Office party was held this morning but I was not in a mood for it. Last week on the Christmas’ Eve, I wasn’t in a mood to celebrate and today on New Year’s Eve, the feeling is the same.
This is the 2nd year that I feel this way. In the past, I would make it a point to participate and encourage my colleagues to join in, but somehow I don’t feel this way anymore. Gone were the days that I am enthusiastic and excited about every happening in my work place.
Why the change? I don’t really know. Perhaps I am now at a different stage in my life, perhaps I am disappointed by the changes in the recent years, perhaps the people whom I am closed to are no longer around, perhaps my passion has shifted somewhere else or perhaps I have learnt to let go …
2-3 years ago, I was faced with a tough decision. I was offered a good opportunity elsewhere and I was considering leaving my job, but I found it extremely difficult to let go. I was then very attached to my job, my colleagues, my company and many other things - I felt guilty about leaving my team behind, I felt bad about “betraying” my bosses who had taken good care of me and helped me to grow professionally all these years, I couldn’t bear to leave my colleagues and the many footprints I left in the company, etc. So in the end, I stayed.
Today, to a great extent, I have succeeded in detaching myself from the job and the company. I have learnt to let go of the many things that I used to hold tied to. I no longer put my job in the center of my life at the expense of everything else. I no longer feel uptight when things are not smooth sailing, I no longer feel hurt when someone pass negative remarks, I no longer see the need to prove myself or climb the corporate ladder.
It has been a long process, but slowly and gradually, I let go. The toughest part is letting go of the emotional ties that I have built over the years, especially with the people that I have strong bond with. As the day goes by, the ties get weaker and I get stronger in handling this “separation”.
Looking back, the biggest difference now is, I have managed to detach myself from my job. As a result, I am a “free” person - in many ways. I am happier, more at peace with myself, more certain of what lies ahead of me and more ready to move on…
I am not attached to my past.
It lies behind me, a distant shore.
I am not attached to the world.
I glide over its surface.
I release all holds to hold onto me.
Having myself, I am safe, I am free.
... by David Viscott from the book “Finding Your Strengths in Life”
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Gloria Jean's Coffee Mug
This is the Christmas present that I picked for myself. I went Christmas shopping last weekend and saw this at the Gloria Jean’s coffee outlet, so I told my friend who was with me that I actually did not mind having this as Christmas present – that’s how I got this thermos coffee mug.
Needless to say, this is the best Christmas present I received this year, amongst those chocolates, books, toiletries, decorative items, calendar, CD/VCD, etc.
Why do I want this coffee mug as Christmas present? I was inspired by LP, one of my colleagues. Very often, I would bump into her, holding a mug filled with coffee bought from the office cafeteria.
Initially, I did not know what she was up to, so I asked her. “Hey, why are you with this cup every morning?”
“Buy coffee. I don’t want to waste the paper cups, so I bring my own mug.” She replied.
“Oh, I see.” I then recall that LP is an environment friendly person, and I salute her for thoughtfulness. She made me feel guilty, as I throw away at least 1-2 paper cups everyday. Therefore when I saw this coffee mug, immediately I recalled my conversation with LP and my commitment to do likewise. And so … I got my mug, a Gloria Jean’s thermos coffee mug.
I talked about The Starfish Story yesterday, and LP reminded me that if everyone of us put in that little extra effort in taking good care of the environment that we live in, collectively we can make a difference to this planet.
Be a starfish thrower. When we become throwers of the starfish, we have the power to change the world.
Needless to say, this is the best Christmas present I received this year, amongst those chocolates, books, toiletries, decorative items, calendar, CD/VCD, etc.
Why do I want this coffee mug as Christmas present? I was inspired by LP, one of my colleagues. Very often, I would bump into her, holding a mug filled with coffee bought from the office cafeteria.
Initially, I did not know what she was up to, so I asked her. “Hey, why are you with this cup every morning?”
“Buy coffee. I don’t want to waste the paper cups, so I bring my own mug.” She replied.
“Oh, I see.” I then recall that LP is an environment friendly person, and I salute her for thoughtfulness. She made me feel guilty, as I throw away at least 1-2 paper cups everyday. Therefore when I saw this coffee mug, immediately I recalled my conversation with LP and my commitment to do likewise. And so … I got my mug, a Gloria Jean’s thermos coffee mug.
I talked about The Starfish Story yesterday, and LP reminded me that if everyone of us put in that little extra effort in taking good care of the environment that we live in, collectively we can make a difference to this planet.
Be a starfish thrower. When we become throwers of the starfish, we have the power to change the world.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Starfish Story
The Starfish Story
(adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley)
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…”I made a difference for that one.”
I decided to carry on with the charity work that I have been involved in since 2003 – picking up bread from the designated confectionary outlets and send them to the old folks home. I made this decision after visiting the website of the charity organization a few days ago. At that time, I did not know why I made that decision, I just knew that I have to continue. Two days ago, I found the answer. It was the Starfish story.
For many years, together with a friend, we help to deliver bread to the old folks home. This is a routine on Friday evenings. Other than when we were overseas, we had never failed in fulfilling this commitment. I am indeed proud that I am able to stick to this routine, week in and week out. But, things change in the recent months. Somehow, I no longer find meaning in this routine anymore and the thought of quitting crossed my mind.
Since 2003 when I first started my voluntary work, I have never visited the website of this charity organization. A few evenings ago, while surfing the net, I just decided to take a look, and that few minutes of browsing prompted me to reconsider my decision to quit.
I first came across the starfish story 16 years ago. Since then it has guided me, in many things that I do and in many decisions that I make. The story is a constant reminder to me that we have the power within us to make a difference in this world, no matter how small or how insignificant it may seem to be. Just like in my job, because of the belief that I can make a difference in my organization, I had been able to keep my passion flying high, sustain my enthusiasm, go against all odds at times and deliver many difficult projects … unfortunately I have lost this belief in the recent 1-2 years.
Visiting the website of the charity organization gave me a different perspective of my involvement. I saw the big picture, the vision of the organization, what other volunteers are doing and how I fit in – I found the meaning of my “bread delivery routine”. I am the starfish thrower in the story, and there are many starfish throwers helping in this charity organization. Every starfish that we save make a difference, and all these small efforts eventually add up to make a big difference in this world.
Therefore I have decided not to quit but to continue … when we become throwers of the starfish, we have the power to change the world.
I decided to carry on with the charity work that I have been involved in since 2003 – picking up bread from the designated confectionary outlets and send them to the old folks home. I made this decision after visiting the website of the charity organization a few days ago. At that time, I did not know why I made that decision, I just knew that I have to continue. Two days ago, I found the answer. It was the Starfish story.
For many years, together with a friend, we help to deliver bread to the old folks home. This is a routine on Friday evenings. Other than when we were overseas, we had never failed in fulfilling this commitment. I am indeed proud that I am able to stick to this routine, week in and week out. But, things change in the recent months. Somehow, I no longer find meaning in this routine anymore and the thought of quitting crossed my mind.
Since 2003 when I first started my voluntary work, I have never visited the website of this charity organization. A few evenings ago, while surfing the net, I just decided to take a look, and that few minutes of browsing prompted me to reconsider my decision to quit.
I first came across the starfish story 16 years ago. Since then it has guided me, in many things that I do and in many decisions that I make. The story is a constant reminder to me that we have the power within us to make a difference in this world, no matter how small or how insignificant it may seem to be. Just like in my job, because of the belief that I can make a difference in my organization, I had been able to keep my passion flying high, sustain my enthusiasm, go against all odds at times and deliver many difficult projects … unfortunately I have lost this belief in the recent 1-2 years.
Visiting the website of the charity organization gave me a different perspective of my involvement. I saw the big picture, the vision of the organization, what other volunteers are doing and how I fit in – I found the meaning of my “bread delivery routine”. I am the starfish thrower in the story, and there are many starfish throwers helping in this charity organization. Every starfish that we save make a difference, and all these small efforts eventually add up to make a big difference in this world.
Therefore I have decided not to quit but to continue … when we become throwers of the starfish, we have the power to change the world.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
The Joy of Giving
“For it is in giving that we receive.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi
A SMS came in when I was driving. “Thank you for your support, guidance and understanding. Every year you gave me a book. I have been just receiving and not giving …”
This came from one of my staff, which was totally unexpected. When I stepped into the office, I found a few Christmas presents on my desk. At the bottom was a Chinese book, not wrapped but with a gift tag inside. I was a bit surprised but did not think much about it until the SMS came in. Yes, this must have been the 7th year that I give her a Christmas present, and this is the 1st time that she gives me a Christmas present.
Frankly speaking, every year when I gave my staff Christmas presents, I did not expect anything from them. To me, giving presents is just my way of showing appreciation to them, so it doesn’t really bother me when I do not receive anything in return. Therefore I was surprised when I receive the SMS from my staff.
I can’t remember when I started this tradition, but I know I have been faithfully doing this for many years. I remember there was one year that I decided to break this tradition as i was busy and could not find the time to shop, but the “guilt” soon overcame me as Christmas got closer. In the end, I rushed down to the shopping mall from work on the very last day and bought all the presents.
To be able to give is a joy. I feel good about giving. I am glad that I am able and in a position to give. I am happy that I can bring a little joy and smile to those whom I give. I will continue to give as long as I can …
A SMS came in when I was driving. “Thank you for your support, guidance and understanding. Every year you gave me a book. I have been just receiving and not giving …”
This came from one of my staff, which was totally unexpected. When I stepped into the office, I found a few Christmas presents on my desk. At the bottom was a Chinese book, not wrapped but with a gift tag inside. I was a bit surprised but did not think much about it until the SMS came in. Yes, this must have been the 7th year that I give her a Christmas present, and this is the 1st time that she gives me a Christmas present.
Frankly speaking, every year when I gave my staff Christmas presents, I did not expect anything from them. To me, giving presents is just my way of showing appreciation to them, so it doesn’t really bother me when I do not receive anything in return. Therefore I was surprised when I receive the SMS from my staff.
I can’t remember when I started this tradition, but I know I have been faithfully doing this for many years. I remember there was one year that I decided to break this tradition as i was busy and could not find the time to shop, but the “guilt” soon overcame me as Christmas got closer. In the end, I rushed down to the shopping mall from work on the very last day and bought all the presents.
To be able to give is a joy. I feel good about giving. I am glad that I am able and in a position to give. I am happy that I can bring a little joy and smile to those whom I give. I will continue to give as long as I can …
"Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.”
~ Elizabeth Asquith Bibesco
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Celebrations
“Hey, Elsie, we have 2 birthday girls this week. Should we celebrate for them today?” My colleague asked me when I gave her the Christmas present this morning.
“Oh yes, I also forgot. How about we go out to get a cake, also get some tidbits and drinks, celebrating Christmas at the same time?” I replied.
Last evening when I was wrapping the presents, I realized I have not made plan for an office year-end celebrations, unlike the previous years when I would normally initiate either a lunch out or office party. This morning while driving to work, I was in half-a-mind to stop by the supermarket, but in the end, I decided against it. If not because of my colleague’s reminder, I would have just let this Christmas’ eve passed like any other normal working day.
This time last year, I thought it would be the last time I buy presents for my office colleagues as I had planned to leave my corporate life behind and embark on a different path, but in the end I am still around today. This year, while I still made it a point to buy presents for my colleagues, especially my staff, to thank them for their contribution and support, somehow I am not in the mood for any office celebrations. Perhaps this is an indication that I have finally succeeded in detaching myself from this workplace, my job and this organization.
In a few days’ time, 31st Dec will arrive. I am sure I will get into the mood of reflection, looking back in 2007 and looking forward to 2008.
“Oh yes, I also forgot. How about we go out to get a cake, also get some tidbits and drinks, celebrating Christmas at the same time?” I replied.
Last evening when I was wrapping the presents, I realized I have not made plan for an office year-end celebrations, unlike the previous years when I would normally initiate either a lunch out or office party. This morning while driving to work, I was in half-a-mind to stop by the supermarket, but in the end, I decided against it. If not because of my colleague’s reminder, I would have just let this Christmas’ eve passed like any other normal working day.
This time last year, I thought it would be the last time I buy presents for my office colleagues as I had planned to leave my corporate life behind and embark on a different path, but in the end I am still around today. This year, while I still made it a point to buy presents for my colleagues, especially my staff, to thank them for their contribution and support, somehow I am not in the mood for any office celebrations. Perhaps this is an indication that I have finally succeeded in detaching myself from this workplace, my job and this organization.
In a few days’ time, 31st Dec will arrive. I am sure I will get into the mood of reflection, looking back in 2007 and looking forward to 2008.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
All the Way from Tasmania, Australia
“Honey from the Lavender Farm, Chocolates from the Cadbury Factory, all the way from Tasmania. Well, the nougats are from the Airport."
I walked into the office today, and saw this note on my desk. Huh, I must have missed it yesterday. I came back to my desk after meeting yesterday, and I saw a bottle of honey, chocolates and nougats, and I wondered who placed them here. Anyway, I was hungry (or greedy) and ate 2 of the nougats.
Today, the mystery is solved. The things were from one of my colleagues who had just come back from a holiday in Australia.
From time to time, I would find food, tidbits, souvenirs or gifts on my desk. I knew they were from colleagues around me, but sometimes I really had no clues who gave it to me as the person did not leave behind his/her name, and when I asked around, nobody knew.
Without fail, these little things that I receive always bring me smile, warm my heart and sweeten my day. I am grateful that there are colleagues and friends who will remember me even when they are far away.
These little things mean a lot to me, and I am sure they mean a lot to many of you too. Therefore, it is important that we make that extra bit of effort to focus on them, so as to bring joy and happiness to people around us.
It is my commitment that in the year to come, I would pay more attention in this area, and the immediate thing that I need to do is to get all my Christmas presents ready for next week.
I walked into the office today, and saw this note on my desk. Huh, I must have missed it yesterday. I came back to my desk after meeting yesterday, and I saw a bottle of honey, chocolates and nougats, and I wondered who placed them here. Anyway, I was hungry (or greedy) and ate 2 of the nougats.
Today, the mystery is solved. The things were from one of my colleagues who had just come back from a holiday in Australia.
From time to time, I would find food, tidbits, souvenirs or gifts on my desk. I knew they were from colleagues around me, but sometimes I really had no clues who gave it to me as the person did not leave behind his/her name, and when I asked around, nobody knew.
Without fail, these little things that I receive always bring me smile, warm my heart and sweeten my day. I am grateful that there are colleagues and friends who will remember me even when they are far away.
These little things mean a lot to me, and I am sure they mean a lot to many of you too. Therefore, it is important that we make that extra bit of effort to focus on them, so as to bring joy and happiness to people around us.
It is my commitment that in the year to come, I would pay more attention in this area, and the immediate thing that I need to do is to get all my Christmas presents ready for next week.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
A Book for Christmas
If you are thinking of buying books as Christmas presents, here’s my pick. I had bought these books for Christmas presents in the past, and would definitely buy them again this year!
I read these books at different times over the years. Some I have read once, some I have read multiple times, and for some, I read once and whenever I need some motivation or inspiration, I would read them again.
1) The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams & Reaching Your Destiny
by Robin Sharma
2) How to Win Friends & Influence People
by Dale Carnegie
3) Dare to Dream . . . Then Do It: What Successful People Know and Do
by John Maxwell
4) The Journey from Success to Significance (Maxwell, John C.)
by John Maxwell
5) The Success Principles(TM): How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
by Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer
6) The Alchemist - Gift Edition
by Paulo Coelho
7) The Secret
by Rhonda Byrne
8) Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth
by T. Harv Eker
9) The Secrets to a Soulful Life: How to Create Peace And Happiness in Your Life Every Day
by Patricia Wayant
10) Is It Time to Make a Change?: Positive Thoughts for When Life Presents You with a New Direction (Self-Help & Recovery)
by Deanna Beisser
11) Think Positive Thoughts Every Day: Poems to Inspire a Brighter Outlook on Life (Selp-Help)
by Patricia Wayant
12) Our Iceberg Is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions
by John Kotter, Holger Rathgeber, Peter Mueller, and Spenser Johnson
I read these books at different times over the years. Some I have read once, some I have read multiple times, and for some, I read once and whenever I need some motivation or inspiration, I would read them again.
1) The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams & Reaching Your Destiny
by Robin Sharma2) How to Win Friends & Influence People
by Dale Carnegie3) Dare to Dream . . . Then Do It: What Successful People Know and Do
by John Maxwell4) The Journey from Success to Significance (Maxwell, John C.)
by John Maxwell5) The Success Principles(TM): How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
by Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer6) The Alchemist - Gift Edition
by Paulo Coelho7) The Secret
by Rhonda Byrne8) Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth
by T. Harv Eker9) The Secrets to a Soulful Life: How to Create Peace And Happiness in Your Life Every Day
by Patricia Wayant10) Is It Time to Make a Change?: Positive Thoughts for When Life Presents You with a New Direction (Self-Help & Recovery)
by Deanna Beisser11) Think Positive Thoughts Every Day: Poems to Inspire a Brighter Outlook on Life (Selp-Help)
by Patricia Wayant12) Our Iceberg Is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions
by John Kotter, Holger Rathgeber, Peter Mueller, and Spenser Johnson
Friday, December 14, 2007
It is your choice
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."
I bumped into Nigel during lunch time. He is one of the trainers for the course that I attended end of last year. He was casually dressed and he told me he was there as his sister stays nearby. We chatted for a short while, and he asked if I were going back to the office.
I replied, “Yes, I have to as I am still an employee.” He looked at me, “It’s your choice.” I did not protest, smiled but still tried to justify. “Well, I will definitely get out next year.” And we parted.
Last year, when I attended the course, I told everybody in the class that my next step is to quit my job and be a freelance professional trainer, and I gave myself a timeframe of one year. Now that one year is up, I am still with my job, so everytime when I met my trainers or classmates, they would remind me of my plan. Whenever I bumped into friends or ex-colleagues who had left their jobs and became trainers, I would envy them and admire their guts in making the change.
Choice, it is my choice. I am fully aware of this. For me to fulfill my dream to be a professional trainer, I will have to take charge, make a choice that will bring me there. If I choose to stay put and do nothing, I should not expect a different outcome.
So it is my commitment that I will choose differently, little by little everyday, so that I could progress along my chosen path and have a new experience.
Choose differently today.
I bumped into Nigel during lunch time. He is one of the trainers for the course that I attended end of last year. He was casually dressed and he told me he was there as his sister stays nearby. We chatted for a short while, and he asked if I were going back to the office.
I replied, “Yes, I have to as I am still an employee.” He looked at me, “It’s your choice.” I did not protest, smiled but still tried to justify. “Well, I will definitely get out next year.” And we parted.
Last year, when I attended the course, I told everybody in the class that my next step is to quit my job and be a freelance professional trainer, and I gave myself a timeframe of one year. Now that one year is up, I am still with my job, so everytime when I met my trainers or classmates, they would remind me of my plan. Whenever I bumped into friends or ex-colleagues who had left their jobs and became trainers, I would envy them and admire their guts in making the change.
Choice, it is my choice. I am fully aware of this. For me to fulfill my dream to be a professional trainer, I will have to take charge, make a choice that will bring me there. If I choose to stay put and do nothing, I should not expect a different outcome.
So it is my commitment that I will choose differently, little by little everyday, so that I could progress along my chosen path and have a new experience.
Choose differently today.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Wonderful memories from my Japan trip
“Hey, how was your holiday?” A colleague asked me about my trip this morning.
“Ok, so-so, not that fantastic.” After I replied, I then realised that I have been giving the same reply to this question posed to me in the last few days.
“Is this a fair assessment of the trip?” I asked. Definitely not. The truth is, while I did not quite like some parts of my trip, I had also enjoyed some parts of the trip and there were many “little things” that warmth my heart. Here’s a few that I would like to keep in my memory:
1) Watching sunrise from my hotel room (“A beautiful morning”)
2) The nice people that I came across – the tour guide, tour leader, the new friends I made, the sales people in the department store, the waiters and waitresses in the restaurants, the strangers on the road, etc. Despite the language barriers, all the people in Japan are patient, helpful, friendly and courteous. Ha, I had also learnt to bow a lot in the 6 days there :-)
3) 2 year ago, I ate my first Japanese ramen in Hokkaido, and since then ramen has become one of my favorite food. Unfortunately I have not been able to find ramen of similar quality in Singapore. So since day 1, I had been asking where could I find a ramen restaurant, and finally on the last day I found it.
4) Really love the supermarkets in Japan, especially the snacks section where we could sample different types of local snacks. Do you believe it, all in all I brought home half-a-luggage full of Japanese snacks!
5) A teenage boy in our tour group who is autistic. He and his family gave me the opportunity to understand autism better. In addition, he made me realized the importance of being truthful to oneself and others.
6) Two tour mates offered me their member cards at the Hard Rock café and the airport duty free shop respectively, so that I could enjoy the member privilege discounts. In fact, one of them saw me in the shop from a distant away and walked all the way to ask if I were buying something from the shop, and if yes, she could help me to pay first.
7) There was a family of 5 with 3 young children. The little boy, aged 7, liked to run loose when his parents took care of their other 2 kids. Without fail, there would always be someone in the group who looked out for him and made sure that he did not get lost or run into trouble. The true spirit of teamwork!
8) Last but not least, just doing nothing but strolling down the small lanes in Japan leisurely, seeing, feeling and experiencing the local culture. No rush and no stress!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
A Beautiful Morning
I took this sunrise photo in Japan last week. The hotel that we stayed in was located on a mountain. From our room, we could have a marvelous view of the city, the shoreline and the mountain.
I woke up early in the morning, wanted to catch the sunrise but was disappointed. The sky was cloudy and the sun was hiding behind the thick cloud.
Just when I was about to leave the room to proceed to take my breakfast, a tiny ray of sunlight caught my attention. I retracted and went out to the big field outside my room, with my camera of course. For the next 15 minutes, I took close to 50 photos of the sunrise. I felt a great sense of achievement and satisfaction, as that was the first time that I managed to take photos of sunrise!
I felt really good. I enjoyed the fresh air, the nice scenery and the beautiful sunrise of an early morning. I was alert, relaxed and energized, as a result of this early awakening.
I woke up early in the morning, wanted to catch the sunrise but was disappointed. The sky was cloudy and the sun was hiding behind the thick cloud.
Just when I was about to leave the room to proceed to take my breakfast, a tiny ray of sunlight caught my attention. I retracted and went out to the big field outside my room, with my camera of course. For the next 15 minutes, I took close to 50 photos of the sunrise. I felt a great sense of achievement and satisfaction, as that was the first time that I managed to take photos of sunrise!
I felt really good. I enjoyed the fresh air, the nice scenery and the beautiful sunrise of an early morning. I was alert, relaxed and energized, as a result of this early awakening.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Nice gesture from a gentleman
I did not expect the place to be so packed and the car park was full. After circling around for 2 times, I decided to stay put at one spot and wait for an empty lot.
I was lucky, when I drove into one of the lanes, there wasn’t any cars waiting, which means I had the top priority as soon as any car moves out of the parking lot. After 5 minutes, there was still no sign of any cars leaving. However, a white Honda CR-V had joined me in the queue waiting. A few more minutes had passed and there was still no movement. I was getting impatient.
I looked into my rear view window, and was surprised to find that the Honda CR-V was reversing into an empty lot.
“How could we have missed it?” Both my friend and I could not believe that we actually did not see a car leaving the parking lot.
“Well, since we did not see it, we just have to wait for the next empty lot. We can’t possibly ask the driver to let us have the lot, right?” We blamed ourselves for not paying attention, and continued with our conversation.
“Knock Knock.” Suddenly a man appeared next to our car and knocked at the window. I couldn’t figure out what he was saying, so I wind down the window.
“Excuse me, are you waiting for a parking lot?” The man pointed to the Honda CR-V, and asked politely with a smile. It was then that I realized he was the driver of the Honda. “Yes”, I replied.
“Oh okie, I will drive my car out and let you have the lot.” I could not believe what I heard, so I asked, “Are you sure you don’t want the lot?”
“Sure. The parking lot was yours to begin with. In fact, I sounded my car horn at you to tell you there is an empty lot, but you probably did not hear it. I’ll go and move my car out now.”
“You sure you don’t want the lot?” At that point, I was just too stunned and all that I could respond was to seek confirmation that he did not want the parking lot.
“Sure.” I thanked him, and he went back to his car and vacated the parking lot for me.
“It is unbelievable that there are actually such nice people in this world.” My friend and I echoed each other’s feeling.
I felt really good and had a nice evening. Thank you, Mr Gentleman, your nice gesture made my day!
I was lucky, when I drove into one of the lanes, there wasn’t any cars waiting, which means I had the top priority as soon as any car moves out of the parking lot. After 5 minutes, there was still no sign of any cars leaving. However, a white Honda CR-V had joined me in the queue waiting. A few more minutes had passed and there was still no movement. I was getting impatient.
I looked into my rear view window, and was surprised to find that the Honda CR-V was reversing into an empty lot.
“How could we have missed it?” Both my friend and I could not believe that we actually did not see a car leaving the parking lot.
“Well, since we did not see it, we just have to wait for the next empty lot. We can’t possibly ask the driver to let us have the lot, right?” We blamed ourselves for not paying attention, and continued with our conversation.
“Knock Knock.” Suddenly a man appeared next to our car and knocked at the window. I couldn’t figure out what he was saying, so I wind down the window.
“Excuse me, are you waiting for a parking lot?” The man pointed to the Honda CR-V, and asked politely with a smile. It was then that I realized he was the driver of the Honda. “Yes”, I replied.
“Oh okie, I will drive my car out and let you have the lot.” I could not believe what I heard, so I asked, “Are you sure you don’t want the lot?”
“Sure. The parking lot was yours to begin with. In fact, I sounded my car horn at you to tell you there is an empty lot, but you probably did not hear it. I’ll go and move my car out now.”
“You sure you don’t want the lot?” At that point, I was just too stunned and all that I could respond was to seek confirmation that he did not want the parking lot.
“Sure.” I thanked him, and he went back to his car and vacated the parking lot for me.
“It is unbelievable that there are actually such nice people in this world.” My friend and I echoed each other’s feeling.
I felt really good and had a nice evening. Thank you, Mr Gentleman, your nice gesture made my day!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Take a break
I was at Japan Fukuoka airport, checked in but still have time to spare, so killing time by doing last minute shopping at the airport shops. I wanted to buy something for myself, but after 3 shops, I still could not find anything I like.
“Can you believe it? I bought nothing for myself this trip.” I complained to my friend. I packed my luggage last night and realized all the things I bought are for others, and none for me.
“Well, the fact that you came for this trip is already a reward for yourself.” That was the reply I got.
How true. I may not have bought anything for myself, which is unusual, but I did give myself a week off and took a holiday in Japan – giving my body and mind a well deserved rest.
In the last few days, 6 days to be exact, I caught up with my sleep, finished reading a book, took many photographs and tested my new camera. In addition, I experienced a different culture, made a few new friends, tried new food, got in touch with the nature, watched sunrise, etc. All these are what I have always wanted to do but find it challenging to get out of my routine in normal days to do them.
So this holiday allowed me to break away from my daily routine, gave me the opportunity to do those things that I have always wanted to do, see the world and experience a different lifestyle.
I wish I could do this more in the future :-)
“Can you believe it? I bought nothing for myself this trip.” I complained to my friend. I packed my luggage last night and realized all the things I bought are for others, and none for me.
“Well, the fact that you came for this trip is already a reward for yourself.” That was the reply I got.
How true. I may not have bought anything for myself, which is unusual, but I did give myself a week off and took a holiday in Japan – giving my body and mind a well deserved rest.
In the last few days, 6 days to be exact, I caught up with my sleep, finished reading a book, took many photographs and tested my new camera. In addition, I experienced a different culture, made a few new friends, tried new food, got in touch with the nature, watched sunrise, etc. All these are what I have always wanted to do but find it challenging to get out of my routine in normal days to do them.
So this holiday allowed me to break away from my daily routine, gave me the opportunity to do those things that I have always wanted to do, see the world and experience a different lifestyle.
I wish I could do this more in the future :-)
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Half A World Away
It has been a long time since I last put on my headphone at work and listen to music. I used to do this a lot more in the past, when I wanted to shut myself out from the outside world and concentrate on my work, when I am feeling down, or when I want to have some quiet time with myself.
Right after I got back to office after lunch today, I continued to listen to the CD that I played in the morning - the Earthsongs
by Secret Garden, another of my favorite CD series.
The first song that came up is “Half A World Away” – a song that touched me deeply, and I would like to share this with you …
(Composed by Rolf Lovland, Lyrics written by Brendan Graham)
You are half a world away,
Standing next to me,
It seems that everyday,
I’m losing you almost invisibly.
Though you are near,
I can’t reach that far,
Across to where you are,
And so you stay …
Just half a world away.
And I would cross,
The universe for you –
What good would it do,
If you weren’t even there?
Till you return –
Until your way is clear,
I will be here …
Not half a world away.
You’re half a world away,
And no one is to blame –
If love outlives its day,
And turns into an ember from a flame,
I love you as before,
Till worlds will be no more,
Till I can find a way,
To where you stay …
Just a half a world away
And I would cross,
The universe for you –
What good would it do,
If you weren’t even there?
Till you return –
Until your way is clear,
I will be here …
Not half a world away,
You’re half a world away.
Dedicating this song to someone who was once so close ...
Right after I got back to office after lunch today, I continued to listen to the CD that I played in the morning - the Earthsongs
by Secret Garden, another of my favorite CD series.The first song that came up is “Half A World Away” – a song that touched me deeply, and I would like to share this with you …
(Composed by Rolf Lovland, Lyrics written by Brendan Graham)
You are half a world away,
Standing next to me,
It seems that everyday,
I’m losing you almost invisibly.
Though you are near,
I can’t reach that far,
Across to where you are,
And so you stay …
Just half a world away.
And I would cross,
The universe for you –
What good would it do,
If you weren’t even there?
Till you return –
Until your way is clear,
I will be here …
Not half a world away.
You’re half a world away,
And no one is to blame –
If love outlives its day,
And turns into an ember from a flame,
I love you as before,
Till worlds will be no more,
Till I can find a way,
To where you stay …
Just a half a world away
And I would cross,
The universe for you –
What good would it do,
If you weren’t even there?
Till you return –
Until your way is clear,
I will be here …
Not half a world away,
You’re half a world away.
Dedicating this song to someone who was once so close ...
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
The 90/10 Secret
I blew my top this morning, over an incident that happened at home!
I was so affected by the incident that I carried the anger with me even when I was driving to work. My mind was focused on the incident and all the things that this person had done wrong in the past.
I then thought about all the bad things that happened in the last one week, and I lamented about what a lousy week I have. I could feel the frown on my forehead, the angry expression on my face and the tension building up inside me.
My car audio was playing a music CD – Colors of a New Dawn
by Gandalf, one of my favourite artists. The soothing and relaxing music must have calmed me. I asked myself, “Why do I get so upset? The incident is really no big deal.” The moment I asked myself this question, the negative thought stopped.
I reflected on what happened and could not believe that I reacted so strongly to a minor incident. I recalled a 90/10 story that a friend sent me sometime ago – a secret that can change our life. Everytime when I over-reacted to a problem, situation or incident, somehow this story would enter my mind after I cooled down.
What is this 90/10 secret that can change our life? 10% of life is made up of what happens to us. 90% of life is decided by how we react to what happens to us.
What does this mean? We have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop others from saying something negative about us and we cannot stop the train from arriving late. But the other 90% is different. We control the other 90%! How? By our reaction to the 10%. So what if someone says something negative about me, I don’t care! So what if we are 10 minutes like, no one notice anyway!
Just like this morning, the incident had happened, which I had no control over, but I could have controlled my reaction, by not getting angry with the person and subsequently feeling sorry for myself!
Yes, we can control how we react to what happens around us! Remember the 90/10 secret, do not worry about small matters and we will change our life!
As a matter of fact, I have a good day today. I feel relaxed, I was focused and I accomplished what I set out to do today.
I was so affected by the incident that I carried the anger with me even when I was driving to work. My mind was focused on the incident and all the things that this person had done wrong in the past.
I then thought about all the bad things that happened in the last one week, and I lamented about what a lousy week I have. I could feel the frown on my forehead, the angry expression on my face and the tension building up inside me.
My car audio was playing a music CD – Colors of a New Dawn
by Gandalf, one of my favourite artists. The soothing and relaxing music must have calmed me. I asked myself, “Why do I get so upset? The incident is really no big deal.” The moment I asked myself this question, the negative thought stopped.I reflected on what happened and could not believe that I reacted so strongly to a minor incident. I recalled a 90/10 story that a friend sent me sometime ago – a secret that can change our life. Everytime when I over-reacted to a problem, situation or incident, somehow this story would enter my mind after I cooled down.
What is this 90/10 secret that can change our life? 10% of life is made up of what happens to us. 90% of life is decided by how we react to what happens to us.
What does this mean? We have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop others from saying something negative about us and we cannot stop the train from arriving late. But the other 90% is different. We control the other 90%! How? By our reaction to the 10%. So what if someone says something negative about me, I don’t care! So what if we are 10 minutes like, no one notice anyway!
Just like this morning, the incident had happened, which I had no control over, but I could have controlled my reaction, by not getting angry with the person and subsequently feeling sorry for myself!
Yes, we can control how we react to what happens around us! Remember the 90/10 secret, do not worry about small matters and we will change our life!
As a matter of fact, I have a good day today. I feel relaxed, I was focused and I accomplished what I set out to do today.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Listen to your heart
These are another 2 of my favorite ZO cards.
"Logic can tell you superficially where a path might lead to, but it cannot judge whether your heart will be in it."
-- Jean Shinoda Bolen
Monday, November 26, 2007
Bigger "Why", Easier "How"
I attended the seminar on The Millionaire Mind Intensive by T Harv Eker over the weekend. This is the 1st time that the seminar was held in Asia and there were close to 5,000 people in the seminar hall.
There were many things to learn and unlearn in this seminar. Many good stories and experiences were shared, our beliefs were challenged and of course we had a lot of fun too.
“The bigger the why, the easier the how” – Harv shared with us one of Jim Rohn’s sayings, and he repeated this many times.
I pondered over this statement for quite a while, thought about my own experiences and could not agree more with this statement – “The bigger the why, the easier the how”.
What does bigger “why” means? Clarity on what we want and why we want it (the purpose). With clarity on our purpose, we will then have the motivation to take action and look for ways to get what we want, thus the easier “how”.
On the other hand, if we cannot answer the “why” or is vague about the answer, then it is unlikely that we know how to move on as we do not know where we are heading and why do we even have to move.
There were many other nuggets that I picked up from the seminar, but for now, “the bigger the why, the easier the how” stick in my mind.
There were many things to learn and unlearn in this seminar. Many good stories and experiences were shared, our beliefs were challenged and of course we had a lot of fun too.
“The bigger the why, the easier the how” – Harv shared with us one of Jim Rohn’s sayings, and he repeated this many times.
I pondered over this statement for quite a while, thought about my own experiences and could not agree more with this statement – “The bigger the why, the easier the how”.
What does bigger “why” means? Clarity on what we want and why we want it (the purpose). With clarity on our purpose, we will then have the motivation to take action and look for ways to get what we want, thus the easier “how”.
On the other hand, if we cannot answer the “why” or is vague about the answer, then it is unlikely that we know how to move on as we do not know where we are heading and why do we even have to move.
There were many other nuggets that I picked up from the seminar, but for now, “the bigger the why, the easier the how” stick in my mind.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Quotes to live by in 2008
A friend gave me a 2008 corporate planner diary today. I flipped through the diary and I fell in love with it immediately. In addition to the practical use of the diary, there is a meaningful quotation with a nice picture printed on every month.
I read through the 12-month quotations and I really enjoyed it. I am sure you will too.
Jan 08 - You don’t pay the price for success. You enjoy the price for success.
Feb 08 - You will either find a way or make one.
Mar 08 - Seek first to understand then to be understood.
Apr 08 - Well done is better than well said.
May 08 - Cooperation and love together – make everything go smoothly in this world.
Jun 08 - Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.
Jul 08 - Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.
Aug 08 - Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Sep 08 - You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
Oct 08 - The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.
Nov 08 - When we have done our best, we should wait for the result in peace.
Dec 08 - It is not the mountains that we conquer, but ourselves.
I read through the 12-month quotations and I really enjoyed it. I am sure you will too.
Jan 08 - You don’t pay the price for success. You enjoy the price for success.
Feb 08 - You will either find a way or make one.
Mar 08 - Seek first to understand then to be understood.
Apr 08 - Well done is better than well said.
May 08 - Cooperation and love together – make everything go smoothly in this world.
Jun 08 - Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.
Jul 08 - Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.
Aug 08 - Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Sep 08 - You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
Oct 08 - The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.
Nov 08 - When we have done our best, we should wait for the result in peace.
Dec 08 - It is not the mountains that we conquer, but ourselves.
Don't Criticize, Condemn and Complain
I was at Borders, taking advantage of the year-end promotion to shop for Christmas presents and to stock up my personal library.
The bookstore was packed with people as it was a Saturday, but it did not bother me as I would normally just browse through the books row by row, shelf by shelf, and oblivious to the people around me.
But this time, I found myself interrupted by the scene created by a family. From what I gathered, the teenage daughter wanted to buy a book on a photo editing software, to complement what she learnt in school, but she wasn’t sure what the software is.
The father was impatient as the girl could not answer his questions, so he started reprimanding her, concluding that this must be due to her not paying attention in class, complained that with her such attitude, she would not go far in life, criticize her for lacking her own opinions, not knowing what she wants, not working hard enough, told her she would end up like her mother with not much success in life, etc. Then he complained that the bookstore was messy, people were not civil minded, did not place book neatly, etc.
Throughout the 15 minutes’ episode, the mother was quiet, and the daughter was left alone to fend off her father’s non-stop complaint and criticism, at times she was sobbing. She was obviously feeling embarrassed, angry and at times, rebellious towards her father.
Many of the shoppers, including me, frowned at the scene, but none of us intervened. I felt sorry for the girl, and the mother. I believe this is a common scene in their home, and I wonder what is in the girl’s mind and what would she grow up to be.
The bookstore was packed with people as it was a Saturday, but it did not bother me as I would normally just browse through the books row by row, shelf by shelf, and oblivious to the people around me.
But this time, I found myself interrupted by the scene created by a family. From what I gathered, the teenage daughter wanted to buy a book on a photo editing software, to complement what she learnt in school, but she wasn’t sure what the software is.
The father was impatient as the girl could not answer his questions, so he started reprimanding her, concluding that this must be due to her not paying attention in class, complained that with her such attitude, she would not go far in life, criticize her for lacking her own opinions, not knowing what she wants, not working hard enough, told her she would end up like her mother with not much success in life, etc. Then he complained that the bookstore was messy, people were not civil minded, did not place book neatly, etc.
Throughout the 15 minutes’ episode, the mother was quiet, and the daughter was left alone to fend off her father’s non-stop complaint and criticism, at times she was sobbing. She was obviously feeling embarrassed, angry and at times, rebellious towards her father.
Many of the shoppers, including me, frowned at the scene, but none of us intervened. I felt sorry for the girl, and the mother. I believe this is a common scene in their home, and I wonder what is in the girl’s mind and what would she grow up to be.
I thought about the Dale Carnegie's principles in the book How to Win Friends & Influence People, and I wonder if I also sometimes criticize, condemn and complain.
Dale Carnegie’s Principles
Don’t criticize, condemn and complain, from the book How to Win Friends & Influence People
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Coca Cola's Mission
This is one of my favorite ZO Cards. All of us should also adopt this as our life mission. Enjoy and have fun!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Living with Passion, Purpose and Peace
The 10 Ancient Rituals of Radiant Living
Ritual of Solitude
Ritual of Physicality
Ritual of Live Nourishment
Ritual of Abundant Knowledge
Ritual of Personal Reflection
Ritual of Early Awakening
Ritual of Music
Ritual of the Spoken Word
Ritual of a Congruent Character
Ritual of Simplicity
Ritual of Solitude
Ritual of Physicality
Ritual of Live Nourishment
Ritual of Abundant Knowledge
Ritual of Personal Reflection
Ritual of Early Awakening
Ritual of Music
Ritual of the Spoken Word
Ritual of a Congruent Character
Ritual of Simplicity
I extracted the above from the book, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams & Reaching Your Destiny
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
The story was very captivating, I remember I couldn’t stop reading the book once I started it – I carried it with me everywhere I went, I read it in the bathroom, I read it before I sleep, I read it while waiting for people and I read it when I was in the park.
The story was extraordinary, thought provoking and yet inspiring. It challenged me to take a hard look at myself, to question my purpose in life, to slow down, to understand happiness, to seek peace within myself, to strike a balance in life, etc.
The above 10 rituals is a constant reminder to me that I need to live a balanced life with purpose and passion. Therefore I have them printed on a paper and pinned it up on the wall that I can see everyday.
Last year, a colleague gave me this book as a Christmas present, not knowing that I have one. Recently I loaned this book to a friend, a few days later, she asked me if she could keep The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Sorry, those seats are reserved
Two weeks ago, I wrote about the unpleasant customer service incident I had in one of my favorite restaurants (“Sorry, that section is closed”), and I thought the incident was one-off.
Today, my colleague and I decided to lunch at the same restaurant. When we arrived, to our surprise, the restaurant was half-empty. We requested for a table with sofa seat and this was the response we got, “Sorry, those seats are reserved.”
“You mean all of them are reserved?” I could not believe it as it was already 12:30pm and there were easily 6 or 7 such tables still unoccupied.
“Oh, not really, a few are reserved, the rest we are reserving them for bigger group of customers as now is lunch time peak hour.”
“Ok, so where do you want us to sit?” I thought I should be nice.
The restaurant manager then pointed to a table right at the entrance of the restaurant and in the open space, where there was a stream of people walking pass non-stop.
“Not this one.” This time my colleague got impatient. I was equally upset too, so I suggested that we go somewhere else.
Seeing that we were about to leave, the restaurant manager changed his mind, “Ok, you can sit anywhere you want.”
We sat down, had our lunch. By the time we left an hour later, there were still many tables unoccupied as there were not too many customers walking in after us. It made me wonder if the drop in customers these days is due to the drop in customer service.
I have been patronizing this restaurant since it opened at the beginning of the year. As it provides good food, good service and is located near our workplace, my colleagues and I like to come here for lunch. After today’s incident, the 2nd one in two weeks, I decide to strike this restaurant off my favorite list. I am doubtful I will go back to this restaurant again, definitely not until it improves on its customer service.
Today, my colleague and I decided to lunch at the same restaurant. When we arrived, to our surprise, the restaurant was half-empty. We requested for a table with sofa seat and this was the response we got, “Sorry, those seats are reserved.”
“You mean all of them are reserved?” I could not believe it as it was already 12:30pm and there were easily 6 or 7 such tables still unoccupied.
“Oh, not really, a few are reserved, the rest we are reserving them for bigger group of customers as now is lunch time peak hour.”
“Ok, so where do you want us to sit?” I thought I should be nice.
The restaurant manager then pointed to a table right at the entrance of the restaurant and in the open space, where there was a stream of people walking pass non-stop.
“Not this one.” This time my colleague got impatient. I was equally upset too, so I suggested that we go somewhere else.
Seeing that we were about to leave, the restaurant manager changed his mind, “Ok, you can sit anywhere you want.”
We sat down, had our lunch. By the time we left an hour later, there were still many tables unoccupied as there were not too many customers walking in after us. It made me wonder if the drop in customers these days is due to the drop in customer service.
I have been patronizing this restaurant since it opened at the beginning of the year. As it provides good food, good service and is located near our workplace, my colleagues and I like to come here for lunch. After today’s incident, the 2nd one in two weeks, I decide to strike this restaurant off my favorite list. I am doubtful I will go back to this restaurant again, definitely not until it improves on its customer service.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
My Constant Companion - the ZO Cards!
ZO cards have been my constant companion for many years, and these are some of my favorites.
I love the ZO cards. Over the years, I have collected hundreds of them and those that I like very much are pinned up on the wall, like in this picture.
Each of these cards carries a message – a simple but meaningful message.
My constant companion, the ZO cards, have brightened up my days, motivated me, given me new ideas and helped me to see things from a new perspective. When I am up, they inspired me to seek new challenges and scale new heights. When I am down, they encouraged me to pick myself up and learn from the setback.
Many of these cards carry a story. Perhaps I will share the stories of my constant companion in my subsequent posts. Stay tuned!
I love the ZO cards. Over the years, I have collected hundreds of them and those that I like very much are pinned up on the wall, like in this picture.
Each of these cards carries a message – a simple but meaningful message.
My constant companion, the ZO cards, have brightened up my days, motivated me, given me new ideas and helped me to see things from a new perspective. When I am up, they inspired me to seek new challenges and scale new heights. When I am down, they encouraged me to pick myself up and learn from the setback.
Many of these cards carry a story. Perhaps I will share the stories of my constant companion in my subsequent posts. Stay tuned!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Christmas Cards
I bought a box of Christmas cards last week, almost 7 weeks before Christmas Day. This is the first time in many years that I bought the cards early. Normally, I waited till the last minute to get the cards; as a result I did not have much choice as most of the cards would be sold out by then.It has been my practice to buy Christmas presents for my staff, close colleagues and friends – in appreciation of their support, friendship and contribution.
In the earlier years, I would make my own little gift tags/cards to go with the presents. Over the years, I became lazy – I would just buy the Christmas cards, but I still put in effort in writing meaningful message to every individual, then the message became simpler, after a while the Christmas cards became just simple gift tags, and the message became “Merry Christmas” to everybody. At times, I even used post-it note instead of a proper gift tag.
I know how much it means when a person receives a card with personalized message written on it, as I am also one of the recipients of Christmas gifts. Everytime when I receive such “special” cards, I felt very touched and I would read the message again and again.
So for this year, I decided to start early, not just in buying Christmas cards, but in putting some thoughts into what I want to write on the cards.
I promised myself that I would get my Christmas presents and Christmas cards ready as early as possible, so the next thing that I will do is to draw up a list of people whom I plan to buy presents for!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Finding Joy and Happiness
I was driving along the along the road. The traffic light turned red, I slowed down and prepared to stop.
The sticker on the windscreen of the car in front of me caught my attention. It has a skull on it and the words read “Psychopath on board. Tailgate and die.” I could not help it but burst into laughter.
How interesting. I scanned through other stickers to see if I could find any more interesting ones, unfortunately there wasn’t – only found a Class 95 sticker and a soccer club banner.
When I am on the road, I like to look at the car stickers. Sometimes I would find interesting one like the one I saw today, and many times I would try to visualize how the driver is like by the stickers they put up :-)
These activities that I engaged in kept me awake and made my otherwise boring journey an enjoyable one, and I would normally arrive at my destination with a light-hearted mood.
Joy and happiness is everywhere if you bother to find them. Look no further but around us. Be happy!
The sticker on the windscreen of the car in front of me caught my attention. It has a skull on it and the words read “Psychopath on board. Tailgate and die.” I could not help it but burst into laughter.
How interesting. I scanned through other stickers to see if I could find any more interesting ones, unfortunately there wasn’t – only found a Class 95 sticker and a soccer club banner.
When I am on the road, I like to look at the car stickers. Sometimes I would find interesting one like the one I saw today, and many times I would try to visualize how the driver is like by the stickers they put up :-)
These activities that I engaged in kept me awake and made my otherwise boring journey an enjoyable one, and I would normally arrive at my destination with a light-hearted mood.
Joy and happiness is everywhere if you bother to find them. Look no further but around us. Be happy!
Golden Handcuff
“Golden Handcuff” – this term is still lingering in my mind today.
I learnt this term from my ex-boss. You see, we met up for lunch yesterday. As usual, he asked about my plan for my 2nd career, and when I told him that one of my considerations is the performance shares that I have to forgo, he joked that I am handcuffed, golden handcuffed.
I did not feel offended by his joke. Instead, I quite liked this term. How appropriate indeed.
A few days ago, I shared about standing at the crossroads, and this is one of the things that I need to learn to let go, in order for me to move forward in the new route that I have chosen …
I learnt this term from my ex-boss. You see, we met up for lunch yesterday. As usual, he asked about my plan for my 2nd career, and when I told him that one of my considerations is the performance shares that I have to forgo, he joked that I am handcuffed, golden handcuffed.
I did not feel offended by his joke. Instead, I quite liked this term. How appropriate indeed.
A few days ago, I shared about standing at the crossroads, and this is one of the things that I need to learn to let go, in order for me to move forward in the new route that I have chosen …
Friday, November 9, 2007
The Power of Smile
I walked pass my colleague’s cubicle this morning and saw this poster. The big smiling face caught my attention. Wow, this is really great!
The power of smile! So from this point onwards, smile, smile, smile - smile away your unhappiness and smile away all your troubles. Be generous about smiling, not just to yourself, but to others. Bring joy and happiness to others by giving them a smile.
Happy Smiling!
Dale Carnegie’s Principles
Smile - one of the principles from Dale Carnegie’s book on How to Win Friends & Influence People
.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Count Your Blessings - 10 things that I am happy about
There are many happenings everyday, some are good and some are not so good, some make me happy and some make me feel sad. But I have learnt to count my blessings, so here’s my pick for the last few days:
- Took a break from work a few days ago. Did nothing other than eating, shopping and singing.
- Received many well wishes and lunch treats from friends and colleagues who remember my birthday.
- After 2 months of getting my new laptop, finally got the Bluetooth function to work and “talk” to my handphone. Downloaded the photos in the phone.
- Cooked “Bah Kut Teh” (Herbal Spare Ribs Soup) for my family today, and everybody loved it.
- Bought a Billabong phone pouch. This is exactly the same one that I lost a few weeks ago, so now my phone has a new “home”.
- Bought a Nike pencil case – the latest design. Have been looking around to buy one since I gave away my brand new Nike pencil case to my nephew at the beginning of the year.
- Picked up the pouch for my mini disk from The Wallet Shop – remember the sales girl who had gone the extra mile and made a reservation for me at another outlet?
- Borrowed 3 books on Blogging from the library – I must be lucky as these books are normally very popular and loaned out most of the time.
- Enjoyed a good steamboat dinner last evening.
- Kicked off a new project at work this week. It was a good start.
Count your blessings, not your troubles!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Standing at the Crossroads
“This is one of those rare moments in life when you find yourself looking back on where you have been, while at the same time looking forward to the future.
Behind you are precious memories of experiences that you will never forget, heartfelt emotions that will fade but never disappear, and ideas that will change in form but remain in substance. Ahead of you are new challenges and goals. They may seem mere shadows today, but they will one day be central to your life.
It seems such a paradox to look backward and forward at once, but the significance of any achievement exists in that very contradiction. Without your past, you have nothing on which to build your future. Without the future, your past would have no opportunity to come into full bloom.”
Behind you are precious memories of experiences that you will never forget, heartfelt emotions that will fade but never disappear, and ideas that will change in form but remain in substance. Ahead of you are new challenges and goals. They may seem mere shadows today, but they will one day be central to your life.
It seems such a paradox to look backward and forward at once, but the significance of any achievement exists in that very contradiction. Without your past, you have nothing on which to build your future. Without the future, your past would have no opportunity to come into full bloom.”
… Pamela Koehlinger
This piece of paper has been pinned on the wall since 2005. I can’t remember where I copied it from. I think it is from one of those quotation books that I bought. I love this poem, because it has more than once, helped me to put things in perspective.
I wrote this poem in the autograph to one of my colleagues when he left the company a few years ago to embark on his 2nd career, a career that is totally different from what he was in then.
Today, I find myself in the same situation. I have been standing at the crossroads for a long time, more than a year in fact. It is not easy standing here – I was once confused, disheartened, discouraged and I felt helpless. But I have gotten over this now, I have learnt to let go, learnt to detach and learnt to look forward. I believe I have now found the route that I want to travel and discovered what I truly want to do in my 2nd half. It has been a long way …
I know what I need to do next, but I am still standing at the crossroads. I look forward to the day that I gather enough courage and determination to let go completely and move on …
I wrote this poem in the autograph to one of my colleagues when he left the company a few years ago to embark on his 2nd career, a career that is totally different from what he was in then.
Today, I find myself in the same situation. I have been standing at the crossroads for a long time, more than a year in fact. It is not easy standing here – I was once confused, disheartened, discouraged and I felt helpless. But I have gotten over this now, I have learnt to let go, learnt to detach and learnt to look forward. I believe I have now found the route that I want to travel and discovered what I truly want to do in my 2nd half. It has been a long way …
I know what I need to do next, but I am still standing at the crossroads. I look forward to the day that I gather enough courage and determination to let go completely and move on …
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Going the Extra Mile in Customer Service
I was at the Wallets Shop in one of the shopping malls. I was looking for a pouch to carry my mini hard disk around, and I was attracted to a black colored pouch printed with very catchy phrase. I loved it and decided to buy it.
I approached the sales girl at the counter, a young girl with a very pleasant smile, for a new piece. After searching through the stock, she apologized, “Sorry, this item had been sold out and we only have that display piece left.” Sensing that I was disappointed, she suggested, “Do you want to consider the red colored one with the same design?”
I said ok, but after looking at it, I did not like it. “Never mind, I think I will try your other outlets.” And I was ready to walk out of the shop.
“Do you want me to check with the other outlets before you go there?”
I was surprised that she offered without me asking, so I said yes. In the end, she managed to find an outlet which has the pouch I wanted and reserved the item for me. I was obviously very pleased with the outcome.
Honestly speaking, while I love the pouch I saw, I may not have bothered to visit other outlets just to get the item, after all, this pouch is a common item that I can find in many other shops, and I am pretty sure I can easily find another design that I like. However, because of the extra mile that this sales girl had gone, I had decided to stick to this design. And this weekend, I will definitely make an effort to pick up the item from the other outlet.
I approached the sales girl at the counter, a young girl with a very pleasant smile, for a new piece. After searching through the stock, she apologized, “Sorry, this item had been sold out and we only have that display piece left.” Sensing that I was disappointed, she suggested, “Do you want to consider the red colored one with the same design?”
I said ok, but after looking at it, I did not like it. “Never mind, I think I will try your other outlets.” And I was ready to walk out of the shop.
“Do you want me to check with the other outlets before you go there?”
I was surprised that she offered without me asking, so I said yes. In the end, she managed to find an outlet which has the pouch I wanted and reserved the item for me. I was obviously very pleased with the outcome.
Honestly speaking, while I love the pouch I saw, I may not have bothered to visit other outlets just to get the item, after all, this pouch is a common item that I can find in many other shops, and I am pretty sure I can easily find another design that I like. However, because of the extra mile that this sales girl had gone, I had decided to stick to this design. And this weekend, I will definitely make an effort to pick up the item from the other outlet.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Say Hello and Keep in Touch
An e-mail came in this morning; it was from my ex-boss. I opened it, and here’s what it said, “hello, ain't we supposed to meet for lunch after my travel? how about meeting up this Fri?”
I was surprised, as I did not expect him to remember about this lunch. I wanted to catch up with him in Sep but he was travelling, so he suggested that we meet in end Oct. I said ok and promised to re-arrange when the date gets closer, but when end Oct came, I changed my mind about meeting up with him, thus I did not follow-up.
After reading his e-mail, I drafted a reply to say ok, but I held back, “Do I really want to meet him?”
During lunch time, I mentioned this e-mail to one of my colleagues, and he said, “that’s nice of him, at least you still have a place in his heart.” And because of what he said, I came back from lunch and sent out the e-mail to my ex-boss.
I have to admit it, while I am hesitant to meet up with my ex-boss, I do appreciate him taking the initiative to keep in touch from time to time – a simple email saying hello or asking how’s things, is good enough to warm my heart.
I look around myself, I am indeed grateful that I have many friends who would drop me a hello e-mail or phone call once in a while, send me birthday wishes every year or send me e-card/SMS during festive seasons.
Sometimes, when I received these greetings, I felt guilty, as I am usually not the type taking the initiative to maintain relationship, and yet these friends still remember me. Perhaps all my friends know me too well, thus they still stick with me, haha.
But really, I have no excuse, I know very well that I need to do my part too, so tonight I am going to drop an e-mail to say hello to one of my old friends.
Random Thoughts
I was clearing my desk earlier this morning. Guess what I found? A piece of paper with a few handwritten quotations. Couldn’t remember when I wrote them down and for what purpose. Probably jotted them down when I was looking for some inspiration then. Anyway, the quotations are very meaningful, so reproducing them here for sharing:
“We don’t know who we are until we see what we can do.”
“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”
“Give your best and everything will fall into place.”
“Creation begins with vision.”
“Commitment is a line you must cross … it is the difference between dreaming and doing.”
“Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality.”
“We don’t know who we are until we see what we can do.”
“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”
“Give your best and everything will fall into place.”
“Creation begins with vision.”
“Commitment is a line you must cross … it is the difference between dreaming and doing.”
“Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality.”
Sunday, November 4, 2007
The Long Wait for Donuts
Yesterday, I was at the downtown shopping mall where the famous Donut Factory was located. When we walked pass the shop, my friend and I decided to stop by to buy some donuts home for breakfast the next day.
Talking about this Donut Factory, ever since it was opened many months ago, there was always a long queue. At one time, the average waiting time was 2-3 hours, and I had always wondered why people would bother to queue for hours just to buy the donuts.
We joined the queue, mentally preparing ourselves to wait for at least an hour.
I was attracted to the signboard at the beginning of the queue and I walked nearer to have a closer look. I was amused with what was written there. Essentially, the shop appeals to the customers to be patient and cooperative, as they had tried different ways to reduce the waiting time, but so far they had not been able to achieve much success.
Ha, looks like this method works. Everyone in the queue was waiting patiently and engaged in their own activities – SMSing, reading, listening to MP3, talking over the phone or chatting. Nobody seemed to be bothered by the long wait.
After waiting patiently for about 45 minutes, we finally reached the front counter. Woh, this is fantastic, the waiting time was much shorter than we thought. We were eager to place our order, but believe it or not, no one took our order until 5 minutes later – the girl who was serving at the counter was asked to help out in manning the queue and her replacement was nowhere to be seen. The other girl at the counter was busy packing the boxes of donuts for the previous orders.
Finally, another girl arrived, presumably just started her shift work. She apologized, took her time to put on her apron and glove, and started to serve us. By then, we found ourselves feeling agitated and the people standing behind us were getting impatient. It took another 10 minutes before we got our 2 boxes of donuts, as there were a few other hiccups encountered.
When we finally walked away with our donuts, I could not help it but thought about what I read on the signboard … if only that the episode in the last 15 minutes did not happen, I would have been a very satisfied customers - as I managed to get my donuts in less than half the normal waiting time of 2-3 hours!
Talking about this Donut Factory, ever since it was opened many months ago, there was always a long queue. At one time, the average waiting time was 2-3 hours, and I had always wondered why people would bother to queue for hours just to buy the donuts.
We joined the queue, mentally preparing ourselves to wait for at least an hour.
I was attracted to the signboard at the beginning of the queue and I walked nearer to have a closer look. I was amused with what was written there. Essentially, the shop appeals to the customers to be patient and cooperative, as they had tried different ways to reduce the waiting time, but so far they had not been able to achieve much success.
Ha, looks like this method works. Everyone in the queue was waiting patiently and engaged in their own activities – SMSing, reading, listening to MP3, talking over the phone or chatting. Nobody seemed to be bothered by the long wait.
After waiting patiently for about 45 minutes, we finally reached the front counter. Woh, this is fantastic, the waiting time was much shorter than we thought. We were eager to place our order, but believe it or not, no one took our order until 5 minutes later – the girl who was serving at the counter was asked to help out in manning the queue and her replacement was nowhere to be seen. The other girl at the counter was busy packing the boxes of donuts for the previous orders.
Finally, another girl arrived, presumably just started her shift work. She apologized, took her time to put on her apron and glove, and started to serve us. By then, we found ourselves feeling agitated and the people standing behind us were getting impatient. It took another 10 minutes before we got our 2 boxes of donuts, as there were a few other hiccups encountered.
When we finally walked away with our donuts, I could not help it but thought about what I read on the signboard … if only that the episode in the last 15 minutes did not happen, I would have been a very satisfied customers - as I managed to get my donuts in less than half the normal waiting time of 2-3 hours!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Good morning, this is your breakfast.
I got out of my car, dragged my feet and walked listlessly towards my office. I felt very sleepy and tired. Today is Friday, but for once, I did not have the TGIF feeling!
Gosh, how am I going to get through the day? I have a few meetings today and I need to get a few pieces of work done by end of the day. Oh no, can someone please help me?
I was staring at my screen when one of my colleagues walked in, “Good morning, this is your breakfast – croissant and apple tea.”
“Thanks! Wow, I only asked for a cup of coffee or tea, but you come with a croissant too. Btw, how do you know what drink to buy for me?”
“I asked the lady at the café. She said you normally drink coffee in the afternoon, and in the morning you will have tea, and apple tea is what you favourite.”
“Hey, thank you.”
This nice gesture from her was definitely a pleasant surprise to me as I did not expect her to take my joke seriously – I told her yesterday that she ought to treat all of us to a cup of coffee/tea since she passed her examination.
All of a sudden, I did not feel sleepy anymore. I felt fully awake and rejuvenated. It was amazing how fast my mood changed. My day went on well despite the hectic schedule I had. At the end of the day, I accomplished what I set out to do today and I felt good.
Today, I was reminded of one very important lesson in life – it is these “little things” that that bring joy and happiness to our life - a friendly smile, the note that says “thank you”, a flower left on your desk, a cup of hot chocolate when you wake up, a birthday wish, a hug from your loved one, etc.
The “little things” that make a great difference!
Gosh, how am I going to get through the day? I have a few meetings today and I need to get a few pieces of work done by end of the day. Oh no, can someone please help me?
I was staring at my screen when one of my colleagues walked in, “Good morning, this is your breakfast – croissant and apple tea.”
“Thanks! Wow, I only asked for a cup of coffee or tea, but you come with a croissant too. Btw, how do you know what drink to buy for me?”
“I asked the lady at the café. She said you normally drink coffee in the afternoon, and in the morning you will have tea, and apple tea is what you favourite.”
“Hey, thank you.”
This nice gesture from her was definitely a pleasant surprise to me as I did not expect her to take my joke seriously – I told her yesterday that she ought to treat all of us to a cup of coffee/tea since she passed her examination.
All of a sudden, I did not feel sleepy anymore. I felt fully awake and rejuvenated. It was amazing how fast my mood changed. My day went on well despite the hectic schedule I had. At the end of the day, I accomplished what I set out to do today and I felt good.
Today, I was reminded of one very important lesson in life – it is these “little things” that that bring joy and happiness to our life - a friendly smile, the note that says “thank you”, a flower left on your desk, a cup of hot chocolate when you wake up, a birthday wish, a hug from your loved one, etc.
The “little things” that make a great difference!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
"Sorry, that section is closed."
One of my favorite restaurants these days is the New York New York restaurant in a newly opened shopping mall. Unfortunately, this place is always crowded during lunch and dinner time.
When I walked pass the restaurant this afternoon, to my pleasant surprise, it was relatively empty. Gone was the crowd and long queue. Hmm, perhaps it is still early, perhaps it is school examination period and perhaps many people are also away on holiday.
My friend wanted a quiet place that we can have our meal and chat, so I suggested this restaurant. We walked in, and I told the waiter that we would like to sit at the sofa seat at the far corner.
He looked at me and he said, “Sorry, that section is closed.”
“Closed, why?”
“We close it during lunch time and concentrate on this section. Why don’t you sit here?” He pointed to a seat which was just 5-6 seats away from the corner seat that I wanted, but this seat faced the escalator.
I was puzzled and I mumbled, “Well, when the crowd comes in later, you will still have to open that section anyway, so why can’t we sit there? This seat faces the escalator, I think I will get dizzy after a while with all the people movement.” But, I did not insist, instead I moved towards the seat that he wanted us to be at.
Just when we were about to sit down, he changed his mind, “Okie, you can sit there.” “What?” “Oh, you can sit at that corner”, he repeated.
As I was engaged in a conversation with my friend, I did not bother to ask him why he changed his mind.
I sat down but my mind was replaying this episode that just happened. I recalled reading in the newspaper this morning that “Singapore is now ranked 15th in customer service, a marked improvement over the previous year.”
Till now, I am still trying to make sense out of what I had read this morning and what had happened in the restaurant …
When I walked pass the restaurant this afternoon, to my pleasant surprise, it was relatively empty. Gone was the crowd and long queue. Hmm, perhaps it is still early, perhaps it is school examination period and perhaps many people are also away on holiday.
My friend wanted a quiet place that we can have our meal and chat, so I suggested this restaurant. We walked in, and I told the waiter that we would like to sit at the sofa seat at the far corner.
He looked at me and he said, “Sorry, that section is closed.”
“Closed, why?”
“We close it during lunch time and concentrate on this section. Why don’t you sit here?” He pointed to a seat which was just 5-6 seats away from the corner seat that I wanted, but this seat faced the escalator.
I was puzzled and I mumbled, “Well, when the crowd comes in later, you will still have to open that section anyway, so why can’t we sit there? This seat faces the escalator, I think I will get dizzy after a while with all the people movement.” But, I did not insist, instead I moved towards the seat that he wanted us to be at.
Just when we were about to sit down, he changed his mind, “Okie, you can sit there.” “What?” “Oh, you can sit at that corner”, he repeated.
As I was engaged in a conversation with my friend, I did not bother to ask him why he changed his mind.
I sat down but my mind was replaying this episode that just happened. I recalled reading in the newspaper this morning that “Singapore is now ranked 15th in customer service, a marked improvement over the previous year.”
Till now, I am still trying to make sense out of what I had read this morning and what had happened in the restaurant …
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Today I Learnt a New Word, and more ...
"Transumer” – what a word! While driving to work this morning, I heard this new word over my favourite radio station – Class 91.3, hosted by Joe Augustin and Petrina Kow.
According to Petrina, “transumer” is a combination of 2 words – transit and consumer.
It refers to those frequent travelers who spent many hours in transit at the airports, and it is a new group of consumers in a niche market – great target for companies which are looking for new market and new customers!
I was curious about this new word, so I decided to ‘google’ this word when I reached the office. And this is what I found out:
According to Trendwatching.com, an independent and opinionated consumer trends firm, when the terms TRANSUMERS and TRANSUMERISM were first discussed in 2003, the focus was solely on consumers in transition, i.e., travelers, and the many novel and innovative shopping opportunities at airports, train stations and hotels.
However, this TRANSUMERS trend has now been expanded to non-travel, as consumers are slowly but certainly mirroring travel behaviour in their daily life, where the temporary, the transient, is increasingly being valued in this Experience Economy. Huh, EXPERIENCE ECONOMY - another new term that I learnt today.
Now, I wonder how many new words/terms out there which I did not learn in school? I thought about technoprenuer, spam, spyware, dunch, netizen, etc. and many more.
I remember many years ago when I first came across the word CO-OPETITION (think it is a title of a book), I was amazed. This is a combination of 2 words – cooperation and competition, a word coined to describe cooperative competition.
Another word that comes to my mind - GLOCALIZATION. No prize for guessing it right, this is a combination of the words “globalization” and “localization”, a term invented to emphasize the importance of “think globally and act locally”.
My examples of new words can go on and on. Interested to find out more new words, just google “new words” and follow the search results.
Now … what will be the next new word to be invented? Well, your guess is as good as mine :-)
According to Petrina, “transumer” is a combination of 2 words – transit and consumer.
It refers to those frequent travelers who spent many hours in transit at the airports, and it is a new group of consumers in a niche market – great target for companies which are looking for new market and new customers!
I was curious about this new word, so I decided to ‘google’ this word when I reached the office. And this is what I found out:
According to Trendwatching.com, an independent and opinionated consumer trends firm, when the terms TRANSUMERS and TRANSUMERISM were first discussed in 2003, the focus was solely on consumers in transition, i.e., travelers, and the many novel and innovative shopping opportunities at airports, train stations and hotels.
However, this TRANSUMERS trend has now been expanded to non-travel, as consumers are slowly but certainly mirroring travel behaviour in their daily life, where the temporary, the transient, is increasingly being valued in this Experience Economy. Huh, EXPERIENCE ECONOMY - another new term that I learnt today.
Now, I wonder how many new words/terms out there which I did not learn in school? I thought about technoprenuer, spam, spyware, dunch, netizen, etc. and many more.
I remember many years ago when I first came across the word CO-OPETITION (think it is a title of a book), I was amazed. This is a combination of 2 words – cooperation and competition, a word coined to describe cooperative competition.
Another word that comes to my mind - GLOCALIZATION. No prize for guessing it right, this is a combination of the words “globalization” and “localization”, a term invented to emphasize the importance of “think globally and act locally”.
My examples of new words can go on and on. Interested to find out more new words, just google “new words” and follow the search results.
Now … what will be the next new word to be invented? Well, your guess is as good as mine :-)
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
No One Cares What You Had for Lunch
"No One Cares What You Had for Lunch" - this eye-catching title caught my attention while I was browsing through the books in the library this afternoon.
I picked up the book, and the sub-title says "100 Ideas for Your Blog". I could not wait to read this book as I have always wondered how I could sustain adding fresh contents to my blog. As a result, I procrastinate and never really get started with blogging.
This is really ironical, I never had problem writing journal on paper all these years, but yet when I decided to switch online a few months ago, I found myself stuck. Other than not certain if I could sustain it, I was also too concerned about the theme of my blog and the way I write it since many people will get to read what I write! What's the price I paid for this? I have lost capturing many of my thoughts, reflections, ideas and happenings in the last 6 months or so!
I really love this book on "No One Cares What You Had for Lunch". Every page that I read gave me many ideas and prompted me to search my memory. More importantly, it helped me to crystalize my thoughts on the theme of my blog :-)
Therefore, I decided that I should wait no more and just start blogging today, thus the birth of this "Little Tidbits of Life" blog from me.
I picked up the book, and the sub-title says "100 Ideas for Your Blog". I could not wait to read this book as I have always wondered how I could sustain adding fresh contents to my blog. As a result, I procrastinate and never really get started with blogging.
This is really ironical, I never had problem writing journal on paper all these years, but yet when I decided to switch online a few months ago, I found myself stuck. Other than not certain if I could sustain it, I was also too concerned about the theme of my blog and the way I write it since many people will get to read what I write! What's the price I paid for this? I have lost capturing many of my thoughts, reflections, ideas and happenings in the last 6 months or so!
I really love this book on "No One Cares What You Had for Lunch". Every page that I read gave me many ideas and prompted me to search my memory. More importantly, it helped me to crystalize my thoughts on the theme of my blog :-)
Therefore, I decided that I should wait no more and just start blogging today, thus the birth of this "Little Tidbits of Life" blog from me.
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