The Japanese Cashier… A Story for All of us

The following is a translation of a short story originally taken from a 2008 book by Haruhiro Kinoshita and posted on a blog called One Minute Impressions. The story struck a chord with tens of thousands of people across Japan as it spread through social networks. I do not own this article but it is extremely shareworthy. Please get the book if you are interested in it!

There Was This Cashier

She moved from the countryside to go to a university in Tokyo. She joined many extra-curricular activities but always got turned off quickly . One after another, she jumped from club to club looking for something better.

John Grisham The Plumber

Do you know John Grisham? He’s the author who stole many hours of our lives as we immersed ourselves into the worlds he created with his pen. We know of his writings, but do we know how they came about? I chanced upon this article while I was preparing for a program. If your life has taken many interesting ups and downs, you may find this article soothing. Every wrong turn may turn out to be the right one.

Originally published in the New York Times on the 5th of September 2010, written by John Grisham:

The Lumberjack and The Forest

Taken from Asiaone

If you follow the news about SMRT, you would find much information about how that day of unexpected delays happened. Having spoken to friends who work in SMRT, the picture they painted wasn’t pretty, no doubt the trains would hit a point of critical mass. This inspired a story, one about SAW-ing too, well sawing trees that is.

The Yip and The Yap

This story was originally by Dr Seuss but I just can’t find the title or the original book. I only remember the crux of the story. It was written for kids but it applies to us adults even more. This story is truly about communication and this is my adapted version:

The Calligrapher

Every one wants quick results. Yet sometimes when we don’t get the results we want, we grow disheartened and lose heart. Most of us simply pack our bags and look elsewhere. Yet is there another way? Maybe this story will help. Inspired by the book Mastery by George Leonard.

Certified Hypnotherapist Course July 2011

Hypnotherapists can help you access your unconscious abilities

Our current course just ended and the budding therapist are well into their practicum. They are currently sitting through real sessions with real clients as they observe and learn form the more seasoned hypnotherapists. Some of them have even brought their friends who are in need over to our center for a hypnotherapy session.

A Shard Of Glass

Little Jane was feeling depressed. Her beloved hamster had stopped moving 5 days ago. Her heart ached for the little creature. She didn’t like this feeling for it was the first time she has experienced this. She tried to eat as much candy as she could so that she’d feel sweeter instead of bitter, but all she got was bittersweet. She went to the playground and swung herself as high as she could on the swing, so high that she’ll almost went all around. but instead of excitement, she felt emptiness. Whatever she does to push the pain away, it simply hurt a little more every day.

A New Scoop Of Ice Cream: Crossroads

Life seems to always be full of crossroads and we are always made to choose. Have you ever thought “Maybe the other way would have been better”? I have crafted this story for you. Enjoy

A woman hiking aimlessly entered a narrow valley between two steep mountains. The mountain face was smooth and dark. Little vegetation grew where she walked. As she stands between the steep valley walls, she walks along the only path presented to her. She comes upon a fork in the road, both paths leading round a treacherous looking mountain.

Can You Truly Live if You Live with Your Parents?

Click on this picture for an article by Psychology Today

I watched the Black Swan recently and Natalie Portman’s performance has pirouette-d me dizzy. What I liked most about the show is the portrayal of the relationship between the character’s mother and daughter. The character’s mother personifies many of the traits that I observe in some of my client’s parents. Love like a rose vine, beautiful yet constricting.

To Climb A Mountain

Do you see a mountain or an Opportunity?

I heard the quote below today. and it struck a chord deep in me. We find various obstacles in life too hard to cross, too deep to fathom and our fears and insecurities grip us tightly. We stand before the mountains in our hearts, squint at the summits and say, “That’s way too high for me,”