It would defeat the purpose of life if all we cared about was the “end goal” and suffered all through the journey of achieving it. I’ve come to learn that taking each day as it comes and enjoying it is a more meaningful way to live.
The 先苦后乐 mentality no longer applies to me now because I believe that work does not have to mean suffering. Work can be meaningful and fulfilling. A big part of me wish now that this was never taught to me.
Since the year started, many things have changed. These include my career goals, as well as my perspective on life. Each day, I try to inject as many little things that lift my mood. Here are 5 of them!
1. SCENTED CANDLE
I currently light up my Virgin Mojito candle from My Jolie Candle when I’m working on my desk. This, plus the soundtrack from this playlist on YouTube really make me feel as if I’m working in a co-working space in Bali.
2. BEING IN A QUIET ENVIRONMENT
I need quiet throughout the day, especially when I work from home AND especially where I live. I’ve lived a majority of my life having to suffer non-stop drilling and hacking from everywhere (literally everywhere, from every different part of the roads, to every neighbour possible, to even the water tanks above us), that now, once I hear that, I get a headache and simply cannot function. Construction noise/renovation works/traffic all drive me insane and give me unnecessary anxiety.
3. STARTING & ENDING EACH DAY WITH UNDISTURBED FAMILY TIME
I love it that we’re able to have some quality family time in the mornings before Xavier leaves for work and when he comes home in the evenings before Aurélie has to sleep. There’s nothing like being grateful for the love in my life that can make my heart full this way.
4. LEAVING THE HOUSE
Leaving the house means I get some personal freedom and independence, as I get to meet other people. I have conversations and connect with others on a deeper level. Be it going for a Pilates class, attending/holding work meetings, meeting a business owner, having coffee with a friend or even bringing Aurélie to the beach – as long as I’m out, I can feel like me again.
5. MY OWN MANICURE
Colours play a big part in my life, so I make it a point to have uplifting colours each time I get Gelish done. It was pretty tough having to select a new colour today (because there are so many to choose from) but looking at the peachy-coral-pink shade has me feeling like I’m in Orange County all over again!
If you liked this entry, you might also enjoy finding out about the 10 things I currently love.