Bye 2011, Holla 2012! :)

It took me a really long time to realise that who I am is a LOT better than the person I thought I had to be for others who dont matter anymore.

Seeing my true self grow and glow and to become a better person through out this year is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen unfold through my eyes. We all should get a chance to see ourself glow, don't you think so?

It's incredible the things you can achieve & do when you realise that YOU ARE UNIQUE! I am ME, and I never ever want to change that.

God made me the way I am for a reason, so I can make the world a more beautiful place in my own special way. I thank Him for everything. For an amazing family, for great friends along the road of life, for the great times in life, for the pains and hurdles that hurt, for the knowledge and lessons we learned, and after all I thank Him for letting me choose my way of living life. What I choose to do all the time is to smile.

Yes,SMILE my dear people! SMILE for me, SMILE for yourself, and SMILE for those around you. Open your eyes and inspire people. You would be surprised how much you can inspire somebody by just being you, by just being REAL! Put in mind, that SMILE is the only curve that makes every single thing right. :)

You know what I think? I think we are all unique and special in our own way. There is something that makes us different from each and every one of us. And thats our identity! Never change,just be YOU-nique.

I'm personally looking forward to this new year and of course to the better me. Waving "Bye" to 2011 made me look back at things that happened, the people I met, the decisions I made, the changes that happened, the bad habits I gave up, the good things I picked up, the wishes that came true, the prayers thats been answered and the success that I've gained through out the year.

This is the year I really grew as person and I'm thankful for this. I had both,good and bad days. What I learned is that good days gave me memories and bad days gave me lessons. Both are essential. My 2011 was an essential year and I thank Him for every bit of it.



2012 is in less than 48 hours. Made your resolutions already? I've made mine.

Its going to be a long,tough year for me. The SPM is to come in no time, and I'm sort of worried about it. I'm not sure is it me or the people around? When I say I'm 17, they give me a half smile and say, "Ooh, so you're sitting for SPM this year?" How am I not to be worried about SPM if every Tom,Dick and Harry says that to me? All I could probably do is to talk to myself. Probably quote the movie 3 Idiots, "Pursue excellence, and success will follow" to convince myself and give me more courage to see the year. That's how I'll be welcoming 2012 I guess.

Lets all welcome 2012 with a warm heart and smile, hoping that it becomes a more than essential year with all the new year resolutions and changes we have all made. Smile, say Aal Izz Well and let life move on!

Happy New Year my dear people. Have a splendid new year ahead!

Signing off with new resolutions for year 2012,
Lyana.

Girly Much??

It's a dog eat dog world, they say. Nahh. It's a girl eat girl world. Make the amendments, please!

I want to know, from all the girls out there. What sort of pleasure or satisfaction does all this overrated-girly-attitude gives you.

Overrated thing girls do which I don’t understand!

• Saying 'hiiiiiiii!!!' instead of 'HI'. That too, in that abhorrent whining tone?
• Spending time, rather killing time at beauty salons just to make sure that all their nails are of equal length and they turn effulgent? (Would they? I doubt).
• Being overly obsessed with the color pink.
• Sulking. Just because their boyfriend hasn't buzzed them since. Er…13 minutes and 24 seconds!?
• Brushing. Brushing and combing their hair every now and then.
• Spending hours in front of the mirror just to hide a zit, minus any guilt.
• Always being late. They need more time to dress up for the party. (Now, don't the guys want an answer to this since an eternity?)

Most of all, trying to win a race against other girls: a race that doesn't even exist. A boy can be a girl's best friend. A girl cannot be. If there is a set as such, pretentious is the word. Unless, you can assure yourself a 100% that you are not pretending in your friendship. 

What do you exactly gain by looking better than another friend of yours at a party? A one night stand, maybe? And also, what do you get by impressing your best friends boyfriend? A green-eyed monster under the label of a 'best friend', maybe?

Most of you, in fact all of you will for sure have an opinion about me by the time you even start reading this post: Why am I being a hypocrite? No, I am not.

I am one of those girls who pick up their clothes from the men's section that too, a size larger. Even that rarely happens. And I don't break into a sweat of panic just because my nail polish chipped. Neither am I constantly dipped into the thought that I need to lose an inch on my waist just because I have a date tomorrow. Nor finding the necessity of applying inches of make-up each time leaving the house, that counts going to the 7-Eleven down the street too!

Personally, I think all them girls went too far. Their jeans got too low, their tops got too see-through. I think that sexy is keeping yourself mysterious. I'm really an old-fashioned girl, and I'm totally proud of my way. Old-fashioned. 

Despite being a girl, I fail to understand these girls. What sort of pleasure do these acts give you? What is the delight that comes along with all of these? (Un)fortunately, I am never going to get an answer to this. Why don't they atleast understand that there are guys out there with brains, who do like girls with brains more than girls with matching nail paints?? Speaking about nail paints, I'm a epic failure when it comes to filing my nails, or even painting it.

I sometimes ask myself, "Do women like me exist?" 

Harimau Muda

(They are awesome!)

21/11/2011 was indeed a meaningful day to us, Malaysians. Sea Games!

Malaysia- Indonesia! Tough game with mixed feelings and emotions! I saw people crying before the final result was even predicted! Stressed, excited, overjoyed! All sorta feelings! And I'm still excited as I write this out. :D

You never know what it is like to watch football matches, till the second you get your ass on the couch, hoping for a goal from your team, whispering silent prayers to yourself, with your hands getting all numb! The moment of glory when the goal strikes, and all you do is to scream your heart out, do the happy dance and sing anything to do with the game! At least, that's what I do.

Back to the game, it was a very tough one. Scary moments every now and then. Tricks that left huge question marks. Offsides that we first loved, then hated. Ong Kim Swee’s priceless expression! I was overjoyed.

But, there was something I wasn’t happy of. You know what beats me? The fact that even our own people puts our players down. I saw discouraging comments via Facebook and Twitter which made my smile turn upside down. All I wanted to question is where is the moral support that we all should be giving? We all want the Tigers or better known as the “Harimau Muda” to win the match. Then why discourage?

Even sadder, is that, all those discouraging comments came from well known public figures. Yes, local artists. Being a public figure, they should at least show some fake appreciation and support. Yes, again I mean, FAKE it! Even personally if you think it WAS not possible for the Tigers to win, do not publish anything via social networks.

What I came across Facebook was a status update saying that the particular person’s instinct says that the score is to be Indonesia 3 and Malaysia 1. Bad innit? Why is that you don’t have the faith in your own people than you have in the opposition?

And then another local artist on Twitter came up with two tweets.

The first one reads: “There goes 2 tigers crash into each other! #harimaumalaya come on la! Don't play like clumsy smurfs la!”… He just topped it up to the annoyance I had towards the Garuda’s. And all I could do is to mutter some “nice” words.

The second tweet proved his “intelligence”. For God sake, he tweeted asking “Why they never show #harimaumalaya coach Rajagopal at all?” I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. You talk big, and then you ask such a silly question? Incase if anyone of you are not aware of the answer, the mere fact of Rajagopal not being there is because, this is the youth team playing. Under 30 years of age which is coached by Ong Kim Swee! Now you know why they say the empty cans makes more noise?

Then came the moment of joy and victory when we scored the goal, which made us the hero of that night! And I was over-joyed! Watched the match at home with my brothers, end we ended up dancing after the victory. Over-whelmed moment! Screamed my heart out when our hero received the trophy! Its just a wonderful-sport-spirited-moment!

I just wish that people, especially public figures to be a little supportive and give in your full support for the team. Its easy to sit here and type your “predictions”. Yeah, we need more Paul’s. Get your ass on the ground and do what they are doing. Then voice up!

I don’t care if you think I’m a hypocrite for supporting the Tigers and writing this out, all I know is that they deserve full support and love from each and every one of us. Unless you’re a fanatic, then please don’t voice out your opinions. Its social network and people around the world are reading it. Embarrassing innit for others to see such views from the insiders?

However, a special congratulations and thanks a million to Khairul Fahmi Che Mat and Badrool Bakhtiar, credits to you both for your hard work and sacrifice. Our national goal keeper! Man, wasn’t he good! Im still in awe watching him! Watching him perform that way was just INCREDIBLE! I am soo proud of him! Proud of Harimau Muda, and proud of all those who had faith in them!

Even though, we had a few of them with yellow cards every now and then. Then, Gurusamy and Thamil was no where to be seen on the second half. But here he is. Isn’t Fahmi a stunner! And,doesn’t he look tad bit Chinese? *raises eyebrows* I wonder what his parentage is. Oh well!! We’ve gotta congratulate our boys! Congrats,Harimau Malaya, I’m proud of you. Very proud actually. You’ll have my support from now onwards!

With lotsa love, supporter of Harimau Muda, Lyana.

Elderly? Matured? Or Just Old?

As they start growing older; their hair turns grey, their eyes become smaller, their skin wrinkles and their eye sight gets shorter. But their wisdom doesn't reduce nor does their experience shrink. Then, why is it that they become dependent when they should be more independent; for they have survived the good and the bad and have travelled for miles & miles and have reached their destination successfully.

 Everybody needs attention and so do they. But they stop getting it as its human tendency to look up to the rising sun than otherwise and this fear of becoming non-existent makes them weak and insecured. Everybody likes to be loved and cared for so why should they be any different. We fail to realize this and feel sometimes that they have already got what they needed to till now; and now its our turn. Its all so confusing right??

 The gap between the new and old, the differences in opinion, the ideology of freshness. I would not say that I have figured out a solution for this but what's more important is, that I have realized it. The mantra, I feel, would be to treat all equal. To step into others' shoes and foresee the situation always helps. Any day they have lived longer than we have, they have seen much more than we have, they have done a lot more than we ever have.

 So its better to give them the credit for it; for they truly have survived the word called 'LIFE' and have lived only to make this world a better place for us. Old folks home is certainly NOT where they belong to. All they deserve is way better than being sent to a old folks home. They deserve a whole lot of care,love and respect. Nothing much, nothing less.

 “Old age is not a disease - it is strength and survivorship, triumph over all kinds of vicissitudes and disappointments, trials and illnesses.” - Maggie Kuhn

 With lots of love, Lyana.

The Self Proclaimed Critic

I recently read this on Twitter. “Anyone with access to the Internet turns a critic”

I’m not against people voicing out their opinion, or against critics ( Yes, It’s their job after all. They get paid for it). I’m talking about those lazy ones, who find it difficult to get their work done as per schedule and finally resort to Facebook, Twitter and You-Tube(And Torrents to download movies), spend their day slouched in front of their laptops and comment (In no way even remotely related to a Review) in the most absurd way possible. Then there are a few others who would want to be seen as someone who has a different opinion (desperate to gain attention) and would go to any extent just, just for the sake of opposing the general opinion.

I have a question to ask these people. Before that let me clarify that I’m not against those people who just happen to have a different opinion from the rest. I agree that in reality, despite the “General Opinion” Not everyone will like a particular brand (movie/book/cuisine). Some people have valid reasons and express their aversion for them. Totally acceptable. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. At least these people take an effort from their part to try watching/ reading/tasting, before they give their opinion.

Now, to the rest, who are critical of everything, just for the sake of it. Would you like it if some random person, you hardly ever knew, threw disgusting comments at you just because he was jobless and thought that would be a great idea for having fun? You might not like it, you might not be bothered or your might pretend that you are not troubled by it, that’s different. No sane person would like to hear someone speak ill of them for no apparent reason. Would you like it if you are ridiculed in front of a million people, when you are the cynosure of all eyes, just because one random person just can’t stand seeing you?

By all means, I do not wish to state that one should never call a spade, a spade. All I’m trying to say is, give your review. List out what you liked about it and what you did not, give your reasons. Know where your limits lie and try not to cross the line and resort to using abusive words and offensive language. The person who is being judged would have put in his utmost and no one works for something knowing it would fail, or puts in effort, wanting it to flop. Everyone wants to succeed and works for it, hoping that the outcome would work in their favour. No one wants to be a disgrace and spoil their reputation. People say, one must never give undue importance to the outcome, but focus on doing their part with perfection. Not everything might turn up the way we want it to. We might start working with something and end up with something else, much better than the original intended outcome. We need to keep improvising.

During my primary schooling year, when I used to bring my report cards to get it signed from dad, he used to sign them without looking at the marks. I used to get upset with this and one day I asked him why he did not bother looking at the marks. All he said was, “I’m looking at your efforts, and I know the amount of hard work you’ve put in. I don’t need to look at the marks/outcome for this”. This was my dad’s way of encouraging me. In a similar way one should learn to appreciate the effort one takes to succeed. No one is successful in everything. If they appear so, they’ve learnt well to convert their failures, as another step, towards reaching their goal.

So much goes into the planning of a movie/book. It is not done over night. So many details and particulars to attend to, which has to be taken care of, to ensure everything runs smooth. And what do we do? With Internet access just a click away, and just for our pleasure, we mock at them. How easy it is, to be sitting at some remote corner and saying such things. How difficult it is to be on field and coordinate the minute details from various sources, simultaneously with just a little time to spare. Next time before you give those rude and insulting comments, just for a minute, pause and think about the efforts of that person. If you were in his place, would you be doing what you are doing now? If something is ridiculously stupid, tell it, not in a demeaning way. After all, even they are human beings.

Signing off, Lyana. :)

Leaves Falling From A Tree

“I don’t know what happened, but the kids took my head and banged it into a metallic pole. I just collapsed, and then all those kids ran away. When I got up, my head was throbbing and bleeding.” - Gurwinder Singh, advocate for the Sikh Youth of New York.

Before I pour out my thoughts about this issue, I’d like to give all my love, thoughts, and prayers to those who struggle with bullying. It’s not something anyone should have to go through, and it just ain’t cool. Love to those who are being bullied & love to those who find the need to bully. Everyone has a story, but to cause pain to another isn’t right.

Upon attending a special program (which I don’t wish to elaborate much about) I had the opportunity to watch an interview of the advocate of Sikh Youth of New York named Gurwinder Singh who has faced racial bullying throughout his education. Imagine going through elementary school being taunted for what you look like to middle school for who you are and high school for what you just simply cannot change. But that’s the thing-we sometimes hit this brick wall thinking maybe if we changed, we wouldn’t be punished by others. During this hardship that many people face, they start to lose a sense of who they are, as Gurwinder did. Gurwinder was bullied and the bullying reached such a peak where he was psychically harmed which led to his decision to become “normal”.


To fit into society’s norms, he cut his hair. As Gurwinder’s hair was cut he wrote, ” I thought of leaves falling from a tree, and a tree doesn’t look good without leaves. The leaves make it look more beautiful.” He didn’t understand the importance of his hair until he realized what he had done and how much value it had to his persona. The story takes an amazing turn when Gurwinder, who still faced bullying even after cutting his hair, realized that his hair was a part of who he is and he wouldn’t change for anyone. After such realization, Gurwinder kept his hair once again and decided to take a stand against bullying. According to Gurwinder, more than 65% of the Sikh youth are bullied in schools and the Sikh Coalition in New York has been working hard to overcome this issue and they have pretty much solved lots of cases. Today, he is helping our youth realize that no one is alone, and there is always help out there if needed. Kudos to him!!


Along with that, I also got another opportunity whereby I was able to sit in a discussion at a local rehab center* (for bullying) amongst 10-12 year old kids about bullying. A group of older kids from the program ran the discussion (which was amazing) and I learned a whole lot. One- I was amazed at how our youth was handling the discussion on their own, Two- I was amazed at how much the youths these days knew about bullying and how to put an end to it, and Three- I was amazed at how willing these kids were to not only keep themselves strong but also to help their peers in their struggle. Such a great idea to have the youth to teach the youth. This kind of system creates the ability for kids to actually take leadership and feel like they can take a big role in society. Shout out to each and every one of them for all their effort.

The discussion started off with an ice-breaking session and then they opened the floor about further discussion about on how they’re facing their bully problems. About 90 percent of the kids sitting in the discussion raised their hands and shared their experiences with bullying. Names called and physical threats were all in the midst of this discussion. A few kids also said that their own teachers have called them names, just adding fuel to the fire. I believe legal action can be taken for this and then I got to know, that an average of 16 teachers per month are reported for bullying (mentally and emotionally) and for racism in Malaysia. …Pure disgust .


But once everyone got to say what they wanted about this topic, pamphlets were handed out about information on how to seek for help and what to do when being bullied.The discussion ended on a high note where the youth left feeling like everyone in the room understood each other, and I felt like that was one of the main points of this discussion - to understand that we are never alone.


And yes, I have to mention that all these youths are from vary of race and religions. I had around 35 of them with me, I had Malays, Punjabis, Indians, Christians and a small number of Chinese participants. They all stood for each other without being racist. It was great pleasure meeting all of them, and to know how strong these youths are, is something I am proud of. Very proud actually.

I’d end this by thanking all those who was supporting me through out this programme. Thanks to Gurwinder Singh from the Sikh Youth of New York, also not forgetting the Sikh Coalition of New York. Thanks to the local rehab center for their trust in me. Thanks to all those 35 strongest youths I’v ever met.

And, to whom I may not forget, the most deserving, Thanks a million to God Almighty for this golden opportunity. It was an amazing experience to me. It may seem nothing on the outside, but to share your shoulder with people who really appreciate you is indeed a great feeling. Probably, words could never say enough. Thanks for reading, and we all shall hope for a change.

Signing off with lotsa love, Lyana.

Careless Whisper (Part 1)

17th June.
Her day kicked off as usual. Waking up the earliest at home to do her prayers and meditate. Doing her usual chores, accompanying mum to market and preparing breakfast for the other family members over the weekend. Anishka. A simple sweet, girl-next-door, 19 year old from Kuala Lumpur. A girl that would pass across you a million times yet you’d never realize her presence. Nothing special to mention about. She has her personal idea of thinking on mostly everything. Well for love, she was better off without it. She dedicated herself to her studies and her family. Never worried about when her Prince Charming would arrive. Well, she’s just different or should I say unique.

Anishka, she’s a massive gadget freak. Being in all this has always been a part of her. Facebook,Twitter,Tagged,Myspace, Friendster and the list goes on and on. Then she came across Tumblr. Created her account. “ThePunjabiGori”. No one knew about it. Specially to be treated as her personal diary. She’d update it every day. Every single day. New post, new story, new experience. Time went by and she made a number of followers. Random people all around the world. None that knew her personally. Thus, she approved being followed. But never did she knew that one of them………

Anishka had great passion towards photography. She bought herself a Canon DSLR for self satisfaction. She would carry it anywhere she goes. All special moments captured in her DSLR gets posted on her Tumblr. Only Tumblr could fill her passion towards photography. Well, Tumblr is a world where pictures speaks it all than words.

26th July
After getting too much addicted to Tumblr, her MSN was dead. Anishka don’t check her MSN regularly. That fine weekend, after her usual weekend chores, she sat lazily staring at her bright red Vaio notebook and clicked on the MSN icon on her desktop. "Type in your email address & password".. Type type type.. She spotted 3 new notifications flickering & demanding for her full attention. Click click & off she was directed to her Hotmail account.

3 new friend requests. Kuljit Sidhu, angel sweet and *deLter* wants to be your friend.
Click approve all. She approved all her add request without even thinking twice. Sign off.


Months passed by and Anishka’s semester break came in between. Posts added. Followers begin to increase tremendously. Her semester break was spent more on her lappy rather than any other activities. Updating every moment and going online every now and then.


15th September
Regular stuffs. Anishka logged into her MSN. Suprisingly she decided to appear online today, rather than the other way round, how she always do. Small flag popped up on her screen. Kuljit Sidhu has signed in. His name caught her attention. Being all curious on who he was, she buzzed and said a short, simple "Hello". She remembers very well that she was following him on Tumblr, “isyoudizzyblud” She adored his posts, all to do with photography.

They continued chatting. Oh boy. At first, he was quite rude to her. Replying as short as possible and being all ignorant. Anishka did most of the talking while he just replied her. There was definitely not even a single tiny bit of interest he showed in her. She figured out that he added her randomly through her Tumblr account and for the fact that they both had mutual interest.

Anishka personally felt that he had quite an interesting personality. She keeps saying that she never met anyone parallel to him. Time passed by and regular chats started coming in her way. Every day was something different. Yes, Anishka begin to appear online everyday in order to chat with him. Kuljit was actually more than meets the eye. He was caring and loving towards her.

Both of them got close. Their daily chat knew no limits. Exchanging thoughts and nick name for each other. Their friendly fight most of the time. It was indeed a beautiful feeling, for the both of them. They cherished their friendship very much. Yes, friends. Just friends.

Anishka begin to fall for him. For the first time, all those love songs and lines begin to make sense to her. She felt butterflies each time Kuljit says something nice. Well for her, it was a first time experience. She never realized that she’s falling for him till her Vaio, was sent for “check up”. It was for service for two days. Anishka being herself, patiently waited to have her lappy back. Perhaps she got used having Kuljit in her life every day.

2 days later, she went online. The MSN feature of allowing one to send an instant message when the other person appears offline ,made their communication easier. It had dates and even time written at the side. Kuljit sent Anishka an offline message. He was missing her presence. In fact, he kept sending her messages at different times. And all she did was assume Kuljit’s feelings towards her. She started liking him even more.

Kuljit told her all of his secrets, yes all of them. Then one day, he told her about the girl he loved. Anishka thought to herself, "I should have seen this coming. He is a sweet guy with a charming personality. Of course he's bound to be in love with someone." But there was a problem. More like the usual same problem. He was afraid of the girl's reaction & thus he kept his love for her unannounced. Yes, same as what Anishka has been doing towards him.

Kuljit even tells her stories of the girl he loves. Secretly, Anishka will be wishing that girl was her. Well for the beginning she was a little sad. Then she understood. To her, true love didn’t mean to posses. And so, she left all her love for Kuljit to go in their friendship. She decided at that very moment that she'll treat Kuljit as her friend. That's it.

Anishka is a great girl. One that anyone would adore only if they knew her personally. Happy-go-lucky all the time. But deep down, she was all alone. Tonnes of friends but none of them went from normal to a true friend. Yet, all she needed was that one person she could rely on. Someone she can tell everything to. Anishka saw herself being all comfy, letting Kuljit be that person.

She told him everything. He was even the one she cried on when she failed her subjects. When she argued with her family. When she failed her driving classes for the 5th time. Their relationship was something really special. Unfortunately, Anishka never told Kuljit how she felt towards him. Her feelings kept growing. But she ignored it & instead, focused on giving Kuljit her warm words whenever he was down.

Anishka lives in KL whereas Kuljit was all the way at Malacca. Distance in kilometer didn't at once came in the way of their friendship. Call it destiny, or call it fate. By coincidence, her university organized for an event at Malacca.

She thought to herself, "Maybe I'll be able to meet him! FINALLY!" She told Kuljit all about it. And so, they exchanged numbers and waited patiently for the day to come. Yes, for all this time, they never exchanged numbers. The reason was Anishka’s strict parents that wouldn’t be glad to know that she’s talking to a complete stranger. Kuljit never bothered to ask more than once. He understood her situation.

The day came by for Anishka to meet her other half. Not as a soul mate, but someone who understands her the best. She was supposed to meet him at the Grand Paragon. As soon as she got down at Malacca, she called Kuljit.
First ring, “Hello,Where are you? Im waiting at the entrance!” she heard the rough manly voice on the other side of the line.
Anishka then spotted a guy around 6 feet tall with an average body frame. He was at the entrance facing the other side. Her heart first skipped a beat when she saw him. With her hands getting all numb, she walked towards him. She wondered how would he react when he first saw her. Well on his side, Kuljit had a rough image of Anishka. He saw her pictures via web. But he was unsure if she will look just the same as he saw.

She wore a white top with a pencil skirt. She even ditched her lenses and grabbed her glasses. All she wanted was to appear natural in Kuljit’s eyes. She didn't want to impress him by being all fake. Besides, to her, he was already charmed with love.

" KULJITTT", she shouted.
"Yeah??", he turned around and replied. Raising his perfectly formed eyebrows.

Anishka was a little devastated. Her best friend did not recognize her. Kuljit gave her a half smirk smile, and grabbed her hands.

"I was just pulling your leg, nerdo! Of course I recognized you! "
"Awww.. You almost made me wanna cry! Meano!"

Their rambling that usually happens online happed in a different way today. Once a while, their eye meets and there she go, feeling a thousands of butterflies flying in her stomach.
Time passed by and Anishka had to attend the event organized by her university. She somehow managed to convince her lecturer that she was ill. She choose to catch up with her bestie than to attend the boring lecture. How many of us would give up a good time with someone special for a lecture class?

"Nish, I can’t believe you’re skipping your class just to meet me. I want you to attend it. I can never be more important than your future. Don’t skip it."
"Jit, I don't wanna go. It's soo boring you know. Plus Im not well." She winked at him.
" I know it is. But just for my sake? Go for it. And no Nish, you’re not sick! Alright! No more arguments!"
"You just had to na! Okaayyy!!” She smiled and her dimples carved beautifully on her cheeks.

She then left for her class. What Kuljit wasn't aware of was that Anishka liked him so much, she would rather have her future get destroyed than missing the chance to spend some time with him. Yes, she would be in hot soup if she was caught cheating.

After the university talk, they both met at the hotel's cafe. They spent the whole night talking. Too much stories to tell yet very little time left to spend.

"Jit, I'll be off tomorrow by 12 something. You'll come and visit me for the last time na?"
" I'll try to make it, Nish. I need to collect my assignments from my college."
" Alarrr, please laa."
" Nish,Nish!! Joking! I'll never miss my last opportunity to disturb you, nerd!"
"Jit, you know what?? You get on my nerves often. Very often! Meano! "

Those priceless moment when nothing else matters. Only the both of them. Meaningful talks, candle-lighted café, cold air breeze- she was in love with the atmosphere. Even more, with the man sitting right before her.

Anishka was probably the happiest soul that night. Whenever Kuljit looked elsewhere, she secretly gazed into his eyes. She was caught in love, just too afraid to say it out.

At about 5.45 am, they called the night off. She headed back to her room, and him back to his house, situated around 5km away from the hotel.

That night was a sleepless night for Anishka. She had deep thoughts about Kuljit. What was she to do? Can she forever hold back her love for him? The question that kept playing constantly in her mind. Every time her heart whispered “Love”, her head screamed "Best friend. That's it!"

The next morning, Anishka rose and shone! She was excited to meet Kuljit for the last time before they got back on their usual daily routines. Only to meet each other in the virtual world. She wondered if he would make it on time.

10am...10.30am.. 11am.. Anishka was to leave at 12.30am and Kuljit was no where in sight.

She texted him. No reply for all five messages. Called him thrice. No answer.

Time passed by faster than usual to her. Her white Gucci watch indicated 12.10 noon.

"Students, start keeping your luggage into the bus. We're leaving soon. Make sure nothing is missing!" A woman with thick glasses and brown high-lighted, shoulder length hair in her mid age, said in her high pitched voice.

Anishka’s heart was thumping soo loud it almost failed. She rang Kuljit again..

“When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change,
Cause you're amazing, just the way you are,
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while,
Cause girl you're amazing, just the way you are” Bruno Mars played as Jit’s caller ringtone.. and she reached the voicemail box, again!

Her mates began to board the bus 10 minutes earlier. Preparing to leave. A few was in their own world with their headphone on, a few others gathered in small groups, and the others has boarded the bus.

Anishka couldn’t help but getting really worried. She began biting her nails and her hand palms getting all sweaty. There is no sight of Kuljit anywhere around. Was it possible that something bad has happened to him? She has no clue what was coming her way…. What would have happen that Kuljit didn’t even wants to pick her calls up? Did she go wrong anywhere? This questions kept repeating in her mind. Yet, the person who could answer all this is still no where in sight….

Living the Dream in Hopes of Living the Life

Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision. We see ourselves on a long trip that spans the continent. We are traveling by train. Out the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and rolling hillsides, of city skylines and village halls. But uppermost in our minds is the final destination. On a certain day at a certain hour we will pull into the station. Bands will be playing and flags waving. Once we get there so many wonderful dreams will come true and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw puzzle.

How restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the minutes for loitering – waiting, waiting, waiting for the station. “When we reach the station, that will be it!” we cry. “When I’m 18.” “When I buy a new 450SL Mercedes Benz!” “When I put the last kid through college.” “When I have paid off the mortgage!” “When I get a promotion.” “When I reach the age of retirement, I shall live happily ever after!” Sooner or later we must realize there is no station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream. It constantly outdistances us. “Relish the moment” is a good motto. It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad.

It is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today. So, stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more, and cry less. The station will come soon enough.

There is always going to be a struggle in life that we are trying to get through, and we often think everything will be better once we have overcome that struggle. Although the grass may be greener on the other side, it will never be as green as we would like it to be. So why do we wish away the days? It is important to embrace every moment and see the life lessons in every hardship.

The train is not going to stop at any station, and your life is not going to lead you to a dream world where everything is perfect. So, enjoy the ride no matter how bumpy it maybe at times.

Being Satisfied.

Often the feelings of human being are unstable and they tend to over-react. Same goes to me as well, its just because we, humans have feelings and we either react according to what our feelings at that moment is or what our mind whispers.

It is said that there's an angel and a demon each at our shoulders, then there should be balance of both goodness and evilness in life probably. It may seem illogical to even think of it, yet no matter what life is made up of ups and downs where nobody can deny.When there is a person, the nature would determine his/her initial growth, could be height, weight, along with basic characteristics which would eventually mix up with the nurturing and here, the environment plays a major part in determining how that particular human being is being moulded!So, do we blame totally on the environment when a person act as the way they do?

Sometimes even thought they grow up in an secured environment, I guess human after all change and act as they are supposed to as it is written in their own fate. I guess if in this birth they are supposed to meet with a number of jerks, they would and if it is also meant to lead that particular person to be influenced to a wrong path, it would just happen.No matter how hard it may seem to bring back a drug-addict to normal, if his/her fate is meant to change, the person would have the strength and perseverance.

Well then do we just let go our lives to fate to decide? Definitely NOT! Don't get me wrong over here. What I really meant was, for example be it a small boy sitting for his school examination soon, if he focuses in his studies with no distraction, and he works real hard that he wants to achieve his aims which is to score 5 a's. And finally when he gets 4 A's and 1 b, that is when fate plays its role! We should always do our total best and then leave the rest for God to decide as it is said EFFORT + God's Grace = SUCCESS.

Why do actually people get so agitated with others? Be satisfied with everything you have cause there are people who don't! Frankly, from what I have learnt here, you be yourself and people would not appreciate you. Generally I guess to act your self and put on a fake mask would make the rest love you and come towards you. If that is how it is, I'd rather be myself and not get involved with anything at all.

If you take life so seriously, how would you treat your old age? By being someone else who don't really know when was the last being sincere? Funny yet the reality is far more hard to accept. We find fault in others, but ever wondered what's our minus points?Its hard practice what you preach, YES but do you even know your mistakes, and dark qualities. Ask me and I would say yes. I've been working on them and I'm sure I can't be perfect at all, yet I can allow myself not to repeat my mistakes as well as not to be off lane that leads me to the wrong directions.

To lead you the part of righteousness, believe in yourself and don't cause ill to others.By talking behind ones back, not only you make them a stronger person inside out, but also to move on and aim higher. Every bad thing you do, there is an invisible mirror that reflects back your bad deeds to yourself and you should wait for it to hit back on yourself.Care and love don't require you to go keep begging and asking for it, it flows everywhere and when you shower to others, it automatically comes by. Love is everywhere and don't ever get the wrong concept of love and life. 

Declaration of Imperfection.

 

Perfect’ is a term we throw around aimlessly. We see others as it, we hold it up on a pedalstool, and we strive - more than anything - to achieve it.

I believe a person is perfect in their ‘imperfections’. Those little things that make them different from everyone else, be it positive or negative. These things make them up as a person; without them they are blank, white canvas. So much potential; so much waste.

In the same way, an artist sees beauty in a person’s flaws. The things you may hate about yourself will be beautiful and the subject of amicable envy to someone else.

Never let anyone tell yourself you aren’t perfect. Because the reason they have for saying that - your ‘too long’ nose or your ‘weird-looking’ body shape - is what makes you perfect.

Perfection is achieved by imperfection.And acceptance of that which you once hated about yourself. I've known a handful of people, near and dear that suffers from atelophobia. The fear of imperfection and not being enough. All we need to do is to stop looking over perfection. It never exist! Yes, stop looking over for perfection in yourself. Stop wishing you looked like someone else. Stop trying to gain attention from those whom hurt you. Stop hating your body, your personality, your quirks. Without all these, you wouldn't be you and why would you want to be someone else?

Be confident with who you are. Just smile. It'll draw people in. If anyone hates you for being happy with yourself, then just stick your middle finger in the air, and say "screw it!" Your happiness doesn't depend on anyone. Tell yourself that you are perfect in your imperfections! 

I wake up everyday telling myself that I am not perfect. I am human.I live on the planet Earth where humans live. Humans aren't perfect and never have been.Never will be.I don't always do what people expect of me. I am happy because I love who I am. I love my flaws. I love my imperfections. They make me, "me". And yes, trust me, "me" is pretty amazing. There is no one else like me or you in this whole wide world.

Reach and Catch The Stars

Catch the star that holds your destiny, the one that forever twinkles within your heart. Take advantage of precious opportunities while they still sparkle before you. Always believe that your ultimate goal is attainable as long as you commit yourself to it.

Though barriers may sometimes stand in the way of your dreams, remember that your destiny is hiding behind them. Accept the fact that not everyone is going to approve of the choices you've made. Have faith in your judgment. Catch the star that twinkles in your heart and it will lead you to your destiny's path. Follow that pathway and uncover the sweet sunrises that await you.

Take pride in your accomplishments, as they are stepping stones to your dreams. Understand that you may make mistakes, but don't let them discourage you. Value your capabilities and talents for they are what make you truly unique. The greatest gifts in life are not purchased, but acquired through hard work and determination. Find the star that twinkles in your heart? For you alone are capable of making your brightest dreams come true. Give your hopes everything you've got and you will catch the star that holds your destiny.

Just keep on shining.

Abusing The Magic Word

I bet most of you have came across this before: "The shortest word is, the sweetest word is LOVE, and the cutest person is YOU".  (Oh the pick-up lines  these days, that's been flooding all over social networks. Will surely be a help for the younger generation). 

Saying 'I love you' to someone else can be one of the sweetest thing a human being can do to another, especially among those couples who are in love with each other.

But then, I've noticed recently that this phrase is being overused and overrated. Not attempting to pour cold water on anyone but in my opinion, the phrase 'I love you' seems to have lost its true and beautiful meaning.

Call me old-fashioned whatsoever, I don't think anyone should just simply blurt out 'I love you' to anyone of the opposite sex, even though you think you're madly in love with them. The phrase carries a much deeper meaning and should not be taken lightly.

Come on, you don't throw those words 'I love you' around as if you're saying 'Hello' to someone else. It is not something that we should take granted for, if not one day you'll realized that you have been making a fool out of yourself all these while.

My advice is, say those words when you're ready. If not you'll feel like a fool when you finally got back to your senses. Besides, you don't tell someone after your first date that you're in love with them like Ted Mosby in 'How I Met Your Mother'.

Robin: I think I like your olive theory..
Ted: I think I like your new French horn..
Robin: I think I like your nose..
Ted: I think I'm in love with you. 

That totally freaked Robin out. But they do hooked up later as a couple. But sadly they broke up, citing different personal aims in lives. Too bad, they were a great couple.

So guys and girls, the lesson is: Don't abuse the usage of 'I love you'. Excessive usage will somehow take away its beautiful meaning, unless you both are already together for some time. 
And yes, saying it over and over again and flooding other people's Facebook or Twitter timeline won't make your love grow fonder. 

The love, the date, the relationship is suppose to be between the both of you, the entire world need not know about it. 

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

No one should be trusted with your heart or any other part of you for that matter. We are all unique that's what makes the world so fascinating. Everyone has their beliefs, their traditions, their crazy rules about how relationships should be. Sometimes we make a wrong turn and while in the moment it may feel right that little voice knows it's never going to last. Mistakes are a part of living, no one is perfect.

Some people will remain in our hearts long after the door shut. It doesn't necessarily mean you still love them or even like them, but sometimes letting go takes a lifetime to forget.

When we are picky with whom we choose to call friends it tends to hurt more when one leaves your side. But, whether you agree or not doesn't stop time or let you go back and repair the damage.

We grow as we age, but it doesn't mean we all mature or refine our tastes like a fine wine. For some, the best years have long past, but we still live off the memories of days gone by. For others, the best is yet to come.

You may never get an answer and even if you do it probably isn't what you wanted to hear. Words are very powerful weapons when misused. Make sure you are picking a fight with the right person.




Lotsa Love, Lyana. :) 

Missing You

Missing someone is not about being encircled in their arms, not feeling their warmth beside you when it is most desired. Missing someone is not about just having someone there to hear what you have to say. Missing is a way of saying I love you, and I care for you, whether we are close or not. At one point or another that person was in your life, so not having them in it will surely feel empty. It is natural to miss someone you love, but remember that the feeling may not be reciprocated. In such circumstances there’s not much you can do. What you can do is continue to care and love and hope for the eventual return of the one you enjoyed laughs with, the one you shared your feelings with, and smiles with. I know sometimes missing someone can be both a good and terrible feeling. But if u miss someone, tell them and let them know. Don’t let the feeling of missing someone become one sided. Tell them how you feel and let them know that you would like them in your life one way or another. (“I miss you”…words that don’t serve justice for a person consumed with longing…and I am, I am consumed with longing for your touch my dear.) ♥

P/S: I miss you when something really good happens, because you're the one I want to share it with. I miss you when something is troubling me, because you're the one who understands me so well. I miss you when I laugh and cry, because I know that you are the one that makes my laughter grow and tears dissapear. I miss you all the time, but I miss you the most when I lie awake at night, and think of all the wonderful times that we spent with each other...:) 

Dreamweaver

A memory is a way of holding onto things you love, the things you are, and the things you never want to lose. It's also how we learn, a way to show people we care and have listened. It's the story of how we got to where we are, what we have overcome to reach the being we have become. Memory gives us the capacity for compassion and empathy, it enables us to connect with people at different stages of their journey, and help just by understanding. But, some memories make it hard to keep moving forward without looking back.

When we dream of old friends or acquaintances it usually indicates that there is something in your past that keeps coming up and interfering in your life somehow. The old maybe familiar, but it isn't always the correct decision. Sometimes we just need a push in the right direction to remind us just how precious life is and how petty our errors were.

Life is full of vanishing acts and dreams that later become nightmares. The old are eventually replaced with the new. Sometimes we let go of our dreams and settle for less than extraordinary. But, if we keep believing that the dream does exist we have a chance of waking up from the nightmare. 

Letting Go.

To let go isn’t to forget, not to think about, or ignore. It doesn’t leave feelings of anger, jealousy, or regret. Letting go isn’t about winning or losing. It’s not about pride and it’s not about how you appear, and it’s not obsessing or dwelling on the past. Letting go isn’t blocking memories or thinking sad thoughts, and doesn’t leave emptiness, hurt, or sadness. It’s not about giving in or giving up. Letting go isn’t about loss and it’s not about defeat. To let go is to cherish the memories, but to overcome and move on. It is having an open mind confidence in the future. Letting go is learning and experiencing and growing. To let go is to be thankful for the experiences that made you laugh, made you cry, and made you grow. It’s about all that you have, all that you had, and all that you will soon gain. Letting go is having the courage to accept change, and the strength to keep moving. Letting go is growing up. 

I've experienced this by myself. When I decide to let go, to take off the pain, to come back to path, to return in His way, everything in life seems better. I realize how much I've missed in life. I learned that He loves me way too much. Sending me more wonderful people in my life when He took one away. Its just that I was too blind to see. Blind folded with heart pain. But then it won't be fair for me to regret all I've done, cos back then living life that way was all I wanted to, and I lived it. And yes, everything happens for a reason, and here I am. Back to the normal me. After 12 months of tears, heart pain, bad health level, here I am. All pumped up for the new life, new people, new experience, new path and the same Him. :) 

Everything Happens For a Reason

Everything happens for a reason. I tell myself that all the time, but when hurdles come my way, I do what most of us would. I blame Him. But then, when I get to see the good side of what had happened, I begin to realize that everything happens for a reason.

 No matter how bad it is. I do thank Him after all. Still, the guilty feelings resides there. I’ve learned that maybe things do happen for a reason, maybe they don’t. But no matter what, they still happen. That’s what we need to remember. I learned to stop analyzing things, to just let them happen. And if I get hurt, or if something bad happens, then it happens. There’s nothing I can do to change that.

 I’ve learned to go with my gut, and that it’s okay to make mistakes because the ones that matter, won’t care. And, about people. Everyone you meet ; you meet for a reason . And every one that stays in your life,stays for a reason . And who ever decided to leave your life ; leaves for a reason. That love really is as great as they say it is. 

I’ve learned that friends can save you from your worst enemy: yourself. And most importantly, that today is all we have. Its just that we may not always know that reason or like it but its just meant to happen to make us the person we are today. I personally wish that I could know the reason of everything that happens, but then again, we might not know it for a reason.  ♥

Love Yourself

You have to accept yourself, you have to love yourself. Please yourself first, we often spend an inordinate amount of time attempting to please or win the approval of others, taking any indication of displeasure as a measure of our worth. In reality, you cannot please all the people all the time, realizing that by pleasing yourself, everything else is apt to fall into place. Don’t capitulate to the demands and desires of others, especially if doing so goes against your instincts and code of values. You will feel better about yourself by behaving independently and standing by your principles.

Every individual is unique, possessing different skills, talents and abilities. If you compare yourself to others, you will inevitably come up short, for no two people have identical personalities, behaviors and accomplishments. Appreciate yourself for the unique person you are and avoid trying into fit another person’s mold. Completely accept yourself, including all your flaws, for they are what make you real. Acknowledge and give self praise to you positive attributes and make it your mission to work on the negative aspects of your “self.” Being justifiably proud of your accomplishments and actively striving to improve your shortcomings enhances your self-esteem.

Don’t look to external factors in order to feel good. Look deep within your own heart and soul to find happiness and contentment. Forgive your mistakes, accept your flaws and love yourself unconditionally. Look into the mirror each day and reaffirm to yourself what a good and valuable person you are. If you find your happiness within, acknowledge your innate talents and abilities, focus on the present, as opposed to dwelling in the past, and be ever mindful of your intrinsic value, you will experience a healthy self-esteem which will translate to satisfying relationships and a fulfilled life.

When Someone Means the World.

It’s the scariest thing ever to realize how much someone means to you. When it hits you, I mean really hits you, all these thoughts and questions rush through your head at once. A sad emotion even starts to creep on you slowly inch by inch as you start to wonder. What if for some reason things don’t work out? How are you possibly going to live without them? Someone that was once a stranger now is the only person you know like the back of your hand. Someone you once had no emotions for, now has the power to break your heart. Someone you used to never hangout with, now owns most of your time. Someone that you thought you’d never love, owns your entire heart. Someone you once lived without, you now wish to hold on forever. 

Judge No One.

Can we please stop acting like we’re better than other people? All I hear and all I see is hatred, comparison, drama, rumors, and lies. It’s the same thing over and over again, and let me tell you it gets boring. We are all individuals, and we all carry unique traits that make us who we are. The way we dress, the music that we listen to, the way we post, the things we take as hobbies, the way we write and talk. The way we express ourselves allows us to be different from everyone. Who wants to be the same in a world where half of it is trying to be something they’re not? No one is perfect, and I doubt anyone wants to be. We are no one to be pointing fingers and judging, for all we know our lives can be more messed up than the person we’re pointing fingers at.

Harsh words and condemning ways will not reach people, it won’t make a difference, and your point will not get across. Most of the time, no one is listening and you’re just complaining to yourself. We don’t have to like everyone we come across in our lives, but why must we start unnecessary drama that does not involve us in the first place? Before you judge, and make a description, and proclaim this is how the person is. Get to know them, have a conversation, speak about something on an intellectual level. Base your judgments on what you know and have seen, don’t ever based them on what you think they are, or on what you have heard.

Two Individuals As One

Love is a special feeling that bonds two individuals as one. It’s nice to have someone who will hang out with you until midnight, someone who will sleep late just because you’re still on the phone talking about what happened during the day. It’s sweet when they make you feel as if you’re the only person they see in the world. It’s cute how sometimes, you may have silly love fights but at the back of your mind, you still want to make it up. The way you tease each other like kids, the way you kiss, the way you feel their warm embrace. All of these are the feelings that you want to feel from someone. All of these are the chances that you want to have in your life. All of these are the dreams and fantasies waiting to come true. But don’t worry. Life will make it’s turn to let you meet that person. And when you do, don’t ever let them go.


Love makes life beautiful.