A compilation of life experiences

A compilation of life experiences- specially written for teenagers

Acting is not difficult, what is difficult is to act naturally; speaking is not difficult, what is difficult is to speak like an expert; writing is not difficult, what is difficult is to write with real knowledge and deep insight; making friends is not difficult, what is difficult is to make a bosom friend; giving advice to teenagers is not difficult, what is difficult is to make them believe in you. The writing of this book is justified if it can convince the young readers of the magic of believing.

In order to convince teenagers of what we say, we need to have empathy with teenagers to gain their confidence in us. The awkward position of a thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, and nineteen-year-old who are in between childhood and adulthood needs to be understood. They can be guided to know that there are more solutions than problems in life. Indeed teenagers are problem solvers to many senior citizens who have difficulty adjusting their lives in the digital world.

When I was about to buy my new mobile phone, the teenager at the counter asked me whether there were young people staying with me at home. When I answered in the negative, he recommended me to buy one with the least functions because I would not be able to handle the state-of-the-art model without the help of teenagers at home. That was his perception on senior citizens’ intelligence on the usage of mobile phones, and for that matter computers could also be included. Hence, the young and the old can learn from each other’s strong points to offset each other’s weaknesses. The juniors are of the future while the seniors talk about history.

An old Chinese saying has it that a person who has travelled ninety out of a hundred miles is considered to have travelled only half the way even though he has completed ninety per cent of the total journey. He falls short of success for lack of a final effort. Hence, teenagers are encouraged to walk an extra mile in their studies and co-curricular activities to be an all-rounder and to enrich their lives. They will be taught through the history of the elders on how to complete the remaining ten miles to make it a perfect score.

Indigo blue is extracted from the indigo plant but is bluer than the plant it comes from. Ice comes from water and is colder than water. They all signify that pupils can surpass their masters. Teenagers are unpolished gems. They need time, experience, encouragement, and guidance in life to become polished diamonds and rubies in contributing their talents in nation building. This book is therefore specially written for teenagers, not from the perspective of giving lectures but that of love and good intentions. The distinguishing mark in all our discussion is a heart-to-heart talk on several pertinent questions, between the author and the readers in their teens, albeit on a one way traffic.

The height of the sky is not known until a high mountain is scaled;
The thickness of the earth is not known until a deep stream is dived;
The talent of teenagers is not known until their potential is unlocked.

Uncle Ho
7 July 2009

Note: Weekly posting