The Power of One

"First with the head and then with the heart, you'll be ahead from the start."

Someone suggested "The Power of One" to me. Few weeks after I got it from the library, it stayed unopened. Not for a lack of interest though. I was reading another book at that time. At first, I wasn't keen to read it because the print were way too fine for me. After reading a few books in large print, my eyes have become accustomed to the nicely spaced, large font.

My boss told me  it's a good book and that I will like it. And true enough, after I read the first two chapters, I'm hooked. The fine print did not matter anymore.

The book allow me a glimpse of a time, a few years back, when I know how it feels like to hit a heavy bag and punched it like crazy, until my knuckles were raw and sometimes, bled.

I read all 530 pages of the book and enjoyed it. Even go as far as jot down phrases I like. Here's one...

"The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself, often well beyond any latent ability you may have previously demonstrated. The mind is the athlete; the body is simply the means it uses to run faster or longer, jump higher, shoot straighter, kick better, swim harder, hit further or box better."

I read Stephen King's 11/22/63 in 9 days

"The multiple choices and possibilities of daily life are the music we dance to. "

The concept of time-travel is fascinating. I think it is a neat idea to be able to revisit the past and perhaps, change the course of things, especially the ones that mattered. But then there's also the fact that when things are meant to happen, they do and trifling with them can bring repercussions.

One day, I find myself in the library. My eyes wandered into the new books section and saw 11/22/63. I wasn't reading something at that time so I decided to check it out. This is my first time to read one of Stephen King's work. I am familiar with some of his previous novels, especially the ones adapted into film.

Occam's Razor: The simplest explanation is usually the right one.

So, what made me pick this one? The title intrigued me and more so because it signified a date, thirteen years before I was born. And I think it doesn't hurt to know a little bit more about  American history.

I enjoyed reading this book although it took me more than a week to finished it but it was worth it. Worth the time spent and the overdue fine I have to pay. :-)

"If you've ever been homesick , or felt exiled from all the things and people that once defined you, you'll know how important welcoming words and friendly smiles can be."

What's normal, anyway?

Listen closely. :-)

I remember when I was in junior high school, we had this group activity about "crushes". Of all the topics to talk about. Since I did not fully grasp the logic behind a 'crush' at that time, I decided to make up one, just so I have something to share. When I heard my classmates said that, "If you don't have a crush, you are abnormal." I was more compelled to come up with one. At that time, when everybody wanted to fit in, I sure did not want to be labeled 'abnormal'.

Later on in life, I live my life as I see it fit. I chose to run my own race and I never realize that I set myself apart. I found myself subjected to questions. Sometimes, nasty and annoying ones.

One example, just because I don't have a "boyfriend", some ( you know who you are ) thinks I play for the other team. Seriously, I'm not going to make up one or go at great lengths to look for one. I'm past the point of worrying if I pass as 'normal' or not.

What's normal anyway?

Someone asked me once, about my 'love' life. And all I could say was  it's non-existent. Or so I thought, because I was still trying to fit in the society's notion of what a 'normal' love life is. And I realized that I'm wrong. I am in love and always has been, but not just in the romanticized and commercialized kind. I would not be here if I don't love. I would cease to exist if I don't love ( if you know what I mean ).

I didn't think myself as different until one day, someone commented that I'm autistic. Though she did not say it to my face. I was like, yeah right.

I still don't think myself as different. I'm just being me. If being myself goes against what others think is 'normal' then so be it. People always say things no matter what.

Life is too short to worry about what 'normal' people say about me. And I sure don't give a ______ if they don't like me. :-)

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." - E.E. Cummings