reminders

One year older, not necessarily wiser HAHAH but actually, learning more and more things everyday and growing along with it. 

Posting now 'cause I scared I'll miss my one post a month policy LOL this entire Jan of 2018 had been pretty intense. Little sad that once again Jan isn't exactly my fav month this year again. But it's okay, 'cause even though it was a pretty intense month, it was still kinda a good intense? I'm running around doing things here and there but at least I'm running around doing things here and there and not just lying around without doing anything. Though the mess kinda bugs me sometimes, but as annoying as it sounds, you really have to learn to be comfortable with uncertainty and mess. And though I still have a long way to go before reaching that, I can see myself slowly trying to keep up with things and really just give it my best shot. 

Not even one month into 2018 yet but I've already learn so many things and gain so many new experience. Mainly at work but that's really good exposure. I guess even though work is honestly quite crazy and hectic, I'm glad that I really am learning things. Though there will be times when it's really frustrating but there are also times when it's really great and you truly feel happy at what you are doing. 

I guess the most important thing is really to remember why I'm doing what I do in the first place. Why I chose HR out of all the many million possible things that I could do instead. Why this is an area I really want to focus on and hone my skills in. So it's really time to take this opportunity to sharpen my skills in this area and really make good use of my time there. Not even 3 months in yet, and though I've done quite a few things already, I think it's really still very important to layout everything and make sure that I'm not just going around like a headless chicken. 

So I guess really have to remind myself to set aside a day to realign myself and what I am supposed to do before I can help others in realigning their careers and what not. And definitely important to be stronger and not let small little things affect you. Sure, sometimes these small things aren't exactly small but I guess it's really learning how to deal with them properly and just, be better. 

But also definitely important to rant too hahahah so I'm truly very thankful to have strong support systems outside of work and people who are willing to listen to me talk HAHA even though I'm complaining a lot but I still do enjoy what I'm doing and I guess I really still have many more things to learn and grow and do so it's really not the end for me yet. 

And also remember not to be jaded because of other things that are not exactly part of what I really want to do but still needs to be done. I think this is the part that I really need to learn to cope with better also. Because these things are really the things that are the most time consuming and most administrative but if you don't do it, no one else will. So you really just have to do it. I guess it's really just to remind yourself of the bigger picture and work towards that. That all these small activities and things will amount into something big and great and that's all that really matters. And I guess as part of the HR function, what really matter is the people right? If they feel happy and valued in the company and what not, you are doing a decent job. But of course, there are times when you yourself feel a little under appreciated but I guess that's where the big picture comes in. That yea, at the end of the day, people do still appreciate the things that you do even if they don't express it explicitly. 

So yepppp hahaha siao eh all these learning experiences. But I guess it's really important to note them down somewhere and remind yourself constantly and just push yourself to go forward and continue. Don't stop believing hahaha

A little sad that this post is so work-based so I guess also a strong reminder to have a life outside of work and not get to boiled down by it. Which so far, I think I'm pretty decent at this 'cause I still do meet friends and spend time with my family (when they are in sg). So generally, I still have a life HAHAH but of course, I think after I am confirmed staff (hahaha yea sia not even 3 months of work yet and it's so crazy), I will really find something else outside of work to do. If not, it's really just work plus meeting friends plus spending time with family. I mean these activities are enough to keep you busy, but like I guess really still remember that you are still very young and there are still many more things to learn and grow and it's really never too late to pursue the things that you really want. 

two thousand and seventeen

So many many thoughts but no time to properly sit and reflect for now. I'll just try to summarise in the most coherent way possible.

2017 has been pretty insane. From graduating form SMU and education in general, to starting my first job. There are still so many more things to experience and so many more things to learn. But this year really has been interesting? HAHA I guess, it started off bad but safe to say, it is ending pretty decent. Not completely great but I am contented and satisfied with what I have right now.

I guess as compared to last year's ending, this year's ending actually felt way better. Maybe because there is kinda more certainty in my life. At least for my job area and friends area. Not that yknow my friends area was uncertain last year LOL just that at the start of this year, there were some uncertainty and all but I'm so damn thankful that it all got sorted out and I still have my friends with me. :')

I think at the end of the day, I'm really a sucker for friendships. I mean okay, most people are. But I really truly feel very blessed to know that I have people who I can count on when I need help or advice or just a listening ear. And I guess this year, with all the things that happened, it's comforting to know that those people who said that they will be there for you through the good times and bad, they are really there. And they are really there to listen to me and talk me through my own thought process HAHA 'cause yes, this person here sometimes really just need to articulate out my thoughts in order to get my head straight. Thinking out loud, literally. But yes, I need someone to reply me when I think out loud, even though it's just to reassure me that I'm not making the wrong decisions. So yes, really just grateful to have people around to talk to? HAHA

And just people who make you laugh and smile and just make your day really brighter. They are simple things in life that we often take for granted but we should definitely pay attention to these moments more because they are actually the ones that count at the end of the day. When you look back in your life, sure, you will remember the big moments. But it's also the small moments that make your heart all warm and fuzzy. The late night talks about life, the times when you laugh until your stomach hurts so bad, or simply talking about rubbish (but not really) during meal times or after meal times, staying out late with each other and doing nothing much just because you want to stay with each other longer. I guess these are the moments that you will miss more than the big moments. These are the moments that you will actually look back on more fondly. So I guess what's important is really just appreciate every moment that you have with people and be present. I realise that for me, it's really either all in or none. If I am going to meet you, I will put in effort to meet you and talk to you and know you. But if I'm really not interested in meeting you, I won't even bother LOL I mean, there is good and bad to it. But we really only have 24 hours a day, there are some many people who matter and so you really just have to make them for those who truly matter more.

And I guess at work, definitely it's important to know my colleagues and all that but somehow it's really just different. I mean okay, I do really like some of my colleagues and I can talk to them and all that, but sometimes it's just different I guess? But okay, honestly, work is really great. I mean there are times when I feel frustrated or really very messy. Or actually still pretty messy. But it's okay. It's really training me to be comfortable with the discomfort and messiness. And I'm sure that after this whole experience, I will come out stronger? HAHA hopefullyyy. And really just learn as much as I can and gain as much knowledge as I can. Just make use of all the opportunities I have and do the best in my work. But also remember to cut  myself some slack and don't have too high expectations on yourself that make you stress over nothing.

And of course, not forgetting my family. At the end of the day, they are ultimately still the most important people in my life and I'm really glad that I got to spend more time with my mum and dad post graduation and pre work. And honestly, I miss spending time with them and idk, just running errands with them/for them. HAHA maybe I should really just be their PA instead LOL not exactly a bad thing. I get to travel often, earn money/allowances and look out for them. So it's really killing many birds with one stone. But okay, I need to go out there and gain some exposure and experience first before I can contribute.

And I think actually I also need to start shredding away the "newbie" mentality. Yes, I am new, I am a fresh grad. But that doesn't mean I cannot do the work that other people who have been working for years have been working on. Sure, there are times when it's true that experiences matter. But aren't you the one who got frustrated with companies who only hire people with experience? So isn't it time to proof that hiring fresh grad directly is not a bad idea? And that yes, fresh grad has things to prove to you as well. I guess I really just have to remember and remind myself daily on what is the purpose of what I am doing. Or rather, work hard and show that you are capable of doing things and that they did not make a wrong decision in hiring you.

But anyway, so yes family. HAHA digress like mad but anywayyy so parents I got to spend more time. Sister, I mean I guess as we grew older we really grew closer? When we were young we were close but like by circumstances HAHA so I guess form primary to JC onwards we were more of doing our own thing and finding our own friends and all that. But I guess once I started uni and she started working, we somehow converge back again. I mean all along we were close but yea, just closer now and I'm so damn thankful to have her around to really just hear me talk as well HAHA or rather, vent my frustrations and really advice me on what I should do. So yes, it's always great to have an older silbling around and I'm so thankful that I'm the youngest. Heheh but hey, I take care of her too k so it's mutual.

So yes, there's really more things that I wanna say and I honestly don't know if I'll be able to find the time to say them but of course, you make time for your own reflection right? So yea, I guess I really need to start learning how to manage my time properly 'cause once you start work, life really passes by you without you knowing and soon you will be 25 years old. Oh my. So yes, I think time management is something that I definitely wanna work on as well. Self improvement woohoo!

So thank you 2017 for being a pretty rollercoaster ride but I guess life is only fun and interesting when it's a rollercoaster ride right? The trick is to enjoy this ride whether is it up or down. And embrace all your feelings, be it positive or negative because you need all of them to keep you sane and healthy ultimately.

2018, hope you will be great. 

comfort

Suddenly at a loss of words on how to begin this post but I guess, I'll just go with it ah LOL anywayyy, just completed my 3rd week of work and there's pretty much quite a lot of things going on and stories to say about it but the gist is that it's pretty intense but I believe I'll survive it. And I'm really learning things and being exposed to many opportunities so really just gotta learn and read more and just give my best shot.

I think the most important lesson that I got from these 3 weeks is to not be so hard on myself and give myself time to adjust to work life. Of course, don't take too long but I think also don't rush it. And it's okay to fall short of your own expectations of yourself. Just really, don't beat yourself up about not being good enough and etc. So I guess I also learned that I am not as chill pill as I thought I would be LOL but okay ah, I mean, during work time I honestly still think I'm pretty chill. It's just internal thoughts. Over thinking sigh. Self induced stress, it's really quite stupid LOL

But yes, it's all part of learning more about yourself and growing up and it's all good. I'm really good ah. Just really need to learn to manage expectations. Especially my own expectations of myself. It's okay to make mistakes, it's okay not to know things, it's okay to question even though you may feel that these questions sound stupid. At least you question and not just sit there and be confused but don't clarify.

Another important lesson is also not to lose sight of the purpose of whatever you are doing. I think sometimes when we get too busy and too overwhelmed with everything, we forget the simple things like what are we actually doing this for. So I guess it's really important to remind yourself constantly to not lose sight of your purpose so that you will have stronger motivation to continue what you are doing.

And I also realise I'm really needy HAHAHA I guess when you are feeling not as happy, you really just wanna be around people who you are familiar with, people who bring you great comfort and you know you can just be at complete ease with them. So yes, I really miss my friends and really hope that somehow, everyone is working at the same company HAHA work will be so much more fun sia =(

But it's okay, it's important to meet new people and make new friends too and cannot always be confined in your own comfort zone. Time to really just put myself out there and not be scared of failure.

But yes, also thankful for the people in my life who are really just the greatest. And just people who bring my joy and laughter despite everything. So it's damn important to really just make time for all these small happiness no matter how busy or tired you are because these are the things that actually give you more energy to continue what you are doing.

As much as I really hate to admit it, adulting is really not fun hahhaah but okay, there is the part where you are actually earning your own money and idk somehow spending your own money definitely feels better. And planning how you wanna save up for other things or trips heh. I guess, it will all be okay as long as you remember that you have a strong support system in the form of your family and friends who will always be there for you and that you are really not alone on this journey.

what about angels

[ How unfair, it's just our luck
Found something real that's out of touch
But if you'd searched the whole wide world
Would you dare to let it go? ] 

Not About Angels - Birdy

But how can you let go of something that you never had? Right? And why is it that something real can actually be out of touch? But it really can.

Fate works in the funniest and strangest of ways right? Or maybe to me, it really does. It really feels like it's playing tricks on me most of the time. But it's okay. I guess it's really all part of growing up and figuring things out. Being okay with not knowing also.

I guess I need to learn to loosen my control and really let life be as it is. The future is something that you really won't know what's going to happen. And I guess, that's okay. Don't worry too much and really just make your best out of the present.

And good things are really worth the wait. I believe in this so much. And I see it happening time and again. So I guess it's really just a reminder to myself to be patient in life. In every aspect of life. Don't rush things, don't over think things, don't doubt yourself too much. And have faith and believe that at the very end of the day, it will all be okay. Things will eventually work out in ways that you can never imagine. So okay, the trick is to just take things easy and focus on things that you need to focus on right now and make the best out of whatever you are doing.

Gonna start my first job this Monday and I'm really excited. Though a little scared and nervous to what's to come but I guess I'm more excited than scared. And I really hope that I can do well in it but I guess really just give my very best and work hard. Time to get moving and give my best.

who's gonna have to die to remind us

[ These tough times they keep coming
Last night I might have messed it up again
Some days like I'm barely breathing
After we were high in the love, doped out] 

Beautiful Trauma - P!nk

So so so addicted to this song. It's beautiful and I'm really so happy that P!nk is back. And so is many other super good artist like my fav Kelly Clarkson and Sam Smith and Demi Lovato. Means many good songs to come wewww.

Anyway, life has been pretty up and down and all about hahahah. But I'm really glad that somehow it's suddenly a lot clearer and I'm very very excited to what's to come next. And yes, I know I always always mention this in almost every other blog posts lately but I'm really mad thankful for my family and friends. It's really because of them that I can be where I am now, and think the way I think now. People who really are there to just make me laugh, smile and make me a better person. And really just help me without wanting anything in return. And people who are so genuinely happy for me when good things happen and really just damn freaking supportive.

So yes, thank you everybody yall really the besttt. Truly blessed I guess. To know that you really have people who will be there for you no matter good times or bad. 

Life's probably gonna get very very busy soon but I hope I can still sustain this one post one month thing at least HAHA

But okay, in all honesty, I really miss the past. But I know that you know, at least they exist before. And I think what really matters is how you live life presently and really just make the most out of your days. Make sure you don't leave any room for regrets. Yes, the past was great, but you can't go back to those times so really just live the present 'cause whatever you do now shapes the future. 

you'll miss the magic of the good old days

[ Never thought we'd get old, maybe we're still young
Maybe you always look back and think it was better than it was
Maybe these are the moments
Maybe I've been missin' what it's about
Been scared of the future, thinkin' about the past
While missin' out on now
We've come so far, I guess I'm proud
And I ain't worried 'bout the wrinkles 'round my smile
I've got some scars, I've been around
I've felt some pain, I've seen some things, but I'm here now
Those good old days  

You don't know what you've got
'Til it goes, 'til it's gone
You don't know what you've got
'Til it goes, 'til it's gone ] 

Good Old Days - Macklemore & Kesha

I don't know why this song just gives me a lot of feels. I think especially 'cause I'm a freaking nostalgic person so this song really just speaks to me. But yea, this part is my favourite 'cause yea, the past was great, the future seems daunting, but what's most important is still the present and really just appreciating everything you have presently and just enjoy life as it is.

"The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead." - Marjorie Pay Hinckley

The past few days have been quite a strange rollercoaster ride of emotions and thinking and all. I'm still very much riddled with a lot of questions and uncertainties but I'm also crazy thankful for the amazing people in my life who truly have my back and really just listen to me and give their advices where they deem fit and idk, also just really very supportive of the decisions that I make. Or simply just people who are here to make me smile a little brighter and laugh a little loudly.

I guess even though I still haven't found some things I'm looking for, I'm incredibly blessed with family and friends who are very much here for me when I need them to and just thankful to know that I'm really not alone in this journey called life. 

NOTE TO SELF

“If you don't believe in God, have enough faith that if there is a God, He believes in you.” 

- Anonymous

I'm not an atheist. And actually I believe in the existence of God. Just that I don't know why but this quote just really struck me. That really no matter what you believe in, you just have to have strong faith in yourself and know that you are capable of doing many wonders.

So yea, this post is really a note to myself to be more confident with myself. For the past few weeks, with all the interviews and job applications, I realise that yea, one thing that I really lack is confidence. Which I think it's really bad 'cause during interviews, confidence gives you half the battle won. Okay, maybe not exactly half but definitely adds points to yourself. And I think it's really something that I have to learn to be more of. Just to be more sure of myself. It's not as if I don't know my stuffs. I know them, so I really have to show it to others that I know them too.

And yea, I think just don't ever self doubt. My sister was telling me that the worst feeling to feel now is to doubt yourself so don't ever do it now. Yes, you are still jobless. But it's not because you are not good. It's really just not the right companies and places yet so just be patient and wait for the right one to come along. The right job will definitely be worth the wait. I guess, just don't doubt your own worth. It's hard at times though when the only replies you get are rejections. But I think the right job will definitely come along.

I guess also remembering the things that you are good at, the things that you are passionate about. Show it to the interviewers. You can show them to your family and friends so you can definitely show it to the interviewers also. Remember all the things that you have done and experienced before. Share with them because they won't know about them unless you say it.

But I guess also take heart that sometimes things may not always go your way but it's okay. Just be patient. Good things are really worth the wait. I guess the wonderful thing about life is that it always isn't perfect. And that's the beauty of it.

"perhaps most of the challenging times in your life were the milestones that really shaped you and grounded you as a person cause you were at your lowest point then but you got through it and emerged a stronger person and it'll continue for as long as you live cause you're really just always developing yourself"

Recently my dear friend told me this and it really resonated with me so well. If life is always smooth sailing, it wouldn't be called life anymore and there is just nothing going on and you are just stuck. So I rather have a life that is filled with challenges to overcome and yea, it makes life worth more living and though the negatives really suck sometimes, you will get past them and come out stronger. And you will learn to appreciate the positives more often and I guess that's why life is really just amazing.

And I think one thing that I gotta learn is acceptance. There are some things in life that you want to just reject immediately without accepting it first. Which, makes sense. LOL but I guess there are some things that you cannot reject immediately and you have to learn to accept it first. It's damn bloody hard to come to terms with it and accept the circumstances surrounding it but in order to actually deal with it properly, you need to learn to acknowledge them and accept them then you can deal with it. Sometimes when you reject it up front, it doesn't solve anything and actually just makes everything harder 'cause the issue is still very much there and unresolved. Acceptance is hard but it's not impossible. So really just give yourself some time to come to terms with things and learn to deal with them after.

This year really has been pretty interesting and a lot of learning. I think for awhile I thought I was very sure about everything and how life would be and all. But I guess I wasn't actually very certain as I thought I was and even though all these uncertainties make me feel uneasy at times, I'm damn glad that I am having all these uncertainties. You can learn and grow from them and really just come out stronger and better.

So I guess I'm just really damn thankful to have a very good support system in the form of my family and friends. People who are really believe in me more than I believe in myself and knowing that I have them around really gives me the strength to carry on what I am doing and work towards the future.

finding myself

Sunrise at Cha-Am in Thailand! Sunrise and sunset truly never fail to amaze me and just be in awe at this wonderful creation by God. These colours are just amazing.

Anyway, I'M BACKKKK hahahah and in the best way. I guess for the most part of this year, or rather mainly ever since my last day of exams back in April, I hasn't been completely myself and I know it. Or rather I just really felt very floaty. And especially July. I don't know why but there was just a lot of uncertainty and confusion and I know that I wasn't myself for awhile. I was very out of it and I guess the worse part is that some of my friends realise that I was very out of it also. I mean okay, I am a person who is easy to read but some stuffs you know you will still try to hide from people and not show it but I guess when people can tell that something is wrong with you, it means it's really quite bad.

But in any case, after a few weeks of pondering and thinking and wondering, I finally manage to sort out my thoughts at the start of August and wah it's really amazing 'cause I really felt that I was myself again. I don't really know how to say this feeling but I just felt like I had a better grip of myself and found some footing and grounding and idk, just finally can think better and make better decisions in general.

Though now is the end of August but I guess I really just wanna remember this period and remind myself that you can really overcome all the negativity or what not and just come out stronger and better. You just need to make a little bit more effort in trying to use your brain and rationalise everything and be strong and firm about the things you have decided on and not let life and everything else waiver you.

There are still many things that I haven't do and want to do but I guess I am just going to see how it goes and not be too controlled by the things that I haven't do and just live. It's true that procrastinating is bad but I guess what's really more important is living in the present moment. I guess that's why I really don't like it when I know that I'm out of it whenever I meet people. I will feel very frustrated with myself knowing that I'm not 100% present and there. Though yea lar, it's stupid but I think I'm not being fair to the other people there and to myself also. Because you are so preoccupied by your own thoughts that you forget to think about others and you also forget to just try to have a good time also. That's why I guess I'm really glad when I stop getting so preoccupied by all these thoughts and really just start to think clearer.

Anyway, so just some rough update still looking for a job but I've been going for some interviews so they are all good practices so I guess it's still good. Just need to not be dejected by rejections and really just work to improve myself to become better and be more confident. I think confidence is something that I really lack when I'm with strangers. I mean okay, even with my friends sometimes I also have low confidence HAHAH okay lar what lies. Boast about so many things whenever I have the chance. Cheyyy but okay ah it's really different when you are with family and friends VS when you are with people you just met. I guess really just be yourself and show the genuine side of you and the sincerity and I believe you will do fine. Just be confident I guess. I think being confident is really a big step forward to getting people to have a stronger impression of you. Know your worth man.

Sidetrack but yea, I'm slowly realising how as you grow older you really have lesser time for people and idk, you really learn to choose how you want to spend your time more carefully. Not in the bad way. But I guess idk, you really just become more selective but in a good way HAHA oh well, I guess to me what matters most is that I'm not meeting people for obligation but for genuinely wanting to see them and talk to them and find out what's happening in their lives. Growing up I guess. I think if you tell me this 5 years ago, I'll probably be like no lar, I confirm will have time for everybody one. Siao. Childish. Think 24 hours very long is it? And I think I really learn to treasure along time more. Like really just listening to music or just thinking.

And I think sometimes in life, you do miss people and you hope that some people play a more important and constant role in your life. But most of the time, things don't often go according to what you hope for. But you will be okay. Because really, look around you and you will see that you are very much loved and you already have people in your life who are truly worth the keeps. And I guess there are really just some people in your life where you don't have to meet them often or talk to them often but you know that once you see them, everything just falls in the right place and I don't know, you just know that this person is real, this person is for the keeps and I guess it's really a very heartening feeling to know that you have really great people in your life who inspire you daily.

Again, this post is all over the place but really, this current state that I'm in is one of the clearest of the whole 2017 I think. Sure, there are times when it slips back to being uncertain and unclear but I guess it's really all about just remembering that you need to get back on track and pull yourself together. Because heck, nobody else can pull you up best other than yourself. Being truthful and honest to yourself is the first step I guess. If you keep living in denial, you will not be able to find contentment and fulfilment in life.