Hung, 65, began to reflect on life after suffering a stroke ten years ago. He believed that one should not simply live a mediocre life. Being serious-minded, he also had a touch of stubbornness, which often led to conflicts with others. Amongst all the things Hung wanted to change but couldn’t, the most prominent was the sparks that arose from living under the same roof.

“With a curious mindset, I attended the psychosocial service’s Activate Your Life Course. The greatest help it provided was teaching me to think from multiple perspectives, to pause and reflect. After falling ill, my mother cooked bland dishes to accommodate me. Changing one’s lifestyle is never easy. Sometimes she would complain and even say hurtful things. As for myself after the stroke, I had a bad temper, not only when it came to food but also in household matters, leading to disputes with her. Every time afterwards, I felt guilty, but I just couldn’t control my emotions. Now I understand that I can’t change others, so the only option is to change myself and adjust my mindset. I learn to be tolerant of my mother and myself, accepting that it is natural for humans to have emotions. The practice of mindfulness that I learned in the class has been of great help to me. When faced with differing opinions, remaining calm is the best strategy. Once words are spoken, they can’t be taken back easily, and if it continues like this, both parties will be unhappy in the long run. I’ve noticed an improvement in my problem-solving skills.”

When asked if he has become a happy person, Hung responded, “How can one be happy all the time?” Sometimes, during unfavorable weather conditions, he still feels down. But now he has learned to coexist with sadness and knows that those feelings will pass after a while. In every sunny and rainy day of life, Hung is also learning to enjoy them, discovering new interests and seeking new meanings. Mastering the art of moderation and having control over emotions is a lifelong lesson.