Well-known Local Male Mandopop Singers In the context of Singapore, there are probably just two - JJ Lin and A-Do . They're well-known in the sense that they are known beyond the shores of Singapore. Between the two, JJ Lin is obviously more outstanding in terms of popularity and accomplishments.  My First Impression of JJ Lin? I didn't have a good impression of JJ in the past because it seemed to me that he'd only mix with people who were in the 'same league' as him. But when I saw a post from another local singer-songwriter, Hong Junyang on his Facebook page, which showed photos of JJ and him, I realised that I had been wrong about JJ. Conclusion? First impressions aren't necessarily accurate. JJ's Songs That I Like I like a few of his songs, namely, Twilight , Practice Love , If Only , She Says  and River South . To me, these are his more popular songs. He has another song that I also like which is titled " Stay with You ". Incidentally, it wa...

Definition of Mental Health According to American Heritage dictionary , mental health is "a state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society, and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life". Mental Health Takes a Backseat in Our Lives When Everything Goes Well In a modern society with a hectic pace of life, we tend to neglect our mental health until a crisis unsettles us and affects our mental wellbeing. The current Covid-19 pandemic is a case in point in that it does have an impact on our mental health. If we'd been taking care of our mental health prior to the pandemic, it might not have unsettled us the way it apparently has, as evidenced by an increase in calls to mental health helplines .   Personally, I think that the more hectic life is, the more we could not afford to neglect our mental health. In fact, when life gets more hectic and more stressful, we should ...

Introduction  In a world where we often assume safety and stability, events can unfold that shake these assumptions to the core. Last week, a tragic incident involving two students from a well-known secondary school shocked Singapore, challenging perceptions of school as a safe haven.  It’s easy to think of institutions like schools as places where young people can find refuge and guidance, yet this tragedy highlights that even in these seemingly secure environments, the silent battles of mental health can often go unnoticed. This post delves into the urgent need for understanding, compassion and active support for mental health. By bringing light into the dark places where mental illness dwells, we can foster a culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported.  School - A Safe Haven? Last week, a 16-year-old boy from a very good secondary school killed a fellow student. And when that made the news, it apparently sent shock waves across the whole of Singapore. ...

Introduction Beginnings are often disguised as endings and every new chapter in life brings a fresh start. Explore the power of new beginnings through music and reflections on embracing change. Songs About New Beginnings/Fresh Starts Here are a few songs about new beginnings/fresh starts: New Day  by Danny Gokey Fresh Start  by Ryan Stevenson Turn Turn Turn  by The Byrds New Beginning  by Tracy Chapman Enjoy.:) New Beginnings Every new beginning begins with the ending of something. Some endings aren't pleasant but are necessary for new beginnings. And some new beginnings aren't what you're expecting but will lead you to something beyond what you could imagine. The Marking of a New Beginning A new season can mark a new beginning. A new day can mark a new beginning. A new year can mark a new beginning. Another birthday can mark a new beginning. A change can mark a new beginning.  Do you want to mark a new beginning with things from your past? Or would you rather l...

Introduction  In life, adversity is unavoidable and how we respond makes all the difference. Embracing resilience allows us to adapt and thrive, even when faced with the toughest challenges.  The term "push through" means finding the strength to overcome obstacles, no matter how insurmountable they may seem.  This post dives into practical ways to embrace that resilience, refocus on what truly matters and reignite the hope needed to move forward. Let’s explore how to rise above setbacks and find the empowerment that lies beyond them. Definition of "Push Through" According to an article on huffpost.com, " push through " means that "you can conquer and get through any adversity that life introduces you to". "Push through", to me, means that no matter what obstacles or difficulties are thrown your way, you just continue to move forward and get to the other side, which is where your victory awaits.                    ...

Introduction  Dreams are more than just thoughts—they're powerful visions that ignite purpose, as John C. Maxwell describes. Whether they seem near or distant, pursuing our dreams can transform not only our lives but also our inner selves.  If you’re ready to find fulfillment and make your dreams a reality, let’s explore why it’s essential to follow them and understand who to share them with for a truly enriching journey. What is a Dream? According to John C. Maxwell , a dream is " an inspiring picture of the future that energizes your mind, will and emotions, empowering you to do everything you can to achieve it." According to an article on success.com , he quoted his friend, Sharon Hull's definition of a dream, which is "the seed of possibility planted in the soul of a human being..." Do You Have a Dream? If you have a dream, are you already pursuing it? If not, why not? Is it because you're allowing the busyness and demands of life to put your dream ...

Introduction  Smiling is more than a facial expression; it's a natural mood booster and a tool for spreading joy, especially during tough times.  Studies have shown that smiling can elevate our mood, relieve stress and even give us a youthful glow. ( https://www.verywellmind.com/top-reasons-to-smile-every-day-2223755 ) Benefits of Smiling Smiling is a stress reliever. We're living in a fast-paced world where stress is inevitable, and so it's good to smile more.  Smiling also makes you happier. Smiling could give you a youthful appearance too and...it's free, as Tom Wilson has aptly put it: "A smile is a facelift that's in everyone's price range."  So for all the ladies out there, you might want to smile more (that is, if you want to look youthful and yet don't want to spend any money on beauty products, etc).                                              ...