Tip 261: Longevity is what you choose

Choose to believe that you can take charge of your health. Take action to correct any illness when you see the symptoms early. Dr Joseph Maroon in his book "Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life" said, "We still have not reached the limit of human longevity & that an average healthy lifespan may soon be 100-120 years for many people". We are living in a more toxic and polluted environment, yet we have been granted the grace to discover the science of longevity and should combat our illness and pollution with super antioxidants like Resveratrol.

When I first started work, I travelled quite a bit and developed some rashes but did not visit a dermatologist. After a few visits, I got discouraged with the long wait time and expensive consultation to get the prescription drug and was in constant short supply of the drug. I thought it will get better over time or I need not spend money and time for my health. I was proven wrong and my eczema or Pityriasis Lichenoide Chronica condition spread all over my body and I had to depend on higher dosages of a drug MTX which has side effects on the liver. I battled this for 10 years until I discovered the anti-oxidant Reserve which contains 150 bottles of red wine in 1 sachet or highly absorbable Resveratrol.

I had tried many other treatments such as PUVA, regular 3 times a week ultraviolet phototheraphy for 1 year, less harmful drugs like Dapsone but nothing worked which increased my anxiety and stress. Now I found a natural fruit gel RESERVE™ from Jeunesse that builds my immune system, activates the SirT1 (anti aging longevity gene) and SirT2 by up to 30%. It aids in natural cellular DNA repair caused by free radicals, protecting cells against the dangers caused by a polluted environment. I choose Longevity at the cost of merely SGD120 a month. Click on the link http://lifenewcreation.blogspot.sg/ to find out more. You deserve better.

(Photos show my daughter at one of my birthday dinners at home in Singapore)

Tip 260: Art stimulates creativity

A daddy's proud moment is the convenience of having a display of art that you did not purchase from an art gallery. After a long day at work, I lay at the sofa and admire the work of my daughter - priceless moments! It is better than possessing art by others worth millions, as you knew the full history of your kids' art.

I have seen how Haruka's concept of art progresses over time. In the beginning, I was a little impatient when I saw her colouring outside the boundaries of pictures. I held her hand to teach her the right way. Then I realized it is a natural tendency of learning. Time spent with her will be productive only to a certain extent till she establishes her own knowledge base of what is pleasing for her.

Someone once told me not to send a child to art classes as they would need to develop their own sense of art. I think this is an inconsequential decision since the decision lies with the child on what to absorb and what to explore. I realized Haruka later found her own path to enjoy exploring new ways of expressing herself in art. She began to creatively explore different methods of art, shades of colours, thick and light strokes, designs and ways to draw people portraits. She creates something new each time.

I notice Haruka having a deeper appreciation of different modes of art whenever we see different paintings or products of art workshops. She has interest to participate and watch others create different artistic works. I took her to a small art gallery in a shopping mall and she was observing the different displays. She then applies it as she judges what is pleasing to her eyes and tries to improvise. That is creativity in action.


It is always refreshing to learn about the learning process. Reflection on action, stimulates better action through learning. The more art the child produces, the child inculcates creativity if he/she truly enjoys the learning. Encouragement and time spent with the child can go a long way to keep the interest for creativity to develop.














(Photos show Japanese church camp at Johor, Malaysia Nov 2011).

Tip 259: Live to Worship God

I have returned to my joy and reason of living which is to worship God, my Creator. Not to worship myself, the people I love or the idea of making this world a better place and live for others. Not even to merely live for my family. There is a miracle of life when being in awe of God, trusting God and saying, "Yes, I will do whatever you want of me and acknowledge you as my God". It is never easy to say that. Abraham said that to God when God asked him to bring his son to be sacrificed. It must have felt so troubling and must be one of life's most challenging dilemma. Giving up all you have for God. I encountered that question when I was 16 years old and my answer pleased God. He could search my heart and knew that my love was sacrificial. And God remembered as He did Abraham's love. It served as an altar between me and God for both of us to remember.

It does seem crazy to live your life for some One else. Why not live each day for yourself? Yet, as we trust the Almighty, we only seek to discover life's joy and pleasure. It is the thrill of knowing God and knowing He knows you. God's knowledge of you is beyond skin deep. It is trusting that all your needs are met and as you delight in God, even your desires are fulfilled as who better to know you than your Creator.

Throughout our spiritual journey with God, we may utter how important God is in our life. But at certain episodes in that journey, we may come to a crossroad where we are faced with the choice of just living for ourselves, or acknowledging that only God matters. Yet, God understands if we are not ready, but greater joy and blessing comes to those who say yes.

It is a paradox that when God seeks us to give, it is for Him to reveal our lack and to point us to His provision. God is not selfish but is Love. Abraham was stopped to sacrifice his son, as the lamb was provided. I was not short changed when I chose serving God over my studies. As Jesus asked the Samaritan woman to serve her water, it was Jesus who provided the living water. The water from the well that we can draw upon will not be what God has planned for our lives. Never guess the ways of God to bless us. The question is are we willing to live our lives to honor Him? Do we value God in our lives? Are we truly convinced that God is worth it? Do we have faith to go to the next level of our relationship with God? Are we ready for a paradigm shift that only God's purposes matter, not our efforts? It can be scary to give away the little we have. Yet, God's provision is immense to supply all our needs.


The lyrics by Wayne and Cathy Perrin sums it best.
When I look into your holiness, when I gaze into your loveliness,
When all things that surround become shadows in the light of you.
I worship you, the reason I live is to worship you.
When I've found the joy of reaching your heart, when my will becomes enthralled in your love,

To human is to err. It will be difficult to be faithful to God, no matter how bright and awesome His love for us. Pride seeps in when God blesses us with our heart's desires. Yet, at every opportunity when God reaches out to you, say yes and God remembers. He will not forsake you and will bring you back into the fold where you may never thirst again. You will again recognize the Shepherd's voice and feel safe in His leading.

(Photos show Sayaka at 4 and 7 months old and at 10 months old at a church camp in Johor in Oct 2011).

Tip 254: Letter to 1 year old Sayaka

Dear my darling Sayaka,

It is daddy's life great moments to witness your one year of innocent joyful embrace of life as a baby. You were always brimming with zest right from the start. You enjoyed daddy's early exercises with you as an infant. You looked forward to the burst of energy jumping or springing yourself to new forms of action. Yet, you had always given daddy and mummy the assurance that you knew what you were doing. You never outstretched yourself to unreasonable danger. You would consciously reduce your energy levels at the right time and rest when you had to. Yet, whenever possible, you never failed to leave a cheerful smile. Your generosity to cheer others was an encouragement to daddy. It is your natural instinct to want to display the light that God has put in you. Please never ever hide it as that is the special light of joy.

Daddy was blessed each day to hear your shouts of joy each time daddy was back from a long day's of work. As you begin to learn to crawl and walk, you would even spring towards the door to greet daddy. You express yourself through a natural spring of unquenchable joy.

Oh how, I pray that this reservoir has unlimited capacity and be maintained for the many years to come and not be polluted by life's stress and pain. You give daddy so many generous unreserved hugs that daddy cherish so much. When daddy is busy working, you would come to daddy with your cheerful shout and give a hug to me. I will keep these fond memories forever.

 

Daddy began to notice your keen interest to want daddy to read a book to you. You would make the effort to bring a book to daddy. If you want something, you would not hesitate to point it out to daddy when you have learnt the art of pointing and nodding as daddy first showed you. You felt satisfied when you got to express yourself and someone dear to you understood you.

Right from birth, your eyes twinkled and you waved a sign of peace. I am thankful that you are a gift from God as you were easy to take care of. You had no trouble sleeping or eating. You received whatever given to you with open hands. If you continue this trait of being content and being joyful always, you will be able to seize life with all its glory and explore the beauties that God has in store for you. Please do not give up. Please do not get discouraged. I am very confident you will one day learn to master it at any age and truly be a master of the life God has intended for you.

Love, Papa.

(Photos show Sayaka at her 1 year old photo taking session and birthday at Mozza Pizzeria, Marina Bay Sands).

Tip 253: Thinking about Investing

I previously blogged about investing by coining 2 different acronyms: R.I.C.H. (relates to the general principles in making successful decisions)

and I.N.V.E.S.T (relates to the investment concepts we should be aware when deciding on various options)

.The above covers both a guiding compass and a technical manual which is sufficient for me to start investing. But each of us are different and maybe many others do not jump into investing as easily as me (which can be good sometimes).

A friend on Facebook asked me about my thoughts on investing and how I go about deciding on investments. Yes, there is a gap between where you are at now, and when you finally hold a compass and use a manual in your treks at the investment jungle.

Yet, it is not very different from a decision to start a fitness exercise plan for example, or even the decision to look for a job rather than stay at home to watch TV. It seems hard when we have little information, or feel less confident since we assume a difficult hurdle lies ahead of

us, or assume it takes too much time getting involved and decided to have the easy way out, of not doing anything.

Like keeping fit, investments are necessary. I want to urge you to think deeper about the value of your savings in the next 15 years. Investment does not entail taking huge risks. It merely requires investing time in thinking about your future. As you have asked that question and wondered if you have done enough in investing, the next step is to sit down one weekend or one quiet evening to draw up a fitness plan for your money and earnings.

Ask yourself if you are saving enough? Are you

you diversifying some of that savings into more risky yet higher returns? Would you want to start building up savings to purchase a property and how much percentage of your investment portfolio ought to be in property?

Do you need money for the next 5-15 years and if that savings can be put aside for more risky investment plans that invest in equity?

You are the master of your own future. Even if you are married, you need to set aside an individual plan that TAKES CARE OF YOU. It is best you gather some thoughts even before meeting a financial planner, so you can be sure of what suits you best. Be sure not to be

lured into making large investments that are not diversified.

You may want to consider both a rabbit hunt and an elephant hunt. A rabbit hunt is a regular, daily, weekly or monthly affair where you bring food to the table. This can be interest gained from local or foreign deposits, rent, dividends from stable equities or short term trading profit. You get investment returns regularly to know your money is working for you. Even if your other investments fail, you have a steady plan that would not make you rich, but sufficient for the next few years.

An elephant hunt is a once a year or once every 5-15 years occasion where you celebrate in a feast for the successful sale of a property, a business, a long term regular savings plan or equities you bought at very cheap prices as you know their hidden potential in reaping a large gain such as holding on to Apple stocks at USD12 for 20 years till it holds an exorbitant value of USD490. You should plan for both a tactical short term fitness regime for your savings, as well as a long term strategic plan.

Next, reflect and keep a diary. Do not make impulsive decisions. Make investing a beautiful experience like any other activity that you pursue. By attributing more meaning and thoughts to each action, you appreciate the activity more. When you enjoy learning and participating in your investment decisions, you begin to get better at it. Write down what you purchased, why you purchased it or even take a photo of your initial investment plan or equity purchased. Make it a personal and meaningful activity rather than a click of a mouse of an investment transaction. Like all things, when you give it some thought, you put your heart, soul and mind into it, you gain fruits from the toil of your labor.

This may seem common sense principles, but the first step is to think and then act. Then, you begin to get more experience and begin appreciating the use of your own compass and manuals that you begin to discover along the way. Happy investing! Happy dragon year 2012 to all my friends and loyal blog readers!

(Photos show me being the top 5 participants in a ballroom of more than 1000 Singaporeans who won an autographed book from New Yorker Dr. Alexander Elder in his investment seminar. Also photos of my daughters in Tokyo, at their previous favorite playgroup at Kagurazaka and at Shinjuku Isetan and a Japanese bookstore. Also Sayaka's 1 year old birthday at Pizzeria Mozza. Also a video featuring Sayaka's joy in learning to enter a block.).

Tip 252: Eat a work of art

As I enter Tanjung Pagar Complex, a hawker center in Singapore, even from a distance I can hear the sound of wok clanging. It is however but from one stall that echoes through the whole complex.

The cook is dedicated to ensure every single strand of noodle of his char kway teow dish is fried evenly as he tosses and turns the noodles. Even when there is a long queue of customers, it does not stop him from concentrating on his craft on each and every plate cooked to perfection. He does not believe in cooking a few dishes together in one wok, even when the wok is large enough or if certain customers order the same dish.

While I am unsure if this is the best char kway teow stall in Singapore, I certainly appreciate every ounce of dedication put into the noodles. The blend of prawns, oil, egg, Chinese sausage and chili absorbs evenly into the noodles, together with a simmer of lime makes it just right for my palate - the umami after taste. For SGD2.50 a dish, his passion is beyond monetary value.

Another place I enjoy appreciating a work of fine craftsmanship in food is at the Jalan Berseh Ice Kachang (shaved ice) stall. The owner is a humble man who does not believe in placing awards at his stall, even when he has a steady flow of customers when he starts opening the stall at noon. He has a winning ice shaver machine that shaves the finest ice I have ever tasted. If I could be his consultant, I will re-brand his SGD1.20 ice kachang to Snow Ice delights and charge double or triple the price as its a differentiator from the rest :)

But, again the best dishes do not depend on a wok or a machine. The attention to detail rest in how his hand churns the bowl to precisely capture the shaved ice and how he garnishes this dessert with the right amount of milk, syrup and other condiments such as corn, red beans, kidney beans and attap chee.

After a few visits, I was curious on the secret of the distinct aromatic taste of the syrup. It has the right level of sweetness and a natural taste to it. I enquired from the owner and he said he does not buy it from suppliers, but makes the syrup from natural ingredients. This must be the reason many customers can taste the difference and even after the lunch time crowd leaves, this is the only dessert stall that never stops churning its machine.

Only between 5-8pm, I can get this refreshing desert quick enough to relieve the stress of work. As I ponder upon such excellent workmanship, I aspire to plan for my next day’s work with hopefully the same rigor, passion and drive to excellence and craftsmanship as these two cooks.

(Top photo is the Penang Style variant while second is black sauce Seafood Char Kway Teow from second floor of Tanjung Pagar Complex on top of the market. Next is the ice kachang at Jalan Berseh Food Center. Sayaka's first swimming pool experience was during her first church camp held at Palm Resort Le Grandeur Hotel, Senai Johor).

Tip 249: Learning right/wrong early

It is amazing how innocent a baby is. They smile in their sleep so often. They have no worries or cares. Occasionally, they do of course cry for milk, but they have no concern whatsoever. Yet, I believe this begins to change when they begin to recognize their parents and develop an attachment towards them.

The baby's self identity begins to develop as they understand the concept of self and others, as well as the close family circle who cares for them more lovingly. Their curiosity develops and so will the ability to discern right and wrong. The first sense of right and wrong is when the baby decides what is the right or dangerous position to avoid pain or to enjoy comfort. The baby will try out different positions and learn its surroundings and understand its pain receptors. As they esteem their parents who feed them, they begin to attribute trust if their parents will further teach them how to enjoy more comfort or avoid danger.

The crucial window to teach right and wrong starts when the baby observes you and develops trust. This I believe can happen as early as 4 months old. The baby may not respond to any teaching, but they may remember. Start by teaching a body language for yes or of approval, such as by nodding your head and smile. For negative or undesirable behaviour, shake your head, frown or signal your finger or palm to demonstrate disapproval. Do this whenever you want to encourage or discourage a certain behaviour.

You can try it when the baby cries or when the baby wants to taste a certain food even if the baby seem not to understand. When you start using these body languages early, the baby will have already learnt them. When it comes to the time when the baby crawls, these body languages will be very useful to discourage the baby from going to certain areas. Or when the baby wants milk or food, they could express it to you by herself even if she does not speak yet.

I was pleasantly impressed one day when Sayaka at 6 months old, nods her head when she saw me eating a banana. By being able to express herself, her self esteem improves as she feels happy being able to communicate even without speaking or developing a vocabulary yet other than papa or mama.

She also begins to associate the word No as opposite to Yes, and would stop any undesirable behaviour slowly when I begin to express disapproval. When daddy can communicate with baby, it is the best feeling ever.

(Photos show the girls at a birthday party, scenes from the Singapore Art Museum and Sayaka's first mirror room experience there).