Tag: journey

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Finding Gratitude and Growth in Everyday Moments

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Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, but it’s in the small, everyday moments that we often find the most meaning. As I reflect on the past few months, I’ve realized that life isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, gratitude, and embracing the lessons along the way. Here are some key takeaways that have inspired me, and I hope they’ll inspire you too.

1. Celebrate the Milestones, Big and Small

Whether it’s celebrating 22 years of marriage or simply enjoying a quiet brunch with loved ones, life’s milestones remind us of what truly matters. As the saying goes, “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

Take a moment to appreciate the people who make your life richer. Buy that small gift, share a meal, or simply say “thank you.” These moments of connection are the glue that holds our lives together.

2. Embrace the Journey, Even When It’s Tough

Life isn’t always smooth sailing. From battling the flu to feeling overwhelmed with work and responsibilities, there are days when it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. But here’s the thing: every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

As I struggled through a fitness session, feeling nauseous and out of shape, I reminded myself that progress isn’t linear. It’s okay to start small. As the famous quote goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” So, take that step, even if it’s shaky.

3. Patience is a Gift—Give It Freely

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of patience, especially with those we love. As our parents age, it’s easy to feel frustrated when they talk too much or move too slowly. But these moments are precious.

“Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” Let’s strive to be kinder, more patient, and more present with the people who matter most.

4. Gratitude Turns What We Have into Enough

In a world that often feels materialistic and fast-paced, it’s easy to lose sight of what we already have. I’ve had moments where I felt broke, stressed, or uncertain about the future. But gratitude has a way of shifting our perspective.

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Take a moment each day to count your blessings—whether it’s a safe journey, a good meal, or the love of family. Gratitude is the key to contentment.

5. Trust the Process and Keep Moving Forward

Life is full of uncertainties—work projects, personal goals, and even health challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed. But here’s the truth: we don’t have to have it all figured out.

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Trust that every effort you make, no matter how small, is moving you closer to your goals. Commit to the process, and let go of the need for immediate results.

Final Thoughts: Live with Intention

Life is a beautiful, messy, and unpredictable adventure. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise, but when we pause and reflect, we realize that the most meaningful moments are often the simplest ones.

So, let’s celebrate the milestones, embrace the challenges, and practice gratitude every day. Let’s be patient with ourselves and others, and trust that every step we take is leading us somewhere meaningful.

As you go about your day, remember this: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” Keep dreaming, keep growing, and keep living with intention.

Here’s to a life filled with purpose, joy, and endless possibilities!

“Your HABITS, Your Future!”

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Finding Balance as the Year Comes to an End – A Personal Reflection

“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time” – Leo Tolstoy

October is here, and I can’t believe how fast this year is flying by. It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating the start of 2024, and now we’re heading into the final stretch. The end of the year always feels like a time for reflection, doesn’t it? What have I achieved? What still needs my attention? And how do I balance everything in these final months?

With that in mind, I wanted to take a moment to step back and reflect on a few areas in life that I’ve been working on—and some that still need work. Because, let’s face it, no matter how busy we are, finding balance is key.

Faith – Staying Grounded as the Year Winds Down

As the days get busier, I’ve realized how important it is to stay grounded in my faith. Whether things are going smoothly or not, I know that my relationship with God is what keeps me centered. This year has been full of ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve been trying to take time to strengthen my connection, pray, and reflect. It’s easy to lose sight of this when work and life get hectic, but faith helps me navigate through it all.

“Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.” – Max Lucado

Family – Making Time for What Matters Most

With the end of the year approaching, it’s also a reminder to make time for family. I’ve been thinking a lot about the moments we share and the memories we create. It’s not about grand gestures or expensive trips, but about spending quality time together—those small, meaningful moments that matter the most. As busy as life gets, I’m trying to be intentional about carving out time for my loved ones. They’re the ones who keep me grounded when everything else is spinning.

“Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.” – Michael J. Fox

Friends – Keeping My Circle Close

When it comes to friendships, I’ve learned that keeping my circle small works best for me. As the year progresses, I’ve been focusing on deepening those relationships rather than trying to keep up with everyone. It’s the close, meaningful connections that matter—those friends who are there through thick and thin. Time is precious, and I want to invest in the friendships that truly lift me up.

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” – Unknown

Fitness – Finding Time for Physical and Mental Well-being

Amid the busyness of life, staying healthy is essential. This year, I’ve been working on keeping both my mind and body in shape. It’s not always easy to find the time, but I’ve realized that if I don’t make it a priority, everything else suffers. Whether it’s a morning run, yoga, or just taking a moment to breathe, I’m trying to keep fitness—both mental and physical—a part of my routine.

“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” – Buddha

Hobbies – Exploring New Recipes in the Kitchen

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most this year is exploring new hobbies, especially in the kitchen. I’ve been trying out new recipes and discovering the joy of cooking. There’s something so therapeutic about experimenting with flavors and creating something from scratch. It’s a way to unwind and switch off from the demands of the day. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends—cooking together, sharing meals, and making memories around the dinner table.

“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne

Self-Development – Pursuing My Doctorate in Business Administration

On the professional front, this year has been a whirlwind. I’ve been diving deep into my Doctorate in Business Administration, which has been both exciting and challenging. It’s been a journey of growth, pushing me to think critically and manage my time more effectively. Between my studies and work, the days have been busy, but I’m learning so much about myself and my capabilities.

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King

Work – Learning to Be More Effective with a Full Plate

Speaking of busy, work has been full of new projects, tasks, and stakeholder requests. It feels like there’s always something new on my plate, but I’ve been focusing on learning how to manage it all more effectively. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve—whether that’s streamlining processes, prioritizing tasks, or just learning how to say “no” when needed. The more I take on, the more I realize how crucial it is to stay organized and proactive, especially with the year coming to a close.

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer

As October rolls on and the year edges towards its end, I’m reminded that life is all about balance. Whether it’s faith, family, friends, fitness, or professional growth, it’s about finding the time to nurture what matters most. The year may be winding down, but there’s still so much to learn, achieve, and enjoy.

What about you? How are you balancing everything in these final months of the year? Let’s keep the conversation going—whether it’s about work, hobbies, or just life in general. Drop a comment or reach out, and let’s chat about how we can make the most of the time we have left in 2024.

“We always have time for the things that matter the most to us.”

Enjoy the journey, and don’t forget to find a little fun along the way!

(This blog is a personal reflection and a gentle reminder for myself as we move toward the year’s end. I hope it sparks some thoughts for you too.)

“Your habits, your future!”

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Unveiling the Path to Excellence: My Journey (so far…)

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“Empowering leaders isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Join me on a journey where potential meets purpose.”

Hello, fellow seekers of growth and inspiration!

Today, I invite you to join me on a personal journey—a journey shaped by a passion for transformation, a commitment to excellence, and a deep-seated belief in the power of coaching and mentoring. Welcome to my world, where every interaction is an opportunity for growth.

In the heart of every journey lies a story—a story of passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Allow me to share with you the tale of Dion—a tale woven with threads of inspiration, challenges overcome, and lives transformed.

Imagine a young dreamer, filled with a thirst for knowledge and a hunger to make a difference. That dreamer was me—Dion. From the very beginning, I knew that my path was not to follow the ordinary, but to carve out a legacy of impact and empowerment.

As I embarked on the journey of training, coaching and mentoring, I discovered a profound calling—to be a beacon of light for those seeking transformation. From the bustling streets of local communities to the boardrooms of international corporations, I witnessed the power of coaching to unlock hidden potentials and ignite the flames of greatness.

Every coaching session became a canvas for inspiration, a stage for growth, and a sanctuary for self-discovery. I felt the thrill of witnessing leaders embrace their true potential, break free from limitations, and soar to new heights of success.

But my journey didn’t stop there. It led me to the corridors of learning, where I pursued a Master of Business Administration degree with a fervor for knowledge that burned brightly within. This pursuit was not just about acquiring a degree—it was about deepening my understanding, honing my skills, and preparing myself to be a catalyst for change.

Venturing into the realms of consulting, project, and event management, I found myself immersed in the vibrant landscapes of Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. Here, amidst diverse cultures and dynamic environments, I learned the art of adaptation, the power of connection, and the beauty of embracing differences.

My experiences working with leaders from more than 80 countries became the heart and soul of my journey. Each interaction, each collaboration, was a testament to the universality of human potential and the transformative power of coaching.

Awards and accolades came as acknowledgments of my dedication and commitment. The Dell Effective Leadership Award and the Dell Vice President Award stand as reminders of the impact of dedicated work and unwavering passion.

But beyond the titles and accolades lies a deeper truth—a truth rooted in the core of my being. I am here not just as a trainer, coach, mentor, or consultant. I am here as a guardian of dreams, a nurturer of aspirations, and a guide on the path to greatness.

My journey has been one of joy, of challenges embraced, and of lives touched. Through my influential blog, worldofhabits.com, and the value-driven talk show, TIK4TIPs (together with my mentor, friend and business partner), I continue to share insights, stories, and strategies for personal and organisational growth.

As I stand here today, my heart brims with gratitude for the journey that has brought me to this moment. The journey of Dion —a journey of empowerment, transformation, and the unwavering belief in the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Join me, dear reader, as we embark on a new chapter together. Together, let’s unveil the path to excellence, one story, one transformation, at a time.

“Join me on a quest to uncover the extraordinary within, to redefine success, and to create a legacy of impact.”

“Your habits, your future!”

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Embarking on a Year-End Odyssey: Unveiling the Chronicles of Dion’s Journey (thus far)

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hello there, fellow explorers of life’s intricate tapestry! As the sun dips below the horizon, casting hues of reflection upon the passing year (though we still have more than a month to go), I find myself delving into the treasure trove of insights gifted to me by five close friends and my astute daughter. This journey, akin to a literary odyssey, unfolds through a year-end feedback and questionnaire, revealing the nuanced shades of my character and aspirations. So, join me as we navigate through the twists and turns, discovering the peaks of strengths, valleys of potential improvements, and the vast landscapes of my passions and values. It’s not just a reflection; it’s an expedition into the essence of a life well-lived.

Strengths:

  1. Lifelong Learner: The joy of acquiring new knowledge and skills is not a mere habit; it’s a celebration of curiosity and growth.
  2. Empathetic and Helpful: The capacity to understand and offer a helping hand showcases the richness of a heart attuned to the needs of others.
  3. Mindfulness: Being present in the moment, appreciating the journey as much as the destination—a conscious choice that colors the canvas of life.
  4. Resilient: Setbacks are not roadblocks but stepping stones, lessons etched in the fabric of a resilient spirit.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. R&R – Reflection and Refinement: As we traverse the roadmap of my growth, the call for reflection and refinement emerges as a theme, reminding us of the beauty in slowing down.
  2. Adaptability: The ability to gracefully navigate through challenging human interactions is an unexplored terrain waiting to be conquered.
  3. Expressing Thoughts: The landscape of unspoken thoughts can sometimes overshadow the fertile ground of open expression.

Communication Style: My communication style is an intricate dance—a harmonious blend of relaxation, ease, and confident articulation. Yet, the odyssey lies in the quest for balance, where self-advocacy meets a consideration for others.

Appreciated Personality Traits: Optimism, open-mindedness, and humor are the compass points guiding this journey. A helpful and easygoing demeanor becomes the warm breeze that propels the vessel forward.

Potential Irritants: Miraculously, the map seems to have few markers for irritants. A hint of excessive trust and the nocturnal melody of snores are the gentle undulations in the otherwise serene landscape.

Conflict Resolution Style: In the turbulent waters of conflict, my vessel maintains an unwavering calmness. The compass points towards solutions, prioritising resolution over dwelling in the tempest’s negative emotions.

Passions and Excitements: The landscape is adorned with my passions—a thirst for learning, the joy of human capital development, the thrill of culinary adventures, and the wanderlust that accompanies travel.

Core Values: The compass of decision-making is guided by the principles of continuous learning, family, appreciation, respect, humility, and integrity—a constellation of values that lights the way.

Approach to Life: My approach to life mirrors a purpose-driven and service-oriented mindset. The compass points towards continuous learning and personal development, recognising the journey’s significance.

Biggest Fear or Insecurity: As we delve into the depths, we encounter the fear of not listening to the heart’s whispers and the shadows cast by financial constraints—a reminder of the vulnerability inherent in the human experience.

Barriers to Full Potential: The terrain of unmet expectations, family commitments, sporadic self-doubt, and an overreliance on others presents itself. The journey invites a recalibration, a reassessment of the path ahead.

Legacy and Aspirations: As the odyssey nears its zenith, I aspire to be remembered for positive impacts on leadership development, values-driven leadership, and positive change in communities. Whether it’s being a master trainer legend or simply leaving behind memories of kindness and impact, the legacy is a beacon guiding the journey.

As we conclude this year-end odyssey, the tapestry of my life unfolds as a vibrant mosaic of strengths, growth opportunities, passions, and aspirations. The road ahead is paved with the imprints of lessons learned and the anticipation of uncharted territories. Here’s to the odyssey of my journey—a narrative that continues to weave itself into the grand tapestry of life.

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.” – Nido Qubein

“Your habits, your future!”

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Embracing Transformation: Lessons from “The Earned Life” by Marshall Goldsmith

“We are living an earned life when the choices, risks, and effort we make in each moment align with an overarching purpose in our lives, regardless of the eventual outcome.”

Today, I want to share my learning journey through the pages of “The Earned Life” by the insightful Marshall Goldsmith. So, grab a cup of your favourite brew, settle in, and let’s embark on this inspiring and life-altering experience.

Good Moments:

First and foremost, let me share with you the beautiful moments I’ve experienced while immersing myself in this profound book. Marshall’s wisdom is akin to a guiding light that leads us through the intricate labyrinth of life. His words resonate with a clarity that makes you feel like you’re engaged in a heart-to-heart conversation with a mentor and a friend. This book not only offers insight but a fresh perspective on the idea of what it means to truly earn a life of profound meaning, purpose, and boundless fulfilment.

Not so Good Moments:

Of course, it’s not always a path strewn with rose petals and sunshine. There have been moments when I’ve recognised the Herculean challenge it can be to let go of old habits and embrace new ones. Marshall’s insights often serve as a mirror, reflecting the ingrained behaviours that might be holding us back. Acknowledging these tendencies can be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s precisely these moments of realisation that pave the way for growth. After all, personal growth isn’t always a smooth ride, right?

Personal Growth and Gratitude:

My journey through the pages of “The Earned Life” has been nothing short of an awakening. It’s been a voyage of self-discovery, unearthing the patterns in my life and the behaviours that might need a tweak. It’s a humbling experience, recognising that we all have room for improvement. I’m profoundly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a respected coach and author. It’s a privilege to have access to Marshall’s wisdom, and I can’t help but express gratitude for the transformation it has initiated within me.

Key Takeaways:

As I reflect on this profound reading journey, I’ve identified some priceless lessons that I’m eager to carry forward:

Daily Self-Reflection
Marshall’s advice on daily questions for self-reflection is a game-changer. It’s the small, consistent steps that pave the way for monumental personal growth.

Behavioural Change
Embracing change is a significant aspect of the “Earned Life.” It’s about consciously choosing behaviors that align with your goals and values, making every moment count.

Helping Others
Marshall’s emphasis on contributing to the lives of those around us is a gentle reminder that a life well-earned involves making a positive impact on the world.

Future Goals:

So, what’s next? I’m excited to integrate these profound learnings into the fabric of my daily life. I plan to cultivate the habit of self-reflection, committing to purposeful behavioural change each day. Additionally, I aspire to extend my gratitude by helping and making a positive impact on others, just as Marshall recommends. This is not just a set of goals; it’s a pledge to lead a life that’s truly earned.

In closing, I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow from “The Earned Life” by Marshall Goldsmith. It’s not just a book; it’s a companion on our life’s journey toward a more meaningful and earned existence. So, I wholeheartedly encourage you to pick it up if you haven’t already. Here’s to learning, growing, and embracing the wisdom that helps us lead a life we’ve genuinely earned, one moment at a time.

Marshall Goldsmith’s wisdom is an endless source of inspiration. As he beautifully puts it, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.”

May we all choose growth, and may our earned lives be a testament to the transformation that’s possible when we dare to embrace change and live with purpose. Cheers to a journey of meaningful transformations and to Marshall Goldsmith for being a guiding light on this path of profound personal development!

“Your habits, your future!”

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My favourite sayings

Recently I found a booklet that I printed in 2011 and the title I gave the booklet was, “The Journey is the Reward.”

There are articles and collection of writings that I have written/collected over the early years.

This is the first few pages and I will transfer everything from the booklet into this blog site.

Sayings – My favourites

These are the sayings/phrases that kept me positive and having the drive to move forward to finish what I have started.

Live and laugh… laugh and live

Problems are only temporary

Make the decisions and manage them

Respect is earned not yearned (for it)

Practice servant leadership, serve and be served in return

Attitude of gratitude determines your altitude

Perfect practice makes perfect

Teamwork makes the dream work

Together everyone achieves miracles

Vision without action is merely a dream, action without vision is a waste of time

Get yourself ready for the opportunities – they do not come with a BANG… you need to grab them!

Leadership by example and seek to understand the situation

Customers are not always rights, and they need to be treated right

Pay attention to details and the rest will take care of themselves

Life is a reflection, you attract who you are!

Do not complain… take action… get moving and move nearer to your success rather than being idle and waiting for things to happen!

Never despair… just pray!

God has given me more than I need, I am rich…

“Your habits, your future!”

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What have I done so far?

“Enjoy the journey and try to get better every day. And don’t lose the passion and the love for what you do.” – Nadia Comaneci

Started a new chapter in my life’s journey, since January 2022. Relocated to another state in February 2022 and what have I done since I started in this new organisation?

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  1. Middle management programme
    Initially there was a request for about 5 newly promoted team leaders (middle managers) from one of the stakeholders, and that triggered me to come up with a programme to help support the transitioning of individual contributors to people managers. Then I shared the programme with my line manager, she liked the idea and brought up a good point, “why not we benefit more than one department with this programme?” We then launched this programme for the whole organisation and the same programme done for the head office as well.

    What I have learnt from doing this programme (in this organisation and I believe in most organisations as well), many will be excited initially and it takes a lot of encouragement to ensure the participants are consistent in their participation.
  2. Office library
    Leaders are readers… hence setting up the library is part of learning and development for everyone in the organisation. I am happy that my line manager agreed to most of the books recommended and added some of her list as well. We have decided to have 36 titles and will grow the library with more titles as we go along. In the process of getting the books, I had to work with at least three -(3) different book providers for this project. As this project is led by the head office, we need to have standardised look and feel as well.

    What I have learnt from doing this project, communication and patience is key when dealing with different people (with different perspectives and expectations).
  3. Quarterly projects and KPIs
    During my probation (I am happy that I got my confirmation), I had my probation goals and in this quarter, I have new projects (measurable KPIs) that I will need to achieve. Apart from business as usual (BAU), I have additional project goals to achieve. Interesting system when I first entered the data for the project goals.

    What I have learnt from this event, some projects have more weightage than others. There is a need to collaborate with other departments to achieve the project goals. It will be easier to achieve with the support of the team.

“To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself. “– Søren Kierkegaard

I truly believe that it will be exciting times ahead, as long as my purpose remains the same. As a mentor of mine mentioned to me, “needs may change, purpose remains the same…” which is relevant to me at the moment.

For your information, there are more than three -(3) things / events that I am handling right now, stay tuned for more great updates to come.

Have fun and enjoy the journey.

“Your habits, your future!”

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Have you done your best?

“Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.” – Og Mandino

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I have been reflecting and whenever I have a chat with my kids, especially when it comes to their school assessments, tests, exams… the one question that I will ask them… “Have you done your best?”

I believe that… “Victory is knowing that you have done your best, if you have done your best, you have won!“

And at times, I may forget and being critical to myself… with the outcomes that I have gotten, be it work, studies or personal… I need to be reminded on the question… “Have I done my best?”

Based on the knowledge, skills, experience and exposure that I have had… and if I have given my all, the best that I can… then I will learn from the results, then do better the next time. Or I can have the following options:

  1. Consult my inner circle and get some ideas (before, during and after) about the project that I am embarking in.
  2. Talk to my mentor(s) and coach(es) to gain some insights and discoveries.
  3. Do additional research with the time (according to the due date) that I have on the project.
  4. Ask more questions to myself, i.e., “What questions have I not asked?” “What can I do differently?” “What would this person ______ do?” “What have I not done yet?”
  5. Pray and meditate to get some inspiration, ideas and wisdom…
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And at times, I realised that, that is the best I can do… thus I need to let go and let God.

All I can do is to put in my best effort with the time and resources that I have (to be resourceful)… and whatever the outcome is… it’s a feedback… and I can use the feedback to my future advantage, to be a better version and work towards to direction I want.

“Have you done your best?”

“Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.” – Don Miguel Ruiz

“Your habits, your future!”

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This is Kampar!

I arrived in Kampar, Perak on the 8th November 2020.

Why? I have been given an opportunity to serve and work with young leaders.

Part of the reasons why I did not update this page in November 2020, I was busy settling in and doing what I need to do to get myself started with this new journey that I am venturing.

Frankly, there are a lot of things to do and doing my best to learn as much as I can to shorten my learning curve… so that I can start getting some small wins and outcomes.

Anyhow, it is going to be an exciting journey and looking forward to transforming minds and changing lives… of the people that I am working with and the leaders of tomorrow.

In the midst of this COVID-19 crisis, there are potentials to be unleased and opportunities to work on, I believe it depends on our perspectives – whether we see it as positive or negative… even if the event is a negative one, how we respond / react to it will lead to the outcome.

Come join me in this pursuit of excellence.

Catch up with all of you… soon.

“Your habits, your future!”

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What I have learnt from this pandemic event?

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody
can take it away from you.” – B.B. King

This year is going to be an unforgettable year for many people, especially me… ever since January 2020, I was looking towards a busy and productive year focusing on what I am going to do. Then the inevitable happened… nobody expected it and it just happened. We are all in this together, no matter who we are and where we are. This event does not care and recognize who is who… and of course some who have more resources will weather through this easier than those who have not much.

The focus of this blog is not on the details of the event, it is just a sharing on what I have learnt so far… please message me should you have any comment or feedback. I do look forward to learning from you as well. Thank you and enjoy some perspectives from me.

“One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity. “ – Albert Schweitzer

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What I can learn from this event (so far)?

HUMILITY
The virus do not care who you are and the news on suffering of others have made me realized that “life is short!” I need to be humble and ask myself, “how do I want people to remember me (should something were to happen to me)? With tools like social media, I can use it to “brag”, tell others about my achievements, how I am in certain activities and you know what I mean… or I can be doing more contemplation, reflecting on how I can lift others up, doing what I can to take care of people close to me and inspire others to focus on the positives?

“A great man is always willing to be little.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

CHOICE
I have a choice to be positive or negative. I can also choose to be bitter with what is happening or with some people who tends to trigger / upset me. I kept reminding myself that I need to choose to focus on the positive. One of my mentors have asked me once (when we were together and some one upset me), “How do you want the story to end?” Thank you for the question and I need to choose wisely. Anyhow, there is always a price to pay to whichever direction that you have decided upon. Are you willing to pay the pay? It will be easier if you are willing…

“In the end that was the choice you made, and it doesn’t matter how hard it was to make it. It matters that you did.” ― Cassandra Clare

CREATIVITY
In times like this, especially when the government has enforced the Movement Control Order (MCO), with my son who is active and who wants to play… I have to wear my “creative hat” and come up with some simple activities… one of them is to convert our dining table into table tennis… well it has been about 20 days for the MCO… so far we (including the mom) are enjoying playing the game of “modified” table tennis. There is definitely no end to a creative mind. What are you doing to be creative? Care to share some creative activities that you and your family have come up with?

“The sky is not the limit, the mind is…”

PATIENCE
Everyone is spending most of the time together at home and there will be some conversations that will test your patience. I have learnt to perfect practice patience to listen (with the intent to understand, rather than to answer), expecting less on the things I want people to do and negative postings in social media. Remember, we have a choice…

Patience Memes

FRIENDS
I also realized who are your good friends and the importance of having some close friends (that is good enough). How can we help to cheer our friends up and go through this journey together. I am sure one day when this is all over, there is much to share and laugh about!

“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest
of the world walks out.” – Walter Winchell

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How to cope with the event?

Below are the 10 -(ten) things you can do to cope with the event… I am sure there are more, let’s experiment some of these, to start with… all the best!

  1. FOCUS – make a choice to focus on the positives and do the things that will add value to your own self-development.
  2. QUIET TIME – have your own “ME” time, to do reflection, listen to relaxing music, journal, pray and meditate.
  3. COOK – good time for new cooks and great time for experience cooks to experiment new recipes.
  4. PLAY – make time to play, embark into your hobby and discover new games.
  5. COMMUNICATE – call your family members, friends and partners. There is so much to talk about and discuss; good old times or future opportunities or just a conversation.
  6. EXERCISE – keep yourself active, or you can be creative to play some indoor sports with your loved ones or even pets. There are a lot of good resources on-line that you can use as reference.
  7. FOOD – enjoy the fruit of your labour (from own cooking or as a test subject from new cooks). Think about those who are less fortunate, be glad that we still have food on our table.
  8. READ – reach for the books you have read before, I truly believe that if you read it again, you will gain different insights. There are also a lot of good on-line resources to learn from.
  9. ON-LINE ACTIVITY – e-learning courses, articles, shopping, videos, social media… so many positive things that we can get from the internet.
  10. TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME – smile if you can wake up in the morning. A good practice to be having the attitude of gratitude…
Okay, It's happening! Everyone, stay calm! - Michael Scott yelling ...
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My prayer is for everyone to be safe and healthy. Keep going and there is so much to learn from this journey that we are embarking.

Thank you for your time!

“Your habits, your future!”