneer and alu gobhi…
For everyone else dhosais with vegetarian accompaniments… ah yes, Indian and Punjabi Sweets all round, especially gulab jamun…
Since I was young, I was always fascinated by the Tamil language (my mom lived in India when she was younger so she speaks REAL Tamil, not what Malaysian Indians speak)… I find the intonation and expression that people have to put into the language when speaking Tamil very intriguing… contrary to what you hear people speaking here, Tamil is a very soft language with a myriad of expression and emotions expressed thru hand gestures, facial expressions and movements of the eyes… Tamil is the oldest language still spoken, and is most similar to the ancient language of India (Sanskrit)…
My fascination with the Tamil culture isn’t just limited to their food and language, the aspect of Tamil culture that impresses me most is their classical dances, the Bharatanatyam… The degree of control the dancers command is nothing less than perfection… every time I watch a Bharatanatyam performance, I feels like my souls is liberated… the music that accompanies the dance has a certain quality about them that brings the spectators a sense of tranquility and peace… I often find myself in a paradox, I feel like I’m drifting, and yet I’m very much aware of every movement the dancer makes, and I admire those movements, it’s like a state of trance…
My mom’s 62 this year, I’m thinking of hiring Bharatanatyam dancers for her 70th birthday… Taking into consideration the time I’ll be going off for my studies, I’ll have around 5 to 6 years to work and amass money to hire the dancers (first choice would be to get it from India)… I’m sure my mom will be entertained and touched by this gift I plan to give her… naturally I’m going to cater food from this really good Southern Indian restaurant I found in Penang (well that’s the plan for now, lots of time to change the plan)… for my mom I plan to serve masalla dhosai with chicken tikka masalla, bendi masalla, palat paneer and alu gobhi…
For everyone else dhosais with vegetarian accompaniments… ah yes, Indian and Punjabi Sweets all round, especially gulab jamun…
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