Stay strong, Japan! Stay strong, Grace!

The 11 Mar catastrophe of a devastating 9.0 magnitude quake and tsunami in Japan has set me thinking .....

My heart reaches out to Japan as I followed the news daily and prayed for the nation and her people. I did my little part to donate to the cause of relief efforts. I wish I could be there physically to help the victims too. It was a relief to know that my friends in Japan are safe.

Strangely, I've got this certain affinity for Japanese which I can't really explain. Perhaps it's through the course of working with my Japanese counterparts in my previous job where I've come to respect their spirit of excellence and there are certain values in the Japanese culture which I hope to emulate too.

The massive destruction was beyond any human's comprehension. The wrath of nature is indeed formidable. With near death experience and despite losing their homes and loved ones, the Japanese have braved themselves up with their admirable stoicism and resilience. I was reminded to look at myself again. Have I been responding the same to my current situation? Certainly, there's something I can learn from them now to overcome as they did.

As I say 'Stay strong, Japan!', let me also say to myself 'Stay strong, Grace!'

My friends, my guardian angels

In the darkest moments of my life, friends had been my beacon of hope, walking by my side through the difficult journey of recovery. They offered selflessly of their love, time, companionship and resources which had moved my heart deeply.

It's in moment like this that it dawned on me who are the people and what are the things that truly matter in life. It's an awakening to the true treasures of life - friendship - which I've not invest enough time and effort in the past and often take for granted .... but it's going to be different from now onwards ...

I want to remember every one of them by name as I count the every blessing they have showered upon me. These are the precious one whom I cherish and hold dear. They are angels sent from heaven!

I started to pen down my appreciation and put together sweet memories of our friendship as I remember their birthdays. This is the least I can do to express my heartfelt gratitude to these dear ones .... and I will continue to do so - to remember, appreciate and celebrate our friendship.

Thank you friends! I'm forever grateful to you! Loves.

Hello! I'm back finally ....

Started this blog in 2009 but had let it laid waste till now ....

A series of unexpected events since then has prompted my awakening soul to return ....

So, here am I! (^_^) ... and to stay .... more actions coming up ;) ....

(Wanted 'graceawakening' as my domain name but it has been taken up, so got to comprise for 'graceawaken' instead ... not perfectly ideal but it's ok .. don't sweat the small stuff .... this' part of my awakening too .... ha!)