40 happy things

Source - Tumblr

A while back, I told myself I needed to be more contented with my life. I was depressed with it, I didn't know what I was doing, the future was scaring me, I was in a job I didn't particularly like, I was a pessimist and my life was downright bleak.

I have switched jobs since, I learnt that I needed to pamper myself, I try to arrange meetings with friends once in a while and be inspired by random people out there. Oh, and think happy thoughts - it makes life more comforting even just for a second.

Here's some things to be happy about.

1. Conversations that lasts into the wee hours of the morning
2. Sleeping in
3. Laughing till your stomach hurts
4. Cooking your own meal
5. Bunnies
6. Spontaneous trips
7. Receiving texts from pals
8. Coffee in the morning
9. Waking up early (it's good for you actually!)
10. Coffee shop ambiance
11. Rainy mornings
12. Colorful illustrations
13. Christmas mornings
14. Seeing your crush
15. A good book
16. Being organized
17. A clean desk
18. Making someone smile
19. Fresh flowers
20. Compliments
21. Leaving work on time
22. Cupcakes
23. Friends marathon
24. A clean house
25. A good hair day
26. Weekends
27. Pringles binging
28. Adorable kitties
29. Successfully applying make up
30. Beaches
31. Cloudy days
32. Snuggling under the covers
33. Feet in the sea
34. Relaxing by the pool
35. Free things!
36. Generous, friendly people
37. Gathering with friends
38. Board games
39. Rustic & vintage items
40. Favorite song comes on the radio

10 life lessons I've learnt

Source - Tumblr

Some life lessons I've learnt in this lifetime, and I'd like to think it helps me in this quest for positive thinking. =)

1. Do things that make you happy. Listening to classical music, doodling, Google searching for beautiful things, read etc. I recently discovered Spotify and I love the function that allows you to listen to music according to your mood.

2. Those who mind don't matter. You can't please everyone, and you can't make everyone like you. People who criticize the things you love doing, use you for their own benefit and puts you down are not worth it.

3. Just a few good friends will do. These are the people who enjoy your company, who you can rely on on a bad day and texting each other random things is perfectly fine. 

4. You're your own biggest rival. Everyone has different abilities. Some are slow, some are quick in getting work done. The only thing that should matter is how much you've improved yourself. So stop comparing yourself to others.

5. Mistakes are inevitable. We are not perfect. Mistakes actually make you a better person. You learn from it and it serves as a reminder to not do the same blunder again in the future. Sometimes I even thank myself for doing a mistake.

6. Compliment people. A simple kind word can make someone's day. It can help to boost someone's confidence too. At the same time, you'll also feel you've actually made the world a better place, even just for a while.

7. Challenge yourself. Do something extraordinary. Do the usual things in a different way. You'll never know what you're capable of until you've done it. Life is shorter than you think, so go all out and not regret the things you should've done in the first place.

8. Be confident. Fake it if you must. It will give people the impression that you're in total control of yourself. If you don't believe in yourself, who else will?

9. Treat people they way you want to be treated. Put yourself in someone's shoe. If you don't like the way you're being treated, what more about that person?

10. It's okay to feel down. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes you can't handle it. So it's okay to feel sad and bad, just let it out. Crying is not a sign of weakness, it's a way of letting things out so you can move on. It always feels better after crying, no?

And once you've given yourself a chance to change yourself for the better, you'll start appreciating yourself and your life more.

Changes

Source - photography.2eyepickle.com

When I was filling in my first ever resume, I had written this particular sentence in the Strengths section, "I am not afraid to ask questions or seek for assistance". Throughout the 3 jobs I had, my number one rule was to not make mistakes. I am not much of a risk taker and nor do I want to get into trouble for not checking with a senior in the first place. So I asked whenever I was unsure about things.

But in the midst of it all, I was beginning to wonder if I was having too many queries and not using my God given tools enough to think of an answer. I wondered if my seniors were thinking I wasn't using my head enough at work, and I'd usually take the easy road by asking for help.

So I tried a different approach. I tried to think outside the box. I tried to think of logical explanations and reasons. I put myself in another person's shoes and tried to envision what my reaction would be with the solutions given. This one time, I drove myself nuts trying to come up with an answer as to why my boss had a way of calculating an amount (I took 2 days to figure it out). 

And at the end of it, I was pleased that I found an answer all by myself. 

My point is, it doesn't hurt to think. If the positions were reversed and I was a senior, I would want my co-workers to demonstrate their thinking and problem solving capabilities first before I add in my own two cents.

But whenever I hit a dead end and have no whatsoever clue, I tell myself it is okay to ask for help. No matter how dumb a question is. From there, I'd remind myself I am a tad more knowledgeable after asking a question. 

I have pretty much adopted a thick skin after my last job. So what if people make fun of me because I made a fool out of myself? So what if I get yelled at or being called names because I ask dumb questions? So what if they start talking and laughing behind my back?

I'd tell myself to do the mature thing and hold my head up high.

27 Going On 28

Source - Bright Headers

Hiya! I live in Kuala Lumpur now. Never thought I'd still be here, but this will possibly be my second home. I'm obsessed with vintage and pastel photography. I've been a selfish, obstinate, impatient person and a big liar - and I am learning to be a better person from here on out. I've had a few acquaintances who pointed out I'm a braggart - and I hope that's in the past now. I've got a new job which I hope to put my 100% into it. I have met some of the most coolest people in my life, and I hope to meet more. I am not a creative person, so the next best thing to do is to get inspired by other creative people.

403 days later

Source - Google

I officially clocked out off work sometime past midnight. This was my home for the past 403 days which was my ticket out of a gruelling and monotonous job which although paid well but paired with an unhealthy lifestyle. This was where my greener pasture was.

Alas, after an endless amount of blood, sweat and literally tears, I bade farewell for another, well, green pasture.

So, thank you Asia Assistance Network for taking me in and believing in me. It has been a wild roller coaster ride.