My happiness is stemmed from unhappy childhood. It sound strange, but true.

Unlike any others, I seemed to spend my whole childhood in clinic and hospital. I had no friend, no accomplishment, no self-identification, etc., my childhood is totally opposite to what I have got today.

It is complicated to tell what I have been through, but what I have learnt from the lesson is to treasure your life and follow your heart. Once you are alive, there is hope. I am not the one to be discouraged by setbacks, thereby I did whatever I could to prove my value. During the time, I was lost and not so sure about the meaning of life. My tough time has lasted for almost 2 years. After that, I realized the true meaning of life: happiness.  

The true meaning of life is not how good your life is, is how you see your life. A teacher once told me that, “There are those who succeed the first time they try anything; they are truly gifted. Then, there are those who succeed only after trying time and time again; they are truly blessed.” When I looked back, I appreciate the pitfalls that I had. The downs in life nearly killed me, but they saved me. They let me know how good I am, therefore, I started my new life with blessings and appreciation. 

Today, my happiness comes from the self-satisfaction after doing my best. As I have said before, “Love, to me, is how strong your passion is for your life, not only from others”. I enjoy my life, whether it is good or bad, I still appreciate. Happiness is that simple. Every day when I wake up, I am happy that I am still alive. It makes me notice that the best part of our lives is to share love to others and receive blessings from others.

- Passionate Teenager Chocolate Lover, HK

1. Why do you love chocolate?

Chocolate is about sweet, about love; about passion, about life!  

People always say that one’s taste is from his feeling. When your feel sad, you taste bitter. When you are in love, everything is sweet. But, chocolate is different! No matter how hard your life is, the taste of your chocolate is still the same.

Dark chocolate tastes bitter, hot chocolate tastes sour; but deep down in chocolate is still sweet. Just like my life which is full of ups and downs.

Whatever I have been through in my life, always have hope. I know there must be lots of stumbling stones laying on the way that we are striving for dreams, and it is undoubtedly hard to go through all these. However, when you succeed, the taste of sweetness is everything.  

Not only does chocolate give me mental comfort whenever I need, but also reminds me the positive life value that a human being should have. Love, to me, is how strong your passion is for your life, not only from others. Same as chocolate, the sweetness of chocolate is from the original ingredient of cocoa, not sugar. 

Wish everyone’s life is chocolate, fruitful and sweet!

HEALTHY CHOCOLATE   or  How chocolate affects Longevity                              

Harvard researchers have reported that chocolate may even be a healthy, disease-fighting food. In a study on eating candy and longevity, those who indulged in sweets (sugar candy and chocolate) lived one year longer than those who abstained.

Researchers surmise it may have something to do with the antioxidant phenols in chocolate. Forty-one grams of chocolate carries the same amount of phenol as a glass of red wine, which, in moderation, is said to lower the risk of coronary heart disease–though this continues to be argued among doctors.

Other researchers note that cocoa powder, processed from pod-like fruits from the cacao tree, contain cancer-fighting antioxidants. Compounds in cacao liquor, they explain, “can inhibit reactive oxygen species, as well as modulate immune function,” and both “may decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer.”

The findings associated with chocolate are far from a license to overindulge. The cocoa butter contains saturated fat, which is known to raise blood cholesterol levels, high levels of which can contribute to heart disease.

What is the difference between having good information, and acting upon it? How often do we know what is good for us, and then fail to follow through? As creatures of habit, how can we choose to practice what really serves us?

Love is a resource we all share that can motivate our heartfelt intentions. Here are some suggestions for loving best practices:

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