Reminder to Self : 25 Nabi/Rasul

The Road Less Travelled

Why Robert Frost took the road less traveled by Andy Anderson at www.backpackingdiplomacy.com

“The two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference.”- Robert Frost (The road not taken)

After reading this poem a few times, it is right for one to wonder what exactly Frost was thinking when he etched these simple yet convincing words onto his paper.  This poem has become a source of inspiration for millions who look to his words as a way of being ‘adventurous’.  I think that Frost’s message for us goes deeper than just adventure.  I think that he realized much about life, and the path that it has set for us.

The above excerpt presents the reader with a choice between two separate paths.  Both leading to different outcomes.  The first path, the most taken.  Is trusted, tried, and true.  We know that it is safe, and leads to ease of living.  The second path, is not tested.  Few take the path because there are unforeseen obstacles lurking in the shadows.

Frost, expressed how he took the road less taken.  One he knew would be more difficult.  One he knew would have ups and downs.  One he also knew would be an adventure.  A journey of a life.

I find his concluding statement in that sentence to be the most inspiring.  ”That has made all the difference.”  To me, Frost’s statement here is a statement of rejoice.  Expressing gratitude for all the turmoil and challenges that life has thrown at him.  He could have lived the easy life, he could have settled for something less, but he didn’t.  He went above and beyond.  He tested himself, and he was a better man for it.

Frost is known for the last two lines of his poem, but there are other great one liners, such as “long I stood” or “sorry that I could not travel both.” Even the two lines, “Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back,” express his deepest thoughts and convictions.  See, I think that Frost knew the consequences of his decision.  Every life decision has consequences.  He stood long pondering for he knew that his decision would be final.  We cannot choose two paths in life.  We must choose the one we see fit and do our best to make it work.  As he said, “way leads on to way,” not everything in life is an end, but everything builds off of something else.  He also knew that once he exposed himself to the untamed, he’d never be able to return to simplicity.

In many ways, I think that travelers face the same dilemmas.  We are often torn between choosing a life path that best suits us.  On the one hand, we see what average people in society do. On the other, we see a destiny of dreams before us.  We see everything that we have ever dreamed of being and more.  It is just often difficult to work towards, which is why we ‘stand’ for so “long” pondering our outcomes.  When we pursue our dreams at full speed, we know that we can never return.  We can never recapture the simplicity and innocence of life.  We are exposed to a different dimension.  We doubt if we should ever come back.

Frost’s message is a powerful one.  The two paths can represent a number of things metaphorically.  Perhaps, Frost knew that pursuing the more traveled road would be living someone else’s life.  Not his own.

He realized that life wouldn’t be as easy.  He knew that there would be new challenges and obstacles along the way.  Frost also knew that his new path would lead to personal glory.  He realized what few ever do: true freedom comes only from living your own path.

                    

Traditional Medicine

                 

The Last Goodbyes

Every year there is this Convention that I used to organise for my department and this year I was invited as a guest for the dinner. It sure was good to be seated and not worry about the running of the event for a change. Organising such a big event is no easy feat. 

I was initially nervous about attending the dinner as there will be a special mention about my retirement. I was afraid that I would embarrass myself by crying on stage in front of 700 people. But alhamdulillah, I was cool and composed even to my own surprise. It must be to the fireworks that accompany the food presentation by the resort. I just love fireworks. And it must have set my mood right. Anyway, I didn't want to miss this event as this is my last opportunity to meet so many people before I make my final exit from TM. All those people who used to work with me especially from the states.

 

Some people have asked what I plan to do next. And some have even kindly commented that I didn't have to leave as I can still contribute to the company. Well, my priorities and focus have changed over the last couple of years and the reason events. And I must say that I can certainly contribute in my ways out there. Its time to give back to the society. Who knows we will still be working on a common ground again some day!

Just want to thank everyone for the lovely time. The wonderful words. The beautiful gifts. And the promise of continuous friendship.

Doa kan saya agar di beri kesihatan yang sempurna, rezeki yang halal dan ilmu pengetahuan yang menafaatkan.

Aameen.

Trip to Hong Kong

Well. What can I say. I have to admit that I had fun. 

Hong kong has never appealed to me as a holiday destination before. I think of China and Singapore rolled into one and pushed the country way at the bottom of my holiday list. 

But I have asked my girls to choose where they wanted to go and Hongkong was on top of their list. They wanted to go  and see a real life panda. And go on the rides in Disneyland and Ocean Park.

And so Hong Kong it was.

I must say that it has been a rather interesting trip and a pleasant brand new experience. 

And contrary to some it is a good time to go during the Chinese New Year as there were more events apart from the usual attraction and tourist destination. Like the spectacular Lunar Year fireworks at the Victoria Harbour. There was also the annual New Year Parade with floats and stuff but we missed it. That must have been colourful. But of course there were huge crowds which we have to put up with.

What do I like about Hong Kong? The variety of activities within travelling distance. The excellent MTR, the transport system. The clean public restroom. Every place that we went has its unique attraction. And also it's only 3.5 hours flight from Kuala Lumpur.

                             

But my most memorable take away from this trip was the time I spent with my girls. Its our first trip together since their father passed away. I was just so happy to see them excited to see a real life panda for the first time and enjoyed the thrilling rides. Their beaming faces when they wore the mickey hat or the panda hat will stay in my mind for a long time. 

I feel truly blessed and grateful that my two girls have a lot of care and respect for each other. It made me feel secure and warm inside with the fact that they not only have me to depend on but they also have each other. Allah is Great! 

And I can still hear my late husband words saying a few weeks before he died that "we have good kids...". Yup. We do. Alhamdulillah.

Semuga Allah menjadikan anak2 kita anak yg solehah

Anak2 yg sentiasa beriman dan bertaqwa kepada Mu ya Rahman

Dan beramal ibadat kerana Mu ya Rahim

Aameen.

Feel the Love

Finally the day came. Yesterday was the last day I was in the office. I have done my rounds seing people whom I need to bid farewell to (except one. I have to come back for that for sure).

And I have visits from fast friends and some old friends too. Thank you so much all of you sweet and lovely people!

The last week I was in TM will definitely be among my sweetest memories whenever I look back. Despite the goodbyes and tears I could feel all the love which has beought my spirit up. It also has brought more tears as a result. But I will certainly treasure these moments *sniff*

And I shall treasure the wonderful gifts too because I know they come from their hearts. *hugs*

There is no words that can express how I feel right now. All I can say is, Alhamdulillah, I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people. And I pray that the friendship will last a life time as well as the hereafter. Aameen.

 

True Friends

I have started meeting people in the office, former bosses and colleagues, to say good bye and au revoir. Its heartwarming that everyone has wished me well. And especially so that some of the younger ones expressed how they feel about how I have helped and motivated them sometime in their live. 

Those are the treasured moments that I shall take away with me. Much much later I am sure that I will recall the lives that I have touched rather than the success that I have achieved. 

Anyway, a friend sent me the quote below which I found so very true. After all she has been exactly that. A true friend. Whom I hardly ever meet on a regular basis some time years but still stay in touch and yet she came running when in times of need. 

May Allah bless all my friends and keep them safe in this world and gives them happiness in this world and the hereafter...

Aameen.