Archives for March 2020

From my own humble experiences…..

Some people succeed in most things they do, some accomplish their goals easily but if you don’t, do not despair. The onus is on you to find out why. Don’t blame your stars, your parents or the country you are born in . The answers are often found in you alone.

I do not consider myself very successful but in those things that I have achieved, there are reasons that led to noticeable results. It is based on analysis and hindset that I want to share these thoughts with people who are interested.

I have achieved reasonable improvements in the learning of the Japanese language, building my own practice that is now 35 years old and still thriving and continue to enjoy sports at age of over 60 while most seniors would consider putting them on a back burner.

Push yourself because no one else is going to do it for you — success.com

In the learning of a foreign language, you have to have genuine passion to learn. Dive deep into the basics and memorise by hard. It is the building blocks of learning the language.

Then obsessed about it, spend some time each day exposed to the characters, learn the phonetics by hard and build on vocabulary and grammar. Expose yourself to listening to the language on the TV, YouTube and preferably make friends of the native speakers. An overseas short immersion course have helped.

In my dental business, I have staff that have stayed with me for close to thirty years. Our relationship is built on mutual respect and trust and sincerity for the good of the patients. Staff should be rewarded accordingly and I think I have been fair. Also keeping abreast of the developments in one’s career keep the staff interested too as the enthusiasm is infectious.

I have succeeded to enjoy two sports up till now- Scuba diving and skiing. Most seniors see 60 years of age as the limit for these sports. These sports are not exactly very comfortable equipments to don but I am glad that I have persisted and see the discipline as rewarding. I see them as enablers to ensure safety and enjoyment of a beautiful sport.

Having done four hundred scuba dives and enjoyed the charm of the Ocean, I am happy that I did not quit on Scuba diving. It’s discipline has the additional benefit of training me to be calm in unexpected situations.

I am also glad that I have managed to explore the magnificent sights from the intermediate slopes of the Japanese alps and have learnt to negotiate steeper slopes.

They are by no means big accomplishments as an average person but they are small successes that could lead to bigger ones. Before this, I have never seen myself as being able to attain what I have now.

“Everything comes to you at the right time. Be patient”

The following factors are contributors;

1 patience and persistence — keep at what you want to learn and expect to flounder and struggle each time. A turning point would come when you have become hardened to this self conflict.

2 learn from your mistakes– Every mistake that is made, reflect and try not to commit again. It is really about fine tuning one’s craft.

3 Look for a good mentor or instructor who can give succinct instructions and is patient and encouraging. Be humble. A mean instructor may be able to teach you more. Do not let pride get in the way.

4 Do not set limit on yourself– age, family background, financial constraints etc. If you are passionate enough, you will find the ways not excuses. And believe in yourself.

Success is sweet. Failure is just part of the path to success. Do not wait for it to come. Go for it!

Here’s how….

Today’s world is full of distractions with news of wars, disputes, disasters and incidents on a daily basis. With the ubiquitous internet, it is almost impossible to escape these bad news because they sell and human beings have a desire to keep themselves safe.

But from time immemorial, these wars, disputes, disasters, accidents, incidents have happened continuously and they will never end. Meanwhile, one can be inadvertently swept up and enveloped by these news and even be paralyzed into inaction. I have met people who thinks that the safest place is the home and continue to build a barrier between themselves and the outside world.

Life is meant to be lived forward and reviewed backwards with relish. You might have heard from some people who always lament, “If only I had……..”, “I wished that I had……..”, “I regret not doing……….” Well, let not these words be spouted from your lips ever.

The biggest room in the world is the room for self improvement — — — Helmut Schmidt

Our glorious life and that means the one and only life you and I have right now. We should exalt and extol this one chance that you have been given by providence to make it good. For yourself and as an inspiration to others.

Many times, whenever I wanted to do something that is on my bucket list or even just to embark on a personal project , I am not short of naysayers. “Oh, we are passed that age by now”, “I think that is not possible to achieve in this lifetime”, “ It is dangerous…”

Everything we do have risks. A failure is just a slap in the ego, nothing else. It is evidence that your method do not work, so try another way. Age is only a number. Today’s internet videos have shown the possibilities achieved by people older than you and that is due to determination, courage and a positive mindset. Behind the success is sweat and tears. To “It is dangerous”, I say that life is unpredictable anyway. If you do your research, obey golden rules and take calculated risks, you can achieve and enjoy your journey.

The first negative comment I received was when I was nineteen and about to select my University course. I was told by an overseas professor that dentistry has no future. Fortunately, I did not take that to heart. I believed that there is always a room for good dentists and I have to earn that trust by keeping up to date, practicing carefully and really loving this career.

36 years on, I am still in love with dentistry and am glad that I have stuck to it even though some of my friends may have switched careers or have quit. To each his own. We all have our reasons but if you put your heart into your career and move along with the changes, you will love it. Dentistry is exciting and the image of this profession have greatly improved with the advent of digital technology and advances in dental science and techniques.

For that matter, every field is advancing with such incredible speed in this digital age. Even if one is retired and no longer needs to compete in the corporate world, continuing to better oneself in many ways gives one so much more power and energy to counter the negativity around us.

What can you do?

1 Read more– Reading holds the key to enlightenment and wisdom. Select books on success stories, personal development, skills and crafts of your interests and any materials that would give you ideas to better your life. Knowledge is power. It now depends on you to put them into action to bring more progress. Sometimes you surprise yourself with new found talents.

2 Inculcate a good habit and stick to it. A chinese saying has it that it takes three days to learn a bad habit but three years to build a good one. A good habit like exercise, studying, eating healthily for example requires persistence. It is the prerequisite to attain what you set out to achieve.

To achieve this, you need to set a routine to work at it, find your inspiration to motivate yourself consistently and believe in yourself.

3 Stay positive with a ‘can do’ attitude. In all situations, look for the good. It is a matter of losing something and gaining another thing. Before embarking on a project, it may look insurmountable. Look for role models who have done it . Even if you do not attain the full success, trying and modelling after those who have succeeded will get you midway and you just have to work harder from there.

4 Select your friends. The old adage, ‘Birds of a feather, flock together’ may be tired but rings true. If you want to know what a person is like, check out their friends. It also depends on who is the one who is most dominant and setting the behavior. In the learning of speaking Japanese for example, the obvious way to expedite it is to have some Japanese friends who are willing to converse with you. If you like a certain strength in a friend, you could only acquire it by hanging around him or her more and finding out how.

5 Be a mentor and a teacher. I believe in having mentors whether they are older or younger than me. As long as they are skilled, knowledgeable and kind in what they do, it is wise to request of their help to achieve what you want to improve in. Thus far, I have improved in my flute playing, scuba diving, skiing, the practice of advanced dentistry in particular, implants through friends who turned kind mentors who are dedicated and generous in imparting their knowledge to me. I in turn reinforce my own learning by sharing them with those who are interested in what I do too.

Paulo Coelho said, “ When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.” This is the essence of living. Improve yourself and you will always be a contributor to the welfare of others. This certainly would make your life more fulfilled and happy.

Some people face them from young, some later in their lives…or all their lives… good lessons do come out of them

The thing about life. It is interesting. It is like a pandora box waiting to be opened. You will discover more about yourself if you explore, experience and experiment. We are not meant to be standing still . Like a rolling stone, we could gather moss. Only if the stone’s surface has been roughened by the vicissitudes of life.

On looking back, we become rich not by money but by our life encounters that we are thankful for. In fact, the more challenging, the better. Therein lies our discovery of the solutions to our obstacles, hindrances and impediments.

I was a quiet child from a humble background. In my family of seven siblings, my father survived on a salary of S$300 to bring food to the table. My mother was a hardworking housewife, toiling each day to get by. I was told, we could ‘squeeze ‘ water out of stone to survive, so to speak . Frugality naturally became our second nature. Industriousness became a by product.

Being quiet was an impediment to many opportunities but sometimes I managed to rise above them due to the need to reach my goals. From an unknown school, I had wanted to go to an elite school just for the hell of it. My grades were borderline but on that day, I met the principal, I suddenly found my voice. I expressed my desire to be accepted by the school. The principal could sense the passion in my eyes and by sheer luck, I was accepted.

It was not a happy existence in the secondary school. There were many talented and brilliant students as well as rich ones too. The poor students who had intelligence were save. I was in the mediocre range and struggling. The truth is you become a nobody and watched others excel.

My humiliation was not being recognized as a student with potential. In fact, my essay book had been flung out the classroom window few times which I then ran down the building to retrieve. My essay pages were often blank or incoherent due to mental block or sheer emptiness in my brain vault. I was often asked to repeat the instructions given by the teacher but of course I failed to, being a poor listener engaged in my own vanquished thoughts.

I became a flower on the wall, albeit a sad one. In the final year, I became aware that my form teacher had not once stopped at my desk to ask how I was doing. I was bypassed like an insignificant object.

But the irony of the year end result was that I passed reasonably well to get into college. I still coveted for a good college which I made it by the skin of my teeth but my passion to excel did not grow. Most of the two years were spent ruminating of my unknown future and why other girls were so clever.

College ended and my friends dispersed to the courses that were highly popular. We called it the big four- Medicine, Dentistry, Accountancy and Law. These were seen as highly respected and stable professions with good money to be earned.

As expected, there was not enough money for the last child and my parents were getting old and my father had retired. I worked as a receptionist and while at it, I came across an advertisement in the newspapers recruiting air stewardesses for Singapore Airlines. Meanwhile, my friends had gone on to pursue their dreams in University.

I decided to go for the interview which attracted some thousands of hopeful girls. Singapore Airlines was still relatively unknown but under the strong governance of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, one can expect it to be among the top in no time and it did. In the interview, I was asked why I did not go straight to the University. I said that I loved serving customers especially in SQ and would do my best to make the airline proud. The truth was the lack of money. In any case, I managed to overcome my obstacle to this employment and was thrilled by my ingenuity despite my quiet nature.

It was the real world that I had entered. Having responsibilities, serving customers to ensure that that they were happy and keeping the National flag flying high. One grows up very fast in this job compared to a desk bound one. People comes in all shapes and sizes and temperaments. Colleagues could be helpful or mean. Unexpected incidents pleasant and unpleasant cropped up. In one and a half years, my eyes were opened to the world and inconsistencies of life. But we all learned to cope…fast, especially in the airlines and an international job.

After one and a half years, I grew a little wiser and had the opportunity to finally enter the University to study dentistry. That was another whole new world of challenges which warrant another article. Anyway, when the road is not smooth, you would learn more.

If I had come from a well heeled family, my path would have been different. Out of adversity arises the need to overcome. I have learnt a few things;

1 Sometimes you ask and it shall be given but there must be a good reason.

2 Nobody can help you but yourself. If you want to be in someone’s good books, receive their admiration and be commended, then you have to give them a reason to do so.

3 You need to continually work hard. If you are not endowed with special talent or have high intellect, you need to acquire them through hard work and persistence and you will get there.

4 A poor family is not necessary a bad thing. It gives more impetus to the person to do something proactive than to have everything within your easy reach and not appreciate that you could attain the goals yourself.

5 People do not be mean to be condescending though some are. They are just naturally drawn to people who are smart and rich, though I doubt the latter attracts real friends.

6 Keep plugging along. The road of life is never smooth even till the end. As it surprises you, you could further surprise yourself by coming up with innovative ways and ideas.

7 The world is indeed fascinating because there are so many variations-race, culture, languages, food, philosophies, lifestyles, hobbies, etc. There is so much to live for.

Now, I am in the 60s and it used to be a time for retirement. But people have longer life spans in today’s world. Living longer brings other problems linked to aging and a need to adapt to changes in the new world. 

I think that we are living in such an interesting and exciting era that retirement is not on my cards. We should still try to keep abreast of the changes and ride on the benefits of the wonderful technological changes and medical advances. They arise because there are people who overcame challenges and bring conveniences to the masses. Life will always have its ups and downs but judging from the human spirit, we can overcome.

If you love nature and walking, this is the perfect destination for you even when many parts of Japan is sweltering in summer.

Stepping off the platform at Karuizawa station, one could not help but feel that this is an unconventional part of Japan— a best kept secret that the natives probably like to keep for themselves.

I am in the Europe of Japan, the Shin-karuizawa area of karuizawa town. With my friend, Rosemary, we have come here with the sole purpose of “Momijigari” — an activity to view autumn leaves, specifically the maple leaves of Japan. No skyscrapers are visible, no obstructive sign boards and no heart stopping traffic in sight. What capture my senses is the crisp, cool and pristine air and the open spaces that this place instantly avails.

Karuizawa and its history

Karuizawa town’s total area of 156 sq km with a population close to 18000 is nestled in the east end of Nagano prefecture at the foot of Mount Asama, 1000 metres above sea-level. The average temperature here is 22 degrees though in winter it can be colder than Hokkaido. Originally it functioned as one of the shukubas or post stations for travellers who sought lodgings and transit for their goods and horses during the Edo era. In the Meiji era, the place declined when travellers to this place reduced.

In 1886, an English missionary, Alexander Croft Shaw came to Karuizawa and loved this place as it reminded him of his native Scotland. He set up residence in Kyu karuizawa (Old Karuizawa). Other foreign missionaries followed suit and today it is not surprising to find many small churches dotting the wooded hinterland. Many famous people also came to build their cottages here as their second residences.

With the development of the high speed rail link, it has become a very popular summer retreat from Tokyo’s fast paced life and also the suffocating heat in the summer months. Karuizawa is known during the 1998 winter olympics to hold the curling events though it was hosted in Nagano. Another notable event was that the fact that Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko first met each other at the Karuizawa Tennis court in 1957 and romance blossomed between them .

Plenty of Activities for the nature lovers

Karuizawa is a blissful sanctuary for nature lovers and hot spring aficionados.

As an avid walker, I am immensely interested in the abundant walking trails that this town gives. For a start, walking down Hondori (main street) from Karuizawa station then turning into Kyu karuizawa Ginza street, looking at the architecture of each low level building is a delectable experience. Some are still restored to old ryokans (traditional Japanese inns).

Around this time in October, the trees lining the roads are already ablaze with the yellow, orange and red hues of autumn.

Many of the shops in the buildings sell Japanese mechandise, jams and juices being an outstanding produce and gift ideas from this town. Delicious bakeries, fine craft shops, souvenir shops, ham and sausage eateries, boutique hotels, fine dining restaurants make us stop in our tracks to check them out. The myriad number of art museums and galleries can also be enjoyed for an entrance fee.

Indeed, many visitors use rented bicycles to explore Karuizawa town. Taxis or rented cars may help one access further spots.

At the end of Kyu Karuizawa, the stores vanished to be taken over by lush birch and larch trees which seem to spread out into eternity. Around this area, we spotted the Shaw Memorial Chapel and behind it is the Shaw house which is a two storied wooden building that has a Japanese exterior but European interior. This is the first western styled summer house of Karuizawa. Looking out from his windows, one can understand how Alexander Croft Shaw is charmed by the rich green forest and the peace of the surroundings.

At the bus stand not too far away (Nite bridge), a vintage looking red Karuizawa kotsu bus would stop at scheduled times and allow visitors to get off at several stops. One way is Y500 but two ways is Y750. The kotsu bus commences from Karuizawa station and provides a perfect way to enjoy all the sights of this quaint town.

With this bus, we had a pleasant ride up the inclined path to the Usui Pass Observation Platform. By walking, it takes 1 hour 30 minutes. This summit otherwise known as the Mihadai or sunset point gives a panoramic view of Mt Asama, Mt Myogi and the surrounding mountain range.

It is indeed a wonderful experience to take in the sights at this height of 1200m ; the thick foliage with autumn leaves of red, yellow, orange and brown whirling and wreathing in the sharp cool breeze, the silhouette of the gentle mountain range stood steadfast in the background.

Nearby is the Kumano shrine. There is a beautiful leafy trail that takes 2 hours to walk down back to where we took the bus. At the entrance of this trail is a sign showing ‘there are bears” . One way to keep them at bay is by making noise with a bell or even conversation.

Another beautiful hiking trail with the option of hopping on the bus midway should one decide not to continue walking is the trip to Shiraito falls. You can access Shiraito falls by public bus outside the Karuizawa station. The ride is about 30 minutes, taking you through lush forest of larch, which is by now bursting with autumn splendour. Shiraito falls means white thread falls and is a 3m high by 30m wide crescent shaped waterfall. Clear water originates from Yugawa river and gushes out from the grounds of Mt Asama. The water fell over the rocks like fine white threads, hence its name.

From Shirato falls, some may choose to trek back to Kyu karuizawa, ‘the Ginza district’ of Karuizawa or use the bus which do stop at another falls called the Ryugaeshi falls.

A notable stop by the bus is at the Old Mikasa Hotel from which a 20 minutes walk will lead back to Kyu karuizawa street. This hotel is an entirely wooden hotel made mostly of cypress wood with western architecture designed and built by the Japanese (1906 to 1970). It was frequented by foreigners and influential people from political and financial circles. It was designated as a national cultural asset since and opened to public viewing (entrance fee Y400). What is most distinctive about this hotel are its ornamental features such as the geometrically designed window frames, engraved curtain boxes and the use of curved brackets. Inside, the retro décor of that era still exudes old world charm.

Manpei Hotel, an old building in a secluded part of the town but restored to its former glory, still functions as a hotel and is a leisurely 15 mins walk on an idyllic path off the main road or kyu karuizawa. John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono spent many summers at this monumental Manpei Hotel.

A 15 minutes brisk walk from our hotel on hondori road(main road) brings us to Kumoba pond where more autumn ambiance and one may be savor this season to the fullest. Amid the calm reflective water, the trees encircling the pond, the walking trails round the pond gives a different angle to appreciating the beauty of this place.

The options for trekking and nature indulgence is limitless as naka-karuizawa (inner karuizawa)and minami-karuizawa (southern part)also offer more nature trails and activities like birds gazing, golf, horse-riding etc . They are hugely popular past-times.

Food, Shopping and Accommodation

Food in Karuizawa is as refined as the place itself. Among the foods, tender and juicy Wagyu beef with salad, rice and soup was an unforgettable et meal at the food street near the factory outlet. Even an unassuming corner shop serves up the most delicious kinoko(mushroom) pasta.

Besides shopping at the kyu-karuizawa “Ginza” district, the upscale factory outlet (Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza)that is located near the karuizawa station itself is a great window-shopping experience but one has to look hard for bargains . Cost of accommodations are not as formidable as it was thought given this upscale resort town.

Besides hotels, boutique hotels, there are also minshuku (people’s inn) or Japanese guest houses. They are often family run giving you the simple traditional Japanese experience without breaking your bank account. Bath facilities are usually shared. Another budget option is the pension houses that are also often family run. The difference is that they are western style houses.

There is so much more to explore in Karuizawa such as Naka Karuizawa which is an area with upper class restaurants, cafes and shops. You can spend a wonderful time here just sipping coffee and be immersed in the subtle sounds and sights of nature.

While in Karuizawa, it is a good opportunity to take half a day to go to Nagano to visit the world’s only hotspring where the macaque monkeys or snow monkeys live naturally and love soaking in the hot springs heated by the Shiga Kogen volcano. The Jikokudani spa literally means ‘Hell’s valley spa’ and it has acquired this name from the hot steaming water that the monkeys soak in.

The journey to Hell’s valley spa starts from Nagano station. From here, by the modes of transport listed at the bottom of this page, you would arrive at Kanbayashi spa area. Here you would begin your most refreshing trek through the forest that ‘Yumichi promenade’ which would lead to the snow monkey spa park.

This 25 minute trek through the green forest is the most serene I have ever experienced despite being quite deserted. It is not uncommon to spot some local elderly people soldiering on slowly. At one point, the valley would appear in front of you and the sun suddenly shines brightly after the shaded forest trail . The steamy hotsprings can be sighted in the open distance. During our walk, we saw in the distance a brave soul soaking in the hot spring and basking in the glorious sun. He was oblivious to us looking from across the valley.

The entrance to the monkey spa costs Y500. If you walk further down the boardwalk, you would see the snow monkeys frolicking in the hot water pools, some chasing each other and also many more sitting pensively along the edge of the steep cliffs around the area. Do watch your belongings or they may be snatched away. The macaque monkeys make very good subjects for photo taking. Indeed, this is a place that should not be missed if you have come this far to Karuizawa.

Karuizawa can be a day trip from Tokyo but to really enjoy this wooded area, its history and culture, it is advisable to have at least an overnight stay. You are guaranteed to feel refreshed and recharged after this and will wish that you had stayed longer.

How to get there:

Karuizawa: From Tokyo station ride the JR Nagano Shinkansen “ Asama” (bullet train)It takes 1 hour 20 minutes to Karuizawa station.

Snow monkey spa of Hell’s valley spa in Nagano : From Karuizawa station ride the JR Nagano Shinkansen (30 minutes )to Nagano station.

Change at Nagano Station to Nagano Dentetsu railway line( 50 minutes)

Get off at Yudanaka station to catch the bus to Kanbayashi onsen area (12 minutes)

See signboard of Jigogudani or Hell valley spa and walk to monkey spa (30 minutes)

Here are five quick tips

Money and time. It is said that time is money but they are not the same. If you have time and the wisdom and persistence to achieve, you may make money. If you have money but poor use of time, you would not be able to use your money optimally.

Time is fair. It accords us each 24 hours everyday and it is up to you to make full use of it. Money is tangible but time is not. It slips away without your knowledge, it is marching onwards into eternity.

So often, it is said that youth is wasted on the young. Some people think that there is always time on their hands, some never realize that time is elusive and in their graying years become filled with remorse over what they could have done with their lives. Let us be mindful now !

You can achieve much ! What one needs is a series of steps.

Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else — — Peter Drucker

Keys to time management;

1 Schedule your program and stick to it

It is similar to financial management. If you have a certain budget, you do not overspend. You spend on what is important and necessary. In the same vein, you could allot time for what is urgent and required to be completed first and do it at the time stated. In other words, prioritize and also delegate where needed. Like in the corporate world, you have a time and interval for meeting, a deadline for your project and a scheduled overseas call. Everything will fall in place if you have a system.

2 Persist with your plan

If you tend to sit on your laurels until you feel the deadline draws nearer or you are a whimsical person, put a stop to this bad habit. Just get cracking if you really want to see results. Where this concerned, the ball is really in your court. Take baby steps if necessary but the key is to get started and keep your goal in mind till you finish.

3 Make full use of your ‘fragmented’ moments

In between work, there may be pockets of free time. Even while waiting to commute or your transport runs late, you could strategise on your next plan. Using this time for example to make an online payment or learn some new words from dictionary.com are time well spent. On my way to work in the train, once my priorities are planned, I would commit to memory new vocabularies and phrases, meaningful quotes by famous authors which I then apply to my life. It also make the train journey less arduous.

4 Be punctual. Being on time shows preparedness. It proves that you are respectful of the person you are meeting, are committed to what the meeting is about. Only then will you be taken seriously. Being early is a greater virtue but being punctual certainly is a mark of courtesy. A missed appointment is a missed opportunity that may never come by again.

5 Learn to say no. Decline requests to do many things if you are already super busy. It is better to be truthful that you may not be able to give a good result to what is requested than to assume the role and not even embark on it. It is disappointing and a time waster to the person who had expected a good favor from you. When you are spread too thin, you would have to reconsider what are the issues that you have to drop or attend to them at a later date.

A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life — — Charles Darwin

Time is money and cannot be bought.

Time is opportunity and it allows you to attain your goals if you manage it well.

Time is life and wasting it is equivalent to wasting your precious life on this planet.

With this value in your hands, you could seize back more control and make the most of your life.