愛、生活、人生系列

I Love FlowersI love flowers. For me, there are few things in life as universally appreciated as flowers. Whether growing wild in a field, carefully arranged in a bouquet, or blooming quietly on a windowsill, flowers truly capture my heart deeply. I love flowers for many reasons. First of all, flowers are companions for me in moments of reflection and comfort. Flowers come in an endless variety of colors, patterns, and shapes. From the deep, velvet red of a rose to the bright, cheerful yellow of a sunflower, their diversities make them endlessly fascinating to look at. Bright, warm colors like oranges and yellows, really, let me feel uplifting, while cooler tones like lavender and blue can create calmness in my mind. When I walk past a garden or see a place full of fresh flowers, I could sense that the atmosphere of the entire space is always joyful. Secondly, flowers carry the meanings and symbolism. Across cultures and histories, flowers have been used to communicate emotions and messages. For example, roses often symbolize love, lilies are associated with purity, and chrysanthemums can signify remembrance. When I give or receive flowers, I figure out as though I am participating in the messages, saying “I love you,” or “I’m thinking of you.” Flowers have long been used as symbols of love, affection, and admiration. From a single red rose symbolizing passionate love to a bouquet of daisies conveying innocence and purity, flowers speak a language of their own. They allow us to express emotions in ways that words sometimes can’t. Thirdly, I love flowers because they represent the resilience of life. Even in harsh conditions, many flowers manage to push through soil, concrete cracks, or dry ground to show their colors. Watching a flower bloom from a tight bud into full petals is like witnessing a tiny miracle of patience and persistence. They remind me that life finds a way to thrive despite challenges. Their short-lived blossoms symbolize the impermanence of life, encouraging me to find delight and meanings in the small, everyday wonders. By appreciating flowers, I, then, comprehend the cyclical nature of growth, renewal, and letting go. Fourthly, I love flowers because they make me feel good. The sight of vibrant, fresh blooms instantly lifts my spirit and brightens my mood. Whether it’s a simple vase of daisies on the kitchen table or a stunning arrangement of roses, flowers have an innate power to bring positivity into any space. The fragrance, colors, and textures of flowers create a sensory experience that helps me connect more to the earth, providing a sense of peace. Flowers are a universal source of pleasure. Whether gifted, grown in a garden, or admired in nature, flowers continue to captivate me with their natural beauty and timeless charm.Except for the above-mentioned reasons, I consider that flowers are one of the best and ideal gift options that we can present our close ones on their special occasions and in cherished moments. From birthday celebration to Valentine’s day, we can actually buy flowers as gifts for our beloved ones. Whether it’s a romantic gesture on Lover’s Day or a thoughtful gift on a birthday, flowers are a beautiful way to show someone we care. In fact, on the weddings, birthdays, graduations and anniversaries, flowers play a central role in marking these important milestones. Their presence adds an element of beauty and elegance, helping to make these moments even more memorable. As congratulatory gifts, beautiful flowers and pretty blossoms, indeed, show the feelings of admiration and love. And various colors of flowers also carry different meanings. For example, the red rose symbolizes love and romance. The right roses or white flowers are known for respect and care to the persons. Yellow flowers are known for real friendship, whereas multiple flowers bring colorful life to us. In this sense, we would, definitely, choose various colors of charming flowers as gifts for our most loved family members, closed relatives and best friends.Among all the flowers, roses are my most favorite flower. They are the perfect flower, beautiful in every way. I love the wide shapes of roses and their amazing colors. From classic red and pink to white and lavender shades, each conveys a different meaning. Looking at different kinds of roses is like looking at a wonder of nature. A white rose is the whitest white. A red rose is the reddest red. And their petals are fascinating. Roses are soft and velvety, and emit sweet and alluring scents. The leaves and stems of roses look even more pretty. They do have perfect and wonderful shapes. Their scents are a blend of subtle sweetness and floral freshness, too. The aroma of roses usually combines with vanilla, tea and fruit all at once. This sweet, floral scent of roses is always a captivating aroma, offering endless versatility for rose lovers all over the world.Roses have inspired more poetry than any other plant. They are among the most used images in decoration and in cathedrals. Roses are England’s national flower. They represented two important families in the fifteenth century—the Lancasters and the Yorks. The War of the Roses occurred in England between 1455 and 1487 when the house of Lancaster, represented by a red rose, and the house of York, represented by a white rose, competed to rule England. The rose colors in the western world are commonly associated with the following meanings:Red: Love & RomancePink: Grace, Elegance, Gratitude, Admiration & JoyYellow: Friendship & CheerWhite: Purity, Innocence & SpiritualityOrange: Enthusiasm & EnergyIn William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the famous line “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” speaks to the purity of love, beyond the confines of names and labels. This line has become a timeless metaphor for the essence of true love. Scottish poet, Robert Burns, also captured the core of romantic love in his poem “A Red, Red Rose,” where he compares his love to a freshly sprung rose in June. Roses, right now, with their timeless beauty and captivating fragrance, continue to enchant us to this day. By understanding the diverse varieties, cultivation techniques, and cultural significance of roses, we can fully appreciate their splendor, and incorporate them into our own lives. Roses, surely, are more than just flowers. They are a eternal expression of beauty, love, and grace. With these exquisite blooms into our lives, we can share moments of bliss, admiration, and appreciation for the natural world around us. In other words, the power of roses as symbols of love, passion, and romance is undeniable. From ancient legends to modern love stories, roses have caught our hearts and imaginations. Their beauty and fragrance inspire manifestations of affection that genuinely transcend time. As I reflect on the significance of roses, I still remember that the true essence of love, like a rose, requires nurturing, patience, and a touch of passion to flourish. Roses frequently remind me that love is a journey, filled with moments of beauty and tenderness that I constantly cherish forever. I would invest my time and love into my relationships with my beloved ones, making them as precious and wonderful as blooming roses.Powered by Firstory Hosting

Everything Happens for a ReasonLife, in all its complexity, often feels like a sprawling maze of chances and circumstances. It’s easy to question why things happen the way they do, especially when we face challenges or unexpected turns. We’re all humans, and although we prefer to feel joy and happiness, being humans also come with feelings of grief, sadness, loneliness and pain. Sometimes, we may question why certain events occur, or why we face certain struggles. Our intuitions are, always, at odds with the world that is spontaneous and unguided. We are, thus, convinced that the universe is fundamentally random and purposeless. There isn’t a plan or purpose. However, it says, “everything happens for a reason.” That means, perhaps, things don’t happen for intended reasons unless that random occurrences are planned. On this point, things must happen for specific reasons. They must have specific views because our brains are not satisfied with randomness. The answers, in effect, maybe reveal themselves later gradually. And it’s, constantly, in the quiet moments of reflection, and the process of moving forward that the reasons behind our experiences, bit by bit, become clear. Sometimes, the meaning is not immediately apparent. But when we trust in the process, it could lead us to profound understanding. Even when the path is unclear for us, and the future will seem uncertain, there might be a greater plan at work. Thus, embracing this trust, surely, allows us to navigate life with greater ease and optimism. And, it really encourages us to see setbacks as stepping stones, and to approach challenges with a mindset of certainty rather than despair. The fact is, as we look back on our experiences, we might realize that every twist and turn has contributed to the persons we are today. The trials, the triumphs, and the ordinary moments all have played a role in shaping our journeys. It’s, indeed, a reminder that even when things don’t go as planned, they are part of a larger narrative that is unfolding. Each experience, whether joyous or painful, is a thread in the tapestry of our lives. Therefore, in the grand scheme of life, we have to recognize that it’s often the mysteries and uncertainties that lead to the most profound growth. So, embracing that everything happens for a reason can let us reach life with an open heart and a resilient spirit. And it, truly, inspires us to trust in the unknowns of our lives, and to find meanings in every experience. This mindset also fosters resilience and maturity, helping us to grow even in the face of adversities. As a consequence, what matters is our abilities to interpret things in our ways of explanation. In this sense, the power to create meanings, take action, and achieve goals would, definitely, lie in our own hands, not the other way around. Of course, it’s for sure that every situation has a cause. Notwithstanding, even if we don’t know what it is, we are undoubted that every event that takes place in our lives does offer an opportunity for us to learn and to respond.Though life is not always go well for ourselves, it is not the reasons, but our thoughts and attitudes that shape the way we feel and act. Our happiness is, indeed, dependent on the quality of our thoughts and attitudes. We might feel happy because we interpret the things that happen to us as good, and as a result, they, surely, have a strong influence over our happiness. Therefore, positive thinking is crucial for us to live a wonderful life. We really want to be happy and successful in our lives. Thus, we must create a positive environment in our surroundings as well as produce positivity in our minds. Actually, with a positive mindset and attitude, we, then, can experience pleasant and satisfactory days. When we believe that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, we are more likely to receive challenges and persist in the face of setbacks. Such a positive mindset and attitude not only leads us to greater achievement, but also empowers us to take control of our lives and pursue our goals. When confronting challenges, we who handle situations with optimism are more likely to brainstorm creative solutions and work collaboratively with others. Furthermore, a positive mindset and attitude is more than just a feel-good mantra; it is a strong tool for us to enhance our personal growth, achieve professional success, and gain our physical and mental health. Hence,it’s important to have positivity.At last, since everything happens for a reason, for me, the reason to find meanings, and learn from difficulties in my life, right now, is to set goals to achieve the splits in dance and yoga. First of all, I need a very positive mindset and attitude to persuade myself that doing the splits is beneficial for me to reach some skillful movements because I’m a dancer. By the way, doing the splits is also a great way to boost the flexibility of my body, and improve my range of motion to prevent me getting injured. A split is a physical position in which the legs are in line with each other, and extended in opposite directions. It is commonly performed in various athletic activities, including gymnastics, cheerleading, martial arts, dance and yoga. When executing a split, the lines by the inner thighs of the legs should be formed an angle of approximately 180 degrees. This large angle significantly stretches and demonstrates excellent flexibility. Consequently, the splits are the essential stretching exercise in dance and yoga. There are two forms of splits, i.e., side splits and front splits. Side splits are executed by extending the legs to the left and right of the body. Front splits are extended one leg forward of the body, and the other leg to the rear of the body. Usually, common problems during practicing both the front and side splits are the pains in the hip joints and the knees. Therefore, Secondly, in terms of doing the splits well, I have to set the goals to achieve both the side and front splits. 1. I begin by sitting down every day. I bring my left leg forward, bending the knee about 90 degrees so that my shin is parallel to the waist on the ground. I then extend my right leg backwards. I breathe in deeply, lowering my chest so that the stretch is deepened. I, again, repeat for the other side. 2. I start by kneeling down every day. I bring my left knee up, keeping it bent at 90 degrees and with my foot to the floor. I, then, breathe in deeply, put pressure on my glutes, and push my hips forward. At the same time, I lay my hands down by my sides. I, again, return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg. 3. I stand up, spread my feet wider apart between my shoulders, and move down toward the floor onto the right knee, while extending the left leg out to the side fully. I come back to the starting position, and repeat on the other side. Finally, the key for me is to practice consistently, and, hopefully, in a matter of days, weeks, months and years, I may surprise myself with the ability to do the splits.Powered by Firstory Hosting

Taking a Trip to Hualien and YilanTraveling can be one of life’s most enriching experiences for us, offering opportunities to explore new cultures, to indulge in different cuisines, and to witness breathtaking landscapes. This spring break, from 2026/04/2 to 2026/04/05, my family, including 5 adults and 2 children, visited Hualien city and Yilan city of Taiwan. From transportation of airplane and renting a car to the hotel, scenic spots, guesthouse and night markets, we really enjoyed a comfortable and satisfactory trip. First of all, air transportation is the gateway for us from Kaohsiung city to Hualien city. One-hour-and-five-minute flight time from Kaohsiung International Airport to Hualien Airport is a smooth, safe, quiet and comfortable journey conducted by Mandarin Airlines. Mandarin Airlines always emphasizes on flight safety and comfortable flight service. It, now, serves a domestic network of major cities and outlying islands, such as Taipei-Sungshan, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu, Taitung and Hualien. By the way, this time, renting a car for travel, indeed, gives us maximum flexibility, comfort, and the freedom to explore long-distance locations. In addition, renting a car can often save money, and allow us to make the most of every moment without worrying about the crowded buses and tight train timetables. From the flexibility of making our own schedule to the convenience of driving a vehicle suited to our journey, the advantages of renting a car are clear.Hualien city, also known as Taiwan’s back garden, is a magnificent treasure with a world-class landscape. Hualien’s summer sun, eternally, shines brilliantly, irresistibly inviting people outdoors to enjoy water activities. After one night stayed at Hi-Yes Hotel, on the second day, we visited “Farglory Ocean Park.” Set in the city center of Hualien, Hi-Yes Hotel is only a 7-minute walk from the Hualien Railway Station and is also only a 15-minute drive from Hualien Airport. Wi-Fi access is available, and the hotel offers air conditioning, flat-screen cable TV, fridge, free bottle water, tea bag and instant coffee. Guests can dine in the on-site restaurant, or choose from plenty dining options nearby. We stayed our first night at the hotel, and woke up early at 8:00 a.m., enjoying all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. After finishing our meal, we drove toward “Farglory Ocean Park.” In order for more people around the world to enjoy the wonderful landscapes, “Farglory Ocean Park” uses the ocean as the core theme to build the place of leisure, entertainment, health, education, environmental protection and culture, with beauty and wisdom as well. Actually, we can see clear skies, clouds, forests, and oceans far above the park. Wandering around in “Farglory Ocean Park,” we can indulge ourselves in the comfort of nature. Different from normal amusement parks that mainly focus on mechanical amusement facilities, “Farglory Ocean Park” does offer a comprehensive park for leisure that combines entertaining and educational enjoyment to visitors. In “Farglory Ocean Park,” we watched the dolphin show at the Ocean Theater, the sea-lion show at the Sea Lion Theater, and the circus performance at the Crystal Castle. We played swing rides and bumper boats, and took cable cars up and down to the amusement parks.In the evening of the second day, after visiting “Farglory Ocean Park,” we reached Hualien, Tungtamen Night Market. It is the largest night market in Hualien city, and is located nearby the downtown, next to the old train station. Tungtamen means the big eastern gate. The back side of the market is the Aboriginal Street, a lane filled with local merchants selling aboriginal snacks and gifts. The three main market lanes are Futing Market (Taiwanese food), Aboriginal Street (native Aboriginal food), and a street representing the foods from all provinces of mainland China. We ate several fresh and tasty, delicious foods on the spot, and bought octopus balls, oyster omelet and salt crispy chicken back to the hotel.In the morning of the third day, after eating all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, we checked out the hotel, and drove the car to Yilan city. It took one hour and forty minutes to the National Center for Traditional Arts (NCFTA). The National Center for Traditional Arts (NCFTA) is a premier cultural, educational, and tourist destination located by the Dongshan River in Wujie Township, Yilan County. The park spans 24 hectares, dedicated to preserving, promoting, and inheriting Taiwan’s rich traditional arts. The park features traditional street scenes (Old Street), workshops, and live performances, offering an immersive experience of Taiwanese folk art. Besides, visitors can participate in hands-on DIY activities, such as traditional dough sculpting (捏麵人), puppet shows (布袋戲), and crafting ancient toys. Moreover, the park is organized around “Three Halls, Three Streets, and Three Buildings” (三館、三街、三建築), which connect traditional craftsmanship with modern exhibition spaces. Daily performances are ranging from traditional music to acrobatics. It was so exciting for me to spend time at “The First Love of the Century: Yang Li-Hua and the Taiwanese Opera Exhibition.” I always love Yang Li-Hua’s Taiwanese operas very much. I, then, watched Taiwanese opera videos and took several photos there. The National Center for Traditional Arts, here, has met the needs of modern life, i.e., expressing culture through creativity, inspiring emotional connections, and creating a welcoming environment where people can be eager to engage and learn. It’s amazing that NCFTA provides a space and stage for local artists and traditional artisans to fulfill their dreams. The purposes of the NCFTA are that 1. Taiwan’s traditional arts are treasured to have multiple expressions in everyday life, and 2. by connecting outstanding groups and talents across Taiwan who embody the spirit of kindness, beauty, and traditional values, NCFTA now creates a dynamic and expansive platform, where performing artists, artisans, and creative professionals all collaborate together to reach Taiwan’s high qualities of traditional arts and culture.At night of the third day, we stopped at Luodong Night Market. Luodong Night Market is the largest night market in Yilan city, and is also one of the area’s top tourist destinations. The night market covers a large area and is always packed with people. Delicacies here include mutton soup, shaved ice, duck noodles, and onion pancakes. The main part of the night market was built in front of a movie theater, so moviegoers could get food after seeing a movie. Soon, a few stalls became many, and the night market turned into the large sprawling area that we see today. First, we bought Nobel cake rolls. Shortly, the night market got really crowded and the lanes were super narrow. Every alley was filled with food and lines of people. We saw mutton soup, duck and oyster omelet, steaks and noodles, white gourd boba tea, mango ice cream, taro milk tea, and Yilan’s famous onion pancakes. We ate traditional noodles, and bought different kinds of braised snacks for takeout. After that, we returned back to our guesthouse, Wonderwall B&B. Located in the heart of Yilan county, No. 87-13, Jishui Rd., Wujie Township, Wonderwall B&B offers a serene and comforting retreat for us to seek a unique and memorable experience. The B&B is known for its exceptional hospitality, inviting ambiance, and top-notch amenities. With a team of dedicated staff members, Wonderwall B&B aims to provide a space away from home for all guests that their stay is comfortable and enjoyable. Moreover, the B&B prides itself on its attention to detail, personalized service, and commitment to creating a welcoming environment for every guest. The staff welcomed us, and we checked in. We, then, ate foods in the room together, and experienced the large tubs, cozy beds and relaxing retreats. Next morning, our family members, John, Jerry and two kids, walked out to appreciate beautiful natural views and stunning sunrises over the sea, while Wonderwall B&B prepared fresh and nutritious breakfast for us.The last scenic spot in Yilan city was Lanyang Animal and Plant Kingdom. Lanyang Animal and Plant Kingdom is a natural ecological park with significant educational and tourist values. It combines animal interactions, plant knowledge, and environmental sustainability, making it an ideal place for family visits and nature enthusiasts. Covering an area of 3,000 ping, the park features an animal zone, a plant zone, experienced classrooms, outdoor exploration spaces, rest areas, and a small market. The entire area uses eco-friendly building materials to promote the concept of ecological sustainability. Furthermore, the park houses a variety of native and exotic animals, including Blue Hill lambs, Eastern grey kangaroos, red kangaroos, and cavies. Each animal area features informative signs and interactive spaces, allowing visitors to observe animal behaviors up close, and to even participate in feeding experiences. We strolled through the park with so many people, took photos, and enjoyed the rich variety of animals and plants in leisurely moments. Moreover, it is also a perfect place for family outings because it offers several parent-child interactive activities, such as animal tour mini-classes and plant DIY crafts, etc. Our kids, Charlie and Ivy, loved to get up close with animals. They both felt thrilled, and had unforgettable memories in the park.At 2:00 in the afternoon, it was the exact time for us to drive back to Hualien city. Jerry was responsible for driving the car back again to Hualien city for one hour and forty minutes. He was tired, but it was already planned to do so. I thanked and appreciated his effort. At 3:44 p.m., we finally arrived at Hualien city. We chose Lai Lai Steak House, Hualien to have our late lunch. This restaurant is very difficult to book. Thanks to Patty’s endeavor, we got to dine in the restaurant. The restaurant offers generous portions and a variety of delicious meal options to choose from. The ambiance is, truly, wonderful with its perfect decoration and attentive service. It was certainly an ideal spot for us to enjoy our meal, and receive the friendly service, offering unlimited refills of black tea and complimentary salad, soup, and dessert pudding with every set meal. We were happy to praise the great service, clean environment, and the variety of options available on the menu. We, in fact, left with full tummy and great satisfaction. At last, we arrived at Hualien Airport. We returned the rented car to the car company, paid the money, and took the airplane of Mandarin Airlines on time. When we came back to Kaohsiung International Airport, it was already at 10:00 p.m. We took taxi and, immediately, went our sweet home to end this wonderful and pleasant journey.Powered by Firstory Hosting

「學習」這件事「學習」是什麼？學習就是把我們不會的、不知道的東西和事物，跟著別人做，反覆練習，直到學會為止，最終，我們還可以無師自通，無中生有，創作與發明。人類的學習是超越生物本能的，例如，幼兒在學走路時，看到大人自由自在地來回走動，他就跟著做，反覆練習，最後，終於在跌跌撞撞中，他就能走一步、兩步，直到學會為止。幼兒的學習，體現了人類最本源的天性，那就是，他們是隨時隨地的學習，毫無顧忌地吸取一切資訊，不怕疼痛和失敗，反覆練習，最終成功地達到目的。我們人類和動物，都是為了生存，必須學習，獲得經驗，才能適應環境，繁衍後代，生生不息的。譬如，一隻小羊，透過不斷地向羊媽媽學習，知道哪裡可以尋找豐富的食物，及哪裡可以躲避狼的追捕，這樣，牠才會長大成人，生兒育女，繁衍子孫，傳宗接代。如果小羊不學習，牠就不能適應瞬息萬變的外界環境，也就無法生存下去。人類比動物更有不可比擬的學習能力，可以迅速而廣泛地學習，適應環境，戰勝毒蛇猛獸，對付可怕的瘟疫，種植穀物，獲取糧食等。換句話說，人類能夠成為萬物之靈，靠的就是學習。再者，學習不但可以獲得生存，還能不斷地進步。人類在社會、歷史發展的過程中，創造了大量的物質文化與精神文化，如文學、藝術、教育、自然科學等，這些都是透過學習，我們才能獲得精神文化，而且生活在高度物質文化的社會的。其實，我們每個人都是學習者，從小到大，我們都在學習如何搜尋資料，獲得資訊，及解決問題。我們的學習，是「讓今天的自己，不同於昨天」。通常，我們的學習是有目的的，我們總該知道，自己「想要什麼」和「該做什麼」。我們的每分每秒，都是無比珍貴，卻也稍縱即逝，所以，我們的學習，是無時無刻都在進行的。學習如果「沒有用」、「用不到」就等於沒有學，因此，聰明的我們，也都能理解，當我們專心面對眼前的每一刻，好好學、好好用時，我們就歡喜。如果學不會，遇到瓶頸，我們便須培養耐力，克服困難，才能累積自己的能力。事實上，我們每個人，都好努力地在想像著美夢成真的日子，然後，為了此目的，我們都很盡力地不斷在學習，「滿足自己現在的需求」及「滿足自己未來的需求」。而且，我們也都知道，學習完後，我們就能得到新能力、新技術與新知識，然後，我們就可以改善我們的生活，提升競爭力，實現我們獨特的生命意義。嚴格來講，「學習」本身是非常複雜的，我們會碰到挫敗，也是正常的。因為如果我們沒有不斷的輸入，就不可能有輸出。於是，學習的行為，必須要仔仔細細地寫下來、講出來、教別人及實踐它。換句話說，「學習」是要靠我們先瀏覽、摘錄，跟著做，反覆練習，用自己的話，複誦內容，歸納整理，確實理解與吸收。然後，我們再逼自己重覆多次的學與思，講解給別人聽，教導別人，最後，我們還要自己實際親自做一遍，兩遍，十遍，一百遍，直到完全純熟為止。學習是讓我們可以了解新知，解決問題，並能付諸行動，帶來思想和行為的改變的。因此，「學習」真正的價值，是讓我們可以有深度的思考，可以應用，可以改變思想，並可以改善生活。在學校，學習不僅是為了應付考試，更是要讓我們具備不同的能力。例如，我們學數學，是為了訓練邏輯思考；學語文，是為了更好地表達自己；學自然科學，是為了讓我們可以理解周遭的世界等。考試是一種檢驗，它幫助我們知道自己哪些方面有進步，哪些方面需要加強。透過考試，我們可以矯正，把技能學得更好。社會上的一些專業，如醫學、法律、科學研究等，會要求相當高的專業知識和技能，那是需要我們具備特別強的學習能力、專注力和自律，才能勝任的。因此，成績好的學生，往往能夠進入這些專業學校或科系，因為他們在學業上的表現，證明了他們有能力承擔此專業的挑戰，成為社會上的專業人才。當然，成績並不是唯一的標準，我們的成績可能未必理想，但只要我們願意「學習」，投入時間和精力，依然可以做出很棒的成就的。當我們努力學習時，我們不僅有能力獲得好成績，更可以選擇我們想要的學校，想從事的工作，而不受限。「學習」確實能讓我們有更多的「選擇」，不論是進入理想的學校，或是選擇喜愛的職業，這些選擇都源於我們曾經付出的努力與學習。「學習」所帶給我們的能力、眼界和自信，是一生的財富。只要「努力學習」，我們都可以讓自己成為一個有能力的人，將來服務鄉里，貢獻社會。事實上，「學習」本身就是一種能力。當我們掌握到學習的方法時，我們就會發現，無論是數學、語言，還是我們感興趣的任何事物，我們都能快速上手。不管是樂器，運動，或是新的語言，學會「學習」，我們就能不斷成長，甚至對音樂、科技、藝術或語言等，產生熱情，那是一件無比快樂的事。學習的範圍很廣，我們可以學自己想學的專業技能，也可以在某項領域裡，讓自己成為大師；甚至可以學習自己喜歡的興趣，然後，在興趣裡做到極致。學習的好處很多，首先，學習可以創造財富。據統計，學歷越高，收入越高，生活水平越高，生活質量也越高。再者，學習可以讓我們保持對生活的熱愛。嘗試學習新技能，看新書，我們可以永遠讓自己的思維，保持活力，活得有意義。「學習」這件事的核心是，我們可以將學到的知識，和我們的經驗，連結起來，應用到實際的生活中。「學習」越多，思考也越多，解決問題的能力也就會提高。「學習」讓我們瞭解不一樣的世界、價值觀及人生觀……等，古今中外，凡是在工作上有作為、事業上有成就的人，必然都是刻苦鑽研、勤奮學習的人，「學習」可以讓我們隨身攜帶、隨時加值，且是終生享用的無形資產。當今時下，學習不再只依靠於課堂，依賴於學校，而是要立足在本職、崗位，抓住點滴時間，實踐自主學習、終身學習，與創新學習。因此，「學習」是我們增強自己新本領的能力，更是我們安身立命，立足世界的生存技能。「努力學習」，我們會比別人多了「專注力」，也可節省很多時間，就能學會。學會了之後，我們再把省下來的時間，多多「學習」，那麼，我們所累積的能力，就肯定會超過別人很多。的確，學東西不是為了要賺錢，但是，當我們累積學習經驗，獲得啟發，得到知識與能力後，我們是可以幫助自己賺到錢的。試想，如果我們「努力學習」，又培養了很多新能力、新技能，我們是可以把此能力，拿來兼家教，做Podcast，做YouTube，或是到補習班授課，去演講，接商展···等。「努力學習」，我們真的可以節省很多寶貴的時間，不浪費光陰，又可賺大錢，真是一舉數得。世界桌球選手馬龍說：「比天分更重要的是，持續的努力，和對細節的要求。」天分固然重要，但是，只有不斷地「努力學習」，我們才能學會並成功。「努力學習」，讓我們可以具備不同的專精能力，而且好處多多，我們既可節省時間，又可賺大錢，何樂而不為呢？Powered by Firstory Hosting

看見自己的美好自信，不是比較出來的，而是認識自己、喜歡自己，和肯定自己。真正的自信，是一種由內而外散發出來的能量，它不是來自於「我比別人好」，而是源自於「我知道我是誰，我願意喜歡這樣的我」。這樣的自信不需要完美、不需要第一名，而是一份穩定的自我認同。只要是我們自己內心真實喜歡的，我們就值得看見它們的美好。例如，我們會觀察細節，發現別人的小優點；我們喜歡動手做事，有創意及有耐心；我們很貼心，內心溫柔，對動物有愛心，對朋友表達善意等。無論是從能力、特質、氣質、興趣、風格、品味等各方面……，我們都能細細看見自己的美好，這種感覺，真好。事實上，真正的富有，真的不是我們擁有多少，而是我們能看見多少美好。一碗熱湯，不只是餐桌上的一道料理，更是農夫經過播種、照顧、收割採收，再加上司機的運輸，及廚師的烹煮，最後才被端到我們的眼前，這背後是有著大自然的恩賜，和無數人的努力的。當我們願意用這樣的眼光去看待生活時，我們就會發現，平凡的一餐，竟然如此珍貴；簡單的一杯水，竟然也是天地與人力的結晶；一份微笑的回應，背後無疑是某人真心的善意。這就是看見美好的能力。當我們懂得看見時，我們就會發現，生活裡早就充滿禮物了。不只是食物，連人與人的相遇，也是值得珍惜的。在茫茫人海裡，我們能夠遇見一個懂我們的人，能有機會和某人對話，甚至能在彼此的生命中，留下一點溫暖，這本身就是奇蹟。也就是說，社會能運轉，是因為有人默默的付出；日子能過得安穩，是因為有人守護著秩序；我們能安心生活，也是因為這世界上，有人願意善良。當我們願意看見這些美好時，我們就會明白，生活從來不是理所當然的，而是無數恩典的堆疊。許多人以為「有了快樂，才懂得感恩」。其實正好相反，應該是先有感恩，才會有快樂。看見美好的能力，不只是生活的選擇，更是一種心境的練習。當我們懂得感恩眼前所擁有的一切時，我們已經比大多數人幸福了。我們如能將自己四個最大的優點，分別是「學習慾望、洞察力、審美眼光與熱情」，落實與發揮，那麼，「看見自己的美好」，就不是一件難事了。首先是學習欲望，也就是督促自己，持續學習。要學習，我們不是只想偶爾旁聽課程而已，我們要正式修課，和學生們一起上課，這樣，我們才會努力學習，獲得進步。第二個優點是洞察力。我們如能仔細觀察周遭的一切，並撥時間傾聽他人的故事，我們便可豐富自己的生活經驗。第三個優點是審美眼光。看到美，想到美，世界就會美。我們用審美眼光的態度，看人事物，一切就會美好。第四個優點是熱情。積極的做我們最想要做的事，最美。有熱情，我們就有活力，完成美好。當我們把自己四個最大的優點，發揮得淋漓盡致時，我們就有自信，內心就足夠強大，於是，我們便不怕別人的批評與指責，而且，我們更會接納自己、欣賞自己，相信所有的能量，都會在我們的內心，而且，我們終究可以活出自己，綻放自己的。看見自己，我們真的可以感受到美好。心理學家常常談論「自我」，他們認為，自我是穩定且一致的。然而，人類在不同的環境、關係，與社會、文化的影響下，可能會展現出不同的面貌。所以，自我應該是多元且流動的，並不是只有單一的樣貌。雖然我們的內在，會驅動我們做出一致的決定，塑造出看似穩定的自我形象。但是，當我們回顧自己在人生不同的階段，及不同的關係中時，我們可能會發現，其實，我們並不總是相同的。例如，在工作場合，我們會比較嚴肅和果斷，但是在家人或朋友面前，我們則會變得溫暖、放鬆。社會建構論的重要學者肯尼斯·葛根（Kenneth Gergen）認為，自我是透過社會互動，與語言建構而成的，並非固定不變，它是多元、流動、變化及多層次的。我們每個人在不同的關係中，都會呈現不同的自我，例如，我們在朋友面前，會幽默、輕鬆；在家長面前，會穩重、成熟；在戀人面前，我們則表現溫柔、體貼，這種彈性與變化，是我們與社會環境互動的結果。隨著人生經驗的累積，我們會接觸越來越多的人際關係，所以，也會發展出更多不同的自我。不管如何，我們要找到真正的自我，從來就都不是在尋找單一的答案，而是認識自己擁有多種的可能性，並在適合的環境下，展現出自己最喜歡的樣子。我們每個人，在生命當中的各種歷程，遇見的所有人事物，都是在協助我們更深入的「看見自己」、「認識自己」，並創造出「升級版的自己」。當我們用不同的角度，探尋自己時，我們會整合自己，突破自己，最終豐富了自己。我們要能夠看見自己，知道自己突破了挑戰，好好地欣賞自己，感謝自己，並在內心告訴自己：「謝謝上天」、「謝謝生命」、「我願意臣服」、「我願意被歷練」、「我看見不凡的自己」、「我看見美好的事，一直在我的生命中」。我們要感謝早晨的陽光，讓我們的身體，得到活力，讓我們的心靈，感到慰藉。我們要感謝身邊的家人和朋友，他們的陪伴，讓我們的生活，多彩多姿，他們的關懷與貼心，讓我們永遠感受到溫暖與疼愛。當我們有困難時，他們的鼓勵和支持，是我們最堅實的依靠。我們要感謝日子中所有美好的回憶：與家人共度的光陰，與親朋好友的愉快聚會。我們還要感謝每天微不足道的小確幸：香濃的咖啡，愉快的散步，和好書的啟迪。當然，大自然的美景，也是值得我們感謝的，像是廣闊的藍天，繁星的夜空，春風的低語，雨水的清涼，和花朵的嬌豔等，這些大自然的美麗，都讓我們心境平靜，生活安詳。最後，我們更要感謝自己一直以來的努力和成長。我們在快速節奏的世界裡，常常被繁瑣的事務牽絆，因此，我們須時時刻刻提醒自己，要去欣賞，要去感受生活中周遭的美好。在我們人生的旅途中，我們是有看到自己的成長的，我們是知道自己如何一步步克服困難，取得成功的。我們要感謝過去的努力，也要期許未來的精進。看到我們自己多美好的那種成就感和滿足感，是無可比擬的，我們除了要感謝自己之外，還要隨時提醒自己，付諸行動。總之，我們不但要看見，生活中所有美好的事物，我們更要用感恩的心，把握當下，珍惜自己的美好，並活出豐富且喜悅的人生。Powered by Firstory Hosting