Muse - August 31, 2016

Normally I try not to take trivial matters seriously, but when you add a stressful, demanding job in the equation you WILL get stung by it. No matter how much you try to stay mentally and positively strong.

*cue the waterworks*

But that's okay, because crying is not a weakness. It lets out all the frustration and misery so you can start afresh.

So at the end of the day, you do your job well because you signed up for it and all the credits belong to you alone. Never mind if your colleagues do not recognize your effort but knowing that you gave your hundred percent in it is all that matters. Know that you can proudly say that you have utilized every single tool given to you and do one hell of a job.

Muse - 20 July 2016

Source - onsizzle.com

This hits close to home because work has been mundane and stressful lately. I try to make it a point to leave work by 9pm in the event of too much work. My manager gave me a different job scope also, so until I am familiar with it I foresee many stay backs. I am also trying to improve on my time management, I promise.

So I try my best to vary the things I do lately:

1. Wedding is over, so we’re planning our honeymoon. We’re undecided between US and Europe but researches on hotels, flight tickets and itineraries are pretty exciting. Or maybe you can check back with me in a few months to see if it’s still exciting.

2. Finish my paint-by-numbers artwork.

3. I’m planning to take violin classes, which in turn I’d need to do some budgeting.

I have a lot more plans in store for myself, but I think these 3 items are enough for me to handle at this point.

Best of luck to me, yay :)

Muse - January 15, 2016

Credit - canva.com

A brand new year means starting fresh once again. For majority of us, it's about performance review and bonus time.

This year, the boss require us to do a presentation of our past year achievements. There are around 90 of us so standing out is vital, because everyone wants to get the biggest bonus, no? But for some, it's also about being appreciated of the hard work you've done and it'll be nice to get rewarded. It depends on how you see things. 

Honestly, I hope I have made a good impression on the team even though this is my first year. Part of my job is to come up with innovative ways to increase efficiency and productivity. It's not an easy task suggesting ideas and having it rejected. But I have been procrastinating for so long and it has to stop sometime.

Here are some ways I have learnt to stand out at work:

#1 - Create your own goals and objectives. Different people have different goals so do the things you think you are capable of.

#2 - Believe in your idea. Draft your ideas into a proposal and think through everything before submitting it to your boss. Be prepared for the questions that will be coming. Show how passionate you are towards this idea.

#3 - Failure is a vital part of success. If your manager rebuffs your ideas, like mine did, do not give up. Either re-brand the idea or start anew. Easier being said than done actually, but you're not alone in this situation.

#4 - Brainstorm with people. Talk to colleagues, family, friends and even kids. Ideas can generate where you least expect it.

#5 - Be enthusiastic. Sometimes your boss may come up with an activity or suggestion that will increase teamwork within the team. Instead of fretting that this will potentially take your time away from completing your work, embrace it and show your boss (and yourself) that you are one hell of a multi tasker.

#6 - Do more than what your job requires. When everyone in the team does the same job, you will have to go one step further and do something different. It could be learning something new, doing your job in a different way, organizing an activity to encourage team participation etc

#6 - Progress is what matters. Start small and take baby steps towards your goals. 

10 Inspirational quotes to start the week

It's Monday tomorrow! Usually my working days are super productive ... or otherwise. So occasionally I depend on googling inspirational quotes or rants from random people (makes you feel like there's someone out there sharing the same problems like you too) to help you get through.

Here are some quotes to help you get through the week.

Credit 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6| 7 | 8 | 9 |10

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" 

Muse - September 19, 2015

Source - Etsy

Happy Sunday y'all!

I have been adopting this mantra for quite a while now. Where I work, there tends to have a lot of backstabbing, boot licking, gossipers and showing of favoritism. Some people will tell you that sitting back and avoiding all these acts will not do yourself any favors, you have to ask yourself questions - is this what I want to be? Do I feel good if I do this?

Ultimately, working hard & be kind is not something easy to be accomplished. I have worked in a company that strongly exemplifies that, so it's good to know there are still good people out there. As for my current workplace, I am working hard to show that having good values will also help you get to where I want to be. I share my ideas with fellow colleagues, so we'll both be able to ascend. 

As for being kind, be nice to everyone. They may not share the same idea as you, but people say being kind and nice is infectious. Why not give it a shot?

Muse - August 31, 2015

Hello all! It's National Day today so I have the day off work. 

I found this beautiful quote on Elegance and Enchantment today and I couldn't wait to share it with you. Michelle has tons of other inspirational printables on her site, so please do say hello whenever you're visiting.

This struck a chord in me, because I have been working on a work project. My previous one was rejected on the basis of departmental budgeting. The current project is to basically ease the amount of workload faced by a number of colleagues and I'm hoping my manager sees it as something worthwhile.

So many famous people have been through adversity and the reason why we know or look up to them is because they rise up to become tougher people and do big things. And we can be just like them if we just try. If it doesn't work out, it will still give us a sense of pride to know that we actually went out and tried it.

So if you're in this position like I am, I say go do it and don't.give.up.! 

Lots of love and encouragement,

Yours truly.

Muse - August 30, 2015

A friendly reminder to never be afraid to chase your wildest dreams!

Continue dreaming big!

xoxo

Muse - August 21, 2015

This is true. I'm in the midst of pushing myself to do something worthwhile, and no matter what the outcome is, I'll know it has made me a more resilient person.

So, go ahead and challenge yourself!

Muse - June 1, 2016

Source - Pinterest

The blues will pass.

Inhale. Read a chick flick book (or anything non serious). Talk to a loved one. Watch something funny on TV.

If all else fails, go to sleep and forget the blues.

Muse - April 19, 2014

Source - Imgfave

Wait for me, USA. I'll be there someday, when I've saved up enough (after paying back college loans, spending on the wedding =P, getting accustomed to paying for the new little shack I've bought and other random payable items that come my way).