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.

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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?

Sleep early and be an early riser

I am only a morning person when it's a work day or a morning appointment. Honestly, if the body decides to sleep in and rest more, shouldn't I be obligated to let it wake up whenever, instead of a fixed timing?

I have heard one too many testimonials and self help blogs and books that tells me going to bed and rising early is good. Researchers also say it's good, so it should be good, right? I have tried going to bed early before, and most of the time, it's either I was working, coming home late, catching up on TV shows or suddenly there's just too many things I should check on the Internet. Sometimes I'd go to bed early and for an hour I twist and turn to try to doze off and lo and behold, it's 12am already. Dang.

And in the morning I stumble my way to the bathroom and the first thing I see in the mirror are my eye bags. And I swore to myself I'd do myself a favor to sleep early, and the same cycle repeats.

So, since it's a new month, I thought I'd look into this matter seriously. Sleep early and rise early. It's not rocket science or algebra, right?

How to be an early riser:

#1. Convince yourself the benefits when you're an early riser. 

There has to be something you would want to achieve if you wake up early the next morning - maybe arriving at work earlier, or checking the news or putting more time to prep yourself for work.

#2. Easy does it. 

Train yourself to go to bed a little earlier than usual (15 mins, maybe) and wake up 15 mins earlier. The body will adjust to it as opposed to drastic changes.

#3. Avoid TV and Internet close to bedtime. 

An important thing you should know is a naturally occurring hormone called melatonin. The production of melatonin is controlled by light exposure that regulates your sleep wake cycle. In layman terms, the more light you're exposed to before bedtime, the harder it is to fall asleep. 

Another term you should know about is blue lights. Lights emitting from your TV and computer screen or tablets and smartphones are called blue lights. This also contributes to the disruption of melatonin production. 

#4. Relax yourself.

There are many things to unwind yourself after a day of hard work. Read a book, write in a journal, think peaceful thoughts. Make sure your bedroom is as cozy as it can be and your bed as comfortable. Soothing classical music or white noise can also do the trick. The white noise apps I use can be found here and here. 

#5. Avoid a heavy dinner.

Avoid a hearty meal 2-3 hours before bedtime. Your stomach will take time to digest the food, when all you want is to relax and doze off. But if you really must snack, try a banana, sugarless cereal or a small glass of milk (I don't like waking up in the middle of the night to use the toilet).

#6. Don't hit the snooze button.

Guilty on so many levels. Hitting the snooze button contradicts this whole early riser plan in the first place. Keeping your alarm clock as far away from you also forces you leave the comfort of your bed to switch it off.

Keep in mind these are some easy ways that everyone can follow, or if you're just starting this regime. There are a lot of ways more you can try - via Googling or seeking advice from your doctor.

Now that you're pumped to get started, here's some benefits of being an early riser:

Rewards for an early riser:

#1. Gain more time.

When you're up early, you'll automatically feel there's so many possibilities for you in the morning. You get to take your time doing things you normally wouldn't do - like fix a healthy, nutritious breakfast, drink coffee while catching up on news, inhale the fresh air or if you like, do a little exercise, meditate or yoga. Or anything else you can find to do.

#2. Quiet time.

If you have kids, use the early hours in the morning to have some quiet time for yourself.

#3. Arrive early at work.

You can choose to have your breakfast in the pantry, or get a head start at work. This is the time when the office is most quiet and it'll give you time to focus and plan the rest of your workday.

#4. Enjoy the sunrise.

It's the start of a new day! Visualize peaceful scenes and pictures and take deep breaths. Tell yourself today is going to be a good day!

#5. Get better sleep.

Experts say when you go to bed early and rise early, your body will be more in tune with the circadian biological clock and it will create a sleep and wakefulness balance.

#6. Family time.

Depending on your job scope, the earlier you get a head start, the earlier you can get work done. So you can come home and spend quality time with your loved ones as you didn't bring work home. This is easier said than done of course, but remember, one step at a time =)