Muse - October 18, 2015

Source - thinkbrilliantly.com

You know how things just magically fall into place some days? Work is good, baby's not cranky, traffic's smooth, you're in the pink of health etc.

Well, enjoy it and feel blessed. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind of everyday life, but there's always unnoticed tiny things that make you feel joyous. It could be a friend texting you for a meet-up, the computer system is without glitch, a co-worker treating you to homemade dessert or finding a seat during lunch packed hour.

Expressing gratitude allows you to be aware of the blessings that have been showered upon you. Enjoying the simple pleasures can make your life feel more exciting because it's these small moments that trumps the other disappointments and problems that come your way. As you reflect back, you try to hang on to those sweet moments instead of the frustrations, right?

As of this moment, a lot of things seem little to you. Once you've lost it, it becomes a big deal. So, take a few moments to reflect on what little things made you feel content and fortunate today.

xoxo

Muse - October 4, 2015

Source - Pinterest

Everyone finds happiness differently. I used to think happiness is something tangible, like cash, a person to love, nice clothes, fancy dinners etc. But what about happiness in a mental state?

I believe I can start from this list.

Be nice to people.
Hold the door open for someone. Give way to a car on the street. Small gestures like this will put a smile on a stranger's face. To give you an idea, here's a good start - 50 ways to brighten up someone's day.

Be modest.
One of the many things I can remember, is the one when a college friend pointed me out that I was showing off one too many times. While watching cars pass by us, I pointed to a Honda Accord. And she flatly remarked, "yeah, like your dad's car, right?" That slapped me in a right way, and I try not to flaunt much these days. Even if you recently got something new and want to show it to your friends, do it in an unpretentious way.

Be appreciative.
Thank people who have helped you, no matter how big or small. We have a lot of ways to show our appreciation, but a simple gratitude like "thank you" can go a long way.

Smile at people.
On the Induction Day for my 2nd job, I met a girl my age who would soon become a good friend. If it wasn't for her smiling at me, I don't think I would make a new friend that fast. Smiling is contagious, research have shown. Do you ever feel lighter, and that the world is a tad better when you're next to a person who exudes an aura of happiness?

Put 100% into what you believe in.
What you do today reflects your future. If you truly believe in something, you will automatically give your all in it. Same goes to your job. If you truly love it, you will put in extra effort. If you don't, keep looking for it - this is quoted from Steve Jobs's 2005 Stanford commencement speech. His speech has truly resonated in me because it was something I have been searching for a long time, and perhaps it is the same for you too.

Be sincere. 
Do things out of the goodness of your heart. Help others not because you want a reward. Remember the phrase, be beautiful in the inside as well as the outside too? Your sincerity in the inside will give you a beautiful soul on the outside too.

Stand up for what you believe is good.
The quality of having strong morals and uprightness is never easy to be achieved. Having a good character - like being punctual to work, be honest with people, apologize if you're in the wrong is a start. Respect and be fair to people, treat others the way you want to be treated, the list is endless, really. 

Love yourself.
At the end of the day, love yourself first. See the good in you, focus on your strengths, count your blessings and love your imperfections. I was born with a birthmark on my left hand and I hated it until I was in college. I was getting tired of buying clothes with sleeves to cover it, so I came to deal with it. Be happy with yourself and spread that cheer to others!

Remember,

"Happiness is infectious, so be happy and pay it forward"