Take A Break

It's finally weekend! I'm more relaxed than the usual because I'm off for the whole week thanks to the Deepavali and Awal Muharram public holiday.

For the past 2 weeks, I spent longer hours working. Nevertheless, work has been fulfilling. Although the nature of the industry and the job is quite stressful, I'm certain that I'll be able to pull it off. To me, there are still so much to be learnt.

For a lot of us, break time is essential since work practically occupied most of our time from Monday to Friday. That is why, I appreciate every opportunity in spending "my" time. I see it as an important step to heal the mind and soul.

I started off my day collecting my Passport from the Imigresen. The place was crowded with people when I arrived. Got a number and within 10 minutes, I was out of there. Luckily I was there to collect not to apply/renew my Passport.

Paradigm Mall was nearby so I decided to treat myself to a San Francisco breakfast set. Mocha sure do the trick to brighten up my day. As usual, I did some reading for an hour or so while enjoying my breakfast. Some shops in Paradigm Mall are already in the Christmas mood. Looks like it is the time of the year to shop for presents again!

I went home to change after that and headed to the gym. Honestly speaking, I was feeling a bit tired and wanted to forgo hitting the gym today. However, I managed to motivate myself to go as I started recalling how I usually feel after gym session (awake and energetic). Anyway, thought of sharing the picture below which I took in the gym. So cute to have the LOVE shape on the screen right?

What If

As stated on my blog post title, don't we always question ourselves like this? Undeniably, it will always lead us to finding reasons to be unhappy. Let me give you a few examples.

What if I didn't walk away...

What if I have done this differently...

What if I could just calmed down and listen...

The truth is, when we are in this state of mind, we are having regrets to certain decisions that we have made. What I am going to say is, stop the what if this and what if that nonsense from playing in your head.

Do not attempt to burden yourself because you know clearly that it will not do any good to you. By the end of the day, it's not like you are going to have an answer to it. Just note that if the decisions weren't made, you won't even be at where you are now.

 

There are reasons why past, present and future tense exists.

 

You may ask, how can we change our mindset when we are facing situation like this? I'm listing down a few simple steps for you to start off. 

 

Acknowledge - You made the decision.

Convince - It was based on the knowledge and experience you have at that time. 

Learn - Treat it as a lesson to handle things better at the present.

Act - Take charge and change whatever circumstances that you are not happy now.  

 

I hope this blog post helps you in seeing things differently. Sometimes, when we are caught up in a box, the only thing that we will see are the 4 walls which formed the box. When we are out of the box, that is when we wonder why.

Cherish Your Parents

I was inspired by one of my friend's blog post and here I am typing what you're going to read for the next few minutes. I do hope that when you come to the end of this blog post, you will start acting on it.

Time is ticking and how many of us really realize that we are losing the time we get to spend with our parents? With everything moving so fast these days, it's hard to blame as most of us do not allocate enough time for our parents. Once we have some free time, we will opt for outing with friends.

 

Since I was young, my parents gave me the freedom to make my own decision. Still, being the good parents they are, they will always give me their most honest advice. By the end of the day, they will support whatever decision that I made. I do admit that some decisions that I have made are wrong and there are times I would stumble and fall. Nevertheless, they are always there to hold me.

 

Every night before I go to bed, I would hug my parents, give them a kiss on the cheek and bid them good night. In addition to that, I also tell them how much I love them. I know some of us might feel a bit awkward and embarrassed as we are already grown ups. However, think about it, would you rather do it now or later when they are not around anymore.

 

Remember how in a lot of dramas, the girl will always ask the guy, who will you save if me and your mom fall into the sea. If I was the guy, I will definitely pick my mom. Reason being, in your life time, you will only have one mom and one dad. Nothing can ever replace that. But there are still so many girls/guys out there even if you lose this one.

 

I always find it a bliss to eat together with my parents. It's a bonding session with good food. What more can I ask for. I also try my best to help them with house chores. If you tell me it's tough to do house chores, imagine your parents going through all that in the process of raising you. Also, the struggle and stress that they have to live with to ensure that there are food on the table to feed you.

 

So, find time to spend with your parents. Learn to appreciate what they have done for you and repay them by showing your kindness and care. Don't wait till it's too late. When that day comes and you realize you have not done enough, you will live with regrets for the rest of your life.

 

Start Exercising

♫ Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head ♫

BJ Thomas 

 

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head

And just like the guy whose feet are too big for his bed

Nothin' seems to fit

Those raindrops are fallin' on my head, they keep fallin'

 

So I just did me some talkin' to the sun

And I said I didn't like the way he got things done

Sleepin' on the job

Those raindrops are fallin' on my head, they keep fallin'

 

But there's one thing I know

The blues they send to meet me won't defeat me

It won't be long till happiness steps up to greet me

 

It was raining cats and dogs when I woke up this morning. I'm sure people are happy that it finally rains at the right time, on a Saturday morning which gives them the opportunity to tuck in a little longer in bed. Don't know why but it reminds me of the song above. 

 

Yesterday, while I was on my way to work, the radio newscaster reported that Malaysian Meteorological Department foresees that there will be flood in the upcoming weeks due to the monsoon season. So, to all my readers, always remember to bring your umbrella with you J

 

Time flies. It's already mid October. I'm finally determined enough to restore my jogging routine after a long hiatus. Some says that exercising is a way to release tension and stress. I did a little research and found out that it's true.

 

Exercise can decrease 'stress hormones' like cortisol, and increase endorphins, your body's 'feel-good' chemicals, giving your mood a natural boost.

Source: About.com Stress Management

  

So what are you waiting for? Start incorporating exercise in your daily life! I have experienced it myself. I thought I will feel tired after exercising but the truth is that I felt more energetic and calm after it. I know most of us have a busy schedule, but stop finding excuses of not exercising. You need to start allocating a part of your time for the day to exercise.

One of my ex boss used to share her marathon experience with me. Despite being exhausted, it all boils down to how determine you are to push further. I can easily relate this to life. We cannot be lazy and should constantly push ourselves to accomplish more things. You might get the additional boost from your family and friends. But you got to first do your own part.

 

Try Even If You Fail

It's already Sunday! Got to admit that weekend comes and go pretty quick.

 

I’m blogging from dr. CAFE in Citta Mall right now. Apparently San Francisco Coffee (my initial plan) has closed down. Figured I’ll still share the picture below with all of you although the Coffee Mocha and Low Fat Turkey Sandwich were nothing to shout about.

 

People who have known me for quite some time will know that I really love coffee and Jazz music. I think they are the best combination ever. Sipping on coffee while Jazz music is played behind the background keeps the mind and body in a relaxing mode which eventually allows ideas to flow naturally.

 

For the past few months, I’ve learnt to appreciate small little things that happen in my life. Although small, they never fail to put a smile on my face. I do admit that things aren’t always going according to plan. Sometimes things fall apart despite you trying really hard. But I’ve also learnt to accept and try even harder.

 

I’m going to share a technique which I’ve picked up lately. Every day before going to bed, reflect everything that happened to you that day. Fill yourself with blessings for things that went well. For things that didn’t go well, take them as challenges to do better tomorrow. Tell yourself that you will overcome the challenges one day, bit by bit. You’re just taking a little longer time than others. Also, feel fortunate because others might not have the experience that you have gained from the challenges.

 

Believe the technique, don’t be lazy and repeat this every day! Soon, you’ll realize that you have more reasons to smile rather than frown J