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.

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 …

"Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.”
~ Elizabeth Asquith Bibesco

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