Sit and Read : Lilac

Hi ! How are you today? Open your heart- Heee if your heart feels closed, like you are so tensed up that you can't even imagine feeling anything but anger toward he/she- you can try what always works for me when someone frustrates me: Practice gratitude. Just sit down with a pen and a piece of paper and write what you appreciate about her/he. Trust me, it's hard to feel angry and grateful at the same time- and gratitude almost always wins! Just like every other relationship we're talked about, the one between you and your sister will have good times and challenging times. Sometimes the people closest to us are the ones who test us the most- because we feel so close to them, we might feel more comfortable snapping at them!  Like I told you, my sister and I still argue sometimes, but we've had a lot of practice over the years getting to know how to handle each other. Hmmm Just keep working the action steps and remember how much your contribution can change the dynam...

I'm not saying this lightly, believe me! It's been more than a decade and I can now honestly say that as devastating as the experience I told you about was, it was a gift. Walking through that level of hell allowed me to find out what I was made of- and who I really am. Ironically, my character's name in the movie was Nomi, which over time came to symbolize to me how through this experience I came to "know me". And most important, the greatest gift the experience gave me was the inspiration to create lilyrohaiza, so that anyone everywhere could find their throws at them. I know that right now it might be hard to imagine that what you're experiencing will one day be a source of empowerment, so you might just have to trust me on this one. This will end and you'll come through the other side wiser, stronger and more compassionate for having been through it.  And no one can take that away from you- ever! Love, Lily.

Hi ! 26 March - 29 March 2012 Ikan Buntal The fun part about this course is just about all of it because learning to dive is incredible. You breathe underwater for the first time (something you'll never forget baby!) and learn what you need to know to become a certified diver. During the course, you'll make at least 5 skills. Day 1: Theory class- Bored! Hahaha. Demonstrate that you can perform those skills yourself, watching 5 videos/section. Day 2: First dive Today we out in Mamutik Island, Sabah and wow! The water was warm and so blue. Great dives today and the ocean and weather should be like this all week. Insya-ALLAH. Hopefully "X SEASICK" This dive is great reef which the current pushes you north and your deepest point is the sand 16 meters/60 feet's! Relax and continuously breathe and slowly. The reef here hold lots of beautiful coral and sponge life, great photos btw! REMEMBER! My dear friends, there are also 4 quizzes (multiple choice) to be ...

Today It was like being stuck in a bad dream

" I think you have to actually like the GUY as much as like the IDEA of the guy.. You know what I mean?" You don't have to answer this question to anyone but yourself, but in your most private mind, ask yourself: Why am I with this person? In this relationship I told you about earlier, one of the other reasons I was afraid to leave was that I couldn't stand the idea of someone else coming along after me and loving him, like maybe she had some secret magical power that could fix him. I would miss out on being with the good version of him. Staying with someone just because you don't want anyone else to have him- Hmmm, who wins there? There were a lot of good things in that relationship and I was also scared that I would never find those things again with someone else. The thing that finally made me leave was realizing that it was not okay to settle out of fear and that I had to love myself enough to let this go and trust that something better would come along....

Guys, let me just say that there's nothing wrong with spending a ton of time together. How great is that of all the people in this planet, you chose each other?? It's amazing when you really think about it like that! But just check in with yourself every now and then to make sure you're doing the things that made you the individual he/she originally fell for.  I promise you it's not selfish to take time for yourself.  I totally get it, you're madly in love, but don't forget to give some love to the  MOST IMPORTANT PERSON, too- YOU!!! Love, Lily.

Flip it: two word that can become your favourite new mantra! -something you repeat to yourself that activates new belief. Whenever I catch myself having one those mean thoughts that I believe is really true, I remind myself I can "flip it", meaning I can choose to change how I'm feeling about myself in that moment. No joke, it's  within your power to turn this around. We can re-program our minds, just like we started to do in action. #1 when we look in the mirror, we actually start to love what we see instead of automatically tearing ourselves down. You're probably wondering how to do this right? Hang in there with me, I'll explain. Heeee Negative thoughts have a lot of power. Think back to recent bad day you had. How many times that day would you say you told yourself something mean?? I'm guessing a lot. If you keep telling yourself you look like crap, then that becomes you belief, and whether you realize it or not, your brain is then programmed to see...

Here's what it comes down to: In all the world, in all of time, there will never be another girl like you. No one will ever have your same story, gifts, strengths, hopes and dreams. No one will ever take the risks you take, learn the lessons you learn, feel the pain you feel, experience the same joys and triumphs. So when it comes to who's the "best," remember that since no one can do you better than you,  no one can compare. Love, Lily

Hi there. So many of us feel afraid to just be alone with our thoughts and feelings. It's like a panic sets in if we dont  have someone there that second vent to. Hmm, of course having support from people who care about you is great but being alone can give you an opportunity to process your stuff without the distraction of other people's opinion. It's also satisfying to know you came to an inner conclusion yourself! Some of my friends tell me, "I can't believe you feel okay to sit and have tea by yourself."  Honestly, sometimes those are some of the best moments for me to be able to reflect on what's going on in my life, head or heart. Dont think you're a loser if you want or need a little time yourself. Remember, you're your own BFF anyway!  And you need "me time!" Love, Lily.

When I am hurting, I need to reminded of the pain my struggles create in you for I am not used to having someone care so much about me. That my suffering becomes theirs. Your support means a lot.... Your love means everything. Your sister,

I know you want to do anything you can to numb the pain, make it go away. And even though there are always to give yourself comfort and relief, those are just momentary burst of help along the way to real healing. Almost always, the only way out of heartbreak is through it. I will be honest- it freakin hurts to get your heart broken, but my advice is LET IT HURT. Let it hurt real good, because you need to feel it completely in order to get over it. After a while, you'll be done with the pain and you'll pick yourself up and move on. But it'll be clean. Please dont put pressure on yourself to just get over it fast.  I've learned for myself that if you let yourself feel everything that comes up, instead of rushing through or resisting it, the pain will pass more quickly. Love, Lily.

Yey! It's happening right now.  I hate  balloon! But HOT AIR BALLOON ? I love it! The Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is a home grown event that seems to have gained interest from the public and media. The uniqueness of the event draws everyone from all around Malaysia and  neigh-boring  countries. For the past 3 years, they have exhibited hot air balloon shows and other aviation sports to the public. It encourages family togetherness by having fun with variety of activities for all ages. Held during school holidays, it is the perfect time for a quick family getaway. THE END I wish  I was there currently.  I miss my family and friends :( Love, Lily

My brother and I were talking the other day about how people's walks say something about them. Grrr! I'm really insecure and I feel like I used to walk that way. But I started watching girls who I thought were really confident, how they moved and I started to emulate it, and I actually started to feel more confident. I love it! Love, Lily

I know you'll understand how inadequate words are to describe the joy and wonder I feel about us. When I try to define the special meaning you've added to my life, I can't. So I'll just say "thank you"... I know you'll understand. Love, Lily

We don't know what changes lie ahead, Or where our shared path will lead.. But what I do know is that I'm here for you today, To listen or talk, To applaud or console.. To want, need.... and To love you with all my heart. Love, Lily.

Did you know? I just know yesterday during in my class :) Heeee Mount Trusmadi, Sabah.  Measuring at 2,462m, is Malaysia’s second highest mountain after Gunung Kinabalu but is said to offer a much more challenging climb. Its richly forested slopes, inhabited by a myriad species of birds and animals, are a trekker's dream."   Wow! Trusmadi Mount, at 2,462m or 8,669ft, is Malaysia’s second highest mountain after Gunung Kinabalu (4,101m or 13.433ft) but is much tougher to climb. It lies between the districts of Tambunan to the north and Keningau to the south (in the state of Sabah in Borneo).   Things to bring Hat, snow cap, gloves, socks for cold weather (temperature can reach 5-10 C), sweater, rain coat, wind breaker, toilet tissue paper, hiking shoe, sleeping bag ,torch light and a change / spare of clothes*. (*Note: All spare clothes must be warped with plastic bag to avoid being wet by rain). What a beautiful place. You should come here...

Sometimes we lose a friends we've done. What happens, even though you might feel ashamed, it's important for your own self worth to own up to your actions and do everything you can to fix the situation. And then, whether or not your friend forgives you,you'll need to forgive yourself.  We're human, and we all make mistakes sometimes. This doesn't mean you forget about it entirely. The takeaway gift here is knowing what you dont want to repeat. You get a reminder of how precious your friendships are, and why you want to be careful to protect them in the future. It's like, "Great.. lesson learned. Got it!" Love, Lily March  2012

" I'd be so happy if I could just have her_ _ _ _ _" "Everything would be so much better if only I had her _ _ _ _ _" "All of my problems would go away if I had her _ _ _ _ _" Fill in the blanks, baby! Whatever fantasy you've made up about how someone's life is better than yours, I can promise you that no one's life is perfect just because she has amazing face, lives in a big house, is a star blogger :) or a straight-A student, or even is a celebrity. Just I didn't know the truth about Maria Elena, you never know what goes on in someone's private life or in her mind.  So the next time you find yourself idealizing someone else, remember that you're seeing only one piece of the puzzle. xo Ly!

Good morning! Today lets be honest..there is a level of self-acceptance that we do have to get to in order to feel happy,right? If I had a magic quick fix answer on how to do this, trust me. I'd give it to you, hehe. But you don't just wake up one day and- BAM!- your self-esteem is rock solid (I guess). It's lifelong process okay. How we feel about ourselves can go up and down. There might be skinny days and bloated days, days when you look sparkly and days when you look tired, mornings when you feel confident and others when you feel just plain gross. I still find new things about myself to criticize.. Grrr!

I have asked so many people this question, specifically the ones who are happily married. And they have all said the same thing: "You just know !" Hmm okay, that is the most simple absurd answer I have ever heard.. How do you "just know"? But after I met my boyfriend, I realized that they were right, so I think you can tell a relationship is right when you smile at the thought of the other person. There isn't anyone you would rather love or be loved by more. You know yourself more than anyone else, so deep down you know if someone is the right person for you, whether or not you want to admit it. Listen to what that voice inside is saying. It'll tell you what you need to know. Love, Lily March 2012