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~

Post New Government of Malaysia. Eh?

Assalamua'laikum wbt & Good Day,

I hope it is still not too late to wish all Muslims Eid Mubarak! Taqabbalallahu Minna Wa Minka & lets continue for 6 days of fasting in Syawal. :) We have another 6 days remaining in the second quarter of 2018 and in just a blink of eyes, we already in July and I will need to be fully prepared for the next stage of Kuiz Agama at Borneo Level.

A lot of things had happened since my last entry back in April 2018. As much as I want to write, there are lots of other things that need to be prioritized over writing inclusive of itinerary planning for my next travel in July and September. And few minutes ago, I just bought another one flight, just for your info. Hehe~

Since April, I had went to a short trip to Jakarta & Bandung and there are few lessons that I wish to share. If it was not because of Lion Air last minute promotion, I would spent my Labour Day holiday just within Malaysia. After all, everyone is unique and have their own comfort zone and sitting in a plane is mine :)

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

A month plus after my Chapter 18th travelogue, a big change happened in Malaysia. For the first time, the 60 years ruling party was defeated badly in Malaysia 14th General Election and today, we are govern by new party called Pakatan Harapan. And we also got our 4th Prime Minister had been sworn in again as 7th Prime Minister, but this time he was representing different party. 

There are lots of funny and weird things happened around these days and some of it really makes me agreed with one of my previous desk mates when she said that, "I just shocked to see some of our friends are still stuck at fifteens in spite of majority of us will reach our thirties next year!". HAHA. It was the most legend statement that I read this year but somehow indirectly taught me that some people are not worth our energy and removing them permanently from our circle is crucial to maintain our positive energy. 

However, this does not means that we put the door permanently close for any good things later. This kind of incident sometimes can be good lessons learnt in ensuring the things that we do is always right & kind. Some people can be overly sensitive, some are actually holding their envy for a long time, and some are sincerely honest in giving their feedback for our own betterment. And if it is were not because this kind of incident, the true color of human will rarely prevail and for this, Alhamdulillah - all the praise is to Allah alone. :)

I am currently in the middle of marathon in replacing the missing days of Ramadhan fasting of mine. As usual, I always try my best to ensure all the missing days are fully replaced before any long haul flight trip as we may not know what will happen. But this year, the challenge is real. I have to celebrate Ramadhan a bit later and Eid a bit earlier. Can you understand that? HAHA~ *facepalm* 

Miniaturk, Istanbul, Turkey

Back to my recent travel which is not so recent anymore, one thing that I start to realize is we cannot leave the responsibility to plan for our journey solely to other person. However, in spite I was so frustrated with the trip, I figure out that blessing in disguise will always happen once we put full hope and faith for Allah to ease our journey. It strengthen my belief that there are more kind people in this world as compared to the bad one, and in spite I strongly believe in this, being careful is still essential. 

I also met one Malaysian who is more hardcore than me in her traveling and I just impressed with her determination in low budget travel. This lady really taught me that we can always achieve our dream once we have a strong desire in spite all the obstacles that exist along the way. 

Basically, Bandung is a very cool city in spite the traffic is not that good, just like Jakarta. The best thing about Indonesia which makes me return for the third time is the food diversity on top of the price which I think is very reasonable. After all, Malay is always a Malay in term of food preference and for me, there is nothing wrong with that. 

I wish Malaysia will continue to prosper with this newly appointed governing party in spite the media freedom that they are trying to exercise have started to show the bad side of it. I still remember on the election date, I have to continuously look at my Twitter in spite I have not been using it unless to question the service provider that I have paid whenever their services are bad. It was such a trembling moment as the full results are only released few minutes before Fajr prayer time in the city where I am currently work. That is how bad it was! Huh~ 

Lodge Maribaya, Bandung, Indonesia

Major things that I have learned these few months basically can be summarized as follow:-

1. Reading is the key to knowledge and intelligence. Even acts of kindness is the reflection of knowledge that we had through reading.

2. Busy people tend to have more things get done.

3. Planning is very essential. Failing to plan is basically planning to fail; and this is ultimately true.

4. The most difficult choice is to choose between being right versus being kind. Don't you agree?

5. Everyone is unique and that will determine the way they arrange their priority. You just don't be busy body unless their choice will make your life suffer like borrowing your money. HAHA. 

Till then, have a nice day. Wassalam~

P/S: Please pray for the smooth journey for my upcoming Chapter 19 & 20 travelogue.

Adiós 2017, Bienvenue 2018~

Assalamua'laikum wbt & Good Day,

Alhamdulillah, Chapter 16 of my travelogue is officially unlocked and yeay, it's a nice ending for 2017. In spite of having bad flu post my trip to Jakarta & Bogor, I am still happy as travel do refresh my mind and open up my eyes. The experiences that I've gained through all the traveling that I did is always a priceless one and I will keep it forever in my heart.

2017 has been a very hectic year. Started with heavy emotional battle when I need to bid farewell to my own house in the previous town where I worked, the need to adapt with new environment at the new town where I am relocated just few days before I went for my Umrah, the frequent breakdown of car that I heavily rely on for my daily commute, the internal struggle that I need to embrace in order to move on really fast and lots more. After all, I believe in the phrase "Life start at the end of our comfort zone".

Being 28 this year taught me many things in the school of life. And here are the lists:

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jakarta, Indonesia.

1. Heartbroken is a golden opportunity to showcase our real strength & capability.

I do not know where Allah wants to lead me to; but I am still searching for the reason why am I being relocated at the same location with the person that I wish to be physically far-fetched from me so I can easily move on. But one thing I know for sure, that person is somehow the reason I achieved a lot of things this year; be it in my financial, career and also the strength to start my very own solo traveling. Hence it's the reason why I believe in the advantage of heartbroken; if it is being utilized in positive ways. I wish that either that person or me will be transfer out from the current town where we worked for any good reason. Ameen ya Rabb.

2.  Less is actually more.

One thing that I discovered when the land mover came to my house for packing purpose is I have an extremely a lot of stuffs. In spite of being a single lady who stay alone in the previous town, I have 108 boxes of stuff to be packed. That is like really "Oh My God!". The good thing about this realization is I start to practice de-cluttering once every three months and adhere to minimalist tips to ensure I only keep things that matter and start to treasure moments more.

The same goes to our friends. I realized that my circle getting smaller but that smaller circle is highly dependable ones. They are the one who willingly accept me as who I am and as who they are. After all, life is a journey and Allah will definitely help us to filter those worth to be part of our life along the way. Just have FAITH.

3. Actions speak louder than words.

They are many people who love to speak about themselves and their views but unfortunately very few of them really practice what they preach. Hence, it is crucial for us to believe in our own guts and instinct when dealing with this type of people. It's either we just listen to them without trusting, eliminate them from our life or just go with the flow and be extra careful with them. After all, people may change as time goes by. Just pray that everyone will change for a betterment of themselves and the world. Do make sure that we ourselves belongs to the group of people who take an action with a proper plan that offer some flexibility while swimming in the ocean of life.

4. Changing ourselves is always the most important key for success.

We can always pray and hope for a betterment of someone else. But the easiest way to change the world is changing ourselves. Some of the people keep repeating the phrase of Be The Change but they remain the same and giving more and more excuses for their disabilities. Take them as lesson learnt and keep equipping ourselves with knowledge and skills that necessary for our own enhancement and growth. Do not let this kind of people demotivating us. Frustration is definitely okay. Take some times to cry. Then, craft our plans & take actions. 

Frans Josef Glacier, Punakaiki, New Zealand.

5. Balance is always crucial.

Physical, emotional, spiritual, financial & social must always work hand in hand. It is definitely not a one shoes fit all kind of thing. My definition of social can always be talking with only one friend at my house and your definition of social could be talking to a dozen of friends in a hipster restaurant for all night long. I must admit that I did read about some people who excellently achieved their financial target but live unhappily but I always see people struggle because of poor financial aid. So be wise.

6. It is OK to pay for something to buy ourselves some time.

When I was just about to start my career life, I have been trying to squeeze any opportunity to do myself anything that can be done by myself in order to save some money. However, as I grow wiser, I cannot deny the fact that I am willing to pay extra for something just to make sure I can buy myself more time. For example, I am so tired in spite of being very excited post my trip to Mekah & Jakarta, hence, I am willing to send all dirty clothes to the laundry in order to give myself more time to relax and chatting with my family. Otherwise, I may be doing all those activities in a distress mind and miserable feeling. At this circumstance, I believe that financial stability somehow can buy us some happiness.

7. No & I Don't Know are NOT HARMFUL.

One of the most important arts that I learned this year is the ability to say No & admitting that I Don't Know. It is definitely a powerful phrase that save me in many ways rather than saying fake Yes & I Know. Thank you to all self-help and career advancement book that I read. However, be mindful of our tone when we express these words as dealing with human is definitely delicate especially during a conflict and misalignment. 

8. Beauty with a brain is important for a lady.

I am a total believer of the importance of being a beautiful lady with a brain. As this character is very subjective, it is depending on every single person on way they want to perceive it. History of Isabelle, a wife to Soeharto as well as Tuanku Zara Salim really strengthen my believe on the need to be an intelligent lady with character. The selection of Vivy Yusof and Neelofa in the Forbes under 30 is another prove that ladies actually can be such an adorable inspiration without trying to be like a man and embrace themselves as the way Allah created them. Both ladies and gentlemen are unique and got their own specialty in painting the world.

Sultan Mosque, Singapore.

9. Read, Read & Read

"Mr Ahmad (not his real name), may I know why I feel so stupid instead of I have read more and more books?" I asked my superior on one fine day.

"You are the second person who said that statement in my whole life," he responded. 

Reading is definitely one magical way to increase our knowledge and shorten our way to reach our goals by properly plan the implementation actions based on the experts' advice. We may feel that reading may took away some of our time but making a silly mistake is more expensive than that. Just pick any genre that we love and inshaAllah it will change our perspective. As for Muslim, reciting Quran every day is a must in getting our two feet back on the ground on top of feeding our spiritual and iman.

10. We can achieve everything that we want.

Begin with end in mind. Craft our plan wisely. Implement it at the right time. Influence the right person. Keep praying and have a strong faith to the One & Only Almighty. 

InshaAllah, all our wishes are on its way :)

Thank you 2017, Welcome 2018. Towards a smarter and more brilliant me :)

Have a nice day. Wassalam~

Post Relocation~

Assalamua'laikum wbt & Good Day~

It has been more than three months I haven't write any complete post. Yes, complete post. A lot of posts still stuck in the draft mode and finally it remains as "pekasam". Maybe it is just not my priority at this moment; since I have three international trip photobooks to be completed and two domestic trips. Go go Zaza~~~

I have been working at new location since 25th May, just five days before I departed to perform my umrah this year. It was a mind torturing event in my life but as time goes by, the hikmah starts to reveal by itself and it is so true that Allah knows best. It doesn't mean that I don't believe that Allah knows best before but what I want to emphasize here is as time goes by, the reason or in Islam we called it as hikmah starts to reveal the beauty behind every single thing happen in our life. Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah. May this hijrah is a blessed one for me and my religion. :)

The house that I owned in my previous location is fully taken care by my neighbor. For the rental matters, I hired an agent to in-charge of it. Just like my previous experience when I sold my first home, this one also I passed to the agent because I valued my thinking time more than managing those small yet complex matters. Thanks to all the properties related books that I have read, it really taught me the art of prioritization. ^_^

La Alhambra, Granada, Spain

July has been exciting for me as I discovered the best time and place for recreation in my new location. I also have been invited by my previous high-school teacher to deliver a motivational talk to the students; and also an unplanned trip to Johor recently have open up my eyes that everyone is actually blessed in their own way and it strengthen my belief that Allah swt is indeed The Richest! Alhamdulillah.

During the motivational talk that I've delivered, I did emphasized on the following things; which I believe it has made me for who I am today. 

1. We should understand the reason why we are born to this world especially the Muslims. By quoting  Chapter 51 (Surah Adh-Dhariyat) verse 56 of Qur'an; I explained to them that academics is secondary if to compare with the real reason of Allah created us which is to serve Him. Hence, our attitude & ethics to our Lord is extremely important.

2. Begin with end in mind. As life is temporary, that is the ultimate reason to do the best in everything we do; including academics. Never be satisfied of being a mediocre.

3. We shall design our life and starts to envisage where our life will be heading in more years to come. Yes, everything is destines by the Lord but if we know where we want to be in future, we can always pray and starts crafting & executing the efforts to reach towards our desire end target. Allah will definitely help us in many ways that amaze us.

4. Establish our own self value and principle is crucial as the value that we want to associate with us will reflect us in many ways. The way others perceive us is quite important; but the way we perceive ourselves is most important.

Interior of Masjid An-Nabawi, Madinah Al Munawwarah

5. Selecting the person we want to include in our close circle is another way to make sure we success in our life. Always make peace with anyone; but choose only few that can accept our value and principle into our life as we are just like the five persons we always associated ourselves with. So choose wisely.

6. Health is wealth. While managing our wealth is necessary as we grow up, taking care of our health holistically; physical, mental & emotion is also paramount & it should start since young age. And I did shared the example of bully cases that happened quite frequent recently and of course the story of mine is included. HAHAHA

7. Living within our means needs skills and knowledge. The way we manage our financial can impact our value as someone in huge debts can easily trapped in integrity issue; when the desperate time to pay back the debt is come.

8. Managing our time wisely is one of the most crucial skills throughout our life. All successful people have outstanding excellence in this skill and that is why they know very well on things to be prioritized. They end up spending their productive time in thing that matters the most.

9. Be kind, generous & grateful. These three habits are equally important.

Bukittingi, Indonesia

The reason lies behind that is because based on my observation, those graduated from so-called selected high-school like mine having no issue to success in term of academic and career, but somehow the attitude and habits are the factors that differentiate our altitude. 

May Allah gave me more blessings in term of free time so I can contribute more to my community & also to become a living proof that a person who keeps upholding the religion and shariah can actually success in any field they desire because with Allah, everything is always possible :)

Have a nice day. Wassalam~

Unexpected Drive Factor~

Assalamua'laikum wbt & good day,

Huh! I am just done with 500 words essay for my next project. I do not know what is the exact feeling that I am having now; but I can't avoid from being so satisfied since I have been longing to get out from the current comfort zone and try something new instead. After all, I just have to pray & wait patiently for the results as I believe that Allah will make it easier for me if it is indeed the best thing for me. 

I have been listening to Oprah's talk show in these few days. And somehow, one important thing that I can take as important guide for me to maneuver my life towards more years to come is the person who is fully responsible for me is definitely myself! Such an eye and heart opener!

This year has been quite challenging in spite of it's just entering the last month of the first quarter. The story that I will share may be quite cliche but I believe it may be beneficial in some part.

Singapore Zoo, Singapore

I remembered one day when I just sit down silently upon back from office and I feel that everything is so easy and I already feel too much complacent and do not have any desire or enough burner to strive for more. I did chatted with one of my colleagues and I remembered that I've told him that you tend to be comfortable on where you are now because you never work under an extreme superior that become your force factor in order to get yourself out from your comfort zone. And I could say that I am regret to say that because not many days after, something had happened between me and my superior and that thing change the way I react.

Looking back on the thing that happened, I have become a stronger believer of Qada' and Qadar. That situation taught me that Allah is indeed a great listener and He knows the right way to bring us higher. It open up more opportunities for me to be a better person, on top of driving me to strive for more.

Helicopter view from Miri to Bario, Malaysia

What had happened actually?

1. I have been delaying the effort in updating my resume and that situation had become the push factor for me to complete my resume update and amazingly, I can complete it in less than a week and submit it to two expert CV reviewers. I doubt that I can progress so fast if there's nothing happen between me and my superior.

2. I learn to be more assertive instead of being too emotional. And I can conclude that being assertive is definitely tiring as we have to exert more energy to balance our emotion. And somehow, I get the results and conclusion that I want between me and my superior more effectively by being more assertive rather than emotional! More than that, we achieved mutual agreement to not cross the border of each other "high-high" alarm and be more open in managing expectations.

3. I get the thing that I have been longing to try since long time ago done! Now I start to believe in one of Neelofa's tips to be more productive; by channeling the anger that we have into something that can benefit us. And it is indeed true that the idea during the state of anger is flowing continuously whereby I can complete drafting the essay needed for that special project in less than 30 minutes. And tonight, it takes me less than 2 hours to complete the full write-up! Yeay!! :)

Grand Baie, Mauritius

What is actually the lesson learned here?

1. Knowing ourselves by fully utilizing our strengths and acknowledge our weaknesses is extremely important. By knowing this, we can start charting the life that we really want and put it into an actionable items properly.

2. Understanding the nuances between being assertive and emotional is crucial. Most of the times, ladies tend to be emotional rather than assertive. Assertive is the ability to convey the real facts and being rational when the stake is high.

3. Allah knows us the best. Like my case, He knows that I am in dire need of external push factor to kick me to start moving and somehow, He gave me that straight away.

4. I think people tend to concern more on those who goes to violence side in any conflict and tend to overlook on those who tend to go for silence. Generally, the extreme end for any conflict situation will either lead a personnel to turn silent or violent.  Somehow, people forget that those who opt for silence end may bring more harm than those who goes for violence. 

Have a nice day. Wassalam~

Memory: "Walau Genggamannya Kuat...."

Assalamua'laikum wbt & Good Day,

Alhamdulillah,  in less than a week, I will be hitting my 4th year with one of the main players in Oil and Gas industry. And throughout this 4 years, I can't deny the fact that I have learned a lot; and it still have a lot to go!

The most fundamental thing that I have learned throughout these years is most of the times, things will not go as how we wish it could be. But looking back on the journey that I've gone through, it strengthen my inner self but at the same time soften the external side of me; although at the moment I write this post, most of the people would perceive me as a bold lady or in the other words; assertive and firm.

Singapore Zoo, Singapore

But for this post, I would not touch on anything related to my journey with this company. I would rather touched on the journey on how I can be part of this company and it leads to my infinite thankful to Allah swt for revealing the hikmah behind all this.

Walau genggamannya kuat,

Tapi bukan milik kita,

Akan terlerai jua...

I was unofficially graduated from one local university back in January 2012. Being a fast tracked sponsored student, it has become one of my regrets for not having ample leisure time after 13 years of study; from kindergarten until the end of my high school. Adding it up to 5 years of my degree duration, it means that I have been officially study for 18 years throughout  my life!

Hence, I think that I need a little moment of pause; at least.

Just two months before I unofficially graduated, I have passed an interview with one of well-known international oil and gas players. Knowing that I am the only one who passed that stage among my course mates, I think that I should put my best until the final stage. And here comes the story of rezeqi, qada' & qadar, hikmah and destination.

I have fall head over heels towards this company just because I knew that it's hard to pass the stage that I've passed. On top of this, my internship experience while dealing with this company really makes me fall in love with their culture, on top of their charming Chairman during that time.  Oh my goodness!  *HAHA*

I keep on waiting for their invitation to the final stage starting from that moment. During  this waiting period, I have got few interview invitations; ranging from oil and gas companies up to mobile manufacturer company. In fact,  I have declined triples time interview invitation from the company that I am currently working with today! That's how irony it is.

Marina Bay, Singapore

I rejected the offer from that mobile company in spite of being offered to be located at Korea for few months just because I will be bonded to them for few years after. Personally,  I am blessed to be a non bonded scholars to one of major educational sponsors in Malaysia, on top of being able to graduate with just 0.03 points CGPA above the minimum requirement; and hence I am totally free from any debts and any obligation to be bond to any organization. 

During that so called leisure time,  I started to learn on money management; on top of reading quite numbers of investment related books. Thanks Allah for making me as a person who really concern on my time consumption as I will always ensure anything that I do must give me something at the end of the day.

At the same time, I worked as Research Assistant to one of the doctors pursuing her PhD and it gives me wonderful experience while collecting the data regarding post baby delivery complication at rural areas in Sarawak. That experience have brought me to many wonderful Bidayuh villages and somehow broaden my perspective in medical industry.

After five months idling at home, I started to feel the heat. More and more my university batch mates have secured a job. And somehow, my current company called me for interview for the forth time.  Just few hours after the call, the final stage for another company that I've been waiting for so long called me to attend the final stage; and it falls on the same day I shall attend the interview with my current company. 

I still hold on my first option tightly. I rejected the forth interview invitation and prepared thoroughly for the final stage of my main preference. And guess what, just two days after the final stage event, they called me and informed that my application is unsuccessful but the good thing is they did mentioned on the areas that I shall polish my skill in my future undertaking.

And miracle happened.  The company that I currently working with call me to come for interview for the fifth time. And of course, with the broken heart, I just accept it without thinking further. And it's just within a week, I knew I passed the interview. And guess what? Another drama is about to begin. * HAHA*

However, since my focus here is for us to reflect back on blessings that we have, I could not deny the fact that my current company has been destined to be part of my life journey in this world. Looking back down to the memory lane,  I have been taking the offer for granted for many times because I already have my main preference but it ends up that my main option is not the place that I am belongs to, today.

View of Singapore Port from top; flight is about to landing.

Lesson learned?

Have faith. Believe in the power of prayer and rezeqi. Anything or anyone that is destined to be with us will always be with us in the end. Nothing and no one can take it or grab it from us. Same goes to the things or person that we've been longing to have or to be with for such a long time, no matter how much the efforts that we've made, if it was destined not to be ours, it will never been. It's always the matter of either we will get it, it will be put on hold or better things are waiting ^_^

Currently playing Alhamdulillah, Wani ft Juzztin.

P/S: That charming Chairman is now in the same company with me. In fact, he joined this company just two months earlier than me! :P

Have a nice day :)

Searching for Real Passion

Assalamua'laikum wbt & Good Day,

 

In life, there'll come one day when we finally realize that we are not living in the life that we desire. We realize that most of the things we do is out of our passion.

 

We keep on doing the same thing everyday. Again and again. Until we reach one level when we suddenly realize that "this is not what I wish", and  "this is not the life that I want".

 

Somehow, we might think that everything has been too late. But actually life has so much to offer. Yes, we may begin doing something that we are passionate about in a quite old age. After all, it is always better late than never.

Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines

 

Looking back on the old days, I was hoping that I will become a teacher when I grow up. But as time goes by, I find that being a teacher is not really interest me as my own mother is also a teacher. I realized that being involved with many people for quite long time may cause me severe headache; although there is a moment where I need to reach some people to have some deep talk. *that's how ambivert I am*

 

Then, I started fall in love with doctor because I like and score well in my Biology. And Alhamdulillah, during my last year of high school, there is an event called International Conference of Medicine at Putrajaya International Conference Centre and all MRSMs need to send their Top 10 students for that conference. And somehow, the reality of doctor's life does not impressed me at all. I rethink back on my real passion after that conference. And for your info, only two out of ten of us who went to that conference choose to be a doctor today. *such a waste of investment* :P

 

Only when few of us were selected to fill in Skim Pelajar Cemerlang (SPC) application form upon our SPM trial results were released that I think that I want to become an engineer. During that time, I never know that engineering course actually need us to have a strong foundation in Additional Mathematics; one of the subjects that I am not interested in. And finally, I enrolled myself in Chemical Engineering course at one of the local universities under this scheme.

In front of Manila Post Office Building, Philippines

 

The story of my so-called passion haywire doesn't end there. Upon secured myself by getting an employment at one of oil and gas main players and sit for technical post for 2.5 years, I think that engineering is not my passion. In addition, I want to get myself out from my current section on that time since that section needs to relocate to other city of Sarawak. I transferred to other department since then. And it was the worst decision that I ever made since that department really bring out the worst of me instead of getting out the best in me.

 

And today, I still searching for my other passions other than in investment and financial related matters.

 

Sometimes, I wish that I just sitting on my sofa and monitor the stocks daily trending.

 

Sometimes, I wish that I can travel around the world and keep on leaving at different countries each month and read my favourite books.

 

Sometimes, I wish I can be promoted faster and take charge in business and strategic planning for my current company.

 

Sometimes, I wish I have ample time and keep inspires to write and publish my own books.

 

Sometimes, I wish I am an excellent investor like Warren Buffet.

Sometimes, I wish I am an expert baker, owning my own exclusive bakery.

 

And sometimes, I do wish that I am an intelligent housewife, excellent mommy and supportive wife to a husband.



Chinatown Walk, Manila, Philippines

 

And today, I realized that having my own internal conflict is the hardest conflict among all.

 

Allah, guide me every single day. And all of the readers. :')

 

Have a nice day.

 

Wassalam.

 

 

 

 

We Decide :)

Assalamua'laikum wbt & Good Day,

When this post is drafted, I am currently spending my four days Chinese New Year leave in the city where I am currently working in. This is basically my first time spending my four golden days here after living in this city for almost 4 years.

I am currently in the midst of putting extra miles efforts in order to transfer out from my current department. I just being there in less than a year, but upon realizing that my current superior always bringing the worst out of me rather than bringing the best out of me, I think it is the right time to move on; which is in my case, I must put extra miles effort in order to get myself out.

Phuket, Thailand

Basically, regardless where we work, we always can choose as long as we know the correct channel to do so. As in my case, the process may take quite a long time which may take more than a month, but as long as I can move out, I am okay. 

At the same time, we should explore other opportunities outside as well. Sometimes, having many options can reduce our risk to be on losing side. And most importantly, whenever we are trapped in this kind of situation, being prepared mentally, emotionally and financially is a must. I can say that being in a situation whereby we have nothing to loose is vital.

After all,  difficult situations in our life can be a blessing. As a Muslim, we must strongly believe that Allah will never test us beyond our capability. He is the Most Fair and Most Justice and hence, everything happened in our life basically leave us with the best lesson learnt; if we really think about it. 

Phuket, Thailand

After taking few days of self-introspection, I have came out with these conclusions:

1) We cannot control people. Hence, we have to control everything that is within our control. Like in my case, asking for transfer is within my control, but to approve the request, is beyond mine. Therefore, we must leave the rest to Allah; as long as we have make the efforts. Tawakkal is incredibly important.

2) In any situation, never start any evil deeds towards others. It is surely the truth will reveal; just the matter of sooner or later. Trust me, being in a situation whereby we are the one who are being abused, be it in term of physical, mental or emotion; we are always on the winning side. Allah will always guarantee our prayers.

Kajornrangsan School, Phuket, Thailand

3) Never let our past bad experiences just go like that. Learn from it. And as much as we could, avoid to be the bad actor or actress in any situation. Remember, this dunya is just temporary. We have an eternal hereafter. It is definitely a big loss if we were to trade this temporary life with the eternal one. 

4) Always look on the bright side. Even it is bad, it is good :) Cliche isn't it? 

Have a nice day :)

Wassalam.