thanks

there are currently two things that i look forward to each week (and i am NOT talking about American Idol. don't even mention The Dance Floor.) i feel happy and lightened at the end of each session and it keeps me very much engaged. oh, before i proceed further, i'd just explain what these two things happen to be - counselling course and guitar lessons.

you see, i'm down for a counselling course once a week (make that a week nite) for the next 2 - 3 months. basically, i'm learning the practical aspects of counselling so there's no heavy duty psycho stuff. it's all pretty light and most importantly, it is PRACTICAL. a lot of things make sense and i'm becoming increasingly self-aware. in a way, i'm practically counselling myself at the end of each session as i go back and reflect on the things that were discussed in class. the 2 hr plus plus sessions always manage to whizz by even when i'm actually feeling incredibly tired.

as for the guitar sessions, i'm beginning to not be so pathetic at it although i believe that certain chords should just disappear and never ever come back to haunt me. i don't get those painful calluses anymore and erm, i'm actually learning SONGS. hehehe...oh yeah, and of course, my instructor's pretty nice and sometimes, we wind up bitching about our work in the midst of the guitar thing so it's really a stress-reliever of sorts.

which brings me to something that i might have not quite noticed as clearly before this - i love learning. i'm a natural student and i enjoy absorbing information and the reflection and practice that come with it. it's just a very therapeutic and enriching experience to be able to learn...understand...and basically, master something new. i love it. and it helps that i enjoy both guitar as well as counselling.

which brings me to the next thing that i've recently become more aware of - i enjoy counselling. i honestly enjoy learning about how to help others and i look forward to the opportunity to apply what i've learnt. the more i learn about counselling, the more i feel that i should possibly go further into that area. given that this is a basic course, there's no diploma or degree or whatever but it has given me some ideas on things that i wish to pursue should i go back to my books. in fact, i think i would really like to take up a diploma in counselling and from there pursue a degree and eventually a masters'. okok...the last two bits are kinda tall orders especially since i have a penchant for changing my mind. however, i'm pretty serious about taking up at least a diploma course.

so yeah...i'm rather contented at the moment and in spite of the crazy schedules and unending flow of work that drifts happily to my desk, i can honestly say that i'm happy. this is a far cry from last year and i am thankful for that. i am well aware that things can take a turn for craziness at any time but for now, i'm just grateful for the opportunity to not just breathe, but to enjoy myself.

alhamdulillah.