End of July

As July ends, it seems the beautiful summer weather in Scotland, and Stirling in particular is also coming to an end! Rains have started to fall and of course it has become cooler, or colder, so to speak. It’s not as cold yet as the autumn and winter seasons, but still cold nevertheless. In fact, inside my flat, it is much colder than outside in the streets! Like this morning, I was all wrapped up in my thick jacket but when I came out, the sun was shining (for a bit) and it was much warmer, I had to remove my jacket!

Anyway, seasons come and seasons go. What remain are the things these seasons have taught us, i.e. what we learn while living the days, in good weather or bad. I have learned that nothing beats love. And the greatest is love, as always. That even in being alone, if there is love, albeit distant, one can survive. Living far away from loved ones (family and friends) can be stressful i.e. being in a place where you do not have family and friends. It is really different and your heart longs for home. Coz home is where your heart is. And thank God always for technology which makes everybody closer, despite the distance. There is more constant communication, not just with voice but face to face as well! It is so much different from many, many years ago when we had to wait for weeks for letters and cards to come by post.

That is why I like listening to music. It brings back so much memories that it can uplift the soul and spirit. In addition to inspirational music, there are some popular songs which are quite good at encouraging. I love listening to Michael Buble, among others. So much so that I even listen to his Christmas songs, in July! It is not just him of course, but the songs themselves. Christmas songs especially, even in July, because for me, I associate Christmas with joy and happiness and love. So I listen to them. Just the other day I heard the DJ on the radio lamenting that some shops have already started advertising for Christmas, in July! And he said it was too much! Oh well, I listen to Christmas songs also in July! I feel good listening to them so …

Now as July ends, I have to keep going. To continue with my research studies here at the university. The deadline is looming, and with only a few more months to finish everything, I should need to focus, to concentrate, to keep working. But of course I should not forget to also take a break, a breather, to avoid burning out.