STARTED OCTOBER WITH A SMILE

It is October! Although I was really exhausted, I had a wonderful start of the month today because of an unexpected text message. Although it might mean nothing, it really made my day.

Still experiencing "hangover" from my Singapore trip but Tuesday has been kind to me. Got some important stuff out of the way and can't wait to get back into full force real soon!

Off to some Random Rattles to start the month.

On Halloween

It suddenly dawned on me that October is the Halloween month and as much as I've always wanted to do "Trick or Treating", it seems like that is never going to be possible in Malaysia. Try walking around from house to house getting candies - I think you might end up getting robbed instead. But still, a tradition that I hope I can experience one day.

The best Halloween party that I've ever been to (and probably the only one) was in college and I remember that day really well because I co-organised it will my best friend then. We had the entire class dress up and we played games and all. Happy memories...

For the record, I was a witch.

To more fun Halloween parties!

On Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts

I never thought I would get into Muay Thai. Maybe because I was such a lazy kid since my teenage days that I joined Chess as my sports club. I am glad that I am much more adventurous and active now. People do change... I'm just glad that for me, it is for the better.

I am really enjoying myself kicking and punching bags right now. I find myself thinking about going to gym a lot, which is good. And I love the people I get to meet there too. ONE FC and mixed martial arts have really changed my life. I am again very grateful to be able to be part of the community - the group of people that have motivated me to change. I wouldn't say that my life is perfect but I am very lucky because I found a lot of things that can help me up when I am down - Muay Thai is one of those things.

I read on one's Facebook status today that Mixed Martial Arts is not about violence. In fact, I wouldn't say it is about self-defence either (although it might help a little). I think MMA is about a lot of other things - important values like commitment, discipline, hard work, purpose, determination, motivation, friendship even... At least that is what MMA is to me. Because it has changed my life that way. I am a happier and healthier person because of it. 

And the people I get to meet, and their inspirational stories make me humble. And these fighters, they are so positive they inspired me too. I admire that all of them always have positive thoughts and will always move forward. I admire how they overcome their loses. I admire how most of them have goals and they work so hard towards their dream. I am 26 and I don't even know where I am headed. 

To me, MMA is life changing because of these reasons - not because I get to meet gorgeous fighters although I don't mind that! :P 

*Bitchmode on*

On Overconfident People

They say confidence makes you beautiful. True.
But remember... overconfidence kinda makes you annoying.

Sometimes, these are the bunch who bugs me the most but they are also the bunch that I love to disregard. Contradicting but true. Whenever they talk, my ears just go on auto-shut mode. They are the ones who think too highly of themselves and feel the need to blow their own trumpets all the time. Sometimes, I wish they would understand that in this world, there are many people who are doing so much more greater things and they don't feel the need to shove their hard work in your face.

Of course, they are people who mean it jokingly - those "classclowns" we totally get and we would totally have a field trip laughing about it. But those who genuinely compliments themselves ...

Remember this, the fact that you need to point out your "contributions" all the time shows only two things:

1. People have heard enough of your "contributions" (and generally super tired of listening to your glories), they don't really want to give you the "attention" you seek

2. You actually didn't really do much 

There's one fine line between being confident and overconfident; only the wise would know the difference. If people start avoiding you and leaving you out of things, you should know where you stand. I think we always need to keep ourselves in check, and if we ever go overboard, learn to pull ourselves back towards humility. Humility to me, is one of the most precious and important values that will shape how others view us. If you are that good, others will notice and good things will come. I believe that because of Kang Gary. Remember, one always have a choice. If no one appreciates you where you are, find those who do. :)  

On people who loves to bring others down

Dad warned me about how people would more often than not bring you down in the corporate world, so that they themselves can climb up. I am lucky that I work in a "safe" environment where most of my co-workers are just awesome. They are my pillars of strength most of the time. For that I am lucky.

But of course, I have met a few of these people who just loves to point out others' flaws just so they can shine. I'd think that they are just overly insecure or overconfident. Don't underestimate the things that others do; not everyone is as good as you but they too deserve a pat on their back for doing better than who they were before.

I would usually disregard them but if I may say something to them, (and I did really diplomatically shame them sometimes), it's that, if you need to make others feel bad about themselves in order for you to feel good about yourself, then you are really sad. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and everyone will have their lows. If you can't empathize with them, remember that when you are at your low, you will then understand why no one defended you. People only choose to be with those who have helped them up.

All the above serve as reminders to me - for me to remember the important values I wish to treasure, and also, to continue being the person I am now with these values intact. If I ever step out of these lines, I shall whack myself in the face with these words that I wrote myself. 

This is me wishing for a nice October ahead. Lots to look forward to with ONE FC back in town. I can't wait! Heard some exciting news that I can't share but I am super excited :) Just hope that my string of bad luck ended together with September.