MCO Aide-Memoire 2: Habit - Build Hard, Die Harder~

Assalamua'laikum wbt. & good day,

Today is another day of Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia. My working schedule is a bit hectic lately due to numbers of online meeting and discussion that I need to attend. Being in a new department, trying to find the solid ground for me to play is not an easy task; especially when I just virtually report to my new superior and engaging with my fellow colleagues through digital means. Somehow, the real human interaction is still essential but at current moment, adapting to this new norm is a must.

My routine had been quite stable and established after 10 days of this MCO since it was commenced on 18 March 2020. Wake up in the morning, perform Fajr prayer, recite Al Quran, prepare for the breakfast (however, the sequence of these three routine had changed since Ramadhan), tethering my phone to my laptop to download all the emails, disconnect these two gadget to avoid internet data wastage, scrutinize every single email (one of my strength is I read every single information that I have as I believe information is a king), taking note on important information, prepare for reply if needed and wait for my Cash On Delivery (COD) food to arrive for lunch/ ifthar. I decided to buy at least one food from small entrepreneur each day as part of performing my responsibility in running the economy during this unprecedented time. In the end, I believe each of us in this world has at least a mouth to feed, and buying from this small entrepreneur is part of our responsibility in distributing our wealth as well as sharing our provisions.

Putrajaya, Malaysia

Like it or not, this MCO provides us ample time to shape our habit which eventually will lead us to somewhere in a long run. Failure in managing our time and taking the right action to shape the new norms for ourselves may lead to fatal consequences not only to our health, but as well as to our career and well-being. In spite I dislike to do skipping and HIIT exercise, I still motivating myself to do it on every single day because I realized that consistency is always the key in maintaining a good health; on top of selecting the right meals for our own consumption. However, I am also afraid that this MCO may increase my level of particularity as I do vacuum my whole house for almost every single day because seeing even a single hair drop can lead to unnecessary stress to me. I do hope that my level of flexibility will also increase as sticking to one rule sometimes may not work very well in any situations.

This MCO is also another means to test our level of integrity as we are staying inside our own comfort zone; except those who are currently battling with domestic abuse at home. We were actually tested by God in a very subtle way at this moment; as most of us are currently working from home. Not only that, this MCO provides huge opportunity for those who wish to start their own business by having COD’s service of their product and the customer definitely not be able to watch on way they prepared the items. In both situations, the only lifeline that both superior and subordinate as well as the seller and buyer have is TRUST. Trust that both parties will perform or deliver the outcomes or services expected from them excellently. This really reminds me to one excerpt from the book that I currently read, “Strategies of Prophet Muhammad” by Omar Khayyam Sheikh in which he wrote under the chapter of Personality Strength, “Truthfulness and trustworthiness can be considered the minimum foundations of a truly great personality”. Let us sit and reflect, do we have these qualities in us?

Tioman Island, Johor, Malaysia.

Many of us may not have any idea on how long this situation will prolong. Conforming to the decision and direction made by the government is the only choice that we have; in this case, to just staying at home. Staying at home for few days could be easy for some of us, but it also could be a mentally and emotionally challenging for some. The social media is also full with many hoity-toity, and some of the issues are just like a hotchpotch; which in reality do not deserve our time and attention. As a human who had been blessed with brain and heart to assess the nitty-gritty of those, we have to make the right choice while peacefully walk through this humdrum. Let us face this together. KITA MESTI MENANG. We must win :) 

 Till then, have a nice day. Wassalam~

MCO Aide-Memoire 1: Pesan Bapak~

Assalamua'laikum wbt. & good day,

Initially, the current Movement Control Order (MCO) should be ended by last Tuesday. However, considering the number of current active cases of COVID 19 in Malaysia, the MCO is now extended to another 14 days since 15 April 2020. Like it or not, as someone who does not held any qualifications in anything related to Health, I strongly believe that trusting the expertise’s advice is the wise thing to do. Therefore, I have to stay at home for another 14 days in which if this stage is not extended afterwards, it means that I have been staying at my home for 41 days in total, with the farthest place that I have went so far is still within 10 km radius from my current house. OK Zaza, you can be proud of yourself. #piouswifecandidate :P

Although there is nothing wrong and nothing less inside my house, I could not deny that sometimes the desire to go out from home is so strong. Last weekend, after staying at home for 25 days without going out even once throughout the duration, I finally have the courage to go out to run my groceries errand. Being someone who used to dress up for almost every day before this MCO is enforced, I took the opportunity to really dress up although I only went out for about one hour. After all, as someone who is quite paranoid especially when there is a very strong evidence and fact that the virus is easily spread, I am willing to source out all the groceries shopping to trusted runner in my area as well as keep ordering ready-made food and pay for the delivery fees. What is it few ringgits as compared to the risks that we have to take, isn’t it?

In less than 10 days, we will be entering Ramadhan, a holy month where all Muslims are required to fast. This year will be quite different as there will be no congregational Taraweh prayer as well as no Bazaar Ramadhan. Moreover, Saudi Arabia also had announced that the pilgrimage this year is postponed until the pandemic is under control. This year had introduced all of us to the new norms, and this new norms is expected to prolong for few more months until the vaccine for COVID 19 is successfully produced and available for consumption by public. I personally got the mixed feeling as there is a probability that I will be celebrating Eid alone here as there is no sign that the flights to my hometown will be available as of today. As usual, I trust that Allah is basically preparing me for something and if not, this could be another mean for Him to protect me from something.

Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Talking about trusting the Best Planner of All, I could not deny the facts that sometimes, it is very hard for us who are just His creations to understand and fully grasp the wisdom that lies behind every single thing that happened. Most of the times, we tend to rebel or questioning the things that happened until we discovered the reasons for it to happen.

I remembered early of this year, I was planning to send both of my parents for a cruise trip. Somehow, the available date for that trip is coincide with my cousin’s wedding in which as usual, my father will give this kind of thing a priority. Although I am a bit frustrated, I just follow his advice as there is no use for me to proceed registering both of them for the trip if my father is kind of reluctant. He always told me the importance of living in society in which I rarely agree as I believe in individuality. I rarely attend my relatives wedding ceremony as they usually did it during long weekend; whereby I also commonly travel to overseas at this time. Never that I know that shall I proceed with this cruise trip, it will be cancelled as well due to this pandemic. It somehow strengthened my belief to always listen to “pesan bapak” or “dad’s advice”.

During my adolescence, I always asked for RM 20 a week from my dad as my weekly allowance since I am studying at one of the boarding schools in Kuching. He always remind me to keep saving the money although I did it silently. And every single week, I will be given RM 20 as a compulsory allowance that I imposed on him. #whatachild However, as I grow older, I started to realize why he keep reminds me on saving because saving is ultimately important. The moment we are desperate for money, we tend to lose our dignity and integrity. I could not deny the fact that “pesan bapak” is right in this sense and I am lucky because this is the only advice from him that I follow tightly without any argument till today.

Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia.

Since I involved with operations improvement and change management five years ago, I started to subscribe to minimalist life style and avoid hoarding items. I have become a value driven person, not only in performing my job, but also in my daily personal life. Upon transferring to current city, I discovered that I have a lot of things and some of that are never been used. I would say that I had been trapped into typical orthodox Malay culture and custom by having a lot of things in which I rarely use in my daily life during early stage of my career. Hence, I sell off some of the items; especially those that I have not used for more than six months. However, my dad had different opinions. As long as we bought the items in cash, and we can have it without burdening other parties, what is wrong with having lots of items? But being me, I just proceed selling off the items, which included my folded mattress. Never that I know, I am in dire need of that folded mattress since I have a principle that I cannot do any other thing on my bed except a proper sleep at night and I finally have to buy a new folded mattress during this MCO for me to leisure at my living hall. And yes, “pesan bapak” is again right this time. (-_-) But then, disobeying this “pesan bapak” was a bless in disguise as I finally have the courage to go out and take the pre-order folded mattress at the shop during this MCO since I doubt there is available runner that would like to take this job.

Lately, whenever I have a phone call with my mom, I always told her that all the things I disputed with my dad had become a hurtful truth. It is a hurtful truth as I have to experience it myself before I can admit that his advice is somehow true. In the end, as someone that is purely evidence and analytical based, I need all the logic reasons for me to agree, although with my own parents. It is somehow true that most of the children only realized the wisdom of their parents’ advice once they passed their 20s. I am just lucky that my dad is still healthy the moment I realized the significant of all his advice and we now can synchronize the way we think; although I realized that my younger brother and sisters still have some disputes with him on the way they look at things. Looking at this, I just can say, you are yet to reach your 29 years and 12 months old yet. :D

 Till then, have a nice day. Wassalam~

New Definition of Awaited 2020~

Assalamua'laikum wbt. & good day,

The first quarter of 2020 had passed and yes, we had left with another three quarters. Sometimes, I do question myself on what have I achieved so far and how much have I prepared myself for the next stage of life in the hereafter. Like it or not, while each of us acknowledged the facts that we will be leaving this world, we tend to overlook on the preparations needed as talking about death always make us feel stress, afraid and rarely excited.

The whole world had been hit badly by COVID-19, a pandemic caused by Coronavirus. Malaysia is not exempted, and we are currently under Movement Control Order (MCO) since 18 March 2020. The MCO is now in the third stage; and this stage is expected to end by 28 April 2020. Our Prime Minister will do another press conference to announce the needs to either extend or end the current MCO towards end of this stage.

Early of this month, I had officially moved to another business unit within my company, in which I supposed to physically move elsewhere, but end up I just virtually report duty through digital means to my new department. I never thought that my wish to silently moving out after almost 8 years in the same environment is granted this way HAHAHA. It is perhaps a good time to reflect on the needs to be more careful in praying for my wish. :D

Sunset at Kapas Island, Terengganu, Malaysia.

Looking back on the old days that I have gone through since I was young, I never thought that Vision 2020 or "Wawasan 2020" which had been something I look forward to will take me to somewhere back to basic, which is staying at home. Not only that, the MCO announcement made by current Prime Minister TSMY had triggered panic buying of daily necessities among the citizens which in the end bring everyone back to realization that our basic needs in life is so simple and others are just our wants. On top of this, this pandemic had exposed many glamour and famous people to their real self in which I will not share the details here. Being a strong ISTJ person and previously an INTJ, I do take a lot of my time to silently judge and evaluate others. But yes, I know that I am being evaluated and judged by others too, HAHAHA. As long as we keep the sensitive things to ourselves, I do not think judging others is wrong, just that we had wasted our time unnecessarily. :P #silainsaf

I am supposedly going to Japan yesterday and all the arrangements are basically done. However, due to this pandemic, this trip is cancelled and I somehow start to realize the importance of believing in guts. I have not purchase the ticket to KL since I am currently in Sarawak for this trip because I was thinking to just redeem my airline loyalty points since some of it will be expiring this year. Luckily, following my instinct had benefited me financially as I am not going for this trip anyway and therefore, I have not lose anything be it in terms of my money as well as my points. Alhamdulillah.

I cannot deny the feeling of bored during this period as I am staying alone and not able to visit my parents who are staying one hour flight away. Just for info, the Air Asia inter-district flight in my state is all cancelled throughout this MCO but the good thing is they provide refund although the processing time is quite lengthy.  Looking on the bright side, this situation had provided me ample time to pack for my items prior to move to other city upon this MCO is uplift. I also have the opportunity to declutter all my stuffs, enhancing my cooking skill as well as trying my best to do skipping at least 300 times a day. Until today, I managed to do skipping for almost 500 times a day and I am targeting to do skipping at least 1000 times a day. HEHE :P This is also a golden opportunity for me to reflect, rearrange my priority on top of continue reading the books that I have in spite of I still do not have any ideas on where to put  or who to give the books that I have read.

Sunset at Kuala Perlis, Perlis, Malaysia.

After more than 20 days at home, I realized that the following five facts are irrefutable:

• Sometimes, we have to beware of what we wish for. I never thought that my wish to not transfer before Eid is granted this way. Although I am fully aware that Allah must be either protecting or preparing me for something, I am just impressed the way He granted my wish. It is far beyond my imagination.

• A blessed sustenance is far better than a lot of sustenance. This thing is very subtle to be deliberated, but the outcome of a blessed sustenance mostly come in a way we spend the sustenance for the right purpose or giving it to the right parties.

• It is basically easy to know where we are in other’s list of priority. As we are also a normal human, we definitely will make time for things or person that matters to us. Do not trust in other’s justification to ignore us.

• Every person in this earth is given the will to strive for a better life. Factors that differentiate us in having this better life are our determination, thinking skill, thinking scale and our network.

• While both quantity and quality of effort matters a lot, consistency is always the key to success. I would say that I am a total believer of slowly but surely :)

It has been quite some time I have not write. I hope the current MCO will give me more time and determination to continuously write because I believe, writing can enhance ones capability in articulating their ideas and express their emotions in a very positive way.

Till then, have a nice day. Wassalam~

Embracing 3!~

Assalamua'laikum wbt. & good day,

HAHA!

It feels surreal that I have been living my age up to this number. Went through all the ups and downs, battled between both good and bad internally and externally, experienced heaven and hell kind of environment and not to forget, meeting both angels and devils type of people. In spite of those, I survived to be me, and I hope it will prepare me to be someone great in the future.

I would say that this year is the second healing year, especially after major setback that I encountered back in 2017. Last year was a total turnaround year of myself, which I ended up taking a very bold decision by having a career break. It was unplanned, but as usual, a cliché statement will always, we plan, and Allah is also plan, and His plan is always the best. That four months’ break really change my perspective about life, deepened the gratitude feeling of mine, and the most important lesson that I realized is Allah is never neither a second too late nor a second too early.

Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Having said that, I allowed myself to break from the norms that I have annually since I joined P this year. There is no so-called luxury vacation this year, and I only visited two neighboring countries and there will be one next week. The target numbers of books to be read is still far to be reached as I usually hit at least 75% from the target of fifty books by end of the year. All the flight tickets were bought on impromptu basis and I got the best deal mostly by luck. I regularly spent my time reading and thinking where should I heading to in next ten years. But one thing I am proud to say is that I consistently hit the gym, did my Pilates, evening hiking or played badminton on working days. In other words, I showered myself with the luxury of time which I think had developed a sense of complacency inside myself and I believe that if I choose to stay, it will kill me in silent. A flowing water is always better than a stagnant lake. I must remember this.

Leaving twenties with lots of improvement still on-going is not a wonderful thing to concede. I failed to meet my target to travel to thirty countries by end of two-series as I only been to twenty six countries, I still not meet the target of BMI xx from the previous one (BMI is ultimately a very sensitive issue for ladies I supposed), my financial target is still farfetched from the target that I have set, and there are many more that is quite hard and delicate to be mentioned here.

Nevertheless, on the bright side, I am thankful that my two-series had been as colorful as a rainbow. Before the two series ended, I got myself into Prime Minister Office, been selected to represent Malaysia in International Conference of Cohesive Society with all the other youths around the globe, complete my horse riding lessons, been to all states and federal territories of Malaysia, visited prison and bribery investigation room, given exposure to the country’s administration protocol, prepared speeches to country’s top gun, met almost all the cabinet ministers, escaped from the media, and been to two local islands. I am honestly clueless on where these experiences will lead me, but I believe Allah is preparing me for something good in future.

Langkawi, Malaysia.

 

The sad things that I realized the moment my age increases were my trusted circle is getting smaller, I have to rely more on myself than others, my life is a total outcome of my own decision, making difficult verdict especially in finance & deciding priorities are all on my own, and living life like nobody business is extremely real. The people that we made is definitely just a reason or enabler, but we are totally accountable for ALL THE CONSEQUENCES.

Moving forward, I started to train myself to be more flexible in term of planning and opening up to various opportunities. I do not know where exactly I will be in the future, but I have a strong faith that the next journey of mine will be a worthy ones. There is no other better equation of luck other than preparations meet opportunity.

To those who still in search for the real direction in life, trust me it will be a never ending one. Having said so, it is no harm to start preparing for the destination that you wish to reach, and always bear in mind that the absolute one will be the day we meet our Creator. Be bold, be brilliant and be sophisticated. Life is always about continuous learning, relearn and unlearn. Sometimes, the things that brought we here is not the same mechanism that will bring us there. Keep ourselves active physically, mentally and always choose to be in the right social circle. The people you always associated with will indirectly determine where you will be. I hate to say this, but after series of heart broken experiences, the people you know matter most than the things you know.

Till then, have a nice day. Wassalam~

Laugh at Life~

Assalamua'laikum wbt. & good day,

I feel like to write all the reflections that I had for today as it really makes me grounded upon looking back on things that had happened. It was a mixture of many feeling, from frustrated, angry, funny, relief, nervous, determine and grateful. HAHA

I am still on second day of MC and was advised to go to psychological unit of government hospital today. It was raining cats and dogs and since I had sent an invitation for a syndication meeting to Senior General Manager office, I planned to attend the meeting for a while prior to heading to the hospital. The road that I use to commute daily to and fro office is still under construction for Pan Borneo project but somehow I did not expect that today's rain had led to a quick flash flood in that area.

My heart felt uneasy since the rain portray no sign to stop. I had informed my admin clerk to get the syndication materials ready as I planned to go directly to the meeting's venue. The other side of me convinced me not to go since I am on a valid MC, but the egoist side of me persuade me to proceed to the office since I am the meeting organizer. In spite of that unease feeling, I decided to proceed going to the office and that is where all the one in a million kind of experience begins.

I drove my parent's car, specifically Perodua Kancil since I began my career. As time goes by, I had become more prudent in managing my financial, and after few times of evaluation, that awesome Kancil still serve me very well. 

I saw that the water started to spill over the road but I still had the confident that I will be able to pass through it since I saw many Axias are able to do so. But somehow, in the middle of the road, my car stopped. The engine is unable to be ignited while the water started to enter my car. I am so afraid and burst into tears while calling my usual mechanic. He advised me to turn off the car and just leave for my own safety. The water level keeps increasing and I have to get out from the car using the next door. Somehow, I am a bit lucky as I am wearing a face mask and hence, I trust that no one would recognize me. HAHA :P

I got this from Bintulu Info FB page. Oh Kancil, you did it!

I saw an old uncle keeps looking at me from the side of the road and I ran towards him to explain my condition. My mechanic keeps on calling me to ask exactly where I am, while that uncle is trying to call Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) rescue team. Finally, I do not know who exactly had helped to remove my stranded awesome Kancil, but that car is already in front of the brick factory where I seek for help. A mid-40s man came out from my car telling me "Adik, kereta kamu OK lagi. Masih boleh start." I was blurred that time and the only statement came out from my mouth was, "Boleh tolong bawak ke sini? Saya takut." That man just follow the things I said, passed back the car key to me and leave. And I did not say even a single thank you to anyone who had helped me this morning. :( I hope Allah will ease their life and rewards them with eternal blessings.

After I felt a bit fine, I tried to start the car and thanks God, the engine was magically smooth. My mechanic then called me again to confirm if towing is needed and I told him let me try to test this car inside this brick factory first. But somehow, I only update him on my whereabouts after I reached at car wash station before heading to the hospital.

And thing goes pretty fine, I went to the hospital after my car is clean and I am so grateful that my awesome Kancil is moving smoothly until I reached my home upon complete running my errands. 

Right now, I am smiling and laughing alone when I remembered things that I faced today. Life got too many surprises to offer, and Allah's helps come in many forms. It was like a thriller drama or movie, and I am the main actress who survived at the end of the story. HAHA :D

It reinstate my confidence towards kindness, humanity and the power of believing in instinct. Shall I follow my heart not to proceed heading to the office today, this thing would not happen. But then, having this kind of incident strengthened my belief that we have a lot of kind people around us.

I want to keep this memory here in case I trapped into big problem in future,
I can calmly say that THIS TOO, SHALL PASS!

I am also thankful that the diagnosis today conclude that I am not under depression, but on intermediate level of stress. As a matter of knowledge sharing, I would like to share one fact shared by my psychologist:

"In any situation, try to take a moment of pause in the count of seven. Our brain got two layers, and the first layer is usually animal-dominant kind of thinking. Acting based on this thinking had led many people to regret and sending them to prison. The sensible thinking come from the second layer of our brain which lead us to act in more realistic ways."

To my awesome Kancil, thanks for surviving! You save if not thousands, hundreds of my bucks! Alhamdulillah  :) <3

Till then, have a nice day. Wassalam~

Human~

Assalamua'laikum wbt. & good day,

I am writing again in less than two months’ time. As usual, I always found my remedy through writing. I always hope by articulating all the feelings that I have at current moment into a structured piece of mind, everything will be okay. After all, I always convince myself that this too, shall pass.

I started to realize that sometimes, the heart broken that we had is not necessarily because we did not get what we want. We feel deeply demotivated because of the process, and sometimes we discovered that someone had play the games behind the door in order to stop the opportunity that we supposed to get; although in reality, the moment we officially receive the offer, we might decline it due to several factors. This kind of situation brought us down, and we started to overthink on many bad things that this person could do. As a human being, we severely impacted by the experience that we had, and the experience we had will shape the belief. Like it or not, the action that we take is mostly depending on the belief that we had embedded inside us; be it a truthful one or otherwise.

Batam Miniature House, Indonesia

In my previous post, I did mentioned the story on why I decided to take my sabbatical. With the hope that everything is already fine, I started to gain my motivation back upon resume my duty. But somehow, few incidents happened and the recent one really brings me down. Somehow, it triggers me to think how shameful it is for someone at upper level, with SIX level gaps by organizational hierarchy, still want to stop my career opportunity for exposure to another strategic project. I just cannot brain that someone at upper level unconsciously bring down his own standard by creating a conflict with someone below him, which I think if I were at his place, I will not be doing so because someone lower than me is definitely not my league.  

I am fortunate because I got few colleagues who turned up to be #myexclusivecircle; giving wonderful advice and motivations for me to hold on and be resilient. I still hold closely to one of the advice from one of the managers that I met during my downtime; perhaps, this is actually what had been destined for you, and that person is just the asbab (means). In fact, Allah is never neither a second earlier nor a second too late. Enabling myself to look at this kind of positive angle always makes me feel relief, although that feeling may not be permanent. Again, a cliché reason is I am only human, and I break when I fall down.

The recent situation that I faced makes me try to connect with the book that I currently read, How Will You Measure Your Life. In one of the chapters, The School of Experiences, it did mentioned that “people who hit their first significant career roadblock after years of nonstop achievement often fall apart”. I am trying my best to strengthen my belief that this chapter of falling apart experience has something to teach me, and the outcomes will only be reap somewhere in future that only Allah knows when.

The only prayer that I have for myself is not to get crazy or affected with any mental health related illness as I strongly believe that THIS TOO, SHALL PASS.

Kapas Island, Marang, Terengganu

Till then, have a nice day. Wassalam~

Chapter 22: Pontianak & Singkawang, Indonesia

Assalamua'laikum wbt. & good day,

Hi! I am writing again after a long hiatus, probably because I am not used to take the flight back to this place at this time, since I usually take the evening flight that will touch down during sunset. The fare difference was quite huge since today is a public holiday replacement day. But then, this could be the best decision as well since I will be away again tomorrow for another business trip, so at least I have some time to pack for my stuff.

Life is quite good at this moment, with more and more people come into my life as well as go away from it. I have no more concern on this as I realized the fact that some people are meant to be part of the chapter of my life, and we can choose to remember the moments as sweet memories or lessons to be learnt. 

I just completed my #chapter22 of my abroad vacation, after #chapter21 during last year's Christmas. Going to the age of thirty years old this year, I choose not to do a very thorough planning and just to be flexible in spite of the fact that I may fail to achieve my target of been to 30 countries by age of 30. At this point of time, I have been to 26 countries and based on current leaves available, it is quite impossible for me to take even any short break in order to enable me to hit at least 27 countries. Nevertheless, the target is set by me and hence, I should forgive myself for unable to meet it. Life is still a long way to go, InshaAllah.

View along Kapuas River, Pontianak.

I went to Pontianak via Air Asia's direct flight from Kuching. It tooks me 45 minutes to arrive Supadio International Airport. The weather is quite hot as my nose was bleeding and that is the reason why my first day in PNK was mainly resting in my room and tour around Tanjungpura University at night. The temperature was around 33-35 degree C and I think Borneo soon will have its own summer too! 

I toured around Pontianak City on the second day by visiting Tugu Khatulistiwa, Aloe Vera Centre, Rumah Radakng, Tugu Digulis and Taman Arboretum Sylba Untan using both Grab and by walk. If you ask my honest opinion, the place is so average but at least I can indirectly learn about PNK through these places and from the people that I met. I paid 15000 IDR for Kapuas River Cruise (not that standard cruise like the one that I took while in Kotor or Bhosporus Strait) during sunset and Subhanallah, it was one of the best decisions that I took for this trip! The view was majestic and I managed to make one friend who is also love to travel and capturing moments.

Tugu Khatulistiwa/ Equator Monument, Pontianak

It took me 3 hours by car to Singkawang on the next day. I made the deal with one of the Grab drivers that I ride on previous day. Although the journey is quite long, the view along the journey was all villages and local houses. I passed by Mempawah and Tanjung Pinyuh on my way to Singkawang and tried the signature bakso at Singkawang for late lunch. The overall journey inclusive all the pit stops at some of the attractions such as Rindu Alam Peak, Singka Zoo, Tanjung Bajau Resort & Pasir Panjang Beach was almost 11 hours. It was quite exhaustive as the road was all single lane and it is quite challenging for the driver to over take. 

Tanjung Bajau Beach, Singkawang

This 4 days 3 nights short vacation to PNK is quite meaningful for me as I realized and becoming more convinced that managing a big countries with thousands islands is very challenging. The Singka Zoo for example, is quite a good place but due to low visitors and high maintaining cost, the place is so disorganize but luckily the fantastic view at Rindu Alam Peak cured my disappointment. Just like Kampung Terih in Batam, this place is manage personally without any assistance from their government. Personally,  I would suggest Taman Safari Bogor if you want to visit place of nature for its visitor friendliness among provinces of Indonesia that I have been to - Jakarta, Bogor, Bandung, Padang, Bukittinggi, Batam and PNK. 

After all, I am focusing more on exploring local this year after I realized that it is quite impossible to achieve my dream of been to 30 countries by 30 years old. :(

Where to next? :P

Till then, have a nice day. Wassalam.

Keeping What's Matter

Assalamua’laikum wbt & good day,

Hola! Finally another round of Ramadhan is here and today we are on the 7^th day! It feels surreal that two years had passed since my Umrah during the same holy month. I feel so blessed that I can spend both days of my weekend this time at home as I have been traveling for past few weeks for both business and personal trips. The feeling of staying at home peacefully while reading my favourite genre on my comfy bed without looking at the clock as nothing to be rushed for is ultimately a golden moment that hardly found in today’s hustle-bustle.

I am so happy that I had hit my 6^th book yesterday in spite the progress of my reading this year is much slower as compared to previous years. However, since my mission for this year is to take things easy and keep asking myself “how worst it can be” whenever my anxiety attack arise, I feel calmer and more relax in overcoming any shortcomings. The sabbatical that I had took few months ago had exposed me to many things and in the end, I realized that I am just too competitive. HAHA :D

Bucharest, Romania.

My addiction towards TED Talks had started again and this year the topic that I always focus on revolved around self-esteem and relationship. I realized that I have a lot of areas that need to be improved on both of these aspects, but at the same time I need to find an ideal balance between leaving those wasting my time and keeping those worth my time. In the end, time is something very important to me and I have no compromise about it. To those who had willingly spare their time all this while for me, I would like to thanks you from the bottom of my heart. <3

Talking about time, I had discovered one significant relationship between time and health. It was during my weight loss journey that had discovered this, and I still keep doing this until today as it has been proven to work very well with me. The time that we spend to exercise or doing any physical activities before we fall sick is very crucial as we will spend more time to heal if we do not spare some of our time to get active before anything happen to our health. As such, it has become my habit to set aside at least 15 minutes a day to do any physical activities including during fasting month. The benefit that I have got the most from this was the frequency of getting flu had significantly reduced and my rationale is getting better.

I also had started to be very interested in de-cluttering. My kind of de-cluttering is not only in term of materials that I hoard, but also in term of people that I keep and social media that I still use. Like it or not, the moment I stop having Twitter in my phone, my life had become so light and I had more free time to think and plan for things that are more significant towards my personal advancement, be it in financial, “real social”, career and health. I would like to thanks Marie Kondo for introducing the mantra of “only keep the things or people that sparks joy in your life”. 

View from Barelang Bridge, Batam, Indonesia.

To those who are about to kick start their de-cluttering journey, I would suggest you take time to observe the followings prior to decide on what to be eliminated:

·      

• What is your goal? (short, medium, long)
• What makes you happy?
• What are the things/ who helps you to achieve your goal?
• What/ who helps you in making good decision?
• How long the materials had stagnant without being used? (the longer it stay stagnant, the higher probability it will need to be removed)

Once all the above questions had been consciously answered, you may start your de-cluttering journey. Less is more is definitely correct! By doing this, I have more time and money to spend on things which mostly in term of experiences that makes me feel good and creating long lasting memories! Thank you Allah for this ilham :)

Till then, have a nice day. Wassalam~

Move On: Who Says It's Easy?

Assalamua'laikum wbt & Good Day,

It has been a while I have not post anything on my blog since my last post during my 29th birthday. 

Welcome 2019! 

Although one quarter had passed, my sabbatical journey had ended and I am now back to my old routine since six week ago! HAHA :)

I remembered the indescribable feeling the moment I touched down this town; exactly 4 months after I left. I had never pay any visit to this place throughout my sabbatical journey and I cannot deny the fact that I am so impressed with the changes around me. Somehow, the development had been quite rampant as compared to the day I left, but more than that, I started to love and appreciate this town so much although I enjoyed my sabbatical journey a lot.

My first day back to work was a bit messy as there was an issue with my laptop to connect with the official domain due to system mistrust since I had been absence for more than three months. My superior was away for business trip that day and there was a scheduled monthly meeting with all leadership team. I attended the meeting quite late as I need to wait for my laptop to be configured by the ICT team.

Perlis, Malaysia.

I bet most people who close to me know the main reason behind my decision of taking fourteen weeks of career break. It was due to my inability to let go of my frustration on previous year's performance appraisal outcome; and I have to be honest that until today, it still break my heart. I personally think that I already move on after taking such a long break but somehow, I realized that I am not fully move on the moment I accidentally met the decision maker for that appraisal results during a short break of that scheduled monthly meeting, I cried again for the whole night. It was such an irony moment as I was so eager to return back to work maybe due to my declining reserve (read as cash), but during my very first day of return to work, my heart broke again. 

I thought it was just an incident and it could be due to I am still in shock that Allah tested me in such a way. Therefore, I still continue to act like usual and few weeks later, I am assigned to an almost similar assignment that really tested my emotional strength which is one of the main causes of my trauma which led to that inability to move on like I mentioned before. 

One day, I received an email from AA; an email subscription where I subscribed on "tazkirah", life reflection, tips and motivations which is wrote by a Singaporean lady who is now living in Morocco. The content was in general sounds more or less like "There is nothing happened to us without Allah's knowing and all things happened to us are basically allowed to happen by Him"; based on my best understanding. I started to realized that the previous incident which led me to take the sabbatical was actually one of His plans. The decision maker of that performance appraisal was just a mean; or in Arabic term it is called "asbab". I started to reflect back on my life journey and somehow that email slowly put my heart back at ease. 

When I looked back, if it was not because of that incident, I may not have the courage and determination to start re-focus on myself and my health. I was putting all my efforts and focus to get my ideal weight and I am so determined to reach that goal. Alhamdulillah, I managed to reduce 18kg since then. I may not seriously wrote an essay which somehow made me selected to become one of the Perdana Fellows to Chief Secretary to The Government; which from that program I was able to get first hand experience in managing this country, increase my knowledge in overall economics & public policy on top of establishing good networking with the top guns. I may not achieve my aspiration of being in all states and federal territories of Malaysia by age of 30 if I did not decided to take my career break. Most importantly, I may still not feel contented and grateful for being part of one of the top contributors to Malaysia's income in spite it was the place where I am emotionally tested and reached my breaking point. I started to acknowledge that the setback which really sickened my heart had somehow taught me to be stronger; not only emotionally but also spiritually as well as to understand the fact that when things go wrong, there must be a lesson to be learned and life is always "there is a bless in disguise". (I literally cry the moment I wrote this because I really mean it!)

Whenever I met some of my colleagues during prayer at prayer room and they asked me about my career break, I always told them that never take the break whenever you had a bad superior. I am personally so bless that I have a very supportive superior who really understand my situation, continuously motivating me in spite he knows that I am still emotionally not fully recover and at the same time keep pushing me to push my limit in order to unlock my potential. He is a real reflection that a true leader may not someone embracing the same faith and having the same race as me, but the one who is objective and keep heightened others up. 

On personal aspect, in spite I had loss four months of my salary due to that unpaid career break, I had learned that money is not everything but still one of the crucial foundation to make a comfortable living. I also learned that when it comes to relationship, the "spark" is sometimes unable to be ignited in spite by physical criteria, all the factors been set had been met. Kindness always won over right, and creating the right perception is always important in spite of in reality, things being done are maybe not right. 

"And I will bear more troubles well

Because this road has led through hell

Resurfacing in brighter days

I slowly learn to change my ways"

(Chellie Campbell)

My planning also had turned much more flexible, as I have not plan for any trip yet due to many uncertainties. But somehow, I cannot deny the fact that my anxiety about future is getting more manageable as I started to realize and strongly instill into my mind that while fail to plan is plan to fail, but while we plan, Allah also plan and His plan is always the best. Striking the balance in putting the effort to plan and being "redha" with the outcome may be hard, but as time and maturity goes up, the hurdles and challenges that we face along the way will definitely help us to maneuver ourselves towards the right path. We just have to reflect, think and believe.

Jerai Hill, Kedah, Malaysia.

Till then, have a nice day. Wassalam~

Twenty Nine!~

Assalamua'laikum wbt & Good Day,

It has been almost a month passed from my exact 29th birthday and I only had the time & ideas on things to write now :P  As per previous post, I am still enjoying (hopefully) my sabbatical journey somewhere in Malaysia before return back to my career by end of Quarter 1 next year. Looking back on the things I have done, the decision to take this break is somehow unexpected and it is not true if I say that I have no worry at all before proceed with this. So far, life is still good and of course, it is a mixture of tidal wave and beautiful sunrise. I have to thanks Allah trillion times for making things easier most of the times; more importantly, I always have the options. :)

Talking about options, I am a strong believer that having multiple options usually make us act more human and rationale as compared to those who had no choice. But somehow, after browsing through few articles and websites, the idea of having an option is sometimes object by some motivators as they believe that a strong desire for success is only created once you have no other option except to reach for your goal. In this regards, my personal view is the option in this context would be more on the methodologies in reaching the target. But if people ask me what is my medium goal, it will always having an option to work because of I want instead of I need by age of 40 :)

Janda Baik, Pahang, Malaysia

29 is quite significant for me as it is the last twenties before I get into thirties. *definitely*

There are few lessons throughout this 29 years of living which sometimes do make me smile:

#1 

Life is always uncertain. It is fine to make a plan but there must be a balance between stick to the goal and go with the flow. 

#2 

We will be more selective in choosing the people that we want to surround ourselves with as we grow older. It is not because they are bad, it is mostly because the values that we hold are different.

#3

Opportunity always come whenever we have prepared ourselves for it. Luck just play a small portion. :)

#4

Being thankful for what we have is a must. However, I have to admit the fact that gratitude is always easy said than done. 

#5

Living a content life is about having an option. Hence, knowing the difference between what we need and what we want is extremely crucial.

#6

There is nothing more precious than having ample time to do things that we love. It will take quite some times to discover things that we are passionate about.

#7

There is no one that we met in our life is by accident. They exist in our life's chapter for some reasons; either as sweet memories or bitter lessons. 

#8

It is definitely fine to pay for experience. As I grow older, memories make me feel more alive than things that I bought or hoarded. 

#9 

We will appreciate our parents more as we grow older. Most of their advice will somehow appear as very true from time to time. Hence, it is OK to disagree with them when we were young, but keeping some of the disagreement to ourselves is still a good option.

#10

Colleagues mostly remain as colleagues. Only few is worth to be considered as friends. Keep the boundary clear to avoid unnecessary conflict in future.

Lawas, Sarawak, Malaysia

#11

First love is always hard to be forgotten. But there is nothing more special than the last one. (Based on true story among my circle) *HAHA*

#12

Actions speak louder than words. Trust the non verbal more and your own observation & guts.

#13

There is always a fine line between networking and propping. Networking is good, but propping is otherwise. Huh!

#14

The hardest thing that I find hardest so far is to find a balance between enjoying the presence and preparing for the rain. Try it! 

#15

Law of attraction is real and true. That is why we always attracted or closed to personnel who hold the same value and mindset with us.

#16

It is hard to remain kind when we hold an absolute power. That is why absolute power corrupt absolutely.

#17

Keeping our body and mind fit and healthy should be the most important agenda in our entire life. Try to get sick if you do not trust me :P

#18

Wisdom comes with experience is true. We may see and feel this by observing people with right experience versus those with no experience.

#19

Everyone got some selfishness in them. A success negotiation always fulfill the answer for "What is it for me?" for all parties except our Prophet and our mom.

#20

Not all educated person have good manners. But lack of education may results in lack of manners.

Milford Sound, South New Zealand

#21

Sorry is the simplest word but the hardest one to be said. Most of the people just dare enough to say it through written communication. Hence, the truest song that I heard so far is Sorry Seems to be The Hardest Word.

#22

In spite money is not everything, it is the foundation of many things. Try to observe the treatment received by a good payer versus those who are not.

#23

People who beg you to borrow your money will hardly pay it back unless you ask from them. Hence, it is safer to lend the money in the amount that you are OK to not receive it back. Or else, never lend your money in the first place. 

#24

Time is more valuable than money. We can put efforts to gain more money but there is no way to get more time unless we improve the way we manage it.

#25

Reading is magical. I cannot deny the fact that reading somehow brought me to where I am today. Choose our reading materials wisely.

#26

The more we able to delegate our task diligently, the faster we master the art of being a successful leader. Always delegate when the things that we must do ourselves count the most.

#27

Insecurity exist; and it is detectable :P

#28

Our best friends usually our biggest critique whenever we meet them. But no worries, we call them best friends because they are the one who praised us a lot at our back. :)

#29

29 is just a number. Lets embrace our age. #ladywithclass

Till then, have a nice day. Wassalam~