Health & Body

Illness, surgery, braces, the gym, and the COVID years — what the body asks of you and what it teaches.

Braces, Extractions, and the Burnt Toast Theory

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There’s a saying floating around the internet called the Burnt Toast Theory. It’s the idea that sometimes life throws us a little inconvenience (like burning our toast in the morning) not to punish us, but to delay or redirect us, keeping us away from something worse down the road. It’s a reminder that what feels like frustration in the moment might actually be protection in disguise.

Recently, I lived through my own “burnt toast moment” while preparing for braces.

Two Teeth, Two Stories

To make space for my braces, I needed two top molars removed. On the left, the extraction was quick and clean. I almost felt smug, it was over so fast.

The right side, though? That was a different story. The dentist had to stop three times. The tooth had a stubborn curved root, and he eventually had to shave it down bit by bit before pulling it out. I received four local anesthesia injections on my gum (left & right), and while I didn’t feel pain during the procedure, the aftereffects were obvious. My left side of the face and lip felt puffy, numb, and swollen. I left the clinic with a prescription for strong ibuprofen and a face that looked slightly uneven, like I’d been through a small battle.

Where the Burnt Toast Comes In

It would be easy to label this as “bad luck” or a dental horror story. But when I think about the Burnt Toast Theory, I see it differently. Maybe the difficult extraction and the swelling are just part of my body’s way of slowing me down, forcing me to rest, heal, and respect the process.

If everything had gone smoothly and I’d bounced out of the clinic carefree, I might have rushed back into my usual routines, not giving myself the recovery time I need. That struggle in the chair, the puffiness afterward, even the inconvenience of soft foods, all of that might be protecting me in ways I can’t see yet.

Beyond the Teeth

Getting braces isn’t just about aesthetics for me. It’s about addressing jaw pain and misalignment. That tough extraction became symbolic: sometimes the most stubborn problems in life require extra patience, multiple attempts, and even shaving down parts that no longer serve us.

The Burnt Toast Theory reminds me that detours and discomforts don’t necessarily mean failure. They might just be setting me up for something better aligned, something healthier, something necessary.

The Bigger Picture

So as I ice my swollen cheek and wait for the braces journey to truly begin, I hold onto this: the difficult parts aren’t roadblocks, they’re redirections. My burnt toast moment just happened to look like a curved tooth root and a puffy face.

And maybe, years from now, when my jaw feels better and my teeth align, I’ll look back and realize this was never just about braces, it was about trusting the timing of my own healing, burnt toast and all.

Everyday Reflections

In everyday life, we all face our own “extractions”. Moments that are messy, inconvenient, or painful to endure. Whether it’s a delay on the way to work, a project that doesn’t go as planned, or a relationship that ends sooner than expected, it often feels unfair in the moment. Yet, like burnt toast or a stubborn tooth, these interruptions may be protecting us, teaching us, or redirecting us toward something we can’t yet see.

The Burnt Toast Theory reminds us that life isn’t about everything unfolding perfectly. It’s about finding meaning in the imperfections. Sometimes the pause, the struggle, or the swelling afterward is exactly what we need to reset and realign.

And just like my braces journey, the uncomfortable steps we take today might very well be the foundation for a healthier, more balanced tomorrow.

Lessons Learned from My Experience with Five Personal Trainers

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Introduction

When I first stepped into the gym in November 2019, I had no idea that my journey would lead me through five different trainers, each with unique styles and approaches. My initial motivation for gymming wasn’t aesthetics or strength. It was to address a whiplash injury that revealed significant body imbalances. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about fitness, training, and what works for me. Here’s my story, the lessons I’ve learned, and tips for finding the right trainer.

Phase 1: The Beginning – Correcting Imbalances (Trainer 1)

In 2019, I met my first trainer. His patient approach focused on teaching me proper movement and activating the right muscles. Over time, I corrected my lop-sided posture and started feeling more balanced. However, as much as I appreciated his guidance, the sessions eventually became repetitive. I craved more variety and intensity, which led me to look elsewhere.

Takeaway: For beginners, a patient trainer who focuses on fundamentals is key, but variety and progress are crucial to staying motivated.

Phase 2: Reaching My Peak (Trainer 2)

Around 2020, I met a highly experienced trainer at a boutique gym. His sessions were demanding, and he insisted on specific weight-training protocols. Under his guidance, I saw significant changes. I bulked up and reached my physical peak between 13 June to 17 Oct 2022. While his expertise was valuable, the high costs made it unsustainable long-term.

Takeaway: Experienced trainers can deliver excellent results, but it’s important to balance the cost with your long-term fitness goals and budget.

Phase 3: Post-Injury Rehabilitation (Trainers 3 & 4)

In early 2023, I tore my right shoulder and needed a trainer for rehabilitation and strength rebuilding. I tried hiring two freelance female trainers, but the experience didn’t quite meet my expectations. They provided decent support, but the sessions felt uninspired and short-lived.

Takeaway: When rehabbing an injury, seek trainers with specialized rehabilitation expertise and clear progress plans.

Phase 4: The Hallasan Hike Preparation (Trainer 5)

For the past four months, I worked with a trainer who helped me prepare for my goal of hiking Hallasan in October 2024. Her approach included specific warm-ups and mobility exercises targeting the muscle groups we would train that day. She also incorporated targeted cool-down stretches for the areas worked on, which I found to be a thoughtful and structured way to integrate into a training plan.

She undoubtedly helped me achieve my goal, but after the hike, the sessions shifted to focus more on strength training and movement patterns. While her attention to detail was commendable, her tendency to provide overly detailed corrections for every movement became a trigger for frustration. I found myself getting upset, not at her, but at my own inability to perfect the movements quickly. This made it hard for me to fully enjoy or feel motivated during the sessions.

Takeaway: A structured approach with warm-ups and cool-downs tailored to the session is highly effective. However, communication and a trainer’s ability to balance corrections with encouragement are critical to maintaining a positive mindset.

Reflection: What I’ve Learned About Working With Trainers

  1. Communication Style Matters: A trainer should provide feedback in a way that motivates rather than frustrates you.
  2. Specialization is Key: Choose a trainer whose expertise matches your current goals, whether it’s rehabilitation, strength building, or endurance.
  3. Variety Keeps It Interesting: Trainers who offer diverse exercises and progressive routines can keep you engaged.
  4. Budget and Commitment: The cost of a trainer should align with your long-term fitness plans and financial situation.

How to Choose the Right Trainer

When meeting a potential trainer, ask these questions:

  1. What’s your area of specialization?
  2. How do you customize training programs for clients with specific goals, like strength building or improving overall fitness?
  3. What’s your communication style when providing feedback?
  4. Can you share an example of a client who achieved results with you?
  5. How do you track progress and adjust programs over time?

Conclusion

My journey through five trainers has taught me that fitness is as much about finding the right guide as it is about personal effort. Every trainer brought unique strengths, and every experience, whether it worked out or not, contributed to my growth. Reflecting on this journey, I realize that finding a trainer who aligns with my needs, personality, and goals is both a challenge and a process.

I’ve also come to understand that communication plays a crucial role. It truly takes two hands to clap. As someone who’s naturally introverted, I prefer focused, efficient sessions without excessive small talk. That doesn’t mean I can’t have small talk, but when and how it happens matters. A trainer who understands the balance, knowing when to keep things light and when to stay focused, can help create a more comfortable and productive training environment.

If you’re looking for a trainer, remember to ask the right questions, set clear expectations, and trust the process. The right trainer can make all the difference in not just achieving your fitness goals, but also enjoying the journey along the way.

A Journey Through Illness: From GP Visits to A&E to Finally Finding Relief

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The Start of My Illness: High Fever and No Diagnosis

It all began on 9th November when I visited a GP in Clementi for a high fever (38.5°C) and severe throat inflammation. Tests for both COVID-19 and influenza came back negative, so the doctor prescribed some fever medicine and serratiopeptidase for my throat inflammation. The best part was that the doctor didn’t even need to examine my throat directly. He seemed to know what was wrong with his “X-ray” vision.

I hoped the medication would work, but my symptoms only worsened. By 11th November, I started experiencing thick, dark green nasal mucus discharge, which was followed by watery diarrhea on 12th November and a complete loss of appetite.

A Second GP Visit: No Voice and Persistent Cough

On 13th November, I returned to another doctor as my condition had not improved. I still had a low-grade fever (37.5°C), no voice, a severe cough that triggered mucus reflex, and sense of fatigue. The doctor advised me to continue the throat medication, but there was still no progress.

By 14th November, my symptoms escalated further. Alongside my persistent congestion and watery stools, I began experiencing green discharge in my eyes. I was completely drained, with no appetite and no relief.

The A&E Public Hospital Experience: Frustration and a Lack of Answers

Desperate for answers, I went to the A&E at a public hospital on 15th November after a week of unrelenting symptoms. Went to SGH and I waited almost five hours to see a doctor, only to be told there was little he could do.

The doctor acknowledged that my throat was very red and agreed that seven days with a sore throat was unusually long. However, he dismissed the idea of running tests and prescribed some over-the-counter medication.

In Singapore, A&E stands for Accident and Emergency, so losing your voice likely isn’t considered a major concern for a visit there. However, for an average person, does it really make sense for the flu to take seven days to recover, especially when symptoms persist and show no signs of improvement? With my condition and the detailed description I provided, it was clear that something wasn’t right. That said, I understand that it might not have been seen as a priority since it wasn’t life-threatening.

I left the hospital feeling frustrated, exhausted, and still without a proper diagnosis.

Taking Control: Contacting My ENT Specialist

Today, I decided enough was enough. I reached out to my previous ENT specialist, whom I had seen two years ago for laryngitis. This turned out to be the best decision I made throughout this ordeal.

The experience was seamless. Within 15 minutes, the ENT specialist conducted a nasal scope and collected mucus for a culture test. He immediately diagnosed me with sinusitis, explaining that my symptoms were likely due to a bacterial infection, something no one had addressed before. Unlike the previous visits where I wasn’t given antibiotics, the ENT doctor prescribed the appropriate treatment to address the root cause of my illness.

Reflection: The Importance of Specialized Care

This journey has been a rollercoaster of symptoms, frustration, and misdiagnoses. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Antibiotics Aren’t Always Given, but Sometimes They’re Needed

In my case, my negative COVID-19 and influenza tests should have raised the possibility of a bacterial infection. Instead, this was overlooked at every stage until I consulted a specialist.

2. Specialists Make All the Difference

General practitioners and emergency doctors do great work, but sometimes a specialist’s expertise is required. My ENT doctor’s ability to identify sinusitis so quickly and begin targeted treatment brought me relief I hadn’t felt in over a week.

3. Trust Your Instincts

When you know something is wrong, don’t hesitate to seek second opinions or return to a trusted doctor. If I hadn’t contacted my ENT specialist, I might be delay for receiving treatment and who knows it may get worsens turned into chronic.

The Importance of the Right Diagnosis

Thanks to my ENT specialist, I’m finally on the path to recovery. Reflecting on this journey, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how important a correct diagnosis is, not just in medicine, but in life.

If you’re consuming medication based on the wrong diagnosis, how can your condition ever improve? Similarly, in life, if you don’t understand the real problem, whether it’s in relationships, career, or personal challenges, you’ll never find the right solutions. You’ll only end up going deeper into the rabbit hole, chasing fixes that don’t truly address the root cause.

This illness has also taught me a simple yet powerful truth: there’s nothing better than having good health. I used to take little things like breathing fresh air through my nose for granted, but this experience made me realize how precious even the smallest aspects of health can be. Losing the ability to do something so natural has given me a deeper sense of gratitude for my body and a greater appreciation for the moments when everything feels normal.

Having the right diagnosis doesn’t just mean taking the right medication. It means having the chance to heal and get back to the life you love. And in the same way, taking the time to understand what’s truly wrong in life allows us to make meaningful changes, reconnect with what’s important, and appreciate the little things we once overlooked.

Good health is a gift, and it’s one we should never take for granted. Folks, please take care the weather has been crazy these days!

From Intimidation to Inspiration: Navigating the Ups and Downs of My Fitness Journey

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While I don’t often share about my fitness training journey, I feel compelled to document my current experiences. This need stems from an internal conflict I’m facing, one that’s both challenging and enlightening. My venture with a new personal trainer, aimed at rehabilitating my shoulder, marks a significant chapter in this journey. We started back in August, and right from the outset, her intense demeanor was intimidating. However, what really stood out to me was her ability to adapt her training approach in response to my feedback. It’s this adaptability and willingness to adjust that has added a unique dynamic to our sessions and my overall fitness journey.

Our sessions were paused for about a month due to my surgery in September, extending the 12-session package I had initially paid for. Now, having completed 8-9 sessions, I’m struck by her versatility and the refreshing approach she brings to training. Her methods are a significant departure from the traditional routines I’ve followed over the past three years, introducing me to a world beyond just machines and dumbbells. Each session is a new learning experience, adding value to my fitness journey. However, despite her efforts and the new perspectives she offers, I find myself grappling with mixed feelings. It’s a challenging comparison between her and my previous trainers, especially as I continue to explore the best path for my personal growth.

Today’s session was especially challenging. It was one of those days that many fitness enthusiasts can relate to – a day where, even after giving my all, I felt as though I didn’t meet my own expectations. The sense of disappointment was heavy, and I grappled with feelings of frustration and self-anger over my perceived shortcomings. Reflecting on this and writing it down, I recognized a pattern of self-doubt creeping in, often catching myself thinking, “I can’t do this.” It was a stark realisation of the mental barriers I face, as much as the physical ones.

Yet, as I was reflecting, I realised an important truth about strength training, and life in general: not every day can be about breaking records. Some days the weights feel heavier, and personal bests seem far away. But showing up and putting in the effort, even on the tougher days, is what builds character and resilience. The fitness journey is not a straight line to success, but a winding path with its share of highs and lows.

Communicating my feelings remains a challenge, despite achieving several ‘firsts’ successfully under her guidance. For example, when I managed to do a 12 kg kettlebell swing with a hand change – something I initially doubted I could do – my trainer commended me, but I couldn’t muster more than a neutral expression. I guess as a Capricorn, perhaps my expectations are too high, or maybe I struggle to feel proud of my achievements. This internal conflict often makes it challenging to communicate effectively with my trainer. I wish I could open up more, to share my thoughts and feelings openly, but finding the right words isn’t always easy. It’s a barrier I’m keenly aware of and one I’m striving to overcome.

I must keep reminding myself that this journey isn’t about perfection in every session; it’s about persistence and consistency. Every lift, every squat, every moment I spend in the gym contributes to my narrative – a story of resilience, strength, and unwavering dedication. It’s about building more than just muscle; it’s about cultivating mental and emotional fortitude.

I’m learning to embrace the tough days in my strength training journey. These challenging moments remind me that I’m human and keep me grounded. They teach humility and, most importantly, they propel me towards becoming stronger in every aspect. It’s a multifaceted growth that extends beyond the physical realm, touching the mental and emotional spheres of my life.

As 2023 draws to a close, it feels like standing at a pivotal crossroads, reflecting on a journey filled with both strength and struggle. Behind me lies a year marked by the clatter of weights, the challenge of rehabilitation, and countless valuable lessons learned – each one a testament to resilience and inner strength. Ahead, the promise of a new year beckons, ripe with uncharted challenges and boundless potential.

This journey, set against the backdrop of gym walls, has been about more than just mending a shoulder; it’s been a pilgrimage towards personal mastery and deeper self-understanding. With each session, I’ve woven a tapestry of sweat, determination, and moments of self-doubt, all contributing to a stronger, more enlightened self.

As I tie the laces of my training shoes for the upcoming year’s challenges, I do so with a heart brimming with gratitude and a spirit invigorated for what lies ahead. Let’s raise a toast to the relentless pursuit of improvement, within and beyond the confines of the gym. May the weights be ever in our favor, and our spirits as resilient as the muscles we train.

As the final pages of 2023 turn, I look forward to sharing more of this journey with you. Until then, keep lifting, keep growing, and embrace the adventure of a new year.

A Personal Saga Of Healing

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Three weeks had passed since the surgery, and it was a situation I could have never anticipated. As a female, dealing with a pus/cyst (just like a big pimple) issue in such a “special” location was not only physically discomforting but also deeply embarrassing.

As I recounted those moments, I was swiftly filling out admission paperwork, my mind was somehow calm. Around 11:45am, I found myself in Ward 1025, a single-bed room with a TV. The nurse checked my blood pressure, and I began preparing for the operation. What I hadn’t even considered, in the rush of the moment, was the estimated cost of this surgery in a private hospital setting. It was as if I had momentarily forgotten about the financial aspect, plunging headlong into a decision as though cost was no concern. Fortunately, my health insurance was of premium and provided coverage for private hospital services.

As night descended and I lay there, solitary in my hospital room, an undeniable sense of unease crept over me. The stillness of the night seemed to magnify every small sound, making me acutely aware of my vulnerability. I couldn’t truly rest peacefully, but amid the shadows, I managed to steal fleeting moments of much-needed respite.

During this time, I found myself consuming antibiotics and an array of medications, to the point where a sense of guilt began to gnaw at me. It was almost paradoxical; here I was, drowning in a sea of pills and prescriptions, and yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was somehow less “healthy.” It was a peculiar kind of guilt, a silent battle between the necessity of these medicines to regain my well-being and the lingering sense that I had somehow lost a piece of my vitality in the process.

As I look back on this extraordinary journey, I’m struck by the profound trust I vested in the medical team, even in the absence of personal familiarity. It’s a reflection that sparks a curiosity within me: why is it often such a struggle to extend that same level of faith to others in diverse spheres of life? Life, in its unpredictable splendor, has a penchant for tossing unforeseen challenges our way. Yet, if we wholeheartedly invest our trust in the expertise of those dedicated to our well-being and nurture unwavering belief in our own resilience, we possess the capacity to surmount even the most daunting of circumstances.

Consider, for a moment, the gift that is your health. It’s a treasure beyond measure. Cherish it, for within its delicate embrace lies the essence of our existence. As we journey through life, we inevitably encounter the reality that health, once lost, cannot always be fully restored. It’s a truth that becomes more apparent with each passing year. The relentless pace of our fast-paced society can make the task of maintaining our well-being feel like a Herculean challenge.

Sending forth my most heartfelt wishes for a speedy convalescence, as I eagerly anticipate my return, rekindled with strength and resilience, ready to conquer any challenges ahead.

Navigating Surgery and Surrender: My Hospital Experience

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It was a fateful Saturday when I was scheduled to check my infection condition and return to work, but destiny had a different plan – a ‘staycation’ at the hospital. The innocuous pimple-like bump I initially dismissed as trivial turned out to be a far more intricate issue. Following the doctor’s assessment, I received the startling news that several hidden complexities required immediate surgery at Mount Elizabeth Novena.

Internally, fear welled up within me, yet I strived to maintain composure. As the medical team ushered me towards the operating room, their reassuring words did little to quell my anxiety. My mind was a blank canvas, uncertain of what lay ahead, so I entrusted my well-being to their capable hands. As I finally entered the operating theater, I inhaled laughing gas, allowing the anesthesia team to secure an IV drip in my left hand. Moments later, the general anesthesia flowed, and I succumbed to unconsciousness within a minute. The clock displayed 1:10 pm as I faded into oblivion. My next conscious moment arrived around 2:30 pm in the recovery area, accompanied by a shiver coursing through me and intense pain at the surgical site.

By 2:40 pm, I was relocated to my ward, where potent painkillers provided relief from the discomfort. Thankfully, the shivering ceased after about 15 minutes. Only then could I indulge in a belated teabreak within the confines of my ward. The meal, though simple, was comforting – a bowl of white porridge, a slice of pandan cake, and a warm cup of Milo. It may not have been a gourmet feast, but it felt like a remedy for my post-surgery chills.

Following the meal, an urgent need to visit the bathroom arose. Due to hospital protocol, a nurse accompanied me. However, as I rose, an unexpected bout of dizziness swept over me, leaving me feeling disoriented. I moved cautiously, feeling as though my surroundings were spinning. After attending to my needs, the nurse assisted me in ordering dinner and a night teabreak from the intriguing menu. For dinner, I relished slow-cooked aged black angus beef short ribs, vegetable broth, chilled mango sago with pomelo, and apple juice. It arrived promptly at 6:10 pm and was nothing short of delicious.

This experience marked the first time in my life that I had to rely on so many medications, which left me feeling drowsy and lethargic. Yet, I persevered in taking the prescribed drugs to manage the pain. With each passing moment, I clung to the hope of inching closer to feeling like myself again. Restarting everything from scratch might be frustrating on a physical level, but I remain hopeful that I can manage it better, even though there are no guarantees.

In conclusion, I can’t help but reflect on this challenging journey. To my future self, remember that you were undeniably brave to face it all alone. It’s okay to acknowledge that deep down, there were moments of fear and even a mental breakdown. But in those vulnerable moments, you found a reservoir of strength you never knew existed. This experience, though daunting, has the potential to forge a remarkable mental toughness within you. Embrace the lessons learned and the resilience discovered during this time, for they are the building blocks of a stronger, more resilient you. Keep moving forward with courage and the knowledge that you can overcome whatever challenges come your way.

“Recovery is a process. It takes time. It takes patience. It takes everything you’ve got.”

My First Reformer Experience – Triumph and Confusion

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As I stepped into the physio clinic, excitement mixed with a hint of nervousness swirled within me. It was my first time trying this clinical Pilates, driven by the necessity of rehabilitating my injured shoulder. My heart pounded in rhythm with my heightened anticipation, a blend of excitement and trepidation, as I examined this new apparatus.

I’ve decided to sign up for clinical Pilates as a means of rehabilitation for my shoulder injury, and this was my first encounter with the reformer. My physiotherapist, a warm and knowledgeable individual, greeted me with a friendly smile. She guided me toward the reformer, a complex-looking machine that seemed both intriguing and intimidating. I couldn’t help but marvel at its intricate design, the pulleys, straps, and springs waiting to be utilised.

As she began to relay the commands, my mind seemed to shift gears, acutely attuned to her words, trying to decode them into physical actions. There were so many things to remember: the correct posture, the precise movement, the breathing pattern. Each phrase she uttered was like a puzzle piece, and my brain was doing its utmost to piece it all together. I followed her instructions, positioning myself on the sliding carriage of the reformer, the light touch of stripes both unfamiliar and strangely comforting. She was there, with a calm and steady voice, guiding me through each step. I felt a sense of reassurance.

At first, my mind felt overwhelmed, trying to process the multitude of instructions. I focused intently, absorbing her words, and translating them into actions. It felt as though I was deciphering a new language, connecting the dots between the cues and the corresponding movements on the reformer. Yet, amid this flurry of new information, there was also a sense of fascination. I was becoming more aware of my body and the muscles I hadn’t consciously engaged before. The sensation of the carriage gliding under me, the pull of the straps against my hands, the tension in my muscles as they responded to each command – it was a novel symphony of feelings that was simultaneously challenging and exhilarating.

My shoulder, which had been a source of discomfort for so long, felt a different strain. This strain was healing, not damaging. It was hard, yet therapeutic. I could feel the challenge my shoulder was up against, and yet, there was an unusual reassurance that this was a journey towards recovery. The reformer responded to my efforts, the springs providing resistance and support, adding a dynamic element to each exercise. As I moved through the sequence of movements, I could feel my muscles awakening and working in unison.

With the guidance of my physiotherapist, I discovered the subtle adjustments needed to execute each exercise correctly. Her encouragement and occasional adjustments reassured me that I was on the right track. The controlled movements, combined with the gentle stretching and lengthening of my body, provided a unique sense of both challenge and relief. I felt a surge of triumph when my physiotherapist mentioned I was doing well. Her comment was like a beacon, illuminating my path through this new journey, instilling in me a newfound confidence and determination.

Reflecting on the experience, I realised that clinical Pilates on the reformer was not just a physical journey; it was a mental one as well. It challenged my brain to process and translate the instructions into actions, strengthening the mind-body connection. Despite the exhaustion that was gradually setting in, a sense of accomplishment washed over me as I finally climbed off the reformer. My body, simultaneously fatigued and invigorated, seemed to hum with a newfound sense of awareness. As I left the physio clinic, I felt both humbled and motivated, eager to continue this journey. As I embarked on this path of rehabilitation, I felt a renewed sense of hope, confident that with time and dedication, my injured shoulder would heal, and I would regain my strength and mobility once more.

“I understood myself only after I destroyed myself. And only in the process of fixing myself, did I know who I really was.” – Sade Andria Zabala

Reflection: A once in a lifetime medical experience

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To me, year 2022 was really a blinked of an eye. 5 months had gone and it seems like I had experienced a few valuable life lessons. There are several life experiences I did not documented down due to my limited time. Reflecting back, there was one particular experience worth mentioning, that was having gone through a MRI scan.

This year alone, I had several eye appointments due to some night blindness issues. I feel that I encountered some issues to adapt and adjust in an illuminated environment. The doctors had gone through a lot of tests and examinations but no conclusive results were derived. So, the final medical procedure to make sure all things are just as fine, a MRI procedure was unavoidable. The doctor claimed that MRI can provide a detailed image of the soft tissue in the eye.

An intravenous (IV) infusion into my vein.

The day had arrived. It was 15th of March. I was looking forward and felt some excitement like a flash of lightning. I wasn’t thinking so much about the procedure, but those who been through did advised me on how it will be like inside the scanning machine. During the scan, I was told to close my eyes throughout and not to blink as it will affect the result. So I have to pretend that I am like sleeping with earplugs on. When the scan started, there had been a repetitive tapping and thumping sounds (feels like a construction work is going on). At this point, my mind was thinking so many things. My mind was really all over the place (thinking of what to eat for lunch, how much work was left, when the nurse will come in put contrast material etc…). At the same time, I must hold still because movement can blur the resulting images. I have to act like I’m dead just like lying inside a coffin. I remembered telling myself that I have to stop this “monkey mind” talking. So I started meditation. I told myself to focus on my breathing and nothing else. Finally I managed to did it and the “monkey mind” calmed down. About 15 mins later, the nurse came in to inject the contrast material into my right vein. This contrast material will enhance certain veins so that the doctor can look at them in details. The whole process last about 30 minutes.

In this modern society, we are all regularly multi-tasking which imply that we are never bored and always occupied. With this MRI experience, I learned that being bored and doing nothing can cause the brain to create mental chaos. Our brains need stimulation from somewhere and when we don’t get enough stimulation, we become bored. That is why it is so important to learn how to control and tame our monkey brain when we are being bored. In a sense, being bored plays a big role in our present life if we are lucky. A research study revealed and suggested that boring activities can increase one’s creativity. The reason being when we take away our distractions, our mind is free to just think, and often think in quite creative ways. This is an interesting conclusion that boredom can actually be good for us. It fosters real thinking with your brain. All in all, boredom can be beneficial to us and it’s a powerful anchor into the present moment.

Boredom is not what you think it was. You will be better for it.

“A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness.” – Albert Einstein

A Reflection Upon QO lifted

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Today is Thursday, 7th October 2021.

To many, it’s nothing special.

But, for me, it’s a moment of release that feel like a great push up to the heavens.

A total 10 days of isolation at home from 28 Sep 21 to 7 Oct 21.

Some days seem to pass very slowly while some days pass faster.

The 10 days routine was “Eat>Do ART>Work>Eat>Work>Eat>Chill>Sleep”.

It feels like I had managed to accomplish many things during this period.

Finding the beauty in the everyday motions of life.

Personally, I feel everything happens for a reason.

My family was being put into this “TEST”.

This “TEST” is to test our mental growth, well-being, and stability.

Both good and bad times we are together.

We stay focused to solve the current problem.

Thankfully, my dad was recovering well from the virus.

Gratefully, my mother, my sister, and I was tested negative.

Every experience I’ve had has moulded me into who I am today.

I am so appreciative for all the care and support I’ve received.

I feel very blessed to have all of you as my friends to be so supportive when I needed them.

The magic of life is not about titles, definitions, or labels.

It’s about investing love wholeheartedly to anyone you’ve met.

There is nothing more important than taking care the people around you.

We must find meaning within ourselves.

Find the kind and make it worth.

Even if we struggle, this too shall pass.

Counting each day as a gift, happy to just be.

“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.” – Morrie Schwartz

Documenting my Quarantine Order experience in Singapore: Day 1 to Day 3

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One of the worst public health threats of our generation – Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Singapore is such a small island country (278 square miles) city-state in Southeast Asia has a population of about 5.8 million people. Recently, our community cases have risen sharply given easing of restrictions. Well, I guess it is an expected situation since the government decided to ease the measures and open the economy. Although the government had tighter community restrictions which kicked in on last Monday, I think that there will be more cases being detected. Well, I guess COVID-19 has been really part of our daily lives and we must face it. We heard it for about 1 year and 8 months. We kept on hearing people being tested positive and die from complications… It seems like there are so much we can do.

It had been a few months ago since my last post. Not much changes but this month I had something special to pen on. I would like to pen down my thoughts of what is it like when someone dear you were infected with COVID-19 and the process of being issued an QO.  

On the 27th of September 2021, I came home after work knowing that my father was not feeling well, and he just went to see doctor at a polyclinic. He had developed mild symptoms such as a cough and running nose. Knowing that the result of the tests will be uploaded into the HealthHub App, I told him to login and see his test results. Apparently, both of his tests (ART + PCR) came back POSITIVE. MY DAD GOT COVID-19! So, my first instant reaction was to report to my bosses knowing that I will be issued a Quarantine Order (QO) and my other family members will need to isolate ourselves at home for 10 days.

After knowing that my dad was tested positive, no one contacted us to let us know what we need to do next or what should we expected. But later that evening around 8:30pm, my dad received and picked up a call saying that he will be pick up using an ambulance the next day. So, he packed some of his clothing to get ready for pick up. As for myself, I googled on the website and look for a form to submit our particulars for quarantine.  My sister and I also did our ART test and uploaded our test result on the COVID-19 Testing Portal. All the above procedures are self-administrated as we do not know what to do next, but we just do what we can while waiting for MOH text messages.

On the 28th of September 2021, we were literally waiting for call and ambulance to pick up my dad. But till evening, no one came and called to check on him. He wasn’t informed of the proper procedures of what he needs to do. So, he just kept on waiting… of course he rested and eat well. We also did not receive any QO message so by right we still can go out, but we chose to quarantine ourselves and minimise contact with others.

On the 29th of September 2021, upon checking my phone, I received the MOH message stating that we had been issued a QO. But interestingly, my sister did not receive any text messages. Based on the message, there are 2 things to take note:

  1. We need to undergo PCR swab tests at a Regional Swab Centre on 29 September and 5 October.
  2. We need to self-administer ART tests daily (see photo as reference – collected from the screening centre) and report the results daily before 12pm.

To begin with, I clicked on the link and to book an appointment at their nearest designated screening centre. To my pleasant surprise, there are only 6 designated screening centres to serve the whole Singapore for Persons Under Quarantine (PUQ).

  1. Former Shu Qun Secondary School
  2. Former Coral Primary School
  3. Former Da Qiao Primary School
  4. Former Bishan Park Secondary School
  5. Former Bedok North Secondary School
  6. Former Innova Junior College

I am surprised because I thought that there will be a few more other locations that which is nearer to us and within walking distance. So, no choice we had to book grab to go for our PCR swabbing.

Upon arriving at Former Innova JC, we saw many people were being placed under PUQ. All of us will need to queue with 1-metre safe distancing to register ourselves and get the ART kits for self-testing usage. We waited around 1 hour to complete the PCR swab. It was my first time that I did a PCR swab. I thought it will be painful but not as painful as I thought. The technician inserts a flexible, soft-tipped, 6-inch swab into your nostril. He guided it to the back of your nose until it reaches the nasopharynx (the area where our nasal cavities meet the throat). He then swirls it gently and leave it there for a few seconds to collect secretions. During the test, as the technician kept inching the swab deeper and deeper inside my nose, I felt a bit of discomfort. Afterward, I left the facility, thinking it wasn’t so bad experience. Just feeling a little bit uncomfortable that the stick touches the end of my nose.

Anyway, I think no one wants to be infected with COVID-19. If we met such a situation, I guess we just need to deal with it tactfully and not putting blame on others as we cannot control virus.  Ultimately, the greatest lesson that COVID-19 can teach humanity is that we are all in this together.

For me, this QO is a time where I can take some breaks isn’t about cheating myself, it’s about treating myself to reflect deeply on who I am with what I do. I believe that life will give me whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of my consciousness.

“There are so many difficult things we’re living through in the world today, so many horrible events, but we cannot let them stop us. No matter what happens, I feel you must move forward with optimism and not get totally sideswiped.” – Gloria Estefan