Wow, some great words here. It really is funny how opportunities can present themselves at the strangest moments. Sometimes they are the worst moments and sometimes they are least expecting moments. Regardless, it's like a moment of clarity, and it's often at that very moment that you have to make that potentially life altering decision. The decision, or path, to hapiness is not always the easiest, but certainly well worth the extra effort!
I have a question, and since you started the "water rats" thread, maybe you can answer it. The Chinese New Year (end of Jan) will bring an end to the year of the rat, and a beginning of the year of the ox. At work yesterday, I asked a co-worker the significance of the year of the ox for someone who is an ox (me). They responded by telling me that it potentially means a bad year for an ox. I was surprised to hear this, for I thought it would mean the opposite. My co-worker was unable to tell me why it would mean a bad year, but suggested I go to the temple in town, pay money for a blessing, and through worshipping Matsu (goddess of the sea and very important to people here) at the beginning of the lunar year, I will be ensured a good year. Do you know why a year of your particular animal would be a bad year?
Banana sandwiches are awesome, I don't eat them much anymore cuz I can't find decent bread around here. But they are also good with peanut butter and honey, it may sound gross, but it's really yummy!
I'm planning on being back in university in Sept 2010 for another degree. In the mean time I will stay here in Taiwan to save up the money. I am also on the fence about doing a four month cycling expedition in Africa, it would be amazing, but it's super expensive. I stay motivated about my long term goals because I know what I want in my future. Once I make up my mind about something, there is no backing down.
Wow! What an honourable thing for you to consider! I have never thought about donating an organ while I'm still alive, but I'm listed as a donar when I die. I try to donate blood every time I go home, although, they can only use my plasma since I've had malaria in the past. I'm not sure if this would prevent me from organ donation? I should look into that.
It is complicated, and if you haven't been in the situation, then it may be hard to understand. I think people can develope control issues while in a relationship, so the partner didn't see it coming in the beginning. Then, you are married, and you develope a tug of war within your brain - should I leave or should I stay to try to make things better. The longer you stay with the belief things can get better, the worse it gets.
Yes, I agree with this. Often, when being with a "control freak" you spend your days walking on eggshells wondering what you may have done that will set him off on a tirade. You are also left with ultimatums, if you don't do it his way, then you won't do it at all. It's very unpleasant.
I'm a little confused here and I'm trying to wrap my head around what you are saying. First off, I'm not a believer in creationism. You said previously, "It's control when Gods Gift is not accepted, as it is seen as a control that limits ones personal ambitions. In actuality, if all were to freely accept Gods Love, those personal ambitions would be magnified by the Love, the Gift of Freedom fulfilling ambition." So, I'm not accepting of "God's Gift," but I believe that this, by no means, limits my personal ambitions. The only thing that limits my personal ambitions is the level of belief that I have in myself. Yes, you are right, beliefs are controls of behaviour, but as far as one's level of personal ambition, I don't believe that it is controlled by religious beliefs or acceptance. My personal ambition, and the "rewards" of my ambitions, would not blind me from the needs of others and cause me "drive right by the cripple."
Hmmm....personally, I don't think a persons beliefs are a control factor of ambition. I think a persons level of ambition is determined by inner strength and perseverance.
I don't think the past is an illusion, however your mind may recreate a false image of the past through nostalgia. Then, your past would become, in a sense, an illusion. The future is an image we paint in our minds, so I guess that could be considered an illusion.
I just had a mug of black bean powder mixed with hot water. I know, it doesn't sound very good, but I like it and it's a good healthy snack in the evening. It could be a Taiwanese thing because I never heard of it before I came here.
I don't think we are part of a grand illusion. If you are falling in love with an ideal, then you are just creating an illusion for yourself. You wouldn't really be loving the person. Does that make sense?
naturalcdn Forum Posts (135)
I totally agree! 
RE: Adversity/Challenges
Wow, some great words here. It really is funny how opportunities can present themselves at the strangest moments. Sometimes they are the worst moments and sometimes they are least expecting moments. Regardless, it's like a moment of clarity, and it's often at that very moment that you have to make that potentially life altering decision. The decision, or path, to hapiness is not always the easiest, but certainly well worth the extra effort!