The Invisible Women

This article shocked me in more ways that I can imagine. Maybe it's because I live abroad, or that I have lived a sheltered life. You could say that it's because I'm spoilt, but I never thought that being divorced, widowed, raped, etc. could condemn a woman to live the life that these "invisible women" live.
How is it that in a country where we all say that we are modern and forward thinking that someone who has been raped can't live a normal life and has to be shunned from society and looked down upon. Why is it that a woman who stood up for herself while living in an abusive relationship now has to live in a dingy room. 
These women did not choose their future and they are trying to move forward which itself is hard from the circumstances that they have been in and yet we as a society decide that we will not allow them to.
It's sad to think that mothers are abandoned, that wives are left and that victims are looked down upon. 
It's not difficult to wonder why these things happened in the first place instead of thinking that these women have committed a mistake. How hard is it to lend a helping hand? To help look after a single mother's child while she has to work? To offer up a room so that your mother can stay? To take in your sister or daughter so that she won't have to suffer in an abusive relationship.
After all, when we look after people, isn't that when society moves forward and becomes better?
No one should have to be invisible.
Everyone should be seen.

Soulmates

Don't you sometimes think that some people just happen to click?
That no matter what happens, you would fly half way across the world for them?
And when they aren't there, it doesn't feel the same?
These people can be anyone. Your husband, wife, parents, siblings, friends, lovers or even pets.
Sometimes I think that the reason we live so far away from these people is because others would be jealous with what we have when we're together. That the world won't be able to handle us, since we'd create a lot of chaos. That one look can make you laugh and you know exactly what they're thinking without uttering a single word.
That's why we have these people everywhere we go, so that we always have someone to share our world with, no matter where we are.
Who are these people?
Soulmates.

I'm worth it

I don't know if I show it or not, but there are so many times in my life where I have had to deal with confidence issues. I think everyone goes through it in their lifetime at least once where they feel like they aren't worth it.

I have battled it many times, where what someone says affects me. But slowly over the years, I think that I've learned that what someone says doesn't matter. Of course it's hard when it happens to be a loved one that spouts out horrible things about you, but you can't let it affect you.

I've had many people tell me I'm worth it and I've shrugged it off in the past, but now I've started listening. I think the beginning of this year made me realise that this is my life and it's the only life that I have to live so I have to do it my way.

I can't listen to people with negativity in my life. I can't hold on to it. I have to take it in through one ear and out the other.

This isn't an easy process for me, but I am working on it. I try to avoid situations that aren't good for me and try not to take harsh words to heart.

Surround yourself with people who think you're worth it and more. I don't know if it'll help you, but it helped me.

I've started telling myself that I'm worth more than I think.

One day, I'll think I'm worth it all.

S

To You

I know I haven't written in the longest time, but I've been busy and I didn't have any inspiration to write. Bloggers block I guess you could say.

However, this post is dedicated to my friends.

I want to thank each and every one of you for being in my life and having the role that you do. Some of you are there for the deep meaningful conversations, some of you are there for the dreams, some of you are there for the silly nights and some of you are just there no matter what.

I know I don't show it much but I love you guys and I am really grateful to have such an amazing group of people who have supported me and will continue to do so in my journey through life.

These are the people who have been with me through my tantrums, my ups and my downs and I can't thank you enough.

You all know who you are, and if you don't, then I will make sure you do.

I don't know why it just hit me today, but I am very grateful for each and every one of you.

Thank you for helping me be who I am.

Don't ever change, I'll smack you.

S

Thank you

I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday and because he helped me make a decision, I said “thank you”. When he told me not to, and that it was such a small thing, this is what I explained:

When you ask someone for help and they help you, they have chosen to help you. They can easily say no and go about their lives, but they chose to take time out and make your life easier. The fact that they do this makes me say thank you because I appreciate the help, even if it does happen to be that they get me a glass of water. They are not forced to help, but decide to do it from the goodness of their heart. The least I can do is say “thank you”. No matter who you are, you like to feel appreciated, and those two words can put a smile on someone’s face and make them feel like their time is worthwhile.

The reply to this was “but it was something so small”. To which I replied, “you have to remember, something small for someone can be big for someone else”.

So even if you have no new years resolutions, just remember that a simple thank you can change a person’s day.

And I sign off on 2013 with that.

Thank you. To all my family for helping me and putting up with me throughout this year. To all my friends for staying with me through my crazy periods. And to you. For taking time out of your day to read what I write. It’s like I said, you chose to read this, and for that I appreciate it.

S

the small moments

As I was walking today to go and get my lunch, I saw an old couple standing in front of me. What caught my eye wasn't the fact that they were colour coordinated. It was the fact that she had linked her arm with her husband's and they crossed the street. Before you tell me that it was probably because she was old and needed support, let me tell you that both of them didn't need it.

And that's what made me smile today. In a world where people are so self-obsessed and many marriages end up bad, this couple who has been married for more years than I've been born, looked so happy. And I was surprised.

How was it that this couple looked so happy? How were they so content being with each other for so long?

And then I realised that it doesn't matter. They were just enjoying the small moment when he held her hand as she wrapped it around his.

That's when I knew.

It's not about grand gestures of love, it's not about earning tons of money. It's about the small moments. The moment where your fingers touch before holding hands, looking up at the stars on a clear night, or even just having a cup of coffee.

So make the small moments count. Because as you look back, those are the ones that you will remember and the ones that matter.

In a world where people are so impatient and in a hurry to get anywhere, these small moments are even more precious.

S

The kid on the inside

Christmas is just around the corner and I think even before the month started, I was humming and singing Christmas songs all around the office and managed to annoy a few people and make it contagious.

Regardless of that, I love this time of year because I can be a total kid and no one will say anything. I blame it on the fact that it's Christmas and it's the time to be merry.

That being said, I do behave like a kid most days and annoy mummy all the time. And even though I've been told to behave (countless time, I may add), I always ask why?

Why can't I be a kid once in a while? It's not like once I hit 18, I suddenly have to act mature and all grown up.

When we were young, we all wanted to grow up and yet when we grown up, we all want to be kids. And we can be. It's healthy.

Keeping the kid inside of you is fine, but you have to let him or her out once in while, because that's how you enjoy the simple things in life. Swinging on swings, having a snow ball fight, running around. Even though people may look like you're crazy, trust me, they all wish they could do the same and be carefree for that moment of time.

In the hustle and bustle of life nowadays, it's always a good idea to go back and be a kid once again and be carefree. That little moment of freedom, where you have no responsibilities and no worries is always worth it.

If you don't do it for yourself, do it for the 5 year old you.

This is the best time to do it too. Be a kid. Have snowball fights, sing Christmas songs at the top of your lungs, walk around with a rudolph nose or a santa hat. Basically have fun and be silly!

I know I do it because I'm a 5 year old on the inside. You should be one too.

Season's greetings from me and my 5 year old self :)

S