Turning Point

Quote from one of my favourite TV dramas 光陰的故事: "錯過是為了遇到更對的".

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2010 - A New Beginning

Wow! I haven't blogged for a long, long, long time. This is probably the longest time that I have been away from my blog since I first blogged ;-)

So, what are the updates?

To begin with, (1) I've maintained my weight, instead of ballooned further;
(2) My hair is longer, and I am growing out my fringe;
(3) I haven't added anything new to my wardrobe and shoes compartments for so long that I have almost forgotten the joy of clothes- and shoes-shopping;
(4) I used to keep thinking that I was old until I saw an adidas poster of Sophie at 45 years old. Geez, high time for me to re-claim the old me.

I mustn't regress!

"I am Too positive to be doubtful; Too optimistic to be fearful, and Too determined to be defeated."

(5) I have learnt to accept that imperfectionism is another type of beauty. Not everyone knows how to appreciate this beauty.
(6) I have learnt that "Embrace those who love you & whom you love, and rid yourself of those who will only bring you down.
(7) I have learnt that "Never tell your propblems to anyone ... 20% don't care and the other 80% are glad you have them."

"God grant me the Serenity to accept the things that I cannot change, Courage to change the things that I can, and Wisdom to know the difference."

Most important of all, I have learnt that nothing is more important than your family and your health.

Last, but not least, I used to condition my mind to think that, "Once you have missed the boat, you missed the boat." (8) Well, I have taken the time to think, reflect and re-discover recently that: One boat goes, another will come. Important is, you must reflect on (a) how to capitalize on your Strengths, (b) how to work on your Weaknesses, (c) how to tap on those Opportunities, and (d) how to turn your Threats around.

Isn't it true?

Thinking of 2010 Makes Me Happy

Another 30 days before 2010!

Too ...

Too many dreams,

Too little time.

Believe In Your Strength

First of all, I am feeling much better today. Sorry for the pessimism tone in my postings last week. They were unavoidable, because deep down I had too much that I wanted to say.

If I were to say it, would everyone want to listen without judging that I may be creating a Mount Everest out of a molehill.

Anyway, revert to the first sentence, every now and then, we need to "empty all stale water in the glass". Last week was probably one of those moments for me. I need to reflect, think and re-think, and focus on paths I need to take in the next chapter of my life. Also, most important of all, to correct my mistakes (there are many), and to build on my strength (if any, hahaha).

I am also glad that I am no more frustuated with little things in life. Either I am getting fatter and able to absord and digest negativism faster. Or simply, I am able to process information quicker, and chuck all not-required information faster.

Like truth, belief, values, and appreciation, all these so-called things in general, are essential in our life as a holistic person. However, it's not easy to describe them. Most are in abstract forms. But I can't deny they are there, just like how we can't explain why a person get more empowered after stumbling upon a phrase or advert slogan that changes his perspectives after that.

In this world, there are many who may want to put you down. If you believe you are stronger than them, you won't be defeated easily.

Feeling Rejuvenate Again!

Before last Saturday, I should say I haven't really had a good rest for nearly two years. I ran around like a headless chicken for most times in the past two years. So, I took a day off work last Saturday and because it's a long weekend this week, all in all I have 4 days to rest. And, I must say I am like a new person again, almost!

Used to be, especially, last December I was so tired that it has seriously affected my judgement, and I "almost" lost focus and direction along the way. My health has deteriorated too. Throwing tantrums, self-doubt and phoebia of mobile phone calls + phone texts + e-mails were all signs that I was overly stressed and my energy was over-stretched too. I chose to ignore those signs in the past.

Thanks God, it might be a blessing in disguise, a headache came in time last Monday to signal me that I was well but I was tired. Although I am working from home these four days, the more relaxing working schedule soothes my tension. 

I have learnt an important lesson from this experience: When you are tired, have a small break. Walk away for a while, you will come back clearer and happier. 

Everything Counts

I used to belittle the power of gestures and words. Drop a call to say hi, compliment on a friend's new hairstyle, write an e-mail to find out whether a friend needs help with her wedding planning, etc. Not until recently, I found out if you do it more than once and do it well, you will get good remarks. If you do it repeatedly well, they will soon become your "branding". 

I used to think we read each other's mind, so I tried not to explain or avoided courtesy calls. I saw these acts as wishy-washy, which I found out few weeks ago that they are the source of my unhappiness/problems which I didn't create them myself directly. But, indirectly. 

It's impossible to explain everything in one posting. The story I want to share is too long. In the nutshell, don't bottle your feelings & thoughts because people won't know when you don't tell. Also, don't stuff your notes in bottles and expecting them to be picked up one day by someone who understood. Well, the bottles may not or will not reach them. It's more productive and fetch more certainty if you just tell. Don't set up a small committee inside your own head and thinking that people will understand you because you've thought through the entire process carefully. Well, people can't read your mind, but they can read/hear your words and they can see your actions. 

Pancakeism's Food for Thought:

Think before you speak

Speak with purpose/s

Purpose/s must be clear

Clear thoughts stand a higher chance to succeed. 

Confessions Of A Functional Shopaholic

It's strange that friends always seem to think I am a strict shopaholic (definition of strict shopaholic: jump on every opportunity to shop, antonym: functional shopaholic). I haven't really had time to de-clutter my room lately, so I did a bit of spring cleaning this morning and found that actually I am NOT that much of a shopaholic after-all. 

Technically speaking, I am more of a window shopper. I love to see new things, it's very educational especially when it comes to electrical goods and skin care products. 

Practically speaking, I am a smart shopper. I read widely to find out on when and where to buy at my ideal price range. 

Yes, there is one form of shopping that I found most attractive and de-stressing. Groceries shopping! I found it most relaxing to pace up and down the supermarket aisles with my accessory - the shopping trolley :-)