Company Trip 2014

We've just returned from our company trip, well a combined trip for teams weddings-malaysia and That Special Occasion. To Ho Chi Minh City we went, and as always, had a good time, albeit with a little stress thrown in for good measure.

Travelling in a group is seldom a piece of cake, but over the years, we've learnt to compromise and regardless of whatever stressful situations that may arise, we tend to end up having an enjoyable experience. So for four days and three nights, we ate, we shopped, we saw the sights, but most importantly we communed.

 

Till the next trip, here's to working hard and meeting those targets we've set ourselves to achieve this year.

 

 

Photo shot at KL International Airport, prior to leaving for Ho Chi Minh City.

Taking Chances

'In the end we only regret the chances we didn't take'.

 

I think this sums up much of what I've been going through for the past few months. Although I am very much a practical person, I've found myself taking decisions that I would not normally take, embracing calculated risks that I would normally avoid. This adage therefore, certainly strikes a chord.

 

What I've come to realise is that when taking such chances, it is best to let situations unfold naturally. Whatever the outcome, whether in my favour or otherwise, needs to be accepted graciously. Be eager for success, yet be ready for failure. When one's mindset is prepared in such a manner, one appreciates the positive outcomes more, and is able to face the disappointments better. And as always, fingers crossed for the best.

 

 

Quote obtained from https://www.facebook.com/BE.DIFFERENT.BE.REAL.

Yei-Yei's 6th Anniversary

The 'Wong' side of my family very recently got together to have dinner, in honour of my paternal grand-father, on the 6th anniversary of his passing.

 

We make it a point to do this annually, as we remember Ah Yei and celebrate his life. The one trait that I will always remember my grandfather for is that he was a very giving person. Always putting others first before himself, it is a trait that is very hard to live up to. More than that, Ah Yei showered the entire family with unconditional love. From my childhood till the day of his passing, he played the role of grandfather to a 'T'.

 

As I recollect the many memories I have, I too shall try to put into practice some of the very positive traits that he embodied.

 

 

Dinner with the extended family on 17 March 2014.

Doing Our Best

Doing our best is what is most important. Whether our best is good enough or otherwise, having made the necessary effort validates our initiative to make our aspirations come to fruition. We of course always hope that our efforts result in positive outcomes but there are times when our best somehow falls short of what we hope to achieve. Having put our best foot forward, one ought to come to the realisation that perhaps it is just not meant to be.

 

I try not to think that we need to become resigned to the fact that our efforts were not sufficient. On the contrary, I believe that fate must have a different plan. And if so, we just need to carry on, walking the new path that is before us, still putting our best foot forward, with faith and hope as our best allies.

 

For those facing challenges, improvements are in store, as difficult situations can only get better in time. Sometimes when answers are not forthcoming, all we can do is keep the faith and continue on the journey that unfolds as we take a step at a time.


Incense at a temple in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Trend Of Thought

Uncertainty is definitely not something that I wish upon anyone. In fact, it puts a damper on one's life. For the most part, uncertainty isn't an issue that I face too often as I am very much a decisive person. Unfortunately there are instances where certain things are largely beyond our control and it is during these times that I feel extremely challenged and in more ways than one, rather stressed. I suppose when faced with such a situation, the only thing that one can do is let fate take its course. Indeed, time will ultimately determine the outcome that fate has in store.

 

I actually wrote that first paragraph a couple of days ago and had it saved as 'draft' whilst I contemplated how to continue. In light of today's disturbing news about MH370, the very idea of what fate has in store comes to the fore. I have come to realise that whilst fate has certain plans for us, we too ought to play in role in charting our own destiny. Throw caution to the wind and live each day as it could be our last. Plan for the future yes but live in the present too. And make those decisions that need to be made!  

Food for thought indeed.


Photo shot at Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Nam, Thailand.

Charting One's Path

I've taken a fascination to quotes of late. One that caught my attention recently goes like this ...

 

If you really want things in life to happen, you have to make them happen yourself. You can't sit around and hope that somebody will help you, you have to make your own future and not think that your destiny is just going to happen.

I truly believe in charting one's own path in life. Sure, there are things that are largely beyond our control but for the most part, I do feel that the decisions that we make ultimately shape our destiny. I am very much a decisive person. In fact, many have said that I take a stand too quickly. I tend to weigh the various perspectives presented and I generally make a quick decision. I seldom second guess myself and I very seldom look back at what might have been. Patience has never been a strong suit of mine but I do try when the situation warrants it. Life throws us curveballs every now and then. I don't avoid them. I face them head on and make the best of it. Although the path ahead is not always clear, therein lies the adventure.

 

 

Prayers at Pura Ulun Danau Bratan in Bedugul, Ubud, Indonesia.

Bonds

Chinese New Year is always a time for my extended family to get together, enjoy food, talk lots and have a good time. Indeed, it is a time to renew ties and further nurture our already strong bonds as a family. Such strong relationships require effort to build and maintain, and my family members, from the older ones to the much younger, continue to do so on an almost daily basis. We communicate often, we even have a Whatsapp group to keep each other updated on the latest happenings in our lives.

 

My inner circle of close friends too are very much part of my Chinese New Year celebrations. Gathering for meals and chit-chat is very much the norm, and such a tradition has been maintained for as long as we have been good friends. This I am grateful for too.

 

As we now truly embark on a fulfilling Year of the Horse, may all our relationships flourish and may we continue to have a supportive network to lean on when in need.


Good luck from a lion on the 8th night of Chinese New Year.