The Freedom Manifesto

::Something too true to share::

"Cease controlling things that you cannot control. 
Treasure what you have, and make the most of it. 
If possible, share that with someone that makes a difference in your life. Even better, be the someone that makes a difference. After all, life is short. 
Perhaps leaving a print in someone’s soul is the only way to liberate our existence.

That is, the freedom that we always have, but not necessarily what we always remember.

I have always been free, have you not?

You cannot make someone love you, 
but you can choose to love yourself.

You cannot stop someone from hurting you, 
but you can walk away.

There are things we can control, some we can’t. Cease controlling the uncontrollable. That’s freedom.

Knowing how to stay strangles what you have.
 Knowing when to leave, that’s freedom.

Hm.. What is this thing called, freedom?"

(For those who've left prints in my soul, and those whose souls still bear my trace of existence.)
(And thanks Cathy for the inspiring words)

Departure is the Prelude of Return (for Vivian)

I used to believe in chance, but not anymore. For it undermines our effort way too much.

We fought our way through, didn't we? What we are at this very moment of our life is a succession of the decisions we've made, conscious or unconscious, for better or worse. Nothing is inevitable or impossible.

That's how we met each other. We might not have intended it, but there's something between us that led to our encounter.

We might not be close, but if WE wish, we would.

"be adorned" farewell party 10.11.2006


This is for Vivian. After seven years we met again in London and this is by no means chance. On her way back to where we're from I send her my love for the inspiration and courage she's given me without knowing it.

Our moments shared together in this remote country might be brief, but I believe there will be more.

Because you are a fighter, and you've turned me into one.

I proudly admit my failure to resist

Finally, I can't resist to start off my London blog with this:


a saturday treat | on waterloo bridge


It's 4th Nov, 2006. Nothing special about this date. It's just the strong impulse inside me that I can't help but write - to open up the discourse for my thoughts and feelings, at the expense of my ambitious plan to launch an "impressive" blog, which I always feel I owe a good friend/colleague, Liza, whose farewell line to me is "remember, get us a blog." So Liza, here we go.

So why this strong impulse today? Why didn't it overwhelm me two months ago? (Yes, it's been TWO months. Oh my.) Perhaps all these adventures and discoveries I've had since my arrival have been looking for a way to strike me, and today with the glistening Thames between the magical sunset and the silvery moon they seize the chance.

That strong impulse, I proudly admit my failure to resist, is NOW to share my feast in life with you.

Bon appetit!