• The Things We Chose To Remember And Forget

I’m not adept at taking vacation,
coz I think too much.

My mind is always filled with thoughts.

About things and people.

The good thing is I get to reflect and learn more about myself.

The bad thing is I get lost in my own thoughts.

And miss out those that I also value.

Do you have the same problem?

Some people return from vacation feeling revitalised.

Others return home feeling more lethargic than ever.

Where does their difference lie?

I think it lies in what you have chosen to remember and forget.

If all you remember is your bodily gratification, then all you do is probably to eat, shop and play.

But have you forgotten about your spiritual and emotional needs?

Do not forget to empty your mind.

And to let go of your emotions.

When it’s time to take a pause,

stop for that moment.

Think of nothing else.

Allow the beautiful sight

that comes before your eyes

to etch into your heart eternally.

I halt when I caught sight

of the Melaka River

in this gloomy rainy weather.

Don’t you find it melancholic yet

beautiful?

The next moment,

I heard my wife exclaimed,

“Look! A big crocodile in the river!”

Wow! There, it is.

Suddenly, the same river no longer

look the same anymore.

How’s interesting!

Very often,

people rely on cameras

to capture memories.

Yet memories only stay

in our hearts

when emotions are stirred.

In many homes,

people display pictures

to keep memories.

Sadly, so often

memories have faded

even before

the pictures turn dull.

Always keep in mind,

Listen to your heart

When it comes to

people and things

that matter.

William W K Tan

30/11/2017, Thursday

Personal Notes

I’ve just taken a vacation in Melaka.

A place so near,

Yet I’ve never been there before.

Found this place has a strong

atmosphere of humanities, history

and culture.

There is no short of

local produce,

boutique cafes and

delicious cuisines.

Immediately I developed a liking

for Melaka.

In the next issue, I will continue to

share my thoughts about taking

vacations. And I will be introducing

you to “The Geographer Cafe” in

Melaka that my good friend and an

excellent Kumon Instructor Ms Loo

had recommended me.