Tien-Jen

What The Little Prince Taught Me

Growing up, you may of read The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. As I was sitting in a cafe called Woolloomooloo in Taipei last year with my dear friend, she told me how she was reading the book. It brought back a lot of memories of the book, and as one of those classics that have been read time and time again, I was curious to watch the film which came out in 2015. There are rarely books and movies (with the exception of Harry Potter), where I felt like I loved both of them. The film magically intertwined The Little Prince with the story of a young girl. The most important message I felt was the power of imagination. The wonderful joy, love, happiness and excitement it brings. New adventures and a boundless mind. The water colour paintings, wise words and wonderful story is really a reminder for us that we were all once children. “All grown ups were children once… but only few of them remember it.” – Saint-Exupéry.

When you were younger, did you remember asking endless questions out of curiosity, going on adventures of make believe, having your first imaginary friend and laughing uncontrollably about nothing. Whatever it was, a part of growing up can often suppress many parts of our childhood self, that so often is a crucial part of us to carry within us for the rest of our lives. Human nature can only survive by reaching for what is within, rather than what is without. As we grow older, there are many parts of our surroundings we only look at from the surface. The book shows the little prince, being amazed at the drawing of an elephant inside a boa constrictor, where as the adults can only see a hat. How mysterious we are inside. The secrets we hold, the words waiting to be unlocked and the way we think. When we grow older, it can become a habit to judge on a person’s exterior, rather than realising the journey they have come. The stories that are untold and the wonderful true self that they may partially hide. The Little Prince reminds us not to lose the goodness that is in all of us.

This book is a lot deeper than one may find, but it is also the kind of book you read and do not forget. There are many themes, such as friendship, human nature, truth, innocence, reality, imagination and so forth. We are reminded to be like the little prince in many ways. To hold onto our true selves, to seek from within rather than without and be an honest person. Pulling down the brick walls that can often be built as we grow older. Lessening the judgment of those that walk around us in our daily lives. Remembering to see the beauty and simplicity in the world, and most of all, cherish and nurture special relationships for every individual is a magical treasure of secrets.

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” It could not be any truer. Everything that is truly beautiful, is always felt inside. I’d like to think that we can always encompass a child like imagination and see beyond the surface of our minds. Unfortunately we often assume, look and judge based on what is immediately seen. The Little Prince reminds us to have an open heart, open mind and to embrace our imagination, rather than let it go. If you get the chance, have a read of the book. If you were wondering what had happened to the elephant, he is still inside the boa constrictor.
The Benefits Of Waking Up Early

As someone who is a morning person, I have seen many benefits in waking up early. Having a good sleep, can increase our productivity, maintain a steady metabolism and encourage good health. It creates a steady pattern in our lives and is an important and significant step to becoming a successful person.

1) Exercise. Our bodies are the most alert, when we have woken up in the morning. Exercising in the morning can give you the energy you need for the rest of the day. It can lift your mood and it’s good for your health.

2) Productivity. Your mind is much more productive in the morning. Planning in the morning sets the rest of the day. Everything that needs to be done is written down, and therefore you will feel much more organised.

3) Health. Sleeping and waking up at odd times can cause health issues in the long run. Whether that is difficulties in falling asleep, weight gain, headaches and added stress. Eating breakfast in the morning is extremely important for our performance, which is why you may hear people say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

4) Stress-free. The mornings are a peaceful time of the day. The day is starting, and often it can still feel as if the whole world is still sleeping. Waking early, can teach you that stress is an unproductive factor, which will hinder your full potential, by draining your energies.

5) Time. Time is of the essence. Waking early, not only creates a much more stress-free self , but it also gives you much more time in the world to take it easy. You are able to complete certain tasks that you would be rushing to do so, if you woke up later. You are also able to spend time with loved ones, take the dog for a walk and all the small things that add up in the long run.

6) Success. Many people value waking up early as a step to success. Your mind is in a different state when you wake up early, and your productivity levels are much higher. There is a certain motivation that moves our body to wake up out of bed. They say waking up early puts yourself one step ahead of others. It also allows you time to do things on the side, that you may also have passion for. We hear the term ‘busy’ a lot in this generation. However, one advice that always stuck with me was a teacher who said that no matter how busy you are, you can always make time for it.

Photo Courtesy of Stay HK

What The Little Prince Taught Me

The Benefits Of Waking Up Early