"Wan Zi Qian Hong" ( million purple thousand red) is the name the Chinese calls these beautiful little flowers. Especially around this Chinese New Year season... these tiny symbols of abundance of wealth and prosperity are most befitting.
"Million purple"... and I am thinking of a giant garden of lavender blooms... calming and relaxing.
"Thousand red"... luck, red packets of money, and gold coins come to my mind. Wealth that easily comes into our lives...and easily disappears into thin air.
Therefore, this new year of 2014, and with Chinese New Year around the corner, I wish everyone ever-lasting abundance of good health. These little beauties clearly reminded me that health is of far greater importance than wealth.
A Nursery Rhyme by Wayne Fields
The best 6 doctors anywhere, and no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
These 6 will glad you attend, if only you are willing
Your mind they'll ease, your will they'll mend
And charge you not a shilling!
The first wealth is health. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Admit it! Wouldn't life be a lot happier if we didn't have to battle with illnesses and other health challenges... wishful thinking of course, because some of us are unfortunate to have to go through health obstacles in life. Nevertheless, let us all at least be conscious enough to choose a healthy and positive way of going on with our lives.
The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude. (Oprah Winfrey)
Optimism is the most important human trait, because it allows us to evolve our ideas, to improve our situation, and to hope for a better tomorrow. (Seth Godin)
Reflecting...
I look back at 2013 and I have no idea how I went through all 365 days and came out in one piece! Fatigued, emotionally drained, cranky, grumpy... get the picture? Still, I never gave up; reminding myself every single day that I have the power to make me happy or unhappy every day. Like my students keep chanting... "Positive vibes! Positive vibes!"
Surprisingly, in the midst of all that, dreams did come true. Wishes were granted. I learnt to live in moments. I took chances. No regrets. Most important of all, I am still the original me. A happier, wiser original me though. And, a happy, wise original me I will continue to be, with God's blessings and care.
Happy new year, everyone!
