“What If”
November 30, 2009What if you could do it all over again?
What if you had a second chance?
What if we had known each other earlier?
What if another decision was made, another path taken?
What if everything did not turn out this way?
In life, I think, there are no “What Ifs”.
& that is why you want to be “In the Moment”.
(:
There are too many what if in this world.
If you never try, you will never know the outcome.
But if you tried it, you will starts to thinking “what if”.
Like what you said, “what if” does not exists.
You have to try it out personally.
”What Ifs” are words used by people who regret, for the things that they have done, and for the things they didn’t do. But in life, this two words should not exist because we are suppose to be looking forward to life, and not looking back and regret. ”The Present is a gift, and that is why it is called the present. The Future is a blank piece of paper, awaiting to be filled.” Live life to the fullest. =)
Elvin, so many ‘what if’. I will live for the now and do not bother to think of the ‘what if’.
The ‘what if’ is going to make you sad, unrealistic past, regrets, so what is the point. The ‘what if’ carries a negative tone. If it is a positive tone, then there will not be a ‘what if’.
When you to the forest, suddenly you find that there are many kinds of trees in the forest, some unique and very outstanding.
When you look at the sea, then you realise that there a moment of peace in that sea amidst the raging waves.
When you look at people dancing, then you realise that there is so much fun out there in the dance floor.
When you look at how busy people are just working so hard to get things done, then you realise that you are not the only one that is so busy working too.
When one is young, we think if only this person is by my side, then we will be happy. The answer is ‘No’.
You can see someone for the first time and yet there are many things to communicate, maybe business or some like hobbies or photography, video taking.
I walk a journey for almost 50 years and I really wish to pamper myself and my body with a little more rest which I needed. If I don’t do it, then ‘what if’ I cannot live long enough to do things that I don’t do when I am young. Though I tend to bring my notebook when I am on vacation but it is because I can play music on it at the hotel room. But when evening falls at 6 pm, I try to switch off and rest. I have my music and the world goes round for me, that simple.
Live for the moments and don’t think too much of the ‘what if’. Just like yuwu, he feels like going to Beijing, then go even it is freezing cold. Want to see you act with yuwu and Jeanette once again.
There are too many “What ifs” in the world… To me, it’s whether it IS or it’s NOT…
Everything happens for a reason (just like why the bus comes on time, what if it doesn’t, will I be late for school?) So, it came on time. Good. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.
What is meant to be, will be…
Many a times, we always look back upon a decision and think … “What if I’ve done it in another way?”
Then we’ll start to regret and blame ourselves for not taking the other route.
There’re already so many things to consider in life, adding on “What if …” is just going to complicate things.
I used to be a “What if” person too … always being too cautious. But along the way, something happen and let’s just say I never got the chance to say goodbye to a loved one. I regretted for not being 当机立断 and paid dearly for that.
From that incident onwards, I decided not to think too much and just do it.
Whatever happens, just take it with a pinch of salt and laugh along with it.
Live Well. Love Much. Laugh Often.
cherish the present,
treasure the present,
live the present.
In the moment, ya, that really makes sense…
But I can’t do it all over again… My exam paper is handed up, haha…
My answers are fixed, and will be read bu the examiners directly… Oh dear…
What if you tell me what I should do?
Haha… Nonsense…
OK. I think that if you want something to turn out perfectly, you will won’t have that mindset. Plan earlier, think critically only you take action.
Is that right?
What if…
Yongle aka rakuten
between the ‘what ifs’ and ‘doing right’,
how should one choose?
not knowing if it is the right choice or decision to make,
yet deliberating between the ‘what if’ and the ‘live for the moment’
when both ways might lead to either happiness or hurt, how do you make the decision?
Hi Elvin! I visited your blog after reading the interview in today’s TODAY. You remain a good-looker and I am happy to see that you are highly reflective. That shows a sensitive person and true Literature students are thinking, reviewing and musing all the time. While I know you are interested in acting, perhaps you may want to consider writing seriously some day. I recall how well you write in the past.
P/S: I am not your fan but I knew you years ago when you were in Catholic High. All the best always, Alvin.
But even if you are “in the moment”, there is still the “what if you are not in the moment?” Who knows you might actually get more out of not being in the moment?
Is what if a waste of time in retrospect? I thought that’s part and parcel of self-reflexivity? And what about what if in forethought like Yongle has pointed out? Is it necessary good then to have everything planned out? But all good plans allow for some unforeseeable circumstances. How ironic.
P/s: I love the report on today’s Today! =)
there can be no “what if’s” and thats why people think of the consequences before doing it so they don’t regret it.
Once done, no more looking back. Be it a right or wrong decision, we should be glad enough that we actually had the courage to be decisive. Forget about “what ifs” and go ahead to what is ahead. =P have fun!
There are two kinds of “what if”.
One is when we are looking back, thinking of things that had already happen. There are may be infinite “what if” out there, but there is one thing for sure. There is nothing that we can do to go back to that point of time, and change it. Hence, thinking of “what if” here is useless and a waste of time.
However, we can also think of “what if” for the future, things that have not yet happen. I feel it’s good to think of the various “what if” before doing certain things. This thinking process helps you to “see” the various outcomes of the various choices that you can make. It helps you in making a better choice after comparing the different “what if”, so that you will not regret later.
Of course, too many “what if” will make a person indecisive.
Anyway, I watched Together just now. I can see your improvement inside. Tarzan is really a very funny guy. haha… Good job! =)
Hi Elvin
Allow me to try to “answer” your questions.
What if you could do it all over again?
>> I probably will do it better.
What if you had a second chance?
>> I probably will do what I had wanted to do.
What if we had known each other earlier?
>> I probably will be friends with you.
What if another decision was made, another path taken?
>> I probably will look back and reflect – why I did what I did.
What if everything did not turn out this way?
>> I probably will feel that at least, I gave it a try.
In life, I think, there are no “What Ifs”.
& that is why you want to be “In the Moment”.
>> Agree…so, cherish those who care, and learn to take life in stride and not be so hard on ourselves.
What if you were given a 2nd chance?
What if you can turn back time?
What if u cld do it all over again?
Do u really think tt u cld change history,
make it a better outcome of wad u want?
Or what if it will be even worst?
Although I believe in giving everyone a 2nd chance since we are all not saints but…
There r too many what ifs in life,
Back to reality…
Since we can’t change them,
so why not face e present positively :)
What if I could turn back the time? Though people would say, it’s a waste of time to think of the past, look back and being emotional and feeling nostalgic… Ya we should all learn to live in the moment…
Btw Elvin, I think your acting for today episode, so far ok. Keep it up!
Elvin, maybe I’m asking too much, but may I request you to write something close to our hearts in your next entry? I don’t mean thoughts provoking entries ain’t good, but I really wanna see a different side of you, the amiable humorous Elvin? Come on lighten up ok!
Just to be honest with you, I used to be a supporter of yours, I like you when i first saw you in the school belle show, after you joined the industry, your 1st show the liangyi role, I got even more attracted to you.at that time i really think you can act, and i think you are really handsome with a good built. But few years later, you just gave me a different kinda feelings, and my good impression of you just seem to fade away… until recently i came to your blog, and it reminded me of that again….
“What If’ serves mainly as a thought process for idea generation and reflection. I wouldn’t say that there is no “What If” because at the very point that you are writing, “What If’ is appearing in your mind.
One of the most important thing in life is to have friends and mentors around you when you make decisions, difficult decisions in life. To me God is my friend and my mentor. I learnt to ‘talk’ to him and put all my decision plans before him.
King Solomon said, ‘It is man who plans but it is God who disposes it.’ We can plan it the way we want but God may answer us differently. If He answers you differently because He knows that this is the best way for you and not that way.
Maybe you think this is too religious to adopt but when all things cease, you will meet your Creator one day whether we like it or not. I have never regret for a moment in my life to get to know this God. That is why I was never afraid to chart into new things, never afraid of the huge waves because they are under my subject.
Circumstances are under your authority when we take on the authority of God upon ourselves. Just like if you have the Emperor’s seal, you have the authority to move freely in the courts. God has given us His seals of ‘sonship’ and we are His children.
Good parents love their children, only bad parents abuse and neglect their children.
I think you acted quite well in the drama ‘Together’, one grade up for you.
haha i think it’s human nature for everyone to always focus on the what-ifs..cos it stems from the desire to imagine the better life or state of mind you’d be in should that ‘what-if’ have happened..
but i admit it’s a tiring thought to have..always thinking of what we don’t have or could have had..it could make us better people if it motivates us to improve ourselves, but more often that not, i guess it morphs us into uncontented, or even jealous, people who can never be truly happy..
and for everyone who has some sort of unfulfilled dream or another, i hope you find peace..either let it go, or go for it! :)
may everyone find happiness in his or her life! jiayou too elvin! :)
I agree.There is no what if,there is only in the moment
There is no second chance where you can make things better,there is only one chance and there is only one moment when you must do the best by yourself
Treasure the precious moments with those who genuinely care about you and never live any regrets in your life
certain things such as regrets are too late for those “what ifs”, however things like dreams and future, “what ifs” are the ones that make us move towards our desired future, never try , never know.
really like taizan this role. watch taizan so simple makes one feel happy. thank you elvin, for a role well played
salvage.
Elvin, no more what if, your drama ‘together’ is going to hit a million viewerships. you got to buy me coffee someday.. joking.
Are you happy to see such a big hit on your show. Surprised, amazed, dumbfolded … bring honor to your boss. All because of Jeanette otherwise I don’t really bother …
there are no “what IFs”in my life….alwayz tell myself not to regret of what have done,just take as an experience and not to make 2nd mistake again….
absolutely agree with U…tks for sharing~~~
elvin u improve so much in tigether maybe u get best actor even better than chen hanwei. i am fan of eelyn kok now i am fan of u. but i hate joanne peh like siao. i hope u don’t act with this jp in future. every nite i post comment in paul’s blog. i give u all 6 people marks. so far, u got the highest, 8/10, 9/10, 9/10, follwed by dyt, eelyn then jeannette. i think u very de can lor!! u so natural now lor! i luv tarzan so much i chase watch everynite now. hope u get best actor in star awards in april 2010! all the best!
I’ve never really noticed you, cos not a big fan of local made chinese drama….. ya sure watched a few episodes of the little nonya cos didn’t know what’s all the fuss mediacorp was making. Was browsing thru the web cos of insomia and read your interview on channelnewsasia. Pretty surprised you actually majored in English Literature and had aspired to teach English! Thumbs up for a good blog :)
ARRRRGGGHH!!! i detest “what if’s” to shreds!! *detest detest!*
let’s embrace ourselves for the future, instead of EVER dwellin in the past *WHICH, BTW, IS A TOTAL TIME WASTER* @_@” aigoooooo
livin by the moment… tis a good thang =) =) =)
(((((BE HAPPY ALWAYS, ELVIN!)))))) U DESERVE TO BE HAPPY!
✿*Take care of YA!!!*✿
Asking “What Ifs” is a chance of giving one self an excuse to want to live in that moment which may seems impossible. Though it may not be realistic and practical, at least it would ease a heart of its “What Ifs”, If you could really feel what it means.
What if you could do it all over again?
I’ll do every things better than before. I’ll take every chance given to me to redo the false I did before.
What if you had a second chance?
We should thankful. It’s not easy to get the second chance. So keep it up. Go further than before.
What if we had known each other earlier?
We should spend our time together and appreciate the moment even a second.
What if another decision was made, another path taken?
We’ve struggling for the path taken even it’s a wrong one. Try to find out the exit. Not looking back. But move on to keep up the life for ourselves and the other person that we loved.
What if everything did not turn out this way?
We should think another ways to make it turn out even its hurt us. Just try everything because the life is chose to keep us on thinking how the life is.
In life, I think, there are no “What Ifs”.
That’s right because God had given us the way of life to move on. We, the slave should thinking about how hard of the way we’d taken. And keep the life to move on. We must struggle for the happiness because the life chance just one in the moment only.
Yesterday is the history…
Tomorrow is a mystery…
That’s why today is called present… because we’ve never know what’s going on today…
& that is why you want to be “In the Moment”.
Yes. This moment is everything for me because every second is worth.
In my opinion, “what Ifs” is really doubtfulness from our bottom of heart. If we just asking “what Ifs” and then we did not do anything, we will keep going on asking the same things. Nothing will be change. Try to make it real in our life and everything going to be meaningful around us.
hey! i was just passing by and read your blog, which i wont define it as “emo”. For you its just filled with meaning. I know every post you’ll get like 30 over comments and you probably wont read it, but im leaving this comment just to say how i feel towards your posts (:
Just like everyone else we have our own problems and when a problem just hit you like that, you probably would think, “why did i do wrong to deserve this” blablabla. but when you think of it over again, it really isnt that bad.
Every problem we suffer is a challenge from God,
and He knows that we can go through this in a tough manner. i know you can too! (:
Be strong in what ever you do. and be positive :D like your character as Chen Bu qun.
your favourite motto ‘zhi yao bu fang qi, jiu hui you qi ji”
(: i know on stage we put on a mask, and maybe everyday of lives we do so to, but some times we gotta be true to ourselves and yeah (: we can lie to everyone but not to ourselves, dont hide your emotions.
And, we cant go back to our past,
and the word life has the word IF in it. so there has to be ifs in our lives, but we cannot regret what we have done. no use crying over spilt milk, its just a waste of time..
Now, just get up and smile and be strong, dont let small matters overcome you (:
cheers (:
take care
Hello^^
Finally saw A Blog of Yours~ ( After Since I read The Chinese Paper ) Haha:P Saying That You’ve A Blog.But I only know This.. nevermind..
Anyway I think By writing ”what If’ Is like worrying what things may happened next.
Im Always asking Myself”what If” Tooo.XD
But You know It Doesn’t solved anything/give You An Answer.So…. lols ^^
Anyway Early Merry Christmas&Happy New Year 2010~ Cause.. I Don’t know when I’ll come Again.Good Luck ^^
&Bye Bye.
Thinking is good. But thinking too much is not. There is simply no what ifs. If we know the results of our decision, there is simply no meaning to life. No life is ever so smooth sailing. SOmetimes we make right decisions, sometimes wrong. But the process of decision making makes lives interesting. Don’t ever take such opportunities away.
hey elvin,
Just wanna say that you’re really goood in “together”
tai shan… hahaha! what a happy character!
2010′s gonna be G.R.E.A.T!
(:
rock on!
Recently I kept asking myself this question, “What if…”…Cos I lost someone who is very precious to me, not physically, but mentally. I used to think that Rene Liu’s “Happy Birthday” is the perfect storyset for us. I used to think that he will aways be around me…but I’m wrong. He married another.