19 days till Christmas

Holy Christ! It's December already?! It feels like we only ushered in 2015 couple months ago and it's the end of the year already. Can you believe it?

And synonymous with December, Christmas is also approaching! Hands down it is the holiday I always look forward to. There is just something so magical about Christmas, don't you think? Setting up the tree and lighting it, cozying up with Christmas movies, seeing Christmas decors at departmental stores, listening to Christmas songs .. it's making me all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it ..

[inhales]

And then I google snow and Christmas to get more in tune, since we don't have snow here in Malaysia =/

Anyways, Christmas is also the time all of us return home to our hometown, Ipoh and spend quality time with family. All the cousins and uncles and aunts get together and have a hearty meal (not necessarily turkey and eggnog) but it's the gathering that matters. We just have so much fun sitting around and talking about anything that comes to mind. And we also watch the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show =)

Since Christmas is only one day, we try to make the most of it; by slowing down and savoring every second of it. Different people celebrate in different ways (or maybe won't celebrate at all), but the most important thing is - be happy and enjoy the one day holiday!

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?