the luckier we are . The positive energy we radiate into the universe will always attract like positive energy back to us .”
According to my Spiritual and Progressive mom Elsa Mae , “ We are the author of our thoughts . If we are to receive and be showered with good things and favors in life , we need to have continuous positive thoughts throughout our daily lives .”
My Italian foster mom Carol added , “ Wisdom , on the other hand , is what we experience when we combine knowledge , understanding , and compassion .”
Whether it is pure chance or divine guidance , I have experienced significant increases in both Luck and Wisdom whenever I keep my mind focused on having faith and meditating on hope while being empowered by enlightened love for myself and others .
As a child , I often wondered what life was like outside my suburban neighborhood in Melaka , Malaysia . At age 12 , my parents rewarded me with a bicycle for good grades .
As a child , I often wondered what life was like outside my suburban neighborhood in Melaka , Malaysia . At age 12 , my parents rewarded me with a bicycle for good grades . On weekends I would ride my bike exploring adjacent communities . When I aced my 9th-grade national examination , my mode of transportation was upgraded to a motorcycle . Driven by curiosity , I traveled extensively to places I deemed interesting .
When I graduated from high school at 17 , most of my friends were already planning to study aboard in Canada , Australia , New Zealand , and England . Attending one of the local universities was a foregone conclusion for me . Dad had fallen sick and stayed ill since I was 15 years old . Although his prognosis wasn ’ t good , the Tan family was hopeful . My college plan changed when I received a letter from my cousin James who was studying in the United States at the time . He encouraged me to apply to universities in the US and advised my parents to allow me to study abroad . Stanley , his older brother , urged my parents and me to pursue the once-in-alifetime opportunity .
The following August , I received a letter of acceptance from Louisiana State University . I am to enroll in the coming Spring Semester . Four months after my 18th birthday , with enthusiasm and an adventurous attitude , I traveled halfway around the world to Baton Rouge , Louisiana . Unfortunately , the euphoria ended just as I finished my first year at LSU when I received news about my dad ’ s sudden passing . The letter arrived three months after his funeral . Mom delayed the notification because she did not want to interrupt my studies . Dad ’ s death produced emotional trauma and a financial crisis for my family . The ensuing challenges led to a change in my life ’ s journey . My decisions caused me not to set foot in Malaysia again for 15 years .
6 | Inspirations for Better Living • August 2022