Wednesday, May 12, 2010

If you can’t stop smoking, cancer will.

So I came across some information about the lung cancer and many other kinds of diseases where the habit of smoking could really lead to them. And I can’t help but feel the need to write about it. Common sense tells me that when you know something, especially if it benefits other people, by all means spread the word. So today’s tip is simple. Stop Smoking. I know you’ve been told over and over by God knows how many people but that’s because it’s just not worth cutting your lifespan on cigarettes. Not to mention, the smoking trend ended in the 90’s. Give it up. If you don’t smoke, I challenge you to help someone you know quit.

Now according to Malaysian’s statistics, about 50 teenagers below the age of 18 start smoking daily. Studies show about 30% of adolescent boys (aged 12 to 18) smoke. Unfortunately though not surprisingly, smoking among female teens is rising, where in overall, nearly one in five teens smokes. Some studies have also shown that lung cancer is rising at a rate of 17% a year. Thank you very much Mr Dunhill, Kent and family.

So I’ve known a friend who’s been smoking for 10 years and he told me how much fear and insecurity is wrapped up in it. I also know how scary it is when you think about quitting. You might think life is gonna suck, that you’ll gain weight, or be depressed. But the fact is, if you keep smoking, you will always be out of shape and depression will be more common. To get a similar buzz, you may as well put your lips around an exhaust pipe.

To not smoke means you care about what goes into your body, thus strengthening your level of consciousness. The less toxins in your body means the less toxic thoughts you’re likely to have. Ignorance may be bliss, but it is also unattractive.

Some people say they smoke because of boredom. Some people smoke because it keeps them awake and gives them a recharge. Some people smoke to help them relax. A cigarette isn’t a miracle performance enhancer. No, it isn’t. It’s you who chooses boredom, to be awake or to relax. A sunset will still be beautiful without a cigarette to mark the occasion. A movie is still the same movie even if you don’t smoke after it. The drive to work is still the drive to work. Why add poison to the process? Spare me. I wouldn’t even date a smoker.

That’s enough of my spiel. If you want to quit, just do it. If you want some assistance, there are many great ways to do it. If you’re in an environment which doesn’t help you in the process, leave it or create anew. Be in a circle of friends who appreciate your effort. Or make one. Nothing works best than trying to solve the root of the problem and work from thereon. And if you still can’t figure out why, try to meditate your soul in your prayers. Look deeper. It’s a painless great method that doesn’t put any additional pressure on your transformation. Then have faith in new you. Belief, does a remarkable job of reversing the psychological addiction that smoking actually is. So please come of age and stop flipping ash and butts all over the road, into the drainpipes and out into the murky water we need for the sustainability of future generations. Everyone has a right to clean water and air. Your consideration and activism do make a difference in your life, and ours. Thus, us.

I wish all of yous, in the best of health ;-)


Be smart don't start!
r_L


Sunday, May 9, 2010

Sunday blues? Right on.


Gravity is working against me
And gravity wants to bring me down
Oh, I'll never know what makes this man
With all the love that his heart can stand
Dream of ways to throw it all away

Gravity is working against me
And gravity wants to bring me down
Oh, twice as much ain't twice as good
And can't sustain like one half could
It's wanting more that's gonna send me to my knees

Twice as much ain't twice as good
And can't sustain like one half could
It's wanting more that's gonna send me to my knees

Gravity, stay the hell away from me
And gravity has taken better men than me
Now how can that be?

Just keep me where the light is
Just keep me where the light is
Just keep me where the light is
Just keep me where the light is


today I feel generally low. but I dont bother to recuperate. just let myself dissolve in the moment for a while. which could be a good thing. but thanks for asking. ill be back before you know it.

...I love you John Mayer but screw you Gravity :(



Friday, April 23, 2010

Still working on this...but i've gotta celebrate progress.

Okay, so I’ll be sitting for the end of block exam next week. The final one before my first professional exam which will be in the next 3 weeks time. Yea, you may call it a season. Or show time :)

I suppose that means I’m nearing the end of my year 2 soon. And I’ll be finishing my 3rd year around the same time next year. Imagine that, how time flies. I bet everyone is struggling for the coming exams and all... (well you should be if you’re not, there’s still time, yes). But more importantly, I’ve gotta say at times like this, it’s easy for anything to happen. Or to make something happen. Be it good or bad. Whether it is beyond your control or not- anything is possible. Like catching a cold, or being super lazy or just pro at procrastinating...while others might act just the opposite :) But when one of those things happen to you, do not just overlook them and let go. You buckle up and reflect. And you do not break down easy.

I know being a medical student isn’t an easy life, but who says it’s easier giving it up either? And I’ve been told over and over to keep myself aware of the fact that my life would be different than the rest, who may be having plenty of time running all sorts of plans, and just keeping up with things. They may be right, and I am aware of that but it’s hard to imagine how my life is like then unless I go through it someday. So I may or may not feel alright about it. But I’ll take my chances. Life’s journey has the tendency to break a man, to fool one into losing his sanity, as distance and time create separation from what others might call normal life. With my family and friends always around the corner laughing, sharing inspirational ideas and quotes, asking me conscious-minded questions, I am kept present to the power I have as a human being living a life fulfilled. So for all this while, I thank all of yous, who have made my life worthwhile. Especially, to those I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my journey with, literally or metaphorically speaking, thank you for not creating me as someone who could give up, burn out, or drown in the process. Thank you for inspiring a long ride that’s been nothing short of amazing. I am sourced by your generous, love-filled thoughts. I am stronger today from your friendship :-)

So it’s not always easy to stay positive and just bring forth that right attitude, but I hope when I’m it, I can make a difference. By sharing my hopes, dreams and ambitions, I’m more likely to walk whatever I talk. And if I inspire one person in the process, perhaps that person will continue the conversation, even starting a blog of their own to back their word, and so on. And feeling like there’s others buzzing out there in the world, I sleep better knowing our species is indeed awake. Otherwise, I apologize in advance for writing so excitedly. i. just. cant. be. helped.

Whatever you do and whoever you are, whether you’re a medical student turning doctor turning specialist... or simply a joyologist who brings smile to people’s faces, you do not give up on what you’re doing. And if you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place.

I wish you all the best. May the muse be with you :)

Keep it light.

r_L



Sunday, April 18, 2010

A Sunday wellspent brings a week of content.

I love Sundays.
I especially like them when I wake up early.
And then in bed again after an hour-
... that’s because it’s anything-can-happen-Sunday. :)

Last night, I stayed up as late as one can possibly make a Saturday. As I hit the sheets I declared strength for a successful awakening. One shot of the alarm at 6:27am and I was up and at 'em again. This gave me time to wake my friends up, to catch what felt like a sunrise, and to recreate the world as new again.

So why Sundays?

Well, Sundays are good to rejuvenate your thoughts, to take the time to acknowledge yourself. It’s fun to get in touch with equal parts Mind, Body and Soul. By waking up one hour earlier you can date yourself even before your day begins. For example, you could spend 20 minutes calming the mind in prayers, 20 minutes stretching or running or twisting or jumping, and 20 minutes reading or writing – funneling your thoughts into soulful action. Then reward yourself by doing something you think you deserve. Like making breakfast for everyone. Or catching up with old friends. Or just sleep for the next one hour. Because it’s anything-can-happen-Sunday :)

Being mindful of your own thoughts and actions, whether your being generous or gossipy, will dictate your state of grace, your ability to swiftly experience joy and abundance in your life or not.

Now, Listen Well. Live Surprised. And Stay Fresh.

Sun-daisy-ing,

r_L