Harvest Low-Hanging Fruits

I've spent the best part of 2015 so far, reflecting. Reflecting on how I can make life a little less stressful and a little more happy. The process has been slow and cautious, but absolutely necessary, a point driven home after having had to deal with extremely stress-inducing situations for the past three months or so. Some of my colleagues who work with me will attest to that as they too were embroiled in the fiasco of sorts. Well, we are now at the tail end of the unrewarding experience, and I can't wait for it to be over. It has also reinforced my decision to really only work on enjoyable projects and with like-minded people henceforth.

 

The second half of the year will be spent streamlining the work that I do, with the aim of making life easier and allowing me more time to appreciate the pockets of free time that I so rarely have. More importantly to strike a better work life balance.

 

As a good friend of mine often reminds me, time to ourselves is a much precious commodity.

 

 

Photo shot in Tegalalang in Bali, Indonesia.

Getting Along

I've always main-tained that I get along better with some and not so with others. The 'I can't please everyone' mentality is one that I carry with me. Case in point, my cousins. I get along with most, but with varying degrees of comfort.

 

Realistically, those who happen to be around my age, whom I spent most time with during childhood, and with whom I have remained close are the ones I consider my inner circle within the extended family so to speak. Like any relationship, it takes effort to nurture.

 

Going on family trips is an opportunity to develop such relationships. In close proximity, having to jointly deal with some stressful situations every now and then, the chance for more in-depth conversations, all these lead to the possibility of expanding the inner circle. Now, whether such expansion eventuates will very much depend on the effort made in the future.

 

 

With some of my cousins at Tegalalang in Bali, Indonesia. Photo courtesy of Thoo Yeong Ken.

Uplifting

Sometimes we need to be uplifted. We need to be reminded that much is possible if we put our mind to it, if we are willing to take a chance, if we can cast aside our fear.

Many a time, we let opportunities slip us by, for one reason or another. I have of late been making a conscious effort to not let this happen. So I take action when an opportunity arises. I do my best to banish doubts. I will myself to keep the faith.

Yes, we need some uplifting from time to time. So watch this, then this and then this. Inspiring don't you think?

Photo shot at Rice Teras Cafe in Tegalalang, Bali, Indonesia.

Bali

I am in Bali. Eileen and Richard’s wedding is tomorrow but I’ve already been here for 3 days, on this 5th trip of mine to the island of the Gods. Bali is one of those few places where I feel totally relaxed once I hit the tarmac after disembarking. The spirituality of the people and the vast beauty of its landscapes arouse one’s positive outlook on life. Leticia, Tjun Hong, Debra and I have been spending time hitting the streets of Kuta, visiting the cultural heartland that is Ubud and appreciating the rice terraces of Tegalalang from our perch at the Rice Teras Café, the latter bestowing us with one of the most magnificent views I have set my eyes on. We’ve left the bride and groom to last minute preparations, and we look forward to meeting up with the rest of the Malaysian troupe, in particular Desmond, Cindy, Carolyn and Yeh who arrive today.

For me, a holiday is very much about experiences. Admiring the sunset on crowded, world-famous Kuta beach allows one to marvel at the multi-coloured hues of the sky, sharing the moment with total strangers united in awe of something we take for granted everyday. Relaxing with a Balinese massage refreshes the tired mind, rejuvenates the battered body and revitalises the weary soul. Communing with good friends over meals at restaurants with unsurpassed ambience enhances the sojourn.

And at the end of the day, in the stillness of the night, floating in the tranquil waters of the pool, looking up into the starlit sky, one can’t help but make a wish upon a star for all things good, whether it be for health, love, career or the opportunity to return to this island time and again. Bali instills in me the spirit of optimism, that there are always better things to look forward to, better encounters to cherish, better relationships to nurture. And that kind of outlook is what all holidays should inspire.


Photo shot at Rice Teras Café, Tegalalang, Bali, Indonesia.