girl beach: GEOFF TAN

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Friday, May 4, 2012

Life lessons that speak to the heart

My Paper, Friday, May 04, 2012, Page A21, Viewpoints
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/cnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2012-05-04
Source Website: http://news.asiaone.com/News/Mailbox/Story/A1Story20120504-343804.html
By Geoff Tan, my paper, Friday, May 04, 2012

PHOTO: Regina Brett published her column titled 50 Life Lessons, in The Plain Dealer - a Cleveland, Ohio newspaper - in 2006.

http://news.asiaone.com/A1MEDIA/news/05May12/20120504.113424_sph_smile.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/News/Mailbox/Story/A1Story20120504-343804.html

PHOTO: Geoff Tan

The writer is a senior vice-president of Singapore Press Holdings’ marketing division.

My Paper, Friday, May 04, 2012, Page A21, Viewpoints

America award-winning author and Pulitzer Prize finalist Regina Brett has taught me a lot about life through her column titled 50 Life Lessons, which was published in The Plain Dealer - a Cleveland, Ohio newspaper - in 2006.

Her article is so popular that bloggers the world over have re-posted her sayings.

I'd like to share with you the ones that struck a chord with me. Take this: "Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch." This is a timely reminder to us all not to focus on work at the expense of our health.

PHOTO: Thankful for my best friend…

"It’s difficult to find those friends that “understand you” and well, when you find someone who ‘gets you’, hold on to them! I have a once in lifetime friendship that I wouldn’t trade for anything!"

Posted on February 26, 2012 by hannahandjames
http://jlucashcaldwell.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/283365_10150315692767279_702347278_9618892_986456_n.jpg
http://jlucashcaldwell.wordpress.com/category/friends/

And this: "Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone." I have experienced much-needed release on the occasions when I confided in a good friend who journeyed with me through some of my life's most difficult moments.

"Don't compare your life with others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about." This reminds me of the story of a man who complained he had no shoes, until he ran into someone who had no legs.

"Time heals almost everything. Give time time."

In this world of instant gratification, patience does not feature strongly as a virtue. We seem to want everything immediately.

PHOTO: 45 Life Lessons from a 90 year old
Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio.
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:"

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. ........

Posted on Saturday, October 30, 2010
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__f3P3zCgRx0/TMtjCcAcluI/AAAAAAAABq4/j92KqmBppH8/s1600/Pink_and_White_Dogwood_Trees,_Lexington,_Kentuck.jpg
http://www.princesswarriorlessons.com/2010/10/45-life-lessons-from-90-year-old.html

However, when we are dealing with pain, there is no quick fix (fast but temporary solution) - searching for one may lead us onto the path of alcohol and drugs.

Brett wrote: "Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need." Coveting what others have places undue stress on us. Isn't it better to live within our means?

"If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back." Let's all learn to be more appreciative of what we have been blessed with.

Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save them for a special occasion. Today is special.

PHOTO: Using the Power of your imagination and positive visualization to create an amazing year.

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Zen Your Den

"Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save them for a special occasion. Today is special."
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZg_bOomX5Jecnm8wOwkTpa-prBQDBdb2Lt372pp2jUXELlWVPzyh3M-_EgyoEqDzksg3G-hhGG-6i98h4jPq2fJ3dEDq29EKmSn9eDfD0uisdpqcM9QbW5VBvImo-dRGpN-hspK6tvAs8/s1600/photo-woman-in-breeze-freedom.jpg

http://zenyourden.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/photo-woman-in-breeze-freedom.jpg
http://zenyourden.wordpress.com/

My favourites are the ones that are written tongue-in-cheek (ironic, slyly humorous). Take this: "Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save them for a special occasion. Today is special."

And this: "Be eccentric (unusual or odd behavior) now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple." And I can certainly relate to it when she wrote: "Growing old beats the alternative - dying young."

There are so many gems in her column that it's worth taking the time to ponder each of them.

Work with the positive energy to build wealth, good health, and well-being! There are so many gems in her column that it's worth taking the time to ponder each of them.

PHOTO: Work with the positive energy to build wealth, good health, and well-being! There are so many gems in her column that it's worth taking the time to ponder each of them.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS5FvpFzoxMlJJTLUvshbp6-Rcce_0ZcDdjBOXKaRsDMD196hldGfa4MR8S7lIg5UzUjKJpCSjc-h8H0pRAtY5YF6KAs8Fzd2NC2Nr9u65rwAPU7sjq9Rb2MYC7jBAUs_qfC_UyJmRVUs/s1600/photo-home-yard-good.jpg

http://zenyourden.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/photo-home-yard-good.jpg
http://zenyourden.wordpress.com/

My parting words are from her list, too: "No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up." Have a great day!

By Geoff Tan, my paper, Friday, May 04, 2012

The writer is a senior vice-president of Singapore Press Holdings’ marketing division.

PHOTO: From A Story Without Words
Posted by Hello World, 13th March 2011
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l36ufyUhTo1qzdr4go1_400.jpg
http://shmazma.tumblr.com/

May you be safe.
May you be healthy and strong.
May you be happy.
May you be peaceful and at ease.
http://awakened-living.blogspot.com/p/sacred-journey-path-2-track-1-normal.html
A Metta ~ Lovingkindness Blessing ~ for You

HELPDESK
我的字典: Wǒ de zì diǎn

Timely reminder: 及时的提醒 - jí shí de tí xǐng
Quick fix (fast but temporary solution): 权宜之计 - quán yí zhī jì
Tongue-in-cheek (ironic, slyly humorous): 幽默的 - yōu mò de
Eccentric (unusual or odd behavior): 古怪 - gǔ guài

Reference

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Follow these 7 tips to a healthier life

My Paper, Tuesday, April 17, 2012, Page A14, Viewpoints
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/cnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2012-04-17
Source Website: http://news.asiaone.com/News/Mailbox/Story/A1Story20120417-340216.html
By Geoff Tan, my paper, Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012

PHOTO: Medical doctor, writer and TV personality Drauzio Varella, recommends seven things that we must do if we do not want to fall ill.

http://news.asiaone.com/a1media/news/04Apr12/20120417.095537_steth.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/News/Mailbox/Story/A1Story20120417-340216.html

PHOTO: Geoff Tan
The writer is a senior vice-president of Singapore Press Holdings’ marketing division.
My Paper, Tuesday, April 17, 2012, Page A14, Viewpoints

This article is inspired by a slide presentation - entitled The Art Of Being Well - by medical doctor, writer and TV personality Drauzio Varella, who recommends seven things that we must do if we do not want to fall ill.

I'll share with you his headers and offer my take on what these seven mean to me.

PHOTO: First monkey sees and second monkey listens, and understand. The third monkey uses its mouth to conveys feelings and thoughts to the outer world.
Speak your feelings and lower the stress level.

http://pvidyasagar.wordpress.com/2010/09/
http://pvidyasagar.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/new-monkeys.jpg?w=470&h=313

If you don't want to fall ill, speak your feelings.

There's nothing like letting out all your pent-up feelings from deep within. Bottling them up will just raise your stress levels and cause all forms of internal imbalances, possibly resulting in ulcers, gastritis, backaches and, sometimes, even cancer.

Make the decisions to take this diet, which is high in vegetables, legumes, fruits, fish, garlic, nuts, olive oil, and soy products, helps you to attain good cholesterol levels, maintains healthy blood pressure, promotes weight loss, and prevents spikes in insulin, which can cause artery-damaging inflammation.

PHOTO: Make the decisions to take this diet, which is high in vegetables, legumes, fruits, fish, garlic, nuts, olive oil, and soy products, helps you to attain good cholesterol levels, maintains healthy blood pressure, promotes weight loss, and prevents spikes in insulin, which can cause artery-damaging inflammation.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMBvvETwwY6VYxBH1ZyIbeGoWEstmHT1WhgUyv6WQpBbOFSn1WfPkJd1Fw93YiRzFaFl-3nreqZn3eeUcO1OUbjWSpDgVgt7TIQDhw0-U576AaOuFAoGWBbR2y5r2mooqaTMsRU8ZXQA-/s1600/fruit_and_veggies.jpg

http://cdn.content.compendiumblog.com/uploads/user/fe206767-c12a-4ee4-b4fe-cefa54834f13/c6ff1a89-2ca5-453f-9b60-e91b4adb76c6/Image/0a309d7c8ed6e9d45b80752a370d890f/fruit_and_veggies.jpg
http://blog.drsinatra.com/blog/heart-health-nutrition/eat-well-for-heart-health

If you don't want to be ill, make decisions.

When you are undecided about things, anxiety and doubt creep in. This could result in unnecessary trauma, worries and - many a time - relationship problems.

More often than not, procrastination will result in less-than-healthy outcomes.

PHOTO: Be positive and actively look for answers. Make decisions.
Answer to love starts with the first kisses. To be Home Alone, choose one that already has a DIY security system in place.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zf21qQYrGu4/TcP7RmRGpjI/AAAAAAAAA0o/cX0jNctWeWo/s1600/glamorous.jpg
http://mellowfever.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html

If you don't want to be ill, find solutions.

Be positive and actively look for answers. Nip a small matter in the bud so that it will not have a chance to grow into an unmanageable animal.

PHOTO: Don't live by appearances.
We live in a world where physical appearance seems to be of great importance and this pressure can break down even the toughest people as being uncomfortable in your own skin is one of the worst feelings you could have. Unfortunately most people don't take a good look in the mirror to observe that beauty is not related to your weight and it is something beyond physical appearance.

The people who fall as prey to this terrifying diseases suffer from a visual distortion of they body. They see themselves much more overweight than they really are, triggering a sense of self consciousness, guilt and disgust. The need for acceptance is great and people tend to fall for this terrifying methods that cause them to develop bulimia and anorexia.

http://beautyhill.com/img/pics/1/bulimia_and_ana.jpg
http://health.ezinemark.com/information-about-bulimia-and-anorexia-154ce3fba9c.html

If you don't want to be ill, don't live by appearances.

I am not referring to what we wear physically, but to any pseudo image we adopt that is far from our true selves.

Being positive and true to oneself is the way to go.

As for the rest, in Dr Varella's words, "their destiny is the pharmacy, the hospital and pain".

Style and Sustenance - accepting ourselves can we boost self-esteem and eradicate all forms of negativity. There is so much to benefit from by just being one with ourselves.

PHOTO: Style and Sustenance - accepting ourselves can we boost self-esteem and eradicate all forms of negativity. There is so much to benefit from by just being one with ourselves.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRANqEV73HuNMucmK_pBPS4J8iHWhhoRmhGe-6QQ3_jy4UTA_tmBPsxgCZI1QgetbrWuUITE-zr-mshb4Kf3MyeG8VO-FMGw5VAm0qBoyfbxs-IvSD5Gtl3W2e2C0pN8hyFJlRB9OJ968W/s1600/tumblr_ly7wo7LBCR1rnjup5o1_1280.jpg

http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly7wo7LBCR1rnjup5o1_1280.jpg
http://aterriblehumanbeing.tumblr.com/post/21086932273

If you don't want to be ill, accept.

Only by accepting ourselves can we boost self-esteem and eradicate all forms of negativity, such as jealousy, arrogance and envy. There is so much to benefit from by just being one with ourselves.

PHOTO: Trust the one who can see the sorrow behind your smile, the love behind your anger and the reason behind your silence.

http://www.world-of-love-quotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/trust-the-one-who-sees-your-love.jpg
http://www.world-of-love-quotes.com/bwm

If you don't want to be ill, trust.

Without trust, there can be no true friendships. Your relationships will tend to be shallow and peripheral, and you would always be on your guard, your defences always up - but your resistance to ailments can only go down.

PHOTO: Trust me. I know what I’m doing. Honest.
Image source (http://firstrung.co.uk/dbimgs/knife%20thrower.jpg)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotIgV11LZxueJmbTHng1BzTp1LcQSq5QffHwr5Qnf6mU7f0hZi0I59Z5Yy8_ZGZj0eD2Gw4Rk2z8JOLn_DPpEGp_nN0dOCB1YlPWPU4Z_PYyVuKOzVGu_oddXG13ZIBDbtiTsTq2Fk9G3/s1600/trust-me.png
http://unbounce.com/photos/trust-me.png
http://unbounce.com/conversion-rate-optimization/trust-symbols-for-new-website-conversions/

If you don't want to be ill, do not live life sad.

Someone once said: "Good humour saves us from the hands of the doctor." How true this is.

Take every opportunity to joke, laugh and be happy. These traits are highly contagious and, the more we spread these positive "viruses", the more folk around us cannot help but contract good health and peace of mind as well.

PHOTO: Do not live life sad. 瘦身减肥的美女 - Happy, healthy and slim beauty.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSo-ar5CE7aGkS7CndwR5QrizDU4b3XxCzf3iY22gtGgNusN1Vsb3Q0SCzJNXk5FYfukHPq8XQnOYsT8dqCGc7gUCN8MrvdizlHFJa7ua128u4NWvPU71Cw48NinkTF0W4ua-fjNbSFLt/s1600/2457331_000315018000_2.jpg
http://pic13.nipic.com/20110405/2457331_000315018000_2.jpg
http://www.nipic.com/show/1/68/4427085ke8ab5757.html

Live your life with some or all of the above in mind and you can expect to be rewarded with a positive spirit, a healthy mind, a vibrant aura and a holistic healthy disposition.

By Geoff Tan, my paper, Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012
The writer is a senior vice-president of Singapore Press Holdings' marketing division.

PHOTO: Live your life with some or all of the above and you can expect to be rewarded with a vibrant aura and a holistic healthy disposition.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeIMayLeNzgpaEAQNuRCP8RVHVWSnS4SQT8WgYm32Jvy0g6_FfUR_WKYVhAPtvd0J66q0HifTxfyicP8yB-omR8tVO2i_Ix173wTmXEYKNqGd2EpEj-QfV58S0zvXrKvVpCMMDddmx868/s1600/make-career-dog-walking-hobby-800X800.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGX_f0oDLMuLxmX6wMPX3XjxmKx0V43nQkFJcln35LNu5M5C-WxCOIPDhzjEyhQ6o9PsR_Xji9mtXLB6KwE1PlavHSW1oGaQKK_qkoaNFezxnSmWphP4VG8ra3_dm-ADBd88JAoqL3_Xq/s1600/make-career-dog-walking-hobby-1.jpg

http://i.ehow.com/images/a01/uj/ab/make-career-dog-walking-hobby-800X800.jpg
http://gujarat.inetgiant.in/jobs-and-employment/arts-and-media/make-a-career-in-film-industry-3610160

HELPDESK
我的字典: Wǒ de zì diǎn

Pent-up: 压抑的 - yā yì de
Procrastination: 拖延 - tuō yán
Negativity: 消极 - xiāo jí
Shallow: 肤浅 - fū qiǎn

Reference

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Get in shape by following 'The 1% Rule'

My Paper, Tuesday, March 27, 2012, Page A13, Viewpoints
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/cnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2012-03-27
Source Website: http://news.asiaone.com/News/Mailbox/Story/A1Story20120327-335961.html
By Geoff Tan, my paper, Tuesday, Mar 27, 2012

PHOTO: It takes just 1 per cent of your time to keep yourself in tip-top shape.

http://news.asiaone.com/A1MEDIA/news/03Mar12/images/20120327.112119_sph_1percentrule.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/News/Mailbox/Story/A1Story20120327-335961.html

PHOTO: Geoff Tan
The writer is a senior vice-president of Singapore Press Holdings’ marketing division.
My Paper, Tuesday, March 27, 2012, Page A13, Viewpoints

I used to dish out a barrage of "lame" excuses to friends who regularly encouraged me to do some form of exercise to stay fit and, for the record, I am not proud to have successfully staved off these promptings for the longest time.

It was only a year ago that the balance was tilted, and I started indulging in both cardiovascular and strength training three times a week.

Having learnt the hard way what it takes to get healthy, I feel a compelling need to share with one and all the principle of sparing your body just a fraction of your time each week to work out.

It's called "The 1 per cent Rule", because it takes just 1 per cent of your time to keep yourself in tip-top shape.

I learnt this from Mike Geary, author of The Truth About Six Pack Abs, who put it this way: "If you dedicate only 25 minutes per day, four days per week to a good exercise routine, that's only 100 minutes in total per week... You have 1,440 minutes in each day which, multiplied by seven days, equals 10,080 minutes per week of time in total.

"Now look at those 100 minutes per week dedicated to exercise and (compare that to) the 10,080-minute total that you have in a week, and that represents approximately 1 per cent of your total time in any given week."

I am pretty sure you have not looked at the picture this way before, and if you can still say after reading what's above that you cannot spare the time, it probably confirms that you have consciously decided to not do anything about the situation.

If you want to look for excuses - and I used to do it all the time - they are aplenty and include:

I'm in horrible shape - well, if you don't want to do anything about it, it won't get any better. I don't like to exercise - I don't like a lot of things, like brushing my teeth, waking up early, paying my bills, but I still do them.
I'm too tired - trust me, you will feel more energised after you exercise than if you skip it altogether. An endorphin high after a good workout is really something to be experienced.
I'm too busy - I guarantee you that someone busier than you is working out right now.
I've got better things to do - isn't keeping healthy and fit something worth spending time on? Exercise is an activity you can get used to.

My health "awakening" came a little late, but I figure that it is better late than never. I used to weigh 78kg, but now weigh 66kg. I used to wear size 36 pants, but now fit into size 31.

My total-cholesterol reading - formerly 250 - is now 180; LDL used to be 160, now 100; total cholesterol/HDL ratio used to be 3.5, now 2.8.

All because I chose to give my body 1 per cent of my time!

By Geoff Tan, my paper, Tuesday, Mar 27, 2012

The writer is a senior vice-president of Singapore Press Holdings’ marketing division.

PHOTO: The modern damsel engage in a new method of exercise: innovative pole workouts that’d make any fairytale princess blush. The feminine side stretch, flex, and twirl from flab to abs with pole classes.

http://216.151.211.208/res/2011/04/Five-Pole-Dancing-Fitness-Classes-At-Spinderella-Fitness.jpg
http://www.bargainez.com/deal/five-pole-dancing-fitness-classes-at-spinderella-fitness/

HELPDESK
我的字典: Wǒ de zì diǎn

Lame: 无说服力的 - wú shuō fú lì de
Tip-top: 极佳的 - jí jiā de
Spare the time: 抽空 - chōu kòng
Endorphin: 内啡肽 - nèi fēi tài

Endorphins are chemicals produced in the brain in response to a variety of stimuli, and they may be nature's cure for high levels of stress. In addition to decreased feelings of pain, secretion of endorphins leads to a feeling of euphoria, modulation of appetite, release of sex hormones, and enhancement of the immune response.

With high endorphin levels, we feel less pain and fewer negative effects of stress.

Reference