T: Do you think that during this period of sickness, it would be a so-called "change"?
M: I don't think it can be said as a change, but it could be said as a clean slate.
Maggie laughs and says "My lifestyle now is simpler and happier than before."
The people who have worked with me know I am the type of person that cant rest until I have achieved what I want. I remember after filming Song of Everlasting Sorrow, we had dinner with producer Stanley Kwan. I would never have thought that I would tell him, "After filming this series, I don't want to film series again." At the time, he was stunned, but because at the time, I was exhausted, both physically or psychologically, I was seriously really exhausted. Song of Everlasting Sorrow filming lasted for over half a year. The filming was postponed, so I had to stay in Shanghai until the filming was over. Frankie (Maggie's dog) who was at home suddenly got sick because of old age. I almost missed returning to Hong Kong to prepare for Frankie's departure. Frankie has been with me ever since I returned from UK to HK to work, from the time he was little, for 16 years. Our feelings are deep. At the time, I was filming like a raging fire, while my HK helper continuously called to urge me to return to Hong Kong before it was too late. During that period, I couldnt eat, couldnt sleep, and was really flustered. I asked God to allow him to wait for me, and eventually with the efforts of the vet and helper, Frankie miraculously waited for more than a month, and waited for me to return to Hong Kong, leaving peacefully. That is how I sent my friend of 16 years on his last journey. I think that those who have a dog will definitely understand how I felt at the time, oh! Not long after I was sick. Maybe God pities me, and now lets me rest properly (Maggie is laughing while she says this).
T: This event really affected you didn't it?
M: I felt grateful that I was able to rush back, otherwise it would be because my work was too busy that I couldnt accompany my old friend on his last days, and it would be a regret. The most important thing is that this event allowed me to think of many of life's problems, and also allowed me to understand that people can be so weak; I also remember two years ago, when my dad had to have heart surgery. They had to open his chest, and it was a major operation! It was because I was in China filming that I didnt have the opportunity to support him at his bedside, to cheer him on, care for him, and up until now I am still very regretful....luckily the operation was a success; but how many times can someone be just as lucky? Once you think you have a lot, it is then you realise it is the most unhappy and restless time. As your career prospers, as you see more and more pleasing results, then your love life becomes ill, and your family life is non-existent. It is also when health problems appear, do you then blindly struggle, but for what exactly? More accolades? More glory? An even more grand mansion? Or your chequebook to have more zeroes? Whats the point of giving you the whole world, if everything else that you can't buy with money leads to one error after another, I began to become lost. Then I started to read many Christian books, hoping to find clues related to life wisdom. I realised this world was originally not perfect, and happiness was nowhere to be found, and that had to be exchanged with astrological numbers. I realised that you only need a pure and sensitive heart to touch happiness.
While the tranquil days living overseas made me deeply realise that ordinary is actually very joyful. I thank God who has given me this time for adjustment. I can really calm my inner self, bravely face my mistakes and ignorances to life, and reposition life's significance and value.
T: Besides travelling, is there anything else you want to share with us?
M: Reading and exercise is something I do everyday, while I go to church with friends on Sunday. I really enjoy the pleasure of reading, because I always think that with limited money you can experience different authors' life wisdom and life experiences, taking it into account (at that moment I was shocked, she would answer like this) Isn't it so? Moreover reading will continuously allow you to absorb new information. Amongst Asians, Singaporeans generally love gaining knowledge from reading compared with Hong Kong people. You know by looking at the scale and number of bookstores. Their English standard and English reading is far greater than most Hong Kong people. The phenomenon demonstrates that in recent years they have slowly met or have even surmounted Hong Kong is many aspects; The Chinese language culture among Taiwanese people is also stronger compared to Hong Kong people. Their writing ability and the music creation domain had early surmounted Hong Kong; Moreover, I've realised that a lot of Taiwanese girls want to go and experience Japan, so many speak Japanese fluently, and immediately get the popular Japanese beauty magazines once they hit the shelves. Hong Kong is a city of desire, Hong Kong people talk about fashion, talk about efficiency, talk about clothes-food-living-walking-play, there is not one thing they miss out. They are keen about the sense of touch, changing phones, cameras is just as quick as changing clothes. Changing brandname bags is faster than the change of season. Changing boy (girl) friends may even be quicker than changing cars. Anything and everything is fast except the culture standard. While their knowledge of diseases and early prevention is typically weak. If everyone now can absorb the strong points of people in other places, this self-gain, I believe, will make Hong Kong people more competitive.
T: Recently what books have you read?
M: For light reading I recommend Don't eat the marshmallow....Yet! by Joachim de Posada. This book uses a story to talk about how many people find it hard to resist life's comfort that is in front of their eyes. After reading that book, I think when I manage each issue in the future, I will try to ponder its marshmallow value. Also a book that is related to religion called Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I will always as what is the purpose of being a person? What is the significance of life? The author explains profoundly in simple language and from a religious angle, the purpose of life and its value, definitely a must read!
T: And exercise? (Once we talk about exercise you can see Maggie's interest, and you can see her eyes lighting up....)
M: This year I have become a fan of Les Mills training programs. I'm addicted to the Body Balance, Body Combat and Body Pump classes, particularly Boby Balance, which is a combination of Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates; don't see it as a static form of exercise, its actually consumes your strength immensely, and can stretch those muscles that are hardly used. You will sweat a lot, but the feeling is really good.
T:What type of lifestyle do you most yearn for?
M: A simple life!! The simpler the better. I think true joy is from the peace of the inner self. The simpler, the lighter life allows me to pay more attention to life details, and enjoy the happiness. I have always yearned to live in the countryside, its quietness and clear fresh air as compared to the city, and sufficient nutrients. Every night you can see the stars and the moon, every night is really beautiful. I hope that everyone can work together to improve the world's environmental conditions. The current air quatlity is getting more and more unsuitable for humans to live, especially Hong Kong. Everytime I arrive in Hong Kong, and come out of Chek Lap Kok airport, the air quality is terrible and the makes people mad. This really makes most people deduct points on Hong Kong's charm and international reputation/image. The reputation of Hong Kong and it being the Pearl of the Orient belongs to we the people of Hong Kong. But only if we work together to protect the ecological environment of our homeland, can we have a beautiful, radiant and starry sky.
Credits: Maggie Cheung Ho Yee
firthette's comments: She is so right about HK..... it is awfully polluted. It might be great for a first time tourist or locals..... but seriously...you cannot keep up with the trends in this city...! Hong Kong people should really think about the more important things in life.... family, friends and health....over money, brands, and image
