Making A Song Of Bruises

Growing up you would probably have had your fair share of bruises brought about, say, when learning to ride a bicycle or skateboard. Then there could be scars sustained from contact sports which you wear as a badge of honour for having won trophies with the team you represented.

Further down there could be heartbreaks which you have undergone and came through, in which case, the Taylor Swift in you could turn them into songs, if you knew how to.

Regardless of your age, you would find yourself getting hurt, misunderstood or unloved. 

When you reach a low point, get some space to reflect and journal your thoughts. Meet up with a loved ones who is known to be an empathic listener to share your feelings and make a connection with him or her to diffuse the tension on the inside of you. Go for a walk in a park and let your mind wonder off to take in the splendor and sound of nature. 

                                                          Photo by Motoki Tonn on Unsplash

  

Regather your thoughts to face the reality of your bruises and decide on an appropriate response to move forward. When you able to do, you will be the stronger for it. Much like the Japanese art of kintsugi (golden rejoining) where broken ceramics are restored with gold-laced epoxy and transformed into an upscaled and high value masterpiece.

Or, as with the following song, "bruises make for better conversation".

Click here for Train - Bruises ft. Ashley Monroe

 

Singapore Stands By You

The pandemic has made this world a bleaker place and it has impacted us in more ways than we were prepared for.

We have learned to adapt and cope by making adjustments and getting vaccinated. This is the indomitable human spirit which was last best seen during World War 2.

So we soldier on and chipped in to make our world a brighter place with whatever we have in our hands. This present darkness is fleeting and it too will come to pass.

In the meanwhile, please stand alongside others to unravel treasures of darkness that stem from hidden human potential to dream again, re-create, re-build and restore our former glory and make it greater.

May the following clip inspire you and let you know that you are not alone.

Click here for Singapore Stands By You.

 

 

So Near and Yet So Far

Overheard, the Olympics is not like your school sports day. It is a rarified contest where qualifying for it is already in itself an achievement. 

For the athletes who overthink the event and let it get to them, it could put a halt to all their preparation and years of hard work. As for the athletes who have undergone more than the normal distribution of hardship, this could actually be a blessing in disguise to help them weather the limelight with a broader perspective and circumspection.

That said, I would like to appeal to sports journalist, in particular, to hold their horses when a medal could be in sight. It would be better to lower the expectation of success for their country's athletes and not raise high hopes for the nation before the golden eggs are hatched. 

An optimistic overture that is not met would crush the hopes of many who are appropriating sporting success. Please hold back and save the champagne for when the medal is obtained.

Photo by Alexander Naglestad on Unsplash

That said, let us savour the golden feats of Sunisa "Suni" Lee and Hidilyn Diaz.

Click here for The Truth About Olympic Gymnast Suni Lee

Click here for Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz wins Philippines' first-ever Olympic gold medal

Click here for The Philippines welcomes home nation’s first Olympic gold medallist, Hidilyn Diaz