"I'll fight my way to the top."

"I may not be as naturally talented, but I like it this way cos therein lies the challenge."

"Being an inspiration is one of the best feelings I've had in my life."

Things that happened over the past few days have greatly motivated me to become a better player, a better person. My desire to want to be there for storm, my happiness when I see their smiles. The juniors are like little chicks I wanna take care of and nurture, and eventually see them fly. It's a feeling that I didn't really expect, cos I'm so not your textbook mother figure, all twinkly-eyed and smiley. It's a rediscovered passion, one that I know I must make some improvements to myself to pursue.

And the happenings in tempest training today gave me a further push. In a peanutshell, I haven't been on form recently and have great difficulty digesting instructions. It's frustrating and demoralising to say the least, but I know I must maintain a humble and teachable attitude. I made the switch to leave the safety of the boat, and I will learn how to swim.

Learning to swim is never easy. Some days you do well, some days your mind and body fake amnesia and refuse to comply, some days they're so tired that all your tries are in vain. But something I've learned is that one must smile even as you struggle, for the world loves smilers and loathes frowners. That's my shortcoming, I rarely make a good impression on acquaintances cos I don't smile enough. I can literally feel the distance and dislike for me coming out from some people sometimes. It's a pity.

Well nevermind them. For myself, I shall try my best to learn how to swim, and never give up.