Say It As It Is

As I grow wiser over time, it has dawned on me even more than ever, that one ought to say what is on one's mind rather than hold back and later think what if. Sure, some things are easier to hear than others, but articulating one's thoughts clearly and communicating them precisely makes one's stand and position clear. The resultant outcome and reaction are then often beyond one's control. What is certain though is that I would not have sold myself short by not taking a stand.

Contentious issues, sensitive topics and the possibility of rejection often are a hindrance, and contribute to our cautious state of mind. Throwing caution to the wind is a good thing, and having the courage to speaks one's mind is a practice that ought to be nurtured.

The flip side of all this is the fact that if one can be frank, then one also needs to be able to accept honesty and bluntness in return. Something to work towards indeed.


8th day of Chinese New Year. 

Chinese New Year 2016

It has been a very memorable 15 days of Chinese New Year celebrations indeed. Time spent with family and good friends is always worthwhile, further strengthening our bonds that have been nurtured through the years. 

The central theme of this year's celebrations has been food, a lot of food to be exact. Each gathering has revolved around meals - breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, supper - you name it, we did it. Banter and laughter made such meals that much more enjoyable. 

At the end of the day, Chinese New Year is about family and friends. It is about love and care. It is about doing what we can to preserve and celebrate our culture and traditions. Most importantly, it is about starting the new year with gusto and hope. 

Chinese New Year 2016.

Glasses Raised

I don't drink but this is a happy photo. It represents friends whom I have gotten to know over the past few years, who congregate every year just before Chinese New Year to celebrate the kinship and camaraderie that have been nurtured over time.

 

Mostly from the Klang Valley, but some from interstate and others from abroad, we make it a point to be present. Plans are set afoot early, venue booked, invites are sent out, travel arrangements are made for some and RSVPs collated. Kudos and appreciation go out to the organisers who despite their busy schedules, put time aside to ensure a memorable evening.

 

With many glasses raised, the well wishes that reverberated throughout the night will surely ensure a happy year ahead.

 

 

Annual reunion dinner, for 2016 at Oriental Viva, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Kuih Kapit Tradition

Keeping traditions alive requires some effort but the time spent doing so is very much worth it. Every year, my cousins, aunts and uncles get together to make kuih kapit, with the fruits of their labour being distributed to each family within the extended family.

 

I had been 'missing in action' for the past few years but made a return this time around. The camaraderie and chit-chat throughout make the heat and humidity bearable. Most importantly though are the memories that we will carry with us after all the hard work is done.

 

This year is extra special as cousins from Singapore and Melbourne made their way back to this get together. We look forward to congregating again come Chinese New Year proper.

 

 

Cousins kuih-kapiting in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Pours Toujours

A client of mine, LavieFlo, recently launched their Valentine's Day collection - 'Pour Toujours or Forever Love'. I was asked to do a brief introduction to the day's event, and I found it apt to articulate the following ... 'Pours Toujours' is inspired by 'A love that lasts for eternity. It is a love that many hope for and it is an aspiration that most of us go in search of in our lifetime'.

 

Whilst it is a given that not all relationships survive the test of time, those who are optimists in nature hold steadfast to the notion that keeping an open mind and heart may just lead to the love of one's life. The brave are those who try and try again despite having faced disappointments, and I'd like to believe they will be well rewarded ultimately.

 

Being part of an event that espouses such positive sentiments can only be a good thing, even more so at the beginning of a new year. It puts us in the right frame of mind to be open to possibilities and to be willing to take a leap of faith when the opportunity presents itself.

 

 

LOVE by LavieFlo.

Balance, Somewhat

All of us wear many hats in our lives, in our personal life and in our career. Some find the juggling challenging. Others seem to revel in the varied experiences. Whichever extreme we identify with, or even if we fall somewhere in the middle of both extremes, acceptance of our circumstance is a step towards leading a happy life.

 

I remember coming across this quote that was painted on some wooden planks in Bali ... The secret of being happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most out of every day. I would be the first to admit that being contented is not something I readily identify with. I always feel that life can be better, sweeter, you get the drift. So what I have tried to achieve is perhaps somewhat of a balance. Being happy with my lot in life at present, but always willing to embrace betterment when the opportunities present themselves.

 

It is with hope and faith that I tackle this new year and it is with open arms that I welcome all the good that the year has to offer.

 

 

Hats in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

Streat Thai

The extended family was invited by my cousin Lye Synn to a New Year's Day dinner and little did we know that the venue, Streat Thai at The School at Jaya One, is his new venture. It came as a pleasant surprise and I am extremely excited for him as he embarks on this new entrepreneurial endeavour.

 

A new venture is always something to be enthusiastic about. It takes courage to take such a leap of faith, emotionally and financially. And the least we can do is to offer words of encouragement and support whenever we can.

 

So all the best Synn and here's to a successful endeavour.

 

 

Streat Thai at The School, Jaya One in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.