Boost Your Career – 7 Ways To Be Happier At Work

Don your Rose Colored Glasses >> for every disappointment, find some aspect that makes it palatable. For example, maybe you didn’t snag the flashy assignment, but your fabulous pitch raised your profile with some people who matter.

Use upbeat language >> your words; on the phone, in email and in person…have a powerful, subliminal effect on other’s moods and impressions. Make yours pleasant and positive by jazzing up routine exchanges. For example – I’d be delighted to – is much better than - Sure - and a thousand times better than the surly - Whatever.

Cheer yourself on >> write done 10 statements that you’d tell your best friend if she suffered a career setback. Such as – you did the best you could and you’ll do even better next time. At any point in the day when you feel discouraged, pull out that list and give yourself a daily pep talk.

If a complaint’s coming on, zip it >> complaining is contagious. It makes you feel worse, and it makes others around you feel significantly worse too. If you can’t figure out a way to say something constructive about a problem or challenge, then keep mum. Acting cheerful in the face of challenges will boost your career and professional reputation.

Use secret mood boosters >> if you have a daunting workday ahead, listen to an anthem on your way to the office that puts you in a great mood and recharges your emotional batteries. Or use/wear a good luck charm. Anything from a lucky suit to a lucky pen will work its magic, if it makes you feel more confident.

Take a play break >> if you’re in a bad mood at the office, take a 5 minute break to play a lighthearted game that you’re really good at, such as ken-ken, a crossword puzzle, or woodgram on your iphone. This will temporarily distract you from your negative mood, and enable you to experience a small win. The trick here is to get back to your work before the bad mood has a chance to resurface.

Be complimentary >> when you notice a co-worker doing something well, tell her. Sincere compliments and praise have a way of boomeranging back to you. Soon you’ll be getting positive feedback too.

Attitude Determines Altitude.

In today’s workplace environment, it’s more important than ever to stay positive.

Feeling genuinely happy helps. Bosses and co-workers can read our feelings like an open book, so it’s helpful to do what we can to project a positive outlook. Being happy on the job improves our reputation. Optimism makes us more resilient, able to adapt to new situations and even more capable of solving problems faster. Happy employees receive better feedback from bosses and peers & enjoy more job satisfaction because work doesn’t feel boring, difficult or unpleasant.

Pan & Tamper

Me: Pending urs. Thanks

MT: I sent to Stewart this morning dee. Together with sales EM all. I resend to u

Mengada-ada or what…on last week Thursday, I have already blast out an email to all of the Division Managers…please update…on every Monday…before 5.30pm on the estimate stock value landing…I am also sure that Jonas also have to update Stewart mah, you think only you is it…Jonas still can update me as well…cheh...

Meet The Academy

Liverpool were beaten 3 - 1 by Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
We blew the earlier lead that we have. Game after game, we lost.
The Reds just cannot recover from that.
Next season Kloppy. It's too late now. Game over.
#losrojos
#Vamos

The Shepherd Of His People

Because the Lord is our Shepherd, we lack nothing. He leads us as His own flock, and He supplies everything that we lack in ourselves.

What does the Lord supply to His sheep? First, He supplies a sense of meaning and purpose for our lives. A shepherd always has a goal in mind for the flock. If he leads his sheep to the mountain pastures, it’s because he has something he wants to accomplish there. If he leads them beside the still water, he has a reason for doing so. If he leads the sheep out in the midst of wolves, it’s because he wants them there. It’s the shepherd who supplies the purpose.

Meaning is an essential ingredient of life. Why are so many people depressed and suicidal today? Their lives lack meaning and purpose. Why are alcohol abuse and drug abuse rates skyrocketing, even among people who are wealthy and successful? They have no reason for living. They use chemicals to numb the pain of their meaningless existence.

A man once came to me for counseling. He said – I have everything I want, but I don’t want anything I have. He was suffering from destination sickness, the sickness of having achieved all of his life goals only to find that none of his achievements brought him peace and satisfaction.

God, our good Shepherd, supplies us with meaning, purpose and a reason for living. He makes life worthwhile.

Second, the Shepherd supplies love, another desperate need in our lives. Our Lord loves His sheep. He gives us everything that love entails – caring, protection and provision.

Whenever we feel abandoned or neglected by God, we need to remember that He is our Shepherd. We are always in His protective care, even when we are not aware of it.

Have faith in God! He will lead you through the deep waters and bring you safely to the other shore. Once there you’ll be able to say with the Psalmist – Your ways, O God, are holy. What God is so great as our God!

Strong Conqueror

Father, how prone I am to reacting quickly than wisely.
Show me Your will for my life so that I will purposefully choose the path You have for me.
Real restraint is not weakness, for it arises out of genuine strength.

Run To Me

There are moments in our lives when God calls to us and says Run To Me! Something troubling is on our heels. The faster and farther we go, the more closely it pursues us. We can’t shake it. We’re too afraid to turn and confront the trouble on our own. But the reality is that we aren’t on our own. God is there, ready to help and comfort us. All we have to do is turn away from whatever scares us, and move in His direction. His Word says – the name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Dear Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. I need the kind of peace that only You can give. Help me to turn to You when I am troubled.

Ethics. Fate. Love. Hope.

Mama Ham’s Aunty pass away recently. At the age of 95, due to old age. A faithful Christian servant who is a blessing to everybody.

Now, when it comes to funeral…the funeral parlor…it has always been an unpleasant to me because it is dark, humid, spooky, dirty, just plain unpleasant. But this Xiao En Group, base in Cheras…wow, I am totally impressed with their modern approach. It just makes the whole process so pleasant indeed. Very peaceful, very relaxing. A full funeral parlor service…like a 5 Star hotel service treatment…it provided end to end services. You just have to pay and every single detail is being taken care of. What a business opportunity.

The setting is already like a 5 Star hotel service treatment. The furniture is all so classy, same goes with the lighting and interior design. There are people there to serve you food too. They provide consultation, they provide decedent care & encoffin service, preparation of ritual tribute, coordination of funeral service, funeral procession and after care services. All of the very small single detail are being prepared by them very carefully & meticulously, without overlooking a single step at all...from the guestbook, candles & cross, altar, flower shrine & casket top floral tribute, condolence box, white polo shirt to everything. One stop service center. I have never experience anything quite like this before.

new gadgets

Rakuzen, Empire Subang >> dinner with Paige. So blessed that Paige belanja me makan.

(1) Emerson resigned! Ivan too. Both are heading to New Zealand! Both Emerson & Ivan are too close for comfort...are they a couple?

(2) Now Paige is wondering when will be Miguel’s turn.

(3) The new G13 CEO doesn’t really fancy Maximoff.

(4) The new FOM (Food Operating Module) will not only see a new system being implemented, but the Senior Category Manager level will be wiped out.

(5) With the FOM, Merchandising might be reverting from doing Category Management to Buying. The Marketing team may have a bigger say in everything.

(6) John Doe’s vacant position has not been filled up yet, however Amelia is ready to take it up.

(7) Ursula still does not like Christy.

(8) Ursula is still having difficulties in managing Nigel because Nigel likes to use the lorong belakang.

(9) Ursula disagrees with Miguel in doing the indent for Small Appliances from China. Importing from China…can only be price fighter…volume game…customers still have brand loyalty & brand preference for this category. Apparently there are about 10 containers that will be coming in.

(10) Ursula has become more relax these days…watching Korean drama during lunch break and not coming to work on every Saturday anymore.

(11) Stocks value for the Textile Department has shot up very high but sales are still on the decline.

(12) FW is doing the supermarket format, Sandra is under FW.

(13) Adeline has resigned…Peggy may be promoted.

(14) Jessica have been promoted as GM. Both of the Grocery & Fresh Division no longer have the SCM positions, only GMS still have.

(15) On Albert’s promotion…the new CEO promoted Albert so that Albert will have the full authority & power to execute the HouseBrand strategies without relying on the Merchandising Division that may delay the entire process.

(16) Paige commented that Nixon is good. Nixon is. Very experienced too, thus have help Alice’s Department tremendously.

(17) When Maximoff first arrive in G13…Maximoff already tak suka both Gerrard and Madeleine.

(18) I was also naughty, I shared with Paige regarding Mak Tiri & Celtic.

(19) On Mak Tiri…Paige only mentions that Mak Tiri is very sensitive to numbers, MT can only click with certain people, MT use to be Marcus’s lunch buddy.

(20) On Celtic…Paige also mentions that previously, Marcus did mention about Celtic not meeting deadlines…hahaha…

a car upgrade

So, during the same meeting…aside from assigning me to do the Hari Raya event…Stewart also wants me to do the Debit Balance coordination. Previously, it was coordinated by Mrs. Simon. Currently, I am only doing the coordination work of stock value. Thus, now I have 3 coordination to handle. Fine…guess what…Celtic only have 1…and it’s only the Master File…just making sure that the buyers new item listing do not exceed the target quota. So any new item listing must be one in one out. It’s just another barking work. Unlike Jonas who have to do the HouseBrand budget and Mak Tiri who manages the Division Buying Income & Contracts.

Then I feel so touch…when Stewart ask who is not holding any coordination…Mak Tiri kind of suggest that another buyer take up the Debit Balance coordination, knowing that the Hari Raya event will be a big coordination for me, time consuming too. But Stewart mention that Stewart needed someone that can calculates. I think Jonas & Mak Tiri feel that Celtic is not doing anything…only like a tin kosong…banyak bising…of course Celtic got work, but Celtic’s workload is not as heavy as the rest of us…everyday only complaining...I think Mak Tiri also feel annoyed...hahaha...and I have to handle 3 coordination…I felt both Jonas & Mak Tiri also surprised…surprised that Stewart gave me the additional workload…surprised that Stewart is blind to see but I am glad that people do see…see that this Celtic is really tak berguna langsung and I have to shoulder the extra burden. I am just glad that Jonas and Mak Tiri might be on my side :)

fun experiences with the kids

What the…Jonas is in charge of the Back To School event…Mak Tiri is in charge of the Chinese New Year event…last year Celtic does the Hari Raya event…this year…still the same thing…but…Stewart announced in the meeting on last week Wednesday that I will be doing the Hari Raya event for this year…then what is this Celtic doing leh…Celtic is damn bloody free you know.

If I look at the negative side…I have to say that Stewart is not being very fair here…all of the Division Managers is holding a major event but Celtic get to escape from it…Jonas is the most burden among all, Jonas have to take care of the luggage portfolio then oversee Harriet (Stationery), William (Bicycle, Camping, Sports & Nautism) and Kelvin (Toys). Mak Tiri have Tin Min (Auto, DIY & Car) and Abigail (Furniture). Celtic have Wayne and myself. From what I see, everyday Celtic only barks at Wayne to do orders only. What the…

If I look at the positive side…preparing for the event…I know I will get to learn new things, I know that I can improve on my excel skills and this is also the opportunity for me to work very closely with both Jonas & Mak Tiri. What I am upset is…Stewart may have favoritism but Stewart needs to be seen as fair. And I can see it’s not fair. Everyone is working hard…but Celtic…2pm only comes back from lunch…sedangkan everyone is back in the office at 1.30pm. Everyone stays up late at work but Celtic goes back sharp sharp 6pm. Play game during working hours. Intolerable.

Overseas Holidays

Then the next day…after the McDonald’s lunch scene…MT & I bump into each other again…at the downstairs food court…the minute Mak Tiri saw me…she says – Stalker…hahaha…I didn’t know whether MT meant that I am the stalker or she is the stalker…then, after I am done ordering at the counter…MT says – We (she & her lunch buddy) are stalkking you…hahaha…

And what is life, if you don’t get to spend a little proportion of your savings on what brings you a bit of joy?

Hahaha…this is so funny…the other day, during lunch time…I bump into MT & her lunch buddy at McDonald's. So, at the ordering counter…now, I don’t expect MT to say anything to me or to greet me…we were side but side (at different counters) but that’s what she did…MT went on to say to me – You are here…and as usual, I am always slow in responding, putting my foot in the mouth…I replied back...You are eating McDonald's? Yeah…I sounded surprise because I am surprised that she eats McDonald's because MT is the healthy type…and MT replied me back…craving for McDonald's…so we are making good progress here…perasan me…hahaha…

What I Saw On Jobstreet

Hahaha…that’s the name of our WatsApp chat group. Paige name it. This is where Marcus, Paige, The MFT Director & myself hang around.

Marcus: J___so you miss G13? Here is like long TV series, never ending

Me: Soap opera. I also cannot catch up

Marcus: Come back la, GMS got space leh

Me: I not even familiar with the characters

Marcus: Maximoff wants you one

Me: Really…

Marcus: Yup

Me: Eh…I just pass my 1 year leh

Marcus: Ok! Then no problem to come back lo

Me: U all finish re-structure first

Just have to get back on track once the busy period is over

The other day…over lunch…Stewart asked me this question…The English people don’t know how to do category review is it…I ask back why…rupa-rupanya…Harriet is suppose to do a category review on A4 Papers…and Stewart find it difficult to understand. It’s like the analysis makes no sense. Then I explained to Stewart…The English have a standardize template which have been signed off by the respective bosses, the buyers just have to pluck the figures in and derived the strategies from the data analysis…Stewart make the comment that it is spoon feeding…well, I explain back to Stewart that it is not spoon feeding…the buyers still have to gather the data and analyze the data. A standardize template is good so that everyone (especially at the top level) to look at things on the same page. Later on in the afternoon, I saw both Jonas & Harriet was at Stewart’s table where Stewart make some comments and show them the analysis which I did earlier on for my Water Bottle category…total units sold vs brand, total units sold vs capacity, total units sold vs sell thru value, total units sold vs margin etc.

I have to thank Ursula who have taught me well…Tommy too…always present something that your boss wants to see…and if you were the boss, what do you want to see from the presentation.

How does one afford it?

Err…should I be concern…well, what happen was…last week…a group of people from the Head Office were being job relocated to the store level…well, apparently…there were some job functions that was overlapping at the Head Office and the management decide to remove these overlapping jobs and to strengthen the store team…then, we also received our new job grade letter…apparently, the management wants to standardize the whole job grading scheme across the Asean board. So, originally...I’m from a SM02 ranking to a G3 ranking…now this is the concerning part…Wayne who is a tier lower than me at SM01 previously is also at the new G3 ranking. So, does this mean that the Senior Division Manager position may one day be eliminated…just like in G13 & The English…I was the one that is last in…will I be the first out…

So how does one start?

New York is 3 hours ahead of California but it does not mean that California is slow, or that New York is fast. Both are working based on their own Time Zone.

Someone is still single. Someone got married and waited 10 years before having a child. There is another who had a baby within a year of marriage.

Someone graduated at the age of 25, yet waited 5 years before securing a good job, and there is another who graduated at 27 and secured employment immediately.

Someone become CEO at 25 and died at 50 while another became a CEO at 50 and lived to 90 years.

Everyone works based on their own Time Zone.

Your colleagues, friends, younger ones might seem to go ahead of you. Maybe some might seem behind you.

Everyone is in this world running their own race on their own lane in their own time. God has a different plan for everybody. Time is the difference.

Obama retires at 55, Trump resumes at 70.

Don’t envy them or mock them, it’s their Time Zone. You are in yours!

Hold on, be strong and stay true to yourself. All things shall work together for your good.

You’re not late. you are not early, but you’re very much on time!

Collagen Induction Therapy

Remember, during last year; in the month of March…I went and got myself a micro needling treatment where I just look like a Red Indian thereafter…I also did blog more of it in last year July.

Well, what happen was…one of my favorite blogger (Karen Cheng; from Perth Australia) also did the same treatment and shares her experience on her blog recently. Below are some of her excerpts which I felt was so beautifully written and express in a way that is exactly how I felt last year, but I just couldn’t get the words & sentences right in my blog. I guess, I am no wordsmith here…hahaha…

Basically Collagen Induction Therapy uses a skin-needling or micro-needling technique (which has been around for hundreds of years). The latest technology in this field is called “Dermastamp” where medical-grade, fine needles are pricked into the surface of your skin to promote your own skin’s boost of collagen growth and to stimulate skin rejuvenation. Because of this natural boost of collagen, your skin becomes firmer, smoother, tighter, improves in texture and reduces the sizes of pores, fine lines, wrinkles and scars. The boosting effect of collagen growth and skin improvement lasts for about 6-12 months (yikes, mine is going to be expired soon).

I was happy to do it because: It’s said to be just as effective as laser, it’s good for getting rid of acne scars, it’s very low risk, almost no pain, almost no negative side effects, it’s “natural” because it boosts your own collagen growth, perfect for Asian skin and perfect for people with hyper-pigmentation.

Dr Michael checked out my skin, and for my acne scarring he recommended I have 2 rounds of skin cleansing facial treatments first (as my pores were really clogged and I needed to improve my skin health) then have a total of 5 CIT treatments, alternated with the facial cleansing treatments. These skin cleansing treatments were called HydraFacials and they were fantastic! Basically a HydraFacial is a facial, but heaps better. They do a light scrub to exfoliate your face, they give you a gentle peel, then they use a special pen that extracts and cleans your pores, while infusing your skin with antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid. It’s soooo much better and more effective than a regular facial. It did wonders for my pores! It’s a great way to prep your skin before a more active skin treatment like CIT. The treatment took about 60 minutes.

(I didn’t have the HydraFacial thingy…but the package that I sign up for…I was also being subscribe to 5 times of the micro needling process. But because I didn’t have a very good experience with it, after my one and only one session...I exchange my package into products).

They applied numbing anaesthetic cream. When the Dermastamp Pen was pressed into my skin, it felt like an electric toothbrush, with light bristles, brushing over my skin. I was told that everyone’s skin reacts differently. Some people look a bit red after the treatment, like they had a touch of sunburn. While others become very red and inflamed for a few days. For me, I looked awful. I looked like I was stung by bees. My face was inflamed, puffy, angry, red, really blotchy and there were places where my skin was broken and I could see tiny bloody dots. I was a bit shocked. Maybe I’m being a bit over the top, and maybe on the scale of possible reactions to the treatment, I wasn’t actually that bad. But for me, my skin had never looked THAT bad! I had to pick up my son from school later, so I swept mineral makeup over my face, even though they told me not to. But there was no way I was going out in public looking like that. I was pretty upset that night. I was thinking OMFG WHAT THE @#$% DID I DO? HOW DID I GET TALKED INTO THIS?!?! (exactly how I feel too!)

The next day?
Woke up the next morning. My face wasn’t as inflamed as the first day, but it was still red, blotchy and beginning to get scabby. I wore more mineral make up and I was happy to leave the house.

Day Three.
Less red and less scabby.

Day Four.
No more scabs. Skin looks pretty good. I’m kind of glowing.

Day Five.
OK WOW. This is impressive. My skin looks tight, plump and radiant!

Day Six onwards.
Holy moly, I can actually see a difference!!

Conclusion
It’s not a miraculous change. But it has made a huge difference to my fine lines, pores, texture, firmness, smoothness and the overall look of my skin – just after 1 treatment. My makeup sits and looks better on my face too. It’s 8 weeks after the treatment and my skin is still GLOWING. It has a lovely radiance and perkiness to it, which is a bit hard to capture in a photo. I love that it’s a “natural glow” from my own collagen. My pigmentation is still there, my pores are still on the large size (but that’s my skin type), but as I said – it’s a huge difference. It’s by far, the most effective treatment I’ve done to my skin. It was so easy and low risk. And I’m so happy that I tried this before trying any lasers.

(My skin structure in thinner, more sensitive too, thus I think that is why I take a much longer days to recover. As for me…I think my skin have also turn out like Karen…but I need to maintain them lor…and this is also where I am lazy lor…I have to watch my food intake, I have to remind myself to put on sun screen, I have to remember to use the oil absorbent paper to keep my pores from enlarging even further etc…)

This Gift

I have no idea what He has in mind for you and me, but we shouldn't worry about that. Our task today is just to accept things as they are and to be content, knowing that in the love, wisdom and providence of God this moment is as good as it can possibly be.

Dear Lord, I know that You are good and You love me.
I trust You to give me everything I need for today.

Choosing To Change

Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed,
and get a New Heart & a New Spirit.

Before The Ring

Liverpool 2 – 0 Tottenham.
Whew, finally a win…seriously, we lost so many points…it’s already game over for everybody, early congrats to Natalie’s team – Chelsea.

Courageous Gentleness

Celtic & Stephanie…yes, I am moving away from them these days…Celtic; as usual…the one who complains, the one who shows off…and the other one; so full of negative energy. I mean…everyone; including myself will have highs & lows, ups & downs every day…we can dwell on it but not for too long…and then we have to move on. I am just keeping minimal contact with them…only at the workplace. Everything seems so stressed or tense being with them.

Morning & Evening Updated Edition

One of the Business & Life Pointers that I have read earlier on…was that to treat others like how they want to be treated…not like how you want to be treated. So true…

I’ve got balloons for Stephanie’s birthday. The plan was…to bring them down to the office and to surprise her. But mana tahu, Stephanie was still in the car, in the car park…so tak jadi to bring it down. She was just shy or embarrassed about it. Well, I just want to give the lass a little surprise but I don’t think Stephanie appreciate such a gesture…hahaha…

Hang around. Fix things. Do things.

Crocodile Farm Seafood Village Restaurant, Subang – G13 gathering :)

Earlier on, I somemore can ask GT on how to get there…I really forgot on how to get there mah…but in the end, I follow behind Jonas’s car lah… It was good to catch up with everyone.

Marcus – saw Marcus last month and see Marcus again this month. Gave Marcus a big hug. An inspirational character. Always reminded me that moral action is necessary to maintain balance in the workplace.

Baldwin – have resigned. On a lookout for a new job now. Apparently, the factory working environment is not conducive for Baldwin. Gave Baldwin a big hug.

Madeleine – hahaha…still in G13 working mode…I am of the opinion that when it comes to SOP & Processes; the English is absolutely fantastic. No doubt about it. Hands down. But I don’t deny that some of the English people are a bit of a troublemaker. Gave Madeleine a big hug.

Shawn was there…Gerrard too…Christy was absent; was not feeling well.

Leonardo & Barry was in da’house.

Alice – looks a little bit mellow, quieter…

Ursula – did not manage to catch up much with her.

Enjoy the company of Clara, Linda & Lionel.

As like any friends gathering always does, it gifted me tidbits of inspiration on how to move forward in life.

pick up some milk from the shops

Robata Monkey, The Square, Jaya One >> dinner with Celtic & 2 Household Suppliers. Aiyo…this Celtic also bring along Celtic’s other half. I find it so un-professional and inappropriate to mix business with pleasure.

We sat in their private dining area, which is converted into a classic Japanese Tatami dining style. The freshness and quality of the fish used to make sashimi is, naturally, the key to its success. The sashimi was pleasantly fresh, succulent and sweet. We really enjoy the texture of the thickly cut sashimis too. I also like their Monkey Yaki; banana with smoked duck. Robata Monkey is highly recommended for its fresh dishes, friendly atmosphere and extensive drink list.

THANK YOU GOD, PRAISE TO THE LORD, BLESS YOU GOD. YOU ARE A GOOD, GOOD FATHER. THAT IS WHO YOU ARE. I AM LOVED BY YOU.

One of the suppliers gave me a Coach wallet…err…bribery…hahaha…

Then both of the suppliers also gave Celtic & myself CNY ang pow. Earlier on, I have prayed to God that provision is a bit tight for this month, please help to provide…so, when I was driving back home…at the traffic light, I check to see how much the ang pow money is lah…the first one that I open was from Stewart's; RM10…ok lah, that is the standard market rate mah…then I open the supplier’s ang pow lor…RM100 each…wah lau eh…ok lor, feeling so blessed already...then I drove home…once I reach home, need to keep the ang pow money mah…then one of the supplier’s ang pow is RM200 leh…the RM100 note stick together…what a surprise...God; You are truly great indeed!

bowling parties

God – when all things are in Your hand – all is Good, all is Well.
Now, I have a big problem here at home, a Giant in the family – my Father.
Never imagine I would say this…he is egoistic, defensive, never admit that he is wrong, emotional bullying, selfish, manipulative, wicked heart…come near to me God, help me to solve this problem because I know that You are willing to help me, to help him, to help my family. Papa Ham needs help.
God, go near him, work in him. He is already 64 years old…I know I can’t change his ways but You can! Prayers can!

A FAIRY AND A VAMP

2017's Got Nothing on You If You Follow These 20 Tips For Happiness

MAKE YOUR HEALTH A PRIORITY.

I have sign up for gym membership at Celebrity Fitness. Age is catching up…hahaha…so it’s really the time to strengthen the cores, the bones, the muscle, the body, the everything. I’ve only been there 4 times already. I just work with the weights, monkey bars, sit-ups and running on the treadmill. So, I hope that in the coming months, I would have improve myself physically and my mind refreshed & renewed.

#beingbetter.balance.purpose.laughter

Anywhere Faith

2017's Got Nothing on You If You Follow These 20 Tips For Happiness

MAKE AN EFFORT TO SEE AND CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS REGULARLY.

Wow, it’s February already.

I did a lot of catching up in January…with different groups of people. I’m balancing it all fine :) I had a lunch date with Mel Jag, Miss Klein & Torres…then attended the Bryan Adams concert with Mel Jag & Miss Klein…another lunch date with James…dinner with Paige, The MFT Director and Marcus…and on last Wednesday, it was a dinner with the past & current member of G13 (which I will blog on it later).

I hope in the coming months…my schedule will be just really, really FULL of family events, friends gathering, church activities, Spanish classes, gym sessions, marathons, studies, holidays & travels, readings, hobbies, blogging, photography, movies & music, hanging out with new people, house work, cooking & food, opportunities, adventures, self-discovery and me time. Simple Life. Simple Pleasures.

#beingbetter.balance.purpose.laughter

#romancetakjadi

Mak Tiri stunned me. What happen was…the other day, she quietly came over to my workstation, put an ang pow on my table and gave me the most sweetest smile ever. I was so overly stunned, taken aback and can only mutter back a Thank You.

Later, I apps her:

Me: My bad. Take ang pow. Forget to wish ppl. Feliz Ano Nuevo Chino.

MT: Kung Hei Fat Choi. This muz say in Chinese.

Me: :) Ok. Kung Hei Fat Choi l__ n___

Your Journey

Hi J___. I received your resume earlier. Your experience is great for the role, but your expected salary is beyond our budget. Regret that we cannot proceed further from here.

Well I didn’t get the job…

Loving Lord, thank You that You not only know the path I take, You walk it with me. Help me to rely on Your presence, help and wisdom every day of my journey through life.

Do We Have To?

Pray continually or always be in spirit of prayer. Even some of us adults can find prayer to be boring. Maybe that’s because we don’t know what to say or don’t understand that prayer is a conversation with our Father.

Tell God all that is in your heart, as one unloads one’s heart, its pleasures and its pains, to a dear friend.

Tell Him your troubles, that he may comfort you.

Tell Him your joys, that He may sober them.

Tell Him your longings, that He may purify them.

Talk to Him your temptations, that He may shield you from them.

Show Him the wounds of your heart, that He may heal them.

If you thus pour out all your weaknesses, needs, troubles, there will be no lack of what to say.

Prayer is an intimate conversation with our God.

A Fan For Life

In Psalm 86, David spoke about his allegiance to the one true God. He said – when I am distress, I call to You; Lord. Our devotion to God is born from His character and His care for us. He is the one who answers our prayers, guides us by His spirit and saves us through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. He deserves our lifelong loyalty.

Golden Rules For Aging Gracefully

Live in your own place to enjoy independence & privacy.

Hold on to your bank deposits and assets with yourself or your spouse.

Don’t depend only on your children’s promise to care for you when you grow old as their priorities change with time.

Expand your circle of friends to include those who will outlive you.

Do not compare; expect nothing from others.

Do not meddle in the life of your children. Let them live their life, not yours.

Do not use old age as your shield and justification to demand care, respect and attention.

Listen to what others say but think & act independently.

Pray but do not beg even from God. Seek His Grace.

And finally, DO NOT RETIRE FROM LIFE.

These are the five personality traits you need to be happy, according to experts

1. Enthusiasm
Enthusiastic people tend to be fun, friendly, sociable and emotionally expressive, and it perhaps isn’t surprising that enthusiastic people tend to lead happy lives. The researchers found that enthusiasm independently resulted in life satisfaction, positive emotions, fewer negative emotions, personal growth, positive relations, self-acceptance, purpose in life, engagement, positive relationships, meaning and achievement.

2. Low withdrawal
Put simply, this means having an easy relationship with yourself. People with high withdrawal (which comes under neuroticism) are easily embarrassed, overwhelmed and discouraged, they tend to be highly self-conscious and prone to anxiety and depression. In contrast, those with low withdrawal have greater autonomy, “environmental mastery” and personal growth, as well as many of the traits of enthusiastic people too.

3. Industriousness
People who are industrious are achievement-oriented, self-disciplined, efficient, purposeful and competent, adding that industriousness is strongly correlated with ‘grit’ - passion and perseverance for long-term goals. So those of us who are good at planning ahead, working hard, staying focussed on the task in hand and generally getting things done are also more likely to have greater well-being.

4. Compassion
If you’re compassionate, you care about other people, are kind, tend to be interested in the lives of others and are also good at empathising. Compassion comes under agreeableness, and the researchers found that the more compassionate among us are happier in their own lives. So by caring about the well-being of others, you’re more likely to improve your own.

5. Intellectual Curiosity
If you enjoy thinking deeply about complex matters, reflecting on your life experiences, talking about philosophical issues, reading challenging books and you’re open to new ideas, you’re probably highly intellectually curious. Whilst high intellectual curiosity predicted autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, self-acceptance, purpose and accomplishment, it didn't have any impact on the more emotional variables such as positive relationships and engagement with life.

The researchers found the above five traits were the most crucial in predicting well-being, but they also discovered that assertiveness and creative openness are predictive in certain aspects. And the findings revealed three surprising traits that bear no influence over well-being: politeness, orderliness and volatility. So you can perhaps be as polite, tidy and impulsive as you like without diminishing your well-being.

You can change your personality, so if you don’t already have any of the five most important traits for well-being, relax - you just have to change who you are as a person.