Showing posts with label Inspiring People. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiring People. Show all posts
Power of Advice
I'm a sucker for anything inspiring - and nothing beats an amazing video (that's relevant to my field) from one of my ex companies.
About the film - On their journey to becoming trusted advisers, HVS Executive Search explores what business leaders are looking for in an advisor. They ask the question: "What is the power of advice?"
Leading personalities from the hospitality industry delve into the importance of mentorship, listening skills, empathy and objectivity when getting and giving advice. The film follows 20 hospitality leaders through Hong Kong, London, New York and Las Vegas as they oversee their global organizations.
"You will never succeed if you can't respect that other people have the knowledge that they can impart and help you improve."
"Best people attracts the best people"
"Advice is a part of what you get from people - it's part of the food that feeds you. Without it, you're alone."
Watch the video (here).
Picture/Words Credits: (The Power of Advice)
10 lessons from Bernanke
There's one thing I love about May/June. It's the graduating season in the USA and the period where inspiring and radical speeches by prominent figures make their rounds around the world wide web.
Various news site published Ben Bernanke's address to the graduating cohort of Princeton university. It's my favourite one this year and below is a summary of the key points of his speech.
1) Don't be afraid to let the drama play out
Nodding to Forrest Gump's "Life is like a box of chocolates", Bernanke remarked: "Life is amazingly unpredictable; any 22-year old who thinks they know where they will be in 10 years, much less in 30, is simply lacking imagination." He offered up a case study from his own life. "A dozen years ago I was minding my own business teaching Economics 101 in Alexander Hall and trying to think of good excuses for avoiding faculty meetings. Then I got a phone call..."
2) Focus on becoming a better human being
"If you are not happy with yourself, even the loftiest achievements won't bring you much satisfaction."
3) Those who are the luckiest also have the greatest responsibilities
"As the Gospel of Luke says (and I'm sure my rabbi will forgive me for quoting the New Testament in good cause): "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded."
4) Efforts matters
"I think most of us would agree that people who have, say, little formal schooling but labour honestly and diligently to help feed, clother, and educate their families are deserving of greater respect -- and help, if necessary -- than many people who are superficially more successful," Bernanke said. "They're more fun to have a beer with, too."
5) Most policymakers are trying to do the right thing
"The greatest forces in Washington are ideas, and people prepared to act on those ideas. Public service isn't easy. But, in the end, you are inclined in that direction, it is a worthy and challenging pursuit."
6) On economics
"Economics is a highly sophisticated field of thought that is superb at explaining to policymakers precisely why the choices they made in the past were wrong. About the future, not so much."
7) Money isn't everything
"I'm not going to tell you that money doesn't matter, because you wouldn't believe me anyway," Bernanke quipped. "If you are part of the lucky minority with the ability to choose, remember that money is a means, not an end."
8) Don't be afraid to fail
"Nobody likes to fail but failure is an essential part of life and of learning. If your uniform isn't dirty, you haven't been in the game."
9) On choosing a partner
"Remember that physical beauty is evolution's way of assuring us that the other person doesn't have too many intestinal parasites. Don't get me wrong, I am all for beauty, romance, and sexual attraction -- where would Hollywood and Madison Avenue be without them? But while important, those are not the only things to look for in a partner."
"Speaking as somebody who has been happily married for 35 years, I can't imagine any choice more consequential for a lifelong journey than the choice of a travelling companion."
10) "Call you mom and dad once in a while"
"A time will come when you will want your own grown-up, busy, hyper-successful children to call you," said Bernanke, who has two adult children. "Also, remember who paid your tuition to Princeton."
The Fed chairman ended with a battle cry: "Congratulations, graduates. Give them hell!"
Article from: CNN Money
Full Transcript: The Federal Reserve
Love that battle cry :)
Ways to a better life by Dave Grohl
(An interpretation of his Keynote speech at SXSW 2013 in Austin,TX)
1. No one is you and that is your biggest power.
“It’s YOUR VOICE. Cherish it. Respect it. Nurture it. Challenge it. Stretch it and scream until it’s f**king gone because everyone is blessed with at least that, and who knows how long it will last . . .”
“Who’s to say what’s a good voice, and what’s not a good voice? The Voice? Imagine Bob Dylan sitting there singing ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ in front of Christina Aguilera.”
2. Don’t be afraid of not fitting in.
“I can truly say out loud that ‘Gangnam Style’ is one of my favorite f**king songs of the past decade. Is it any better or worse than the latest Atoms for Peace album? Hmmm… paging Pitchfork! Come in, come in, Pitchfork! We need you to help us determine the value of a song! Who f**king cares.” Don't be someone who designs their lives to impress others.
3. Give a damn about yourself.
It’s about taking care of yourself so you can be a better human being. A 2.0 version of you is way more equipped to help others in need. Take up yoga if you’re stressed. Ask for a big raise. Walk away from a relationship that is abusive or draining. Or just take a nap, for Christ’s sake.
4. Be humble.
No one wants to go to lunch with a supermodel who says things like, “My cheekbones, if you’ve noticed, have a similar incline to an escalator.” One thing I’ve noticed is that if you are good at something, people will acknowledge it. Appreciate the hell out of those people. Should you be blessed enough to have the fortitude to work so hard at something that people celebrate you, your first reaction should be gratitude. And know that there’s a ton of people out there from all races and socioeconomic backgrounds who can still teach you something. I don’t care if you’re Bill Clinton or Jay-Z – always be learning; always be improving.
5. Spark a revolution.
Always have the highest bar for yourself. Wake up everyday and no matter how crappy you feel, want to change something for the better. Do something that makes someone happy. Create something that inspires someone. Be someone’s light when they are hopeless.
1. No one is you and that is your biggest power.
“It’s YOUR VOICE. Cherish it. Respect it. Nurture it. Challenge it. Stretch it and scream until it’s f**king gone because everyone is blessed with at least that, and who knows how long it will last . . .”
“Who’s to say what’s a good voice, and what’s not a good voice? The Voice? Imagine Bob Dylan sitting there singing ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ in front of Christina Aguilera.”
2. Don’t be afraid of not fitting in.
“I can truly say out loud that ‘Gangnam Style’ is one of my favorite f**king songs of the past decade. Is it any better or worse than the latest Atoms for Peace album? Hmmm… paging Pitchfork! Come in, come in, Pitchfork! We need you to help us determine the value of a song! Who f**king cares.” Don't be someone who designs their lives to impress others.
3. Give a damn about yourself.
It’s about taking care of yourself so you can be a better human being. A 2.0 version of you is way more equipped to help others in need. Take up yoga if you’re stressed. Ask for a big raise. Walk away from a relationship that is abusive or draining. Or just take a nap, for Christ’s sake.
4. Be humble.
No one wants to go to lunch with a supermodel who says things like, “My cheekbones, if you’ve noticed, have a similar incline to an escalator.” One thing I’ve noticed is that if you are good at something, people will acknowledge it. Appreciate the hell out of those people. Should you be blessed enough to have the fortitude to work so hard at something that people celebrate you, your first reaction should be gratitude. And know that there’s a ton of people out there from all races and socioeconomic backgrounds who can still teach you something. I don’t care if you’re Bill Clinton or Jay-Z – always be learning; always be improving.
5. Spark a revolution.
Always have the highest bar for yourself. Wake up everyday and no matter how crappy you feel, want to change something for the better. Do something that makes someone happy. Create something that inspires someone. Be someone’s light when they are hopeless.
Thank you Professor Koh
So I went for my Prof's funeral and memorial service last Saturday. It was nice meeting many old classmates again, but little did we expect the gathering to be at our favourite professor's funeral. It's been a little over 2 weeks but most of us still found it hard to believe he was gone. Like truly gone. It wasn't until when we reached the church, saw his family and his urn of ashes, that we finally came to accept.
Professor Koh is no longer with us anymore :(
The service was heartbreaking especially when the church choir started singing while the Father performed the ritual. It moved on to a lighter note when his family and colleague gave their eulogies, sharing their side of Prof Koh that we as students never really saw.
He was, and still is a man that had various qualities that we could learn from. I was very moved by the fact that he touched many lives in the 50 years he spent on earth. Friends from all walks of life attended his memorial service, tracing back to people who knew him since his RI/Hwa Chong days. Students and friends turned up in racing gear, in ballroom dancing outfits, in their photographer gears. It was a celebration of his wonderful life and the number of friends he made in his lifetime.
It drives home the message that at the end of the day, it's not how much wealth you have or how popular you were, it's how many lives you touched in a positive way and how many remembers you fondly when you are no longer around.
"Never lose that sense of adventure in life" was his famous quote, which he first shared it as a part of speech to the graduating class of 2010.
Rest in Peace, Professor Koh. You are and will continue to be deeply missed. I'm sure your words and way of life will continue to inspire many.
Professor Koh is no longer with us anymore :(
The service was heartbreaking especially when the church choir started singing while the Father performed the ritual. It moved on to a lighter note when his family and colleague gave their eulogies, sharing their side of Prof Koh that we as students never really saw.
He was, and still is a man that had various qualities that we could learn from. I was very moved by the fact that he touched many lives in the 50 years he spent on earth. Friends from all walks of life attended his memorial service, tracing back to people who knew him since his RI/Hwa Chong days. Students and friends turned up in racing gear, in ballroom dancing outfits, in their photographer gears. It was a celebration of his wonderful life and the number of friends he made in his lifetime.
It drives home the message that at the end of the day, it's not how much wealth you have or how popular you were, it's how many lives you touched in a positive way and how many remembers you fondly when you are no longer around.
"Never lose that sense of adventure in life" was his famous quote, which he first shared it as a part of speech to the graduating class of 2010.
Rest in Peace, Professor Koh. You are and will continue to be deeply missed. I'm sure your words and way of life will continue to inspire many.
Source: Hong Huazheng
RIP, Professor Koh :(
Life is short and unpredictable. We all know it, read about it, talked about it. But how many of us actually really internalized it?
My afternoon took a turn for the worse when I receive news that my favourite professor and mentor from college has passed away. It was so sudden everyone who knew him was caught completely off guard. For the first few hours, we questioned the email we received via our Alma Mater's President. Is this a hoax? No this can't be real. We didn't read anything in the news. This can't be happening. Prof Koh couldn't have left us like that. You could say most of us were in complete denial.
Merely days ago, he was still updating his Facebook account of his latest marathon achievement and his diving lessons. And today, we received news that he has left us because of a diving mishap. That he was reported missing since Tuesday and his body was found yesterday.
Known as one of the most popular professors in school, Prof Koh was a shining example of living one's life to the fullest. He didn't just taught us Game Theory and Entrepreneurial Finance, he taught us the essence of life. We were always encouraged to venture beyond our textbooks and that the world was more than "sitting in the study cubicle and solving business cases". We were always taught to learn something new, pick up something we are completely unfamiliar, explore the world so we could tell him stories of our corporate adventures. He wasn't just a professor to us, he was a mentor, a friend, a father figure and a beacon of constant inspiration.
He was always the go-to person when I had doubts about life and career paths, and for the 4 years in school, he had always been my idol (pretty much like everyone else). We lived vicariously through the amazing photos of his adventures around the world, understood the mental strength he had for completing marathons after marathons, and learned that despite the hardships and harshness we faced at work - there was always someone out there who was more than happy to share some care and love.
I remembered penning him emails during my arduous months of hunting for my first job. Much as he was boggled down by probably a few hundreds of other students who were facing the same issue as me, long emails filled with care and advice were always sent back to me. Years later when I penned him yet another email to seek advice for a career switch, he highlighted that he still remembered the joy I had when I signed on my first job. "I still keep the emails you sent and I could still feel the joy when I read them again" was what he said. His emails are still kept safely in my inbox, where I refer back to them every now and then when I feel lost about where I wanted to move on in my career. He was a mentor who truly cared.
It's been hours since I got the news but I still find it unbelievable. We all still find it unbelievable. We wish the family courage and strength to bring them through this.
Facebook is still being flooded by words of all his friends, colleagues and ex-and current students. It serves as a stark reminder that at the end of the day, it's not about how much money you make in a lifetime, it's so many people you have impacted in your lifetime and how many remembers you as an inspiration when you are gone.
"Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity" - Henry Van Dyke. Thank you prof for sharing this quote, thank you for being my professor, thank you for teaching me valuable lessons both in and outside of class, thank you for showing us what it is like to be living life to the fullest, thank you for showing us that sincere love and concern is possible even in difficult times. I am most definitely grateful to have met you and had the honour of being your student and mentee for 4 years of my college years. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration, and that even in your passing, you remind us that life is short and we should never delay the pursue of our passions.
"Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity" - Henry Van Dyke. Thank you prof for sharing this quote, thank you for being my professor, thank you for teaching me valuable lessons both in and outside of class, thank you for showing us what it is like to be living life to the fullest, thank you for showing us that sincere love and concern is possible even in difficult times. I am most definitely grateful to have met you and had the honour of being your student and mentee for 4 years of my college years. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration, and that even in your passing, you remind us that life is short and we should never delay the pursue of our passions.
RIP, Professor Koh - you will be sorely missed :(((
Oh Audrey
"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.
For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." - Audrey HepburnI love Audrey Hepburn. So feminine but so strong.
In other news, life outside of the blogosphere is crazy - with increasing amount of workload in office (my portfolio is getting bigger!), meetup with friends, yoga classes, getting up to speed with my reading list and helping out my bestie's wedding where I'm bridesmaid, time keeper and emcee all rolled into one! Hectic much.
I'm lacking motivation to upload all the photos from birthday celebration and Christmas last year. GAH. Will find some time to do it and test out the new collage-making software I got :)
That aside, I hope everyone had an amazing weekend so far :)
There's more to life than being happy
Someone shared this article on Facebook and I found it an immensely refreshing viewpoint on the pursuit of happiness.
"But happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue. One must have a reason to 'be happy."
"Being human always points, and is directed, to something or someone, other than oneself -- be it a meaning to fulfill or another human being to encounter. The more one forgets himself -- by giving himself to a cause to serve or another person to love -- the more human he is."I'm going to have to find Victor Frankl's book. Hurhur.
Smile
I love going for Hot Yoga. Or rather, I feel connected with my instructor.
"Smile. Smile while you breathe, smile while you are in pose. Smile while doing everything, just like life". This statement of his used to get my on nerves all the time, especially when I'm struggling to move/stretch muscles that I never knew I own. 3 months on, I decided I had enough of getting frustrated with imperfect postures and that it doesn't matter if I lose my balance or make a fool of myself. So yesterday I made peace that I still need time to build my core strength. I smiled, breathed and went with the flow.
Guess what? I finally flowed seamlessly into the Warrior Three Pose. Thrice. No quivering, no fidgeting to fight for balance. Wait for me, Bakasana, I will get there. Hahaha. The rest of the class yesterday was spent smiling, taking long slow breaths and completely focused. I didn't even notice I was still wearing that smile when class ended until my instructor pointed it out.
"Smile, happy looks good on you." I'm getting you, coach. Totally getting you now :)
"Smile. Smile while you breathe, smile while you are in pose. Smile while doing everything, just like life". This statement of his used to get my on nerves all the time, especially when I'm struggling to move/stretch muscles that I never knew I own. 3 months on, I decided I had enough of getting frustrated with imperfect postures and that it doesn't matter if I lose my balance or make a fool of myself. So yesterday I made peace that I still need time to build my core strength. I smiled, breathed and went with the flow.
Guess what? I finally flowed seamlessly into the Warrior Three Pose. Thrice. No quivering, no fidgeting to fight for balance. Wait for me, Bakasana, I will get there. Hahaha. The rest of the class yesterday was spent smiling, taking long slow breaths and completely focused. I didn't even notice I was still wearing that smile when class ended until my instructor pointed it out.
"Smile, happy looks good on you." I'm getting you, coach. Totally getting you now :)
2012
I'm extremely stuffed from all that Christmas food at home - so that's day 4 of my state of food coma. Will be locking myself in the gym next week man. Hahaha. Don't get me wrong, I'm still grateful for the company of all these amazing people in this festive season :) Oh yes, the food and gifts too :) Hurhur.
Amid all the eating, drinking, partying and gift receiving/giving, it's also time of the year to give thanks for all the amazing things that have taken place in the last 11 months and to welcome yet another awesome year with a grateful heart :)
2012 was well.... eventful. An extremely unpleasant working experience and a sizeable amount of wallowing in self-pity took up the bulk of my 2012. I reported to an emotionally abusive boss, was completely demoralized about my future career path, got fired for no apparent reason, threw myself into 6 months of joblessness and ended my rocky love relationship. Looking back, it has been quite a ride.
It has however, also became a year of discoveries for me. That I could be a true blue Debbie Downer if something hit me hard enough. That I have the potential to turn bitter. That real naysayers do exist, and in definite abundance. That I really do love hotels. That when some things are not meant to last, they are not meant to last. That no one can take away your self-worth unless you allow them to.
Being Debbie Downer made me miss my jovial self very much and I'm more than happy to have her back now :) Most importantly, I never want to lose her again! Niahaha. I guess sometimes things need to happen for one to understand only you know what's best for you. So to all you peepz out there who can't stand me being the forever energizer bunny, too bad guys. I got her back and I ain't ditching her again. So deal with it. Hahahaha. I've learn that naysayers exist not to run you down, but to fortify what you want/don't want in life. So instead of resisting them, embrace them. There's no need to get defensive or break down under their words. Let them probe about your passions or capabilities - acknowledge them and then surpass them. Simple as that. Last but not least, sometimes when you feel that a certain relationship is not a good fit, you are probably right. Don't ignore what your heart or your inner voice tells you. Most of the time, they are eerily accurate.
This year has shown me one thing - that like what my friends have been telling me for years, I'm truly a very blessed child. Clearly, much have happened this year so that I have access to better things. I guess Ted Mosby (for you How I Met Your Mother fans) was right when he said "Things fall apart for better things to fall in. You just have to believe in it.". And things have turned out just like what the director in my previous company said, "Everything will get better. It always does." 10 months ago, I sat in his room, thinking that he was mad when he was speaking those exact words. But now, I see what he meant.
I've come a long way for 2012, or at least I'll like to think that way. Hurhur.
Sometimes instead of looking how far we are from our goals, we need to celebrate how far we've come as well :). I certainly am miles away from where I expect myself to be but I'm equally thankful what a long way I've come today.
Will need to start cleaning the bedroom and work on those plans for 2013!
Till then, make merry and enjoy the festive season with your very loved ones :)
Gifts for yourself this Christmas :)
It's 1 hour to Christmas and I'm home here typing a blog entry. Hahaha. I just finished 2 rounds of Christmas celebrations with (clearly) 2 separate groups of people. I'm supposed to head west for another celebration but too much food has rendered my system a little too uncomfortable :(
And that explains why I'm home early and having an old fart kinda Christmas celebration - curled up on the sofa with TV and laptop. Hurhur. Oh and a glass of warm water too. Hahaha.
While you gift yourself expensive bags and goods this festive season (because yes you deserve them! :) ), how about giving yourself some amazing and free gifts too? I came across the following list in the afternoon and it resonate with me so much, especially so for the highlighted points.
1. The freedom to be unapologetically YOU.
2. An uninhibited imagination.
3. An open mind.
4. The commitment to fail forward - Failing is as certain as sunsets and detours. So why exert energy avoiding the unavoidable? Embrace it. Shift your energy from protecting yourself from failure to squeezing the life out of life. Get real comfortable with that uneasy feeling of going against the grain and trying something new. Doing so will always take you to places you never thought you could go.
5. Using encouraging words - Words are powerful. They can create or they can destroy. The simple words you choose, especially when you speak to yourself or about yourself, can offer encouragement and positive thoughts going forward, or they can send you further into despair. So choose your words wisely.
6. A 'glass' filled with the right things - It's not just whether your glass is half-empty or half-full that matters. You also have to be mindful of what you're filling your glass with. Be sure to fill it with those things that satisfy you soul; good friends and family to love, passions to pursue, dreams to fulfil, and charity for others. Because the only situation more tragic than seeing your glass as half-empty, is filling your glass until it is overflowing, and then realizing that there's nothing in it to satisfy your thirst for a meaningful life.
7. Enjoying what you have. - The thing you need to do is enjoy the ride while you're on it. Think positive, be positive, and positive things will happen. Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not. Enjoy your blessings right now. Remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for. Celebrate this. Work on being appreciative and happy that when others look at you, they become a little happier too.
8. Lifelong learning.
9. Hope. - Remember, it's always darkest just before the dawn. Never underestimate the strength of your will to live after a loss, to love after heartache, or to rise after a fall. For although your troubles may be too dense and dark right now for you to see the light, that doesn't mean there isn't a strong spirit within them, or a beautiful sunrise just beyond the horizon.
10. Spirituality.
11. Stability and love at home.
12. A positive temper - Anger can be useful in calling your attention to issues that require your response; but anger itself is not an effective response. Take a slow, deep breath, and remind yourself of how much more effective you can be by maintaining a positive, results-oriented approach to the issue at hand. Don't let the silly, thoughtless, destructive actions of others trap you in an unproductive state of anger. Take note of your anger, let it go, redirect your focus on being your best self, and you'll sure emerge with a smile.
13. A sense of humour - He or she who laughs, lasts. A sense of humour is a major defense against minor troubles - something life is filled with. So laugh as often as you can with those around you, for your sake and theirs.
14. Doing the best you are capable of. - Don't complain about something you can actually do something about. Take action. Do the best that you're capable of. Any less is cheating yourself. Those who get the most from life are those who give the most. Find something you're passionate about, and keep tremendously interested in it and focused on it.
15. Being the change you want to see - Happiness, freedom, and peace of mind are always attained by giving them without expectation. The only way to raise yourself up is to raise others up - to raise your world up - to raise all of life just a little higher. Joy comes to you when you give it. Happiness becomes yours when you live it. Everything you need you are already capable of being. So smile from the heart and fulfill the destiny that is yours in this priceless moment.
Source: Marc and Angel
Which are the ones you would like to gift yourself this Christmas in order to welcome the brand new year to come? :)
Merry Christmas all! :) Hope all of you are spending this joyous season with your loved ones! Stayed blessed :)
And that explains why I'm home early and having an old fart kinda Christmas celebration - curled up on the sofa with TV and laptop. Hurhur. Oh and a glass of warm water too. Hahaha.
While you gift yourself expensive bags and goods this festive season (because yes you deserve them! :) ), how about giving yourself some amazing and free gifts too? I came across the following list in the afternoon and it resonate with me so much, especially so for the highlighted points.
1. The freedom to be unapologetically YOU.
2. An uninhibited imagination.
3. An open mind.
4. The commitment to fail forward - Failing is as certain as sunsets and detours. So why exert energy avoiding the unavoidable? Embrace it. Shift your energy from protecting yourself from failure to squeezing the life out of life. Get real comfortable with that uneasy feeling of going against the grain and trying something new. Doing so will always take you to places you never thought you could go.
5. Using encouraging words - Words are powerful. They can create or they can destroy. The simple words you choose, especially when you speak to yourself or about yourself, can offer encouragement and positive thoughts going forward, or they can send you further into despair. So choose your words wisely.
6. A 'glass' filled with the right things - It's not just whether your glass is half-empty or half-full that matters. You also have to be mindful of what you're filling your glass with. Be sure to fill it with those things that satisfy you soul; good friends and family to love, passions to pursue, dreams to fulfil, and charity for others. Because the only situation more tragic than seeing your glass as half-empty, is filling your glass until it is overflowing, and then realizing that there's nothing in it to satisfy your thirst for a meaningful life.
7. Enjoying what you have. - The thing you need to do is enjoy the ride while you're on it. Think positive, be positive, and positive things will happen. Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not. Enjoy your blessings right now. Remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for. Celebrate this. Work on being appreciative and happy that when others look at you, they become a little happier too.
8. Lifelong learning.
9. Hope. - Remember, it's always darkest just before the dawn. Never underestimate the strength of your will to live after a loss, to love after heartache, or to rise after a fall. For although your troubles may be too dense and dark right now for you to see the light, that doesn't mean there isn't a strong spirit within them, or a beautiful sunrise just beyond the horizon.
10. Spirituality.
11. Stability and love at home.
12. A positive temper - Anger can be useful in calling your attention to issues that require your response; but anger itself is not an effective response. Take a slow, deep breath, and remind yourself of how much more effective you can be by maintaining a positive, results-oriented approach to the issue at hand. Don't let the silly, thoughtless, destructive actions of others trap you in an unproductive state of anger. Take note of your anger, let it go, redirect your focus on being your best self, and you'll sure emerge with a smile.
13. A sense of humour - He or she who laughs, lasts. A sense of humour is a major defense against minor troubles - something life is filled with. So laugh as often as you can with those around you, for your sake and theirs.
14. Doing the best you are capable of. - Don't complain about something you can actually do something about. Take action. Do the best that you're capable of. Any less is cheating yourself. Those who get the most from life are those who give the most. Find something you're passionate about, and keep tremendously interested in it and focused on it.
15. Being the change you want to see - Happiness, freedom, and peace of mind are always attained by giving them without expectation. The only way to raise yourself up is to raise others up - to raise your world up - to raise all of life just a little higher. Joy comes to you when you give it. Happiness becomes yours when you live it. Everything you need you are already capable of being. So smile from the heart and fulfill the destiny that is yours in this priceless moment.
Source: Marc and Angel
Which are the ones you would like to gift yourself this Christmas in order to welcome the brand new year to come? :)
Merry Christmas all! :) Hope all of you are spending this joyous season with your loved ones! Stayed blessed :)
Words of wisdom
Nothing beats starting a brand new week with an awesome article from Marc and Angel - 25 Things I would tell my 20 year old self.
I always love reading/hearing about what older people would tell their younger selves/children/grandchildren. I don't know about you, but I've always found more comfort and joy in the company of older people. They always have nuggets of wisdom about love, life, career, and people in general.
These are the points that I can resonate with the most:
1. Life is significantly easier when you are honest with yourself and others.
2. Stand up for yourself.
3. Drama is never worth putting up with.
4. If you can make a decent living doing what you love, DO WHAT YOU LOVE.
5. Don't merely exist..LIVE.
6. Invest time and energy in yourself everyday, you can never lose.
Read the entire list here.
I always love reading/hearing about what older people would tell their younger selves/children/grandchildren. I don't know about you, but I've always found more comfort and joy in the company of older people. They always have nuggets of wisdom about love, life, career, and people in general.
These are the points that I can resonate with the most:
1. Life is significantly easier when you are honest with yourself and others.
2. Stand up for yourself.
3. Drama is never worth putting up with.
4. If you can make a decent living doing what you love, DO WHAT YOU LOVE.
5. Don't merely exist..LIVE.
6. Invest time and energy in yourself everyday, you can never lose.
Read the entire list here.
Lao Tzu says
"Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you."Wise words. I can't wait to finish the 6-book series worth of Lao-Tzu's teachings. Got them in Tianjin, at a disgusting sale price of RMB30 or SGD6.
:O
Word
"Don't ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can't be exactly who are you are" - Lady Gaga.
I'm pretty sure she walks the talk. Haha.
Marc and Angel
I've always been a fan of motivational stuff. Movies, short films, books, quotes, websites, you name it and I've probably read/watched it.
About 1 year ago, I discovered this website: Marc and Angel Hack Life - Practical Tips for Productive Living.
I LOVE THIS COUPLE. I love how their posts are always short and to the point :) I make a point to visit the site daily (they update pretty often), sometimes I re-read certain posts that I can identify with.
Like the old saying goes:
"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing. That's why we recommend it daily." - Zig Ziglar:))
Do it anyway
"People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God.
It was never between you and them anyway."
- Mother Teresa
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