Help Yourself N Help Others: "Ordinary will not Change the World"

Help Yourself N Help Others: "Ordinary will not Change the World": Dear Friends, This blog post is a tribute to the works of Lewis Pugh's efforts in Environmental Conservation. I had the pleasure of ...

"Ordinary will not Change the World"

Dear Friends,

This blog post is a tribute to the works of Lewis Pugh's efforts in Environmental Conservation. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the BMW 5 series launch recently in Singapore. He is a Maritime Lawyer and Environmental protection advocate. Lewis Pugh has been described as the Sir Edmund Hillary (the first man to have reached the summit of Mount Everest in 1953 together with his Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay) of swimming.

Like Lewis, I share his love for the ocean and the dolphins, whales, sharks and thousands of fish variety that make the ocean so beautiful. While I may not reach the heights or depths of Lewis' achievements, I want to support his work in my own way through this blog, Facebook, etc.

He undertakes all of his swims to both North and South Poles in just in a Speedo costume, cap and goggles only. In 2013, he was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.

“Everywhere water is under threat. It is our most precious resource. And there is no alternative to it”, this is quote from his website - http://lewispugh.com/

"Why do I do what I do? I do it because I believe in protecting our fragile planet, in peace and in justice. I do it because it’s right. I do it because our souls need nature. And I do it as much for nature’s sake as for ours", Lewis Pugh. I hope you will follow his endeavors and support his work because we need follow this good man's example to save the world from GLOBAL WARMING. Please follow him on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lewisgordon.pugh

I wish him all the best in his attempts to meet global leaders to convince them of the importance of environmental protection.

God Bless Him! Love All, Serve All!

Best Regards,

Mark
http://exercise2energize.blogspot.sg/

Embrace Kindness!

Dear friends,

Recently people all around me have been talking about kindness or sharing something nice that has happened to them. I have been hearing it with Ryan Seacrest (Celebrity Host & DJ), KISS 92, The Straits Times and Reader's Digest, my all time favorite magazine. It is nice when you hear random acts of kindness especially by strangers. We all need love and want to be treated nicely by others. Likewise, we should pay it forward by doing nice things for others.

In this world where there are so many things going wrong with shootings, with terrorism, with politicians inciting racial hatred behavior, rape, incest, etc., we need people to come forward with good news and good stories that drown these negative acts. We all can collectively change a person by showing them how to be kind and loving.

I enjoyed reading this Reader's Digest article online so I thought I will write about kindness in this blog. Here is the article for you all to read.


http://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/kindness-strangers/

There was a Doctor in Coimbatore, India who charged only RP20 for all his patients. The patients buy their medicine at the pharmacy. The medicine he prescribed would not cost more than RP50. (Total cost RP70 is roughly USD 1.024). His name is Dr. Balasubramaniam. He passed away just this week. He was a savior to not one or two people but to thousands of poor people. They loved him like God. His reason for doing it was, God had given him enough money to take care of himself so he wanted to help the poor get back their health. He would even do it for free for patients who had no money. He is another version of Mother Teresa. God Bless Him!

Here is more details about his work and his life:

http://www.thebetterindia.com/75624/coimbatore-bids-final-goodbye-20-rs-doctor-balasubramanian-unsung-hero/

If you have experienced such random acts of kindness or have done something nice for someone do write about it in the comments column. I would love to hear from you.

Do not forget acts of kindness by a stranger or by a family member. It is nice to make someone else smile for a change. Embrace Kindness!

Have a Great Week and God Bless! Love All, Serve All!

Cheers,
Mark
http://exercise2energize.blogspot.sg/

Beware of Scams Online and Get Rich Quick Schemes!

Dear Friends,

We all have heard of Get Rich Quick Schemes! Some of us have been suckered into investing in some of them. I have been scammed by some of these guys and I want to warn you of being influenced by some of these schemes. There are many people who have lost their life savings by investing in scams such as Gold, Silver, Property, MLM marketing, Online Marketing, etc.,

Here are some things to lookout for:

1) Before putting even a dollar, do your research about the company and individuals behind the business. Talk to friends and other investors. Search the internet for information, reviews, and forum's where people may give their honest feedback.

2) Only invest money that you can afford to lose. That means you will not lose sleep if you get cheated or the investment fails for one reason or other. Don't get greedy.

3) If it is too good to be true, it probably is. There is no such things as a free lunch. Get rich quick will fail most of the time, The movie "Wolf of Wall Street" comes to mind.

4) Look beyond the glorified sales pitch. They will use pretty girls, show off their expensive cars like the Ferrari and Rolex watches to appeal to you. Do not fall such sales gimmicks. If you are not sure its better to walk away.  If you do not know where the business originates from or it does not have a physical office in Singapore or wherever you are, you should think twice about investing because should anything go wrong you do not have chance to demand for a refund or worse still sue them.

Singaporeans are known to "BIG" believers of property investment. Some property investment companies have come to Singapore to get Singaporeans to invest their courses and promising to help them make millions. Once you sign up for their property courses for US$5k, US$10k and even US $50k you get meager support and you may end up losing money because these guys are busy making money themselves. Remember buying property is complicated. You need to understand the state laws, county laws, taxation system, accounting system, etc. You will also need good property managers to take care of your property and maintain the property well. And you need get tenants if you want to rent the property out. So, you cannot be a passive investor.

Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) is another business model that seems to be popular. But I have realized that its the early starters who make the money. I don't know of anyone who has become a millionaire by being involved in MLM business. I also hate the idea of pestering my friends to invest in your business.products. You may not only lose money on your investment but also lose your friends.

Here is one example of a scheme that lures you in with a lot of promises but once they have sucked you in you are stuck and you have to keep pumping in money before you see any return on your investment.

Your Personal Online Watchdog

http://waystoavoidscamsonline.com/my-online-business-empire-review-another-obvious-scam


With the internet it is easy to get scammed. But be weary of other types of scams as well. If you do lose money through a scam, make a police report and go to small claims court. The police will only take action if there a multiple victims who come forward to lodge a police report. Legal fees will be high so you need to weigh the option of suing the guilty party and lose more money. You can also engage a legalized debt collector but be prepared to pay for their services just like the lawyers. You can also take to social media to warn others so that these guys can be flushed out and save others from being scammed.

The best way to avoid these headaches is to do your homework and be careful where to invest your hard earned money. "Get Rich Quick Schemes" are dangerous and you need to ask yourself if you should invest your money elsewhere and get lower but guaranteed returns and you can preserve your capital.

Love All, Serve all!

Best Regards,
Mark.
http://exercise2energize.blogspot.sg/

What is Donald Trump's Appeal?

Dear Friends,

Why is Donald Trump popular with some segments of US Electorate? This is puzzling to the rest of the world.

Donald Trump has been by far the most controversial US Presidential candidate. As a businessman he has been unscrupulous. As a husband he has been amorous with other women. He has been divorced twice before. It likely that his employees and government staff that he does not like or cross him are likely to face the same fate, as he is likely to utter "You are FIRED"! even before you have a chance to explain your side of the story. His life is like a soap opera.

Donald Trump's election campaign has the whole world sit up and worry as to what will happen if he were to become US President. I admire him for his business success and his ability rebound back from bankruptcy. He once said if you are going to think, you might as well think BIG. I try to remind myself especially when I am embarking on certain projects. But that is where my admiration for him stops.

As presidential candidate he has been toxic and divisive. I shudder to think what will happen if he becomes the US President. I have been a big fan of President Obama. While his policies have been good they have been hampered by the Republicans. The US has made progress but the rest of the world has faltered economically. But overall, Obama has done pretty well in my humble opinion for the last 8 years. If he did not do a good job the first four years, Americans would not have elected him for a second term of office.

But Donald Trump on the other hand, has been trying to divide and conquer. His rhetoric against Muslims and the Latinos has riled Americans from all walks of life. This will create internal strife if he becomes President. Granted terrorism is a real problem but he definitely does not have the right solutions. Going head on by blaming Muslims in general will not rile the terrorists but also good Muslims who are on the side of the Americans. He has plans to put America first. While this is admirable, it may lead to isolationist policies that may be detrimental to balance of power with China and Russia vying for global leadership. It will place US and the rest of the world at risk as China and Russia have other plans such as they want a shift in global balance of power.

People have questioned Trump knowledge and understanding of the US Constitution, political analysts have poked holes in Trump's foreign and domestic policy plans, and even Warren Buffet challenged Trump to to declare his taxes, etc. From his speeches, Trump has clearly exhibited that he incompetent as a leader of a nation. He has been constantly changing his views and mind. If this is how he is going to run the country then not only is the US is in for a tough 4 years but also the rest of the world. What the world needs right now is a strong US government to lead the US and the world out of economic instability, contain global terrorism by working together with other countries, solving environmental issues and providing stability as a counter balance against Russia and China.

While Michelle Obama has handled herself with dignity and class, Melania Trump has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. She not only copied the Michelle Obama speech but images of her appearing naked in some magazines has reappeared. Is that who Americans would like as their First Lady? I don't think so.

Hillary Clinton may not be the best candidate but compared to Donald Trump, she is far better candidate. There will be continuity with the Democrats in power while the Republicans regroup as right now thousands of Republicans have torn up their party's passes as they are opposed to Trump.

Donald Trump does have some good ideas and he has spoken up for the underdogs. This does not mean that he deserves to be the President. Hence, people of United States of America, please vote wisely as the choice will not only affect the US but also the rest of the world.

Love All, Serve All!

Cheers,
Mark
http://exercise2energize.blogspot.sg/

Stop Complaining!

Hi Friends,

There are people we know who like to keep complaining about how life has been tough on them. They complain about work, their husband and wife, their children, their in-laws, their brother and sister, friends, etc. They can never be satisfied until they complain about something. Sometimes they are looking for sympathy and for people to feel pity for them. But when you keep hearing over and over again, it gets very tiring and I am sure people are tired of hearing about it. It not drains their energy but also saps your energy because of their negativity.

Take for example children. We were kids once. We never liked when our parents or teacher scolded us even if we were in the wrong most of the time and which is why we get scolded. We also would not liked to be embarrassed by our parents in front of our friends and relatives. The more we complained about them the more they will rebel. This becomes a vicious cycle.

The Internet and hand phone has changed the way children grow up. They are exposed to things at a earlier age. They watch YouTube and have Facebook and Instagram accounts. They post videos of the cool things like "Kandama" and "Marvel Comics" and follow the stars. It is very difficult to keep track of what they do but that does not mean we stop trying. They also watch movies that give them ideas about how to rebel. I saw a cartoon - "Alvin and the Chipmunks" teaching how to kiss and kids less than 10 years old are watching this. In another show, the parents were having a conversation about how they wished they did not have a kid so that they could have the rich lifestyle like their neighbor. The child took it the wrong way and ran off only to realize that he can't live on his own. When he came back parents were crying that he was missing and they were worried. The point is kids could learn from such shows and maybe never come back. There may never be a happy ending if we keep pushing them away.

So, we need to be tactful about how we deal with children. Children these days lack resilience (first thing when they face a life challenging problem is to give up or commit suicide instead of looking for solutions), something which we need to teach them. Stop complaining and start looking each complain objectively especially when it comes to our children.

Hence, it is important to change and be a better more positive person and life will be happier and people around you:

1) Watch how we carry ourselves on a daily basis. If you feel the urge to complain, stop and count to 10. Don't look for people to pity you. That won't make you better. It will only reinforce your problem. How you deal with your situation will make you better and happier.

2) Instead, complement someone sincerely be it your child or friend or colleague sincerely if they deserve it (its not flattery). There are some redeeming features in everyone. Praise your kids more often in front of others and complain less and see the change. Punish them in private and praise them in public if they deserve it. Both parents must work together as a team when dealing with children.

3) Learn to look at glass as being half full, instead of being half empty. Things are not as bad as you think. You have a family, friends, a job and you are able to walk, see and talk. Ask "Nick" Vujicic" how he deals with life without any hands or legs. He is an inspiration to all of us. Learn from him. Stop Complaining!!!!!!

4) Be grateful for the gifts you have in your life. Your children are a gift as there are many couples who are unable to have kids. You have a job. Many people out there do not know where to find their next meal for themselves and their children. You have a home and family but some people live on the streets and rain or shine, that is their home.

5) Be POSITIVE and THINK POSITIVE things. List down all the positive things you have or enjoyed in your life. Write positive things about each of your child. You may see that your child is not that bad. Sometimes with love, care and guidance the child may become a better person later in life.

Whatever the case learn to listen to your child's inner needs so that he will listen to you. If a child disobeys, its because they feel that their needs are not answered.

If it is about work that you complain, then see what can be done to change the situation. Attend a new course and change your job. Don't quit without a job in hand as the world economy is not in a good state and hence, finding a new job may be difficult. There are options available to all of us. Question is, are we ready to choose those options? Change may be a good thing. You may complain less!

Stop Complaining! Start Enjoying the things you have in your life!

Have a Great Day!

Cheers,
Mark
http://exercise2energize.blogspot.sg/

Losing Someone You Love!

Dear Friends,

My Dad passed away on Sunday ( 3/4/2016) due to infection of the blood and bone. He had an operation to put in "shant" to drain excess fluid in his brain about 10 years ago (2006). While we thought it was a good thing to do have the "shant", it had other effects. That same year my mother passed away. It was a double whammy for my Dad. He was not the same man ever again. He became quiet and hardly spoke about his sadness, pain or suffering. He wilted away slowly and eventually, passed on after 11 days in the hospital.

Growing up, our Dad was a strict diciplinarian. He was also a very spiritual man. He taught us to stand on our own two feet and not depend on others. Even though we hardly saw him during the day as he would work from 6am to 12am on most days, he showered us with love and he took good care of us whenever he was at home.

My Dad was a great guy according to family friends and relatives. He helped so many people despite being a cab driver. He was the "Master of Ceremony for Weddings and Funerals" and he did it out of his own goodwill and he did not collect any money for his services. He also picked up friends and anyone who came from abroad and helped them settle down in Singapore. He served society and he never craved for glory but helped anyone who needed help. He was also a match-maker as he was well connected among the Ceylonese Community as well as other races. I found out more about my Dad during the wake and his friends shared more information about my Dad which my Dad did not share with us. One friend described my Dad as a "Legend" in our community while another described him as an "Unsung Hero" of the community. I felt really proud.

It was especially difficult for my sisters to let go of him. They loved him dearly and so did I. But, I am glad he passed on instead of struggling in hospital any longer. One friend shared that his father was in hospital for 67 days due to stroke and had a heart bypass before passing on. I am glad my Dad is in a better place.

My Dad lived up to the motto of "Help Yourself N Help Others". This was a hobby or therapy for him in a way. Helping others brought him joy.

Why am I sharing this? Well, losing someone you love is painful, scary and difficult to handle. It is OK to grieve but it is also important to treasure the memories of the person and learn to let go. Everyone has to go through this process. If there is birth, then there will be death. It is part and parcel of life be it animals or humans. If you find it difficult to let go, then talk to someone you are comfortable with. Start a new hobby that will give you joy and make you happy. The best way to cherish the person is to live up to their expectation and continue their good work. In my sisters and my case, our Dad and Mum wanted us to be happy and successful. My Dad always urged us to study as to him that was the best way to get out of poverty. It is never to late to start your education journey again. It was tough for my Dad but he was cab driver for 40 over years and brought us up well.

My sisters and I are grateful to my Dad and Mum for their love and care they showered on us. God Bless their Soul. Thank You Appa & Amma. We love you!

Best Regards,
Mark
http://exercise2energize.blogspot.sg/