We made it to the top!

 We tracked to the peak of Mount Dato' in 2016 to release stress from research work. Not sure if we could climb this mountain at this age and with no prior proper preparation except for occasional campus walk could we make it? 

Its not so difficult mountain to climb for the youngsters but for us whom are already 4 series and 5 series, body condition are not up to the mark.Anyway decided give it a try.

Going up is really a challange, Mustaffa, the youngest seemed quite at ease,  Soong dragging on his feet but steady.  I am the oldest and weakest body plus with  low stamina, lagged behind. Heavy feet and trying hard to keep up with both of them. 

I felt like giving up halfway. Both my buddies cajoled me to move on. Exhausted ,drained, I was on verge of  throwing the towel - done with it. Mental thought keep pooping up saying, " You ask for it right ?", chidding within me. "Why on earth you wanted to climb a mountain at this age, you moron?" 

" You came here with a purpose, you decided it, none forced  you" "A passion in corner of your heart to do something that you yearned to fullfill since childhood "  The little fighter in me recharges!! 

" Don't bother, keep your passion aflame, go and get it no matter what. it's your dream alone.Finished it "

I heard a slow voice from Soong, " bro keep walking, dont give up". Mustaffa already at the final stage before reaching the peak, waiting for us. 

Step by step I did manage to reach half an hour later.  I told myself " Just a little more I can reach the peak" Felt little motivated at least.

The final climb to peak is tricky, dangerous and scary. I have reached mount Tahan, the tallest and toughest mountain in peninsular Malaysia at the of 20. This is much lesser mountain but realized the age I climbed is far distance a part. "Can I doit?"

After resting,  we decided the final onslaught to the peak. Need to climb almost 100 meters ladder rope before making it to flatter point before peak. I decided to go first as Mustaffa showed hesistancy at this climb because too steep and wobbly strong ladder. I managed to overcome the initial fear to the safe point, Next Soong tried and managed to clear. Finally Mustaffa overcame that height fear and managed to get it there. 

Walking towards the peak now just a brisk walk and easy. We made it together!!  determination , perseverance and patience helped tremendously. 

Looking back now, we managed to finish our Ph.D in the same year though starting at different time and phase. We are from different backgrounds, country but with one single goal in mind, to finish what we aim for. Reaching the peak is a bonus. We cherish wonderful moments in reserch office, going bonkers doing thesis, burnt midnite candles till took toll on our bodies.

Thank you Mustafa Hassan Ibrahim Elsafi and Soong Kai Kit and all my PG1 and PG2 buddies for support and encouragement. To all the supervisor, specially  my Supervisors Dr Almansor and Dr Rizal thank you from bottom of our hearts. Also to Proff Alsadiq for kind assistance and support at all times.  Extend our heartfelt appreciation to MMU FOB and IPS staffs too. 

Wish my buddies who are still climbing the mountain, keep going, no to giving up. Take your pace but keep moving forward.  You will be there for sure. See you guys on the top!!

Reason why being 57 years young is awesome

Since there are so many people around  are suffering from age crisis( a 55 year  old and 19 years old, to name a few) I have recently thinking my own impending age quite a bit. I am 57 today.  They say 50 is still the new 30. I reacon 50 is still 50, too, and thats right. 

Here are some of my reasons why being 57 is not only allright, but can be awesome, too.

1. While there are some thing I cannot do because of my age,  there are so many more I still can. Its not too late do start to learn new skills like learning new language, arts & drawing etc. Continue old passion that you have stopped before once again. 

2. I read the secret of being happy is adopt the role of an old wise person. That is keeping your mouth shut up, only offer your wisdom and advice when needed and asked. Its a bygone era where youngsters listen to elders. Interfere only when invited. So instead of talking to them better write or blog your thoughts. 

3. Age tells very little about a person. I find that we spend more time thinking about age.  Also, when we think about our age, what is it we really think about? The number of time we still have on this planet?  Our accomplishments?  Our age-related health issues? Whatever it is, you shoud not be thinking about it. You are you, whatever your age. 

4.Getting older does not only bring losses, it bring gains, too. At this point of my life,  I have said many goodbyes, but also keep getting new hellos.

5. You realize whatever happened in your life is just a mere experience on physical plane you should cherish, but also very much illusionary on mental plane. You are insequential to the universe. Your existence is just a spark of a quark. So don't be carried away in Ego. Learn to say sorry and forgive others who had done bad things to you. Learn to let go. 

6. I dont have to live to anyones expectation at this age except to keep myself healthy to the best possible way. It's  almost a retiring age,  but the mind still sharp to learn new knowledge. The challenges are to keep self improvements at all the time. Financial fulfillment can be a stress factor at this age. If you have no finance security back-up,   better try to restart your money engine to generate abudance of income. A new potential area you could pick up to learn. 

7. The solace you get in being alone and aloaf at this age. You are not worried about others who have achieved better results in life than you do. It doesnt make any difference in the end. You could live within. Not necessarily need to globe trote the world over to show how far you have gone. Its awesome time to explore your own innerself.

8. I still do have wonderful childhood/ teenage friends, buddies who I can count on in keeping an eye on my health and life upkeeping from a far.

9. Not to forget family members, relatives, teachers, catalyst, guides and spiritual preceptors who had helped me & molded this not so perfect invidual to current kevel of existence. My gratitude and appreciation to all these sparking souls. 

10. Contenment creeps in at this point age. Somehow I dont care much about others opinion, high dramas exhibited by people around  me for sure. There are no competitions to test my ability. I become more observant than keen participant. Its a luxury nevertheless. 

11. So, get still, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and say hi to the wonderful age of you.