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More foreigners are learning Chinese and enjoying immense benefits.

Summer LotusAug 17 · 6 min read

Chinese Idioms and phrases always amaze me. When I was younger, I was never interested in the Chinese language. I am a pure Chinese and my father hailed from the Fujian province of China while my mother was Chinese and came from Indonesia.

The characters of the language always stumped me. The use of Singapore Chinese characters before 1969 was first traditional and was very complex. One can hardly remember all the strokes. It requires a really diligent person to excel in Chinese. After 1969, there was simplification and eventually, after 1976, Singapore fully adopted the simplified Chinese Characters of the Republic of China. Even with this, it can be a challenge to learning Chinese.

Ironically, my father was a Chinese teacher in a pure Chinese-speaking school. For some reason, out of seven siblings, my parents sent three brothers and one sister to the Chinese school where he taught while he sent another brother, my eldest sister, and myself to a neighborhood English speaking school. Talking about not putting all your eggs in one basket.

Studying is like sailing against the current: a boat must forge ahead or it will be swept downstream.—– A Chinese quote

In my home, we conversed in both languages besides our native dialect which was Hakka. Whoever dominates the conversation with the language ended up speaking the language he or she is schooled in. I spoke with my Chinese Speaking siblings in Chinese but spoke in English with the rest of the siblings who studied in English schools. It was natural that those who were Chinese schooled did not improve in English.

When it came to Chinese, though I was conversant at a basic level and understand it. However, the writing was a hurdle. I did not really love the learning of it hence it meant a very low score for this subject in school. I was very impressed with my fellow classmates who could recite Chinese poetry and wrote essays beautifully while my essay was peppered with blanks and totally incoherent.

When my love for learning Chinese began

The love for learning Chinese came late in my life. It was after I met my patient from China who came for dental treatment about two years ago. Her name was Jean and she graduated from Sichuan University in China. I saw her carrying a thick literature book and was impressed.

From our brief conversation after the dental treatment, I found that she came to Singapore to experience her culture and pick up English. Though her English was halting, her Chinese was polished. She worked as a cashier at the Supermarket and the work did not give her many opportunities for learning the language so I offered to coach her English if she did the same for me in Mandarin.

Then began a year of mutual tutoring twice a week after work until her work contract ended and Jean went back to China. She was a good teacher. While I focused on her reading and pronunciation which was her main concern, she focused on my assimilation of her teaching of Chinese sayings and stories behind the idioms. That fascinated me so much, I continued to study on my own with the help of the language apps which she introduced to me as well as watching Chinese dramas on Youtube.

What fascinated me about Chinese idioms? They are called 成语‘Cheng Yu’ and typically consist of four characters but maybe more. They convey so much meaning and may be derived from an ancient myth, story, or historical fact. There are thousands of them and is a wonderful way to understand Chinese culture.

A) Interesting idioms with a story behind them

1)The idiom 守株待兔 literally means “to wait for the hares”. It is a metaphor for those who wish to make gains without working and always dream of having windfalls.

The story was about a farmer who plowed on a field. One day, a hare scuttled past him and accidentally knocked into a tree and died. The farmer brought the hare home and turned it into a delicious meal.

Since then, the farmer refused to tend to his land and waited at the tree for free ‘dinner’. The hare never appeared his way again. Meanwhile, his field became overgrown with weeds. When the neighbors came to find out why he had stopped work and abandoned the field, they laughed at his stupidity.

This phrase is used when describing a situation that requires one to work and not idle. For example in a conversation, one may say, “世界上 没有 那么多 守株待兔 的 事情”. That means “There are not so many pleasant things as windfalls.”

Example 2; “找工作 不能 守株待兔，要 主动寻找 机会” It means “One shouldn’t expect to get a job by waiting but be proactive”.

2)The idiom杞人忧天 is to describe someone who has irrational fears. How did this phrase come about?

In ancient times, there was a small country called Qi and there lived a man who was very fearful. He was terrified by situations such as a strong wind, even the sight of a bird falling to the ground was a shock to him. He asked the passers-by if the sky would fall but they ignored him. He thought they were mad.

He hid in his home as he feared that the sky would fall on him. One day, someone told him that it would not happen and he went out one night for a stroll. He witnessed a shooting star and thought that the sky, moon, and stars were falling. This man had imaginary and groundless fears

When used in conversations, the following sentences are examples:

Someone says, “你 不必 杞人忧天，生活中 没有 那么多 坏事” It means, “Don’t worry too much. Life isn’t all about bad things”.

她总是 担心 世界 毁灭，简直是 杞人忧天。She worries about the world coming to an end, that is indeed a groundless fear.

That is the beauty of the Chinese language for me. It explains the situation, describes a person in not too many words but knowing the background story or the origin leads to easier use when the occasion calls.

B ) Some idioms paint a situation in an indirect way and yet convey deep meaning.

1)调虎离山 literally means to lure a tiger out of the mountain. This expression is employed when someone uses tricks to make the opposite party leave the original location so that you could make use of the opportunity to achieve your objective.

2) 打草惊蛇 literally means to beat the grass and frighten the snake. As a strategy, it means to act rashly and alert the enemy.

Such colorful ways of expressions are not only enlightening and elegant, but it also elevates the standard of spoken and written Chinese which makes the language so alluring.

C ) Idioms that have an imaginative way of describing a situation without saying plainly A is A or B is B.

1. 上梁不正下梁歪—If the upper beam is not straight, the lower beam will be crooked will not make any sense when translated. However, when spoken in Chinese, it is used to refer to a situation where the upper level or a senior who should have an exemplary role and does not have one. As a result, his juniors or followers would follow suit and do things as unethical or wrong as the senior or person with authority.

2) 不进一家门不是一家人 — -Awkwardly translated as if you don’t enter the same house, you are not family. The English equivalent of this is ‘Birds of the same feather, flock together’. Often, it is used to refer to people from the same family or group who display the same attitudes or traits and may have a sarcastic undertone.

This language continues to enthrall me.

D ) Even English idioms have their expressions in Chinese.

1. 一箭双雕 comes from the expression ‘Kill two birds with one stone’. Here the stone is replaced by the arrow and it means to accomplish two goals with one task.
2. 人不可貌相 is the Chinese equivalent of ‘You can’t judge a book by its cover’. It means you do not judge a person by his or her look. This is to advise that we do not make shallow judgements at face value of something.

Chinese is a marvelous language just like our languages. There is a misconception that Chinese is hard to learn. All languages and for that matter, all skills are difficult to master if you do not have a burning interest in the first place.

Many foreigners are picking up this language and some even choose to stay in China to immerse themselves in the learning. It is not surprising, given the rise of China as a world economic superpower.

Picking up Chinese is very easy. Master the basics and root of the verb which is the base form of the verb. When conjugated, it can form another verb. Understanding how words are derived and how some phrases have stories behind them help in learning Chinese.

Try learning Chinese and find your life enriched in a thousand ways by the thousands of idioms.

Read more at Medium– Summer Lotus@rosalindho

Life is wonderful because of Art

Art is powerful and I have been dabbling in art unknowingly.

Music is an art.

Listening to music is what drives me to work smoothly as a dentist. I always play instrumental or classical music in my clinic’s background and it has become indispensable. Somehow, my fingers became defter as I work on the teeth and I do identify myself with the artist though dentistry is a science. My work is art when I realized it!

Patients usually drift off to sleep too, with their mouth still open of course!

Writing is an art. It is also a cathartic action. It allows me to dive deep into my past and elicit all the emotions related to significant events. Even mundane ones could provide lessons from which I learn how to become a better person. I am glad to have discovered writing as a hobby.

I became aware of how my words should flow so that they are congruent with my thoughts and best expressed in a way that benefits those who read them. Words have power!

Speaking is an art. Some people have a way with words. I am currently interested in the rhetorical devices employed by famous speakers. I am enthralled by their communication skills which are so fluid and arresting. Their speaking is not only congruent with their body language and facial expressions but the choice of words and phrases is highly compatible with the issue as well. If what is said is backed by evidence, the speech is a winning one.

Speaking can move others into positive action. It can inspire, persuade, and inform. It is integral for personal and career success when one can communicate effectively

Cooking is an art. I see that in my domestic helper. How she would prepare all the ingredients with great patience and skill. It is a display of art, looking at the various colors evoked by the presence of Chili, turmeric, onions, garlic, spring onions, carrots, et cetera. As she indulged in her daily chores, she had shown great patience and love for the art of Cooking.

Over the years, she has morphed into such a good cook, I called her my Michelin star chef. She has elevated cooking to an art level and it has made eating out a non-event. She even inspired me to create two e-books online.

Living is an art. A life that is well-lived and successful is one that I define as appreciating life, taking on the challenges of each day with a calm mind and a positive attitude. It is about presenting our best in everything that we do and exceeding our expectations. It is living in harmony with others and interacting with each other to enrich mutually. Life has so many interesting facets. You can find art and soul in all your activities.

You use a Glass Mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul — George Bernard Shaw

I am very glad to discover art in the sciences. As a science student and an introvert, my world was a parochial one. I speak for myself in this aspect. The options were narrow because my exposure was limited. But as I opened up to experiencing life, so did my appreciation of living each day increases.

What has helped me? Just three activities benefit me immensely.

1 Travelling is one of the most important growth factors in my life. Having traveled to many countries, I have a better understanding of their life-styles, cultures, food, people, and philosophies. It makes me a more tolerant person. One learns about mutual respect and how each culture has its strengths that we can adopt.

For example, in Japan which is my top destination, I discovered why they have hardly any litter bins and yet the streets are spotless. From young, they were instilled with the discipline to carry their trash with them to dispose of.

“Mochi-kaeri” means “Bring home”. Indeed, the Japanese are so particular about trash, they had long ago divided their trash into “burnable” and “non-burnable” and recyclable. In some places, it is divided into Singapore adopted this discipline just a few years ago.

In the subway, people do not speak out of respect for others to have a quiet traveling time. However, they are allowed to eat as many Japanese spent time commuting to work and may miss their breakfast. Their train cabins are never littered despite meals being allowed.

2 Social Interaction is another important activity. Being an introvert, I started to meet people and became involved in clubs like Toastmasters Club to widen my network of friends and also to improve my communication skills. I have been a member for over thirty years. I attribute my appreciation of life to this activity that has honed my art of speaking over the years.

Interacting with people can be challenging as each of us can be opinionated and has our unique characteristics, be they annoying or not. I believed that everyone has a talent we can learn from, a trait that we can emulate. Generally, I prefer friends who are honest, sincere, forgiving, and knowledgeable. There is much fun to be had with the right people and I no longer believe in being an introvert.

3 Reading and Writing is my current passion. I was never an avid reader but through a stroke of good luck and probably due to the need to write a speech for Toastmaster’s project, I stumbled upon Medium. My world opened up to all the gems of ideas from good authors and all the positive thoughts that I had derived from reading their works. It has led me to write articles that I never thought I could.

The world of reading, in particular, is a form of traveling.

To see the world through another person’s perspective as one is not able to cover so many destinations in our lifetime. To experience the joys and sorrows and understand the problems and solutions through reading is an enrichment to one’s life. To read about an artist’s accomplishments whether it is music, novels or painting is an important pause for our hurried lives.

In short, it makes a person smarter by becoming a prolific reader.

Lose yourself and find yourself at the same time in Art. It is undoubtedly the most important aspect of our lives that many overlook, in the pursuit of career success, money, and materialism. 

Art is Life and Art is true Peace.

Be mindful……..they do work!

Summer Lotus Aug 10 · 5 min read

We all want a nice working environment with pleasant colleagues who are helpful, efficient, and understanding. But in the world of constant flux, this nice scenario does not last. That is left to yourself to change and adapt to the new setting. As they say, change what you can control.

It is often related to a person’s character flaws and traits. Being aware of them would go a long way to achieving peace and harmony in the workplace.

1 Control your emotions— This is probably the most destructive of all emotions. Being impulsive and prone to anger. Anger only muddles your mind and provokes others. There is no incident that cannot be alleviated when one cool down, assess, and analyze.

It may be the other party who blows his or her top. Let no one anger you.

Personal outbursts may be that, personal. They could be having a bad start in the day. But some people carry this around like an albatross around their necks and hurt themselves and their relationships. They carry their crummy mood to work and offload on others like the proverbial man who goes home to kick his dog after a stressful day.

So lock up your problems when you leave home and not carry your mood to your office and vice versa.

2 Expect to be bullied until you prove yourself.

Life is such. It is a discriminatory world. You will be discriminated whether you are young or old, rich or poor, tall or short, good looking or not, white or colored, etc. There will be people who will not have anything good to say but then the onus is on you to ignore. Prove it in what matters — -your work.

The only way is to be hard-working, amicable, and humble. Know your work well and nothing can be held against you. Be friendly and approachable. Be teachable and seek out those who love to mentor others.

Only when you excel in your arena, will there be a legion of fans. People like winners and when you share, everyone wins. There should be no bitterness.

3. Have the right mindset —The wrong mindset can impede your progress as a boss or employee;

Eg 1of a wrong mindset is a fixed mindset thinking that only you have all the solutions because of your age or training or exposure. That is certainly an archaic approach. A fixed mindset would leave others thinking you are inflexible and difficult to deal with. More so, in today’s informative world, the options are abundant and not everyone may know so many. Be open to fresh ideas.

Ever since I engaged two young students as my part-time dental assistants, I am greatly enlightened. By their suggestions and ideas. I know where their strengths lie. They could rectify hiccups very fast, anything that is related to computers for example. They are fast and eager to learn if engaged in an interesting manner.

Eg 2 of a wrong mindset is a performance mindset, thinking only about bottom-line. This can result in short-cuts when delivering your product or services. I prefer a contemplative mindset where one is not just focused on the goal but the process. A contemplative mindset considers the journey rather than the destination ensuring that it is smooth and provides learning at the same time. It is for the long haul. Considerations such as:

Is everyone enjoying what they are doing?

If not, how to make it more enjoyable?

Is there a smarter and shorter way to achieve work done?

There should be a cause for celebration when work is well done and the mission is accomplished. Colleagues should be commended, encouraged to strive harder, and share success stories with others. The ultimate good is for the company which will benefit everyone in return.

Even when one is short of the target, if you can get this far, you will surely reach it another time.

4 Be patient—A lot of unhappiness results from expectations, not met. Slow down, Boss, or colleague. Some people take time to prove themselves. maybe your instructions are not clear

Understand human behavior and what motivates it. — Most thrive on praise. Catch others doing the right things. Praise opens doors and it is a good chance to get in on some recommendations for improvement just like evaluating a speech. There are bound to be some flaws that should be highlighted.

Lazy ones need a kick in the butt but given a second chance. The chronic, irredeemable ones should be given the boot. When they go somewhere else, Society will know how to teach them to pull up their bootstraps.

With my young assistants, I tried not to raise any mistakes in front of others. Gentle strokes for all folks. When it is a big mistake, it is also gently mentioned. I work on the premise that people are sincerely there to please others and themselves and they will try if LAziness is not genetically engraved in their bones. I believe you giving others time to adjust to their new roles.

Time and patience are the greatest virtues

Now, they have proven to be steady and dependable.

5 Have an Exemplary behavior —Whether as a boss or a colleague, if you do not want any unhappiness working with others, fulfill your promise if you have made any. Have a good reason if you did not. Be punctual, orderly, and smile. The latter is the most disarming weapon you can have.

6 Overcome human obstacles — Despite all that you have set a good example, you still can’t stop the idle gossip. Instead of feeling upset about that, it is more profitable to spend time improving on the knowledge or skill that you have put on a back burner. Discussing someone else’s shortcomings when it has no bearing on your work is an utter waste of time. Especially if that someone is not receptive to any recommendation or help.

I often overheard in the lift about people talking about their colleagues’ performance. If you know you are doing your best, be immune to gossips as you can’t stop other mouths. If you find out what your shortcomings are, work on them and the gossips would stop. It is so simple.

A wise man once said, ‘Do not ask what is a good man. Be one’.

7 Listen, then ask to be listened out

Most conflicts persist because people try to get on top of each other to defend themselves. If one is drawn into a dispute, hear out the other person totally first. Then ask for your turn to speak.

Toastmasters have prepared us to speak off the cuff and in an organized manner. Moreover, we also cover the art of persuasion in many projects. Be amazed at how you can turn the discussion in your favor.

If you are wrong, admit that it is your fault with an apology and assurance that it will not repeat.

Human interaction is complex because we are complex beings. The office can be a wonderful place for networking, building long term relationships, learning, and achieving one’s goals. It is a place of fulfillment and happiness if people can be more aware and cultivate soft skills and not just result-driven.

A peaceful and harmonious environment allows goals to be easily attained.

Get started on it, the essence of good living.

Summer Lotus Aug 1 · 2 min read

I can’t work well without music, I have concluded–Classical ones such as the flute, piano, violin, and the guitar is the staple of my work environment. Even Jazz music is so soothing.

My fingers moved with ease as I work with my instruments in a work-area the size of an apple — — the mouth.

Music makes it easy even for the most difficult piece of work — restoring an upper second molar where I usually need to bend my spine and neck at least 35 degrees using indirect vision.

Or sectioning the wisdom tooth to deliver it in pieces in a deliberate manner.

Music makes it a breeze. My body moves as in a dance, as I shifted left and right and left again to get a good view of the cavity and begin my work of art and science. Music never fails me.

My mind settles to a zone of peace. I am in a flow state, fingers fluid, eyes focused. Nothing seems too difficult.

Meanwhile, I noticed that my patient had drifted off to sleep. Good! They could rest with the mouth open and breathing very easily and evenly.

Such is the magic of music. When the music suddenly stops, I am rudely shocked into reality. Hands froze. “ Nurse, music please!” The patient laughed as if we are in a concert or show and the music is summoned by the conductor.

Night falls, it is time to turn in. Like a creature of habit, I turned to repeat music — selected from the lullaby category of the ‘Calm’ app. Within a short unknown interval, I was carried away into the world of slumber.

Such is the power of music. When I wake up, the lullaby will still be playing. A new day has dawned and music has finished its transport.

Another wonderful day, I am looking forward to listening to music again. Who says that working life is tough?

And I mean everything. There is only one way to avoid this.

Summer Lotus Jul 31 · 4 min read

Life is meant to be hard and we should expect it.

Someone says, “Oh, I just take life easy, mark time every day and collect my salary at the end of the month”.

Well, things don’t work this way. In this competitive world that has gone global and where people from other countries can easily seek work in your country, it is a huge mistake to sit on your laurels.

Soon, very soon, you will get booted out. Because, there is always someone hungrier than you, someone who wants to prove their salt no matter how unpalatable the job, someone who sees any job as a stepping stone to a better one.

Even if you were in a multinational enterprise where they have thousands of workers, walls can talk.

Words get around that you are a skiver, or are not doing your share enough. There is no hiding from job appraisals.

Don’t kill your dreams by being mediocre

The world works in the most expected way; the hardworking ones, the smart ones and the initiated even when not smart but willing to learn and contribute, all will get a piece of the pie.

So, it is best to buck up. Especially in today’s new normal world, so to speak, you have to be abnormal – in the sense that you show adaptability like a chameleon, flex like bamboo in the wind, adjusting to the stormy billows of life as it belts everyone with continuous changes, unimaginable.

In this COVID-19 era, you learned to be resourceful. Having a virus susceptible job and quickly skill yourself to pick up a virus-proof one.

A job like the one you know would be essential when a pandemic hits like those jobs that are in demand now while others are clamped down by the regulations.

I see that opportunity in technology such as blogging, web-based education, e-commerce, food delivery services, transport, health services, etc.

Indeed, it has been a gig economy and will be for good – one job is not enough. Even if you are so versed and passionate about your vocation, learning a different trade would enrich your life immensely.

And in a strange and creative way, they will overlap at some points and contribute to each other’s growth.

I have been a dentist for 35 years and never wanted to die a dentist anyway though I enjoy dentistry. We are made to experience and explore more and squeeze mediocrity out of our lives. Somehow, I became interested in blogging as I was entertaining the idea of being a writer since I like to share my travel stories.

Blogging led to website creation and content creation as well as setting up an e-commerce store.

The two interests overlap. Besides blogging, It became natural for me to set up a clinic website that I never had one but has been a necessity long overdue.

I was a latecomer to the game and was more motivated to do so when I found out that my dentist friends have spent several thousand dollars on their websites besides hefty yearly maintenance.

After some effort, I came up with a functional one which I felt was basic but serve patients well. However, I am continuously upgrading it to make google like me.

SEO was next as it is today’s way of reaching out to patients who use the internet to look for dental services.

SEO is search engine optimization, which is knowing how to make your website more accessible to internet users when they search for the dental industry.

I learned to request for Google stars and FB likes to get ranking. Without paying any money, it works and I had referrals through Google searches.

So, the two vocations had intertwined and potentiated each other’s performance. With more website experience, I can now offer website services as well, a virus-proof job. In the process of creating websites, I learn tools like photo editing, adding elements, and graphics which is a fun thing to do.

Dentistry is moving fast especially when it became digitally enhanced. Everything is fast and clean and good.

Soon to be phased out would be impressions, those sticky, gluey stuff that patients hate and would be replaced by scanning the teeth and gums to record data in the mouth.

For years, X-rays have already been digital and 3 D images were available for more accurate analysis of vital structures and teeth and bone integrity. Now splints could be fabricated for accurate placement of implants.

It takes work and many man-hours to upskill. There are no shortcuts in life.

So, are most careers. If you do not wish to be replaced by someone who knows more and willing to work harder, you have to create that x-factor, that extra edge that would tip that interview in your favor. Or at least show that you are valuable and relevant even with the robots around.

I see developing Communication skills as a paramount way to move forward in one’s career and life.

Creating content is huge now as most people turn to the internet or source for products and information.

So if you communicate well, whether, in writing or speaking, you would win accolades for yourself and an extra jig that pays well. Businesses need good write-up to attract potential clients to their sites to translate them into clients.

That means more reading, more writing, and more practice at Toastmasters’ meetings that would stand us in good stead for this new role.

Nobody ever says that life is easy or will get easier. But it is certainly fascinating. We need to ride this new wave of change and triumph in this brave new world.

In our busy lives, we are reading less and less……

Summer Lotus Aug 2 · 5 min read

Many people either have no time to read or have stopped reading. I have stopped reading for many years, confining myself to clinical textbooks, and occasional magazines.

It was not until recently that I discovered the secret to happiness is hidden in my library of books.

It started when I treated a patient. One day a patient named Jean who was from China, came for dental treatment carrying a thick literature book.

I was curious and impressed. She worked as a cashier in NTUC supermarket and I found out that she had graduated from Sichuan University. She came to Singapore to experience our culture and to pick up English. However, her work left her little opportunity for learning. She spoke good Mandarin and her book was deep in substance.

After the dental treatment, I made a transaction with her. She could teach me Mandarin and I would teach her English.

Over a year, we met once to twice a week after work in a cafe and tutored each other. I learned about Chinese idioms and phrases, about Ancient Chinese history and Philosophy. It was an enriching experience for me.

Then, we went through the storybooks that she liked. She would read aloud and I would explain where necessary and fine-tuned her pronunciations.

That was the start of my love for reading which I always felt was related to a need rather than a love.

Research has shown that reading is very important for our growth and development throughout our lives. I am not talking about any reading — gossips, memes, social media ranting, etc. I am referring to the good old book.

The benefits are;

1. Reading reduces stress and helps you to sleep better.

According to research by the University of Sussex, reading for just six minutes can reduce your stress levels by as much as 68 %

Psychologists believe that you become lost in your literary world away from the real one when you read and that relaxes your muscle tensions.

I am sure you have experienced sleepiness when you read after some time. It is the panacea for insomnia. My book fell away from me naturally as I read and sleep is induced.

But do avoid thrillers and horror stories for bedtime reading.

2 Reading motivates you.

Life has ups and downs whether you are poor or rich.

How you deal with them is in your mind and the wisdom to do so comes from the experiences and insights of authors who have gone before you.

The answers are in the books and they are tested. Whether it is fiction or fact, you can draw inferences where the situation is similar.

Dale Carnegie’s book: “How to win friends and influence people” or Napoleon Hill’s “ Think and grow rich “

These may be such old books that immediately come to my mind. They also show my lack of reading since then.

Some wise sayings from Carnegie:

Our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration, and resentment.

If you want to keep happy, you have to share it.

From Napoleon Hill:

Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.

Our only limitations are those we set up in our own minds

I attest to their philosophical influences on me. They have helped me greatly.

Do indulge in more self- help books especially in today’s negative world.

3 Reading staves off dementia

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.

It is never too late to start reading and reap the brain benefits.

Even if started later, it can delay or prevent dementia.

Reading every day helps to preserve the language and memory longer. Why? Because you have to remember characters, scenarios, and plots when reading a novel, it is a silent training in strengthening your brain cells. Use them or lose them.

Each novel you read, you gain ideas, vocabulary, and inspiration. You fire your imagination and reading engages you so much that your brain will not age so fast.

4 Reading improves your knowledge

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only once.”

When you read about travel stories, you are experiencing life through somebody’s lenses. Places, food, the culture you may never find time to experience but you could still enjoy it. The world is full of fascinating places, because of books.

When you read about a biography, you delve into the person’s philosophy and learned how he or she handled challenges in life. I would rather be learning from someone’s mistakes than to make them.

When you read about a hobby, you piqued your interest in art and culture. A hobby is an important thing to develop as we grow older. You realize your creativity and talent when you dabble in art other than work.

You find your life long interest and that could even spark off a side career for you.

5 Reading builds discipline and character.

Once you become a reader, the whole world is your oyster. Reading takes time and temerity. If you have the patience to finish a thick book, you could complete any manual or project with ease.

You develop an admiration for the author or the character in the story which is worth emulating.

Today’s reader is tomorrow’s leader. All famous people read profusely.

When Warren Buffet was once asked about the key to success, he pointed to a stack of nearby books and said, “Read 500 pages like this every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest. All of you can do it, but I guarantee not many of you will do it.”

Bill Gates read about 50 books a year.

Elon Musk is an avid reader and when asked how he learned to build rockets, he said, “I read books.”

6 A good feel from a book.

Today, much reading is done on the screen. I feel that reading on a screen is disruptive and distracting. Advertisements pop up, sometimes the article shifts away as announcements are made and notifications from your laptop also appear. I feel less disturbed than reading from a book.

There is no radiation, no battery charge up or wifi required and is equally portable.

The touch of a book, the viewing of its cover, and thumbing through the pages give a sense of ownership that no computer can impart. Your favorite book sits on your shelf as a collectible to be passed on to your kids and theirs. It is your legacy.

In conclusion, I envision that with regular reading, I would be very informed in many aspects that I have an interest in and use them in my life.

My aim through reading is to develop more passion in life as the ‘light’ dims and still be a beacon of hope and inspiration to my children and other people.

Moreover, I will never be lonely as a book is my best friend.