Joys And Perils Of Entrepreneurship

A friend of mine called today on the pretext of discussing some work she was doing for me. We've been friends for the better part of 20 years but busy careers and complacency have stagnated our friendship for quite some time now.

Anyways, with both of us having our own businesses to run, the conversation soon drifted to the topic of whether being our own boss was really such a good thing or otherwise. I suppose how I ended my previous post describes me best. I embrace the good and take all the rest in stride. So for the most part since 2000, I've had an enjoyable and fulfilling journey as an entrepreneur. The most important thing I've learnt? Money isn't everything. Truth be told, if I had stayed on in my advertising job, I would probably be earning much more than I am doing now. But what I appreciate, cherish even, is the sense of free-spiritedness, only taking on ventures that I have a passion for, and the immense self-satisfaction that I derive from a job well done.

Although an optimist by nature, like everyone else, I have my doubts from time to time. Fortunately, I tend to view obstacles as challenges to conquer and seem to thrive under stress, don't ask me why. To my friend who may be having her own doubts, I would say, 'Continue plodding. If things look bleak at the moment, then it can only get better. You've come too far to turn back and that little hill ahead isn't too difficult to climb'.

As for me, when the stress gets a little too much to bear ... well, have a look again at the photo on top haha!

Photo of pool in Villa Langka, Phnom Penh.

The Good, The Bad And Everything Else In Between

Today is a classic example that life has its good, bad and everything else in between. What started off as a relatively smoothsailing day - I got my pass renewed at RTM without a hitch; then got my parking summon revoked, expected of course, all within 5 minutes was the surprise - got even better. What's there to complain about a lunch meeting over dim sum at Tai Zi Heen, Prince Hotel & Residence KL's spectacular Chinese restaurant? Shirley, a dear friend and the hotel's Director of Marketing Communications, together with Shumita from Chocolate Mousse, my partner-in-crime of the soon-to-be-launched 'A Virtual Treasure Hunt : An Online Search For Wedding Goodies' were perfect lunch dates and enthusiastic conspirators for the proposed launch event. The food, satisfying as always.

Everything else went downhill after that, probably with the exception of the nice swim I had under a blazing hot sun! I am not one to dwell on the little misfortunes that beset my afternoon, so those expecting dramatics will unfortunately be disappointed. Suffice to say, problems solved, though a waste of good time which could have been much better spent on more R&R on this day off of mine.

So, I now find myself hoping to round off the day in a good mood and on better temperament. And what better way to do so than to look back on the recent short holiday I took in Phnom Penh. That was just a week ago, and what a drastic difference in scenario that off day was, compared to the one I had today. Such is life I suppose ... the good and the bad beckon. The lucky ones are those who embrace the good and take everything else in stride.

Inspiration

I have been thinking about starting a blog for quite some time but have just never gotten round to doing it. I lay the blame on the numerous tasks that I have to contend with on a daily basis, most of which revolve around my work for weddingsmalaysia, That Special Occasion and radio news on Traxxfm, plus the incessant need to live a balanced life, which means having to find time for exercise, family, friends, reading, facebook, youtube and the occasional travel as well.

When I do something, I want to do it well, which probably explains why I've taken this long to start blogging. Being continually inspired to write and keep the blog current is a challenge that I am finally tackling! Fingers crossed!

Some people, recent events and blogs that I have been following for a while that have been catalysts in getting me to this point ... workshop for weddingsmalaysia by Integricity, Louis, workshop I conducted at ShootFest, a relatively new easy-to-use digital camera, The Martha Blog, Lynette, Suk Harn and 2 books, 'Inside Rupert's Brain' which I've just recently concluded and 'Four Seasons : The Story Of A Business Philosophy' which I am currently reading. I suppose I am also slightly rejuvenated after a short holiday in Phnom Penh.

So here goes. Not exactly 'taking the plunge' as many of the couples I meet in my line of work do, but still, somewhat of a new beginning.