The Choice

I've just finished reading Nich's latest novel, The Choice. As always, Nich never fails to bring tears in my eyes. And coincidentally, the way the story started seems almost a reflection of what I'm going through right now - feelings that surpised me especially that sense of familarity that seems comforting, safe somehow. Could it be kismet? Hmm...

Anyway, back to the material. What I wonder is how many of us take the time to ultimately confront ourselves with the most heartwrenching question of all: how far would we go to keep the hope of love alive? Perhaps for some, you would go to great lengths for love, no hesitation at all, just throw caution to the wind and let love lead the way... and for some its just halfway or somewhere familiar. But one thing for certain the saying "should have been better this or that..." seems to ring true for all...

What I'm driving at is that we all have a choice and sometimes the best decisions we have to make comes from the God given gut feel or intuition. We just have to trust ourselves :)

Conspiracy Theory?

"When the power of love overcomes the love for power, the world will know peace." - Sri Chimnoy Ghose

Thanks to Regy for sharing this nice documentary with me. Let the truth prevails...

PS: Happy birthday to Grams, Dad, Aunt Z, Cousin Nurul, KS & Val and if it matters to you, Happy Father's Day!

Dear John

I finally caught up with my leisure reading and literally surprised myself when I finished reading Dear John in a day! There were a few tear-jerking moments, something which Nich has mastered oh so well. I could relate with the moments of anguish when John was at lost for words or his rebellion while growing up (I must say I was a rebel with a cause as well or at least I'd like to think I was!), or when Savannah wrote those beautiful letters to articulate what's happening in her life while apart from John, or the conflicted feeling of letting go (yes its hard but I admire her courage for knowing when its over), etc.

The material advocates that we should never judge a book by its cover (and its not easy to NOT be judgmental) and to give everyone an equal chance regardless of what the outcome would be. And that communication, honesty and trust are the cornerstones of a stable relationship. Allowing the one you love to grow in order to attain his/her greatest potential speaks of your maturity. Sometimes you just know if someone cares for you just by being, without the need to utter those 3 words.

What I find appealing about Nich's writing is that he always tells beautiful stories while creating awareness about a cause that is close to his heart. For example, I also learnt much about Autism and Asperger's syndrome from this material.

In reality, its rare to find someone with a tender heart who is willing to extend that unconditional love, without owning the girl he loves. People - by human definition - tend to be selfish and perhaps this book raises hope that a John Tyree could be for real :)

Sensible Vigilance

"Its the one who slices the bread that controls its distribution on the bread line. You must be able to recognise all the slight-of-hand trickery of the one operating the slicer... to guard yourself from rationing and perhaps even starvation." - Jack Payne

Today I feel obliged to express my thoughts on an important situation that is rampantly on the rise (it's not the first and it would definitely not be the last) and may we all benefit from this sharing from friends and those close to us... It is pertinent that we share our stories so that we reduce the likelihood of such recurrence... we owe it to ourselves to practise and advocate responsible digital citizenship.

Despite technological advances that present an illusion of security, we are as vulnerable as ever to human trickery i.e. con. And human beings - social creatures that we are - are taught from a very early age that helping others is a worthwhile practice, especially those with whom we most identify.

A good practice to protect your own interest is to always document and keep a record of all that is being said. This is important because loop holes would surface due to inconsistent half-truths.

Stay calm and rational at all time (don't be swayed by emotions), listen intently to the 'life story' which always plays out as being a sad one due to a repertoire of well-rehearsed fictions from which to draw what is needed.

Inspect the photos shared, it would typically contain separate images of his 'family members' instead of one where all are in the same photo (its not that hard to use other people's photos and post them as your own these days).

The conman typically zero in fast and furious (red flags and alarms should be ringing so do not shrug them off, always trust your instincts as it is a God-given gift) in this zero sum game with great ruthlessness in the hope to create and maintain control;

He attempts to gain your confidence and trust early on, usually by tugging at your heartstring by way of affection, he uses the "Us against them" tactic, in the hope that you do not listen to those around you (he even has the guts to ask you to disregard your family) but believe him. And if all else fails, in his desperation, he uses emotional blackmail.

As you record all that is being said, never fail to concurrently research your target before making any decision, especially if he requests for financial assistance by painting a desperate scenario of helplessness... Remember, that the problem is his, not your's and any sensible man would first and foremost seek help from those closer to him like family or friends he has known from years back, not someone he just met a week ago, putting you in an awkward position.

Regardless, always protect your own interest first. I agree that in life, you have to give hope a chance but not at your expense so sensible vigilance always wins as its better to err on the side of caution. I have to thank family and close friends who have been supportive in giving me sound advice. You know who you are :)

In retrospect, I never fail to turn to God, seeking Almighty's guidance ... perhaps this is a test of my love for God above all. And deep down, I feel at peace. Whenever you make a decision for the love of God, it is always the right one. Ameen!