Vesak Day Greetings By Seen This Scene That

Vesak Day Greetings By Seen This Scene That



Here's wishing everyone a happy Vesak Day holiday.

Enjoy your public holiday with your loved ones in the gardens, parks and outdoor spaces in Singapore.

Happy Vesak Day!


Seen This Scene That
See more places. Live more life.

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Labour Day Greetings From Seen This Scene That

Labour Day Greetings From Seen This Scene That

Today is Labour Day.

Hope all readers get to enjoy a splendid public holiday with your family members in the gardens, parks and spaces in Singapore.

Happy Labour Day!

Seen This Scene That

See more places. Live more life.

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Seen This Scene That Turns One

Seen This Scene That Turns One

My "Seen This Scene That" has reached the one-year-old milestone today. I shall pause for a mini celebration.

I read the post that I wrote a year ago:

"I am experimenting with SeenThisSceneThat, the name of my new blog.

I hope to put words to keyboard and discover more to life than a fast-paced cosmopolitan existence. I will look for the unusual, the atypical or the off-beat in the common spaces that I see around me. All observations however insignificant or minor that's worth highlighting according to these themes will be used.

There's plenty to see and do around us. There's even more to appreciate in life beyond the hustle and bustle of living in the Lion City. I feel there should be time to slow down, smell the flowers, listen to waves lapping at a beach. In this time-compressed must-be-number-one-in-everything island known as Singapore Inc, such consideration is often a rarity.

Through blogging SeenThisSceneThat, I aim to reduce the gear by a notch or two. I will value the experience as I journey through life. Or else, time will slip by and the opportunity lost forever.

I will enjoy the scenery. As much as I can. As I hope you will too."

and am amazed that this experiment to write about something that I am passionate about is still alive today.

Did I "discover more to life than a fast-paced cosmopolitan existence"?

Did I "slow down, smell the flowers, listen to waves lapping at a beach"?

Did I "value the experience as I journey through life"?

To all those questions, my answers are: YES!

I've enjoyed the scenery and the sharing of what I've seen with all of you.

With your support, I hope to continue the experiment for a while longer.

Thank you, friends, readers and fellow citizens of the world.

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Smoke-Free Places In Singapore From 2009

Advertisement: courtesy of National Environment Agency (NEA).

Smoke-Free Places In Singapore From 2009

From today 1 January 2009, more places in Singapore will turn smoke-free areas. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has the complete list of places in Singapore that will be smoke-free.

These places include playgrounds and exercise areas that readers of Seen This Scene That and their families may visit from time to time.

More details on smoke-free playgrounds, exercise parks and other places have been written in my earlier post.

Smoke-Free Places. Live More Life.

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A Place To Watch The Sun Set

A Place To Watch The Sun Set

It doesn’t matter
Which beach I linger,
Or place I’ve sat
To catch the sunset.

When I am at the beach, my mind is relaxed.
In this state, my focus is set
To enjoy the show around the water line
Preferably without rain but plenty of shine.

To witness this bright eye
Inch across the horizontal line:
Different scenes, same act.
Sometimes dramatic, sometimes flat.

I never know what to expect.
I never really know how to react.
Watching the sun set
Is a joy that has no regret.

Tomorrow will be a new year.
I hope it's better than this one
With good tidings and lots of cheer,
For everyone, to come.

- Seen This Scene That

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Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, To Seen This Scene That Readers

Merry Christmas

Happy New Year

Thanks for reading

Seen This Scene That.

For this joyous season,

I wish you

a very Merry Christmas

and a Happy 2009!

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Lantern Festival: Where To Play In Singapore

Lantern Festival: Where To Play In Singapore

The Lantern Festival, also known as Mid-Autumn Festival or Mooncake Festival, will be upon us soon and I am wondering where to bring the kids to play in Singapore. For families with children who like lanterns to play, this is the time of the year to dig out old dusty lantern (or lanterns, depending on how many kids you have), if these lantern or lanterns weren’t destroyed during earlier play by candle fire.

Photo: Lantern For Lantern Festival

I have also wondered why we call it the Mid-Autumn Festival, other than for cultural reasons. If we do not follow the Lunar calendar, how can we tell by looking at our weather that Autumn is approaching and that it is time to get a lantern for each kid to play in Singapore?

Unlike temperate countries, Singapore does not have four distinct seasons. Everyday feels like it is getting hotter, except when occasional showers keep temperatures cool. Our four ‘seasons’ to substitute for Spring, Autumn, Winter and Summer that we experience in Singapore, according to my colleague, are in March, June, September and December when they coincide with the school holidays.

This year’s Lantern Festival falls on a Sunday, the 14th of September 2008. I will be thinking of where to play in Singapore this Lantern Festival. We will be making preparations where we can play in an open area that is dark enough to let lantern shine lead the way. No doubt those with kids who like to play with a lantern or two will also ponder on where to play this Lantern Festival. Others who prefer to play without any lantern can also celebrate the Lantern Festival with mooncake feasting, tea consumption and gatherings with family or friends.

New technology has seen the rise of electronic lanterns with musical light bulbs that mimic the traditional lanterns made of cellophane and wires, thereby reducing risk of mishaps with fire and lanterns turned to ash. I still prefer the traditional old-fashioned lanterns. Somehow, the idea of toying with fire and candlesticks appears more thrilling and seductive. Just remember to be safe and not to burn public property or the house down.

Do you have a favourite place on where to play with lanterns this Lantern Festival?

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Learning Points: Team Singapore Table Tennis, Beijing Olympic Games

Learning Points: Team Singapore Women's Table Tennis, Beijing Olympic Games

The past fortnight has seen my family and I glued to the TV screen because of the Beijing Olympic Games and especially the efforts of Team Singapore Women's Table Tennis.

The Team Singapore Women's Table Tennis Olympic Silver medal winning performances were the highlight of the 2008 Olympic sporting extravaganza that have never been witnessed since our nation gained independence. The previous Olympic Silver medal winning performance that was won by Singaporean weightlifter Tan Howe Liang took place way back in 196o.

I am sure these Team Singapore Women's Table Tennis Olympic Silver medalists and their winning performances will become colossal role models for Singaporeans. The unprecedented Olympic medal winning performance since independence by Li Jiawei, Wang Yuegu and Feng Tianwei will likely be telecast on national TV repeatedly whenever an Olympic Games year comes around every four years.

I will not go into debate about the degree of 'Singaporean-ness' these table tennis athletes are. As far as I am concerned and in the eyes of the Olympic competition, they are Singaporeans. This mighty Olympic medal-winning achievement is a Singaporean record worth celebrating.

As learning points for my family, I’m glad to say that my children were inspired to follow the table tennis women’s team and single’s events closely, even though they aren’t the athletic type, or particularly sports loving, unless the sporting event is played on PC with a mouse or joystick.

My kids have been learning how to point their table tennis bats correctly since the exploits of our Women’s Table Tennis Silver medallists at the Beijing Olympic Games. They have also been busy learning how to count points in their ping pong games. Inevitably, one loser will be learning how bad it feels to lose while the other will be learning how to win with respect and grace.

This win-lose concept of sports, the emotions that go along with it and attendent how-to-deal-with-it aspects are also learning points. Just like in the real world, learning how to handle both the positive points and negative points in their journey through life is an essential skill that they must learn to acquire.

Hopefully, the momentum of their interest in sports can be sustained long after the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The exposure to sports and physical games as recreational pursuits is a continuous learning experience for my family. I hope to add more points to their learning of sports in order to make their academic life more rounded and more balanced in our everything-must-be-number-one society.

Read more ...

1. Singapore Youth Olympic Games blog

2. Team Singapore Table Tennis: Beijing Olympic Games

See more sports, live more life.

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Images And Places In Singapore Seen On NDP

Images And Places In Singapore Seen On NDP

You’ll recognize this sense of dejavu when images like cakes, parties, drinks, feasting, family and friends are seen during one’s birthday party. What do you think are the images and places in Singapore, seen on National Day Parade (NDP)?

Emotion on the anniversary of their own births can consume some individuals. Perhaps it can be seen as a positive sign that these individuals have pressed the pause button on a busy work schedule in Singapore, seen how time has sped by and realized that it’s the relationships that connect you to people that make a great life.

No, it’s not my birthday today, nor am I going to bore my Singapore readers about it anyway. As August 9, 2008 approaches, I shall bring up images and places in Singapore, seen on NDP, on our nation’s birthday.

Celebrated by the Republic of Singapore on 9 August 2008, the National Day Parade (NDP) is the party for the nation. When a nation celebrates its birthday like during NDP, what is the significance? Does the day of NDP bear any meaning to you?

Do you go about displaying patriotic NDP images and give hand-on-chest declarations of love for Singapore? Do you reiterate NDP slogans about Singapore, seen on TV advertisements? Do you install flags on your balcony and NDP posters on your weblog’s sidebar? Do you sing or hum jingoistic NDP songs about Singapore seen on the official website? Did you even visit the NDP 2008 website?

There is no need to do any or all of these to show your support for NDP and Singapore. In the four chambers of your heart, you know the answer to that question. Only you can tell the significance of the NDP for yourself.

All these well-intended demonstrations of patriotism for Singapore, seen yearly at every NDP, are what you and I have come to expect, and accept.

Watching the NDP show, whether at Marina Bay or on home TV this year, will certainly make many Singaporean hearts flutter. New stunts, fireworks displays and mass performances to be seen on the upcoming NDP show will excite viewers to no end. At its conclusion, we shall rise to vocalize our commitment to the nation with pride.

After all, the greatest birthday show for Singapore during NDP is meant to celebrate another year of maturity, cheer our hardworking population, inspire our future generation and raise the spirits of a nation. Bread-and-butter NDP show routines are seen packaged with wholesome life goodness, family-friendly themes, a few offbeat performances, fast-paced commentaries and a cosmopolitan viewer-ship.

The images and places in Singapore seen on NDP depend on which group of Singaporeans you belong to:

A washroom break and the NDP show will be seen in the living room’s goggle box. A performance for the umpteenth time and the NDP stage will appear right under your feet. A final take-off call and NDP’s Marina Bay venue will shrink through your ascending aircraft’s window. A coffee break and the office walls will beckon to you 24/7 to strive harder for your year-end bonus. A final snapshot and post-NDP images will be seen on the Net. An outdoor walk and places in Singapore seen by me may show up on a blog.

Whatever your inclinations, you and only you can decide the images and places in Singapore, seen on NDP.

Read more...

Happy Birthday Singapore!
Happy NDP weekend to all my readers!

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Make Money: Singapore Nature Parks Show You How

Make Money: Singapore Nature Parks Show You How

You could not have missed today’s front-page moneymaking news on the Straits Times. There is now an opportunity to make money to the tune of one million Sing dollars. If you wish to make a claim for this pot of money, you must make information available that will lead to the capture of Singapore’s number one public enemy; who also appears to be a high profile consumer of money for soaking up so much public resource spent on attempts to search and recapture him.

Two unnamed public-spirited individuals have stepped up to make this offer of money (see Ministry of Home Affairs site ) through the Ministry of Home Affairs. Before this news to make money appeared, the hunt depended on the call of civic duty by residents to report him to the authorities. Now individuals can make money by providing information on him. How does this piece of news on how to make money fit in with Seen This Scene That?

If you remember the posters (Mas Selamat link here) that were plastered all over the parks and gardens of Singapore since the infamous escape of this individual from Singapore’s Whitley Road Detention Centre, stories have linked his whereabouts to nature reserves, the Central Catchment areas and other wooded spaces in Singapore.

If indeed this fugitive is still hiding somewhere in these parks and greenery, residents who enjoy dreaming of how to make money on this Money-No-Enough island now have a uniquely Singaporean chance: make money as you enjoy the fresh air, wide open spaces and rejuvenating greenery of our parks. If you spot this fugitive and report him to the Home Team, you may be on your way to become Singapore’s next millionaire.

To make money this way is a far-fetched reality, similar to the likelihood of a gigantic asteroid kissing Planet Earth to smithereens. In all likelihood, one or more sympathizers may be harboring this fugitive in their home(s). The bait of this huge sum of money is to make publicity, attract the attention of his sympathizer(s) and make them squeal on him for the million-dollar reward. All those working in the service line who make contact with people regularly may also stand a higher chance of spotting the fugitive. Even uncles and aunties in the heartland may be the lucky eyes and ears that could make this money.

It remains to be seen if this monetary reward will work. In the mean time, keep your eyes close to the ground and take precautions for your own safety. While I wish that you would not to be confronted by a dangerous criminal during your recreational walks at the outdoor parks and nature places of Singapore, your park visit might just turn out to be a rewarding one-in-a-million opportunity to make money.

Read more news on how to make money from this million-dollar reward:

1. Ministry of Home Affairs

2. Channel News Asia

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Eat With Your Family Day 2008

Eat With Your Family Day 2008

Today is Eat With Your Family Day 2008 and it is a prelude to the start of National Family Celebrations 2008. For 2008 on this day, fathers like myself are encouraged to (a) invite his family to a family meal, (b) cook at least one dish and (c) demonstrate creative fun at meals for everyone. The organizers (Centre For Fathering) want to challenge the myth that fathers can’t cook. They also believe that families that eat together stay together.

I will certainly attempt to Eat With My Family This Day, invite my family for a meal, cook one or two simple dishes and play funny games by asking riddles with questions like “Why my omelette tastes so funny har?” and “Why the rice is so soggy”? In the process, I will likely confirm the myth that at least one father can’t cook (except instant noodles) and hopefully everyone stays at the dining table to complete the meal that I plan to prepare.

Following that, the National Family Council will be holding a series of events and activities that will be held between 24 May and 28 June 2008. These National Family Celebrations 2008 events aim to celebrate the importance of the family. For details, you can check out the website. Click here.

With the June school holidays almost upon us, this period will be a good time for me to bring my children out more often to see more places and live more life.

I will keep this post short on Eat With Your Family Day 2008. Gotta get out my dusty handbook “Idiots Guide On How to Cook a Meal” for a quick refresher course.

Will you be home early to Eat With Your Family, today?

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Live More Life On Family Day Out 2008: Free Tickets To Singapore Flyer, DUCKtour, HiPPOtour and RHiNOtour

Live More Life On Family Day Out 2008: Free Tickets To Singapore Flyer, DUCKtour, HiPPOtour and RHiNOtour

All of us have only one life. How you choose to live your life is very much a personal choice. In my quest to live more of life, I have chosen to see more places together with those whom I care very dearly.

To encourage more families in Singapore to spend more time together, the National Family Council has designated every fourth Saturday of May as Singapore's “Family Day Out”. This year it will be celebrated on 24 May 2008 (Saturday). 15,000 free tickets to the Singapore Flyer, DUCKtour, HiPPOtour and RHiNOtour will be given out by ballot to families. Special packages to the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park will be available at reduced prices for families as well. Check out the website for a chance to get 7 (seven) free tickets per family.

Even if you are unsuccessful in getting free tickets, there are many lovely places in Singapore that do not require admission charges. Singapore has many beautiful parks, reservoirs, beaches, farms, museums and other places of interest that I have written about which you should be cognizant of.

As a further note, the National Family Council has a publication called Live It! which gives real-life examples of how other families (including Fandi Ahmad's wife, Wendy Jacobs and Ahmad Magad, Member of Parliament) in Singapore learn to adapt their work life and family life commitments in this fast paced society.

I have extracted nuggets of wisdom from the article that I find immensely helpful. Read their short stories to learn how you too can enrich your own family life. It is available on their website for download.

Nuggets of Wisdom

• Long hours at work ≠ love


• Keeping a promise


• Make time for family


• Structure & discipline


• Be there as a parent


• Be flexible, yet keep focus


• Little things mean a lot


• Choose the life you want


• Make up for lost time


• Learn to care

I hope you choose to start making plans now to live more life.

Thank you for reading SeenThisSceneThat, my blog on places of interest, family friendly events and off beat activities.

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Mas Selamat Kastari's Pictures In Singapore Parks: Facing Up To Security, Safety, Civic Duty And Other Realities

Mas Selamat Kastari’s Pictures In Singapore Parks: Facing Up To Security, Safety, Civic Duty And Other Realities

Soon after Mas Selamat Kastari's escape on 27 Feb 2008 from the Whitley Road Detention Centre, I believed that it might have been a well-planned, well-executed flight to freedom with the aid of his Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) cell. With the recent revelations that broke in Parliament, I admit to being shocked by the degree of lapses. My empathy for those responsible for the escape cannot change the fact that Mas Selamat Kastari is still on the run.

What has all this to do with SeenThisSceneThat?
Because I am passionate about the many places of interest that I visit in Singapore, I realize that I (and many of my readers) am now at long-term risk of being confronted by the dangers posed by a person who allegedly headed the JI’s Singapore network. As I pull the wool from my eyes, the reality is clear that the chance of his capture is also turning dimmer with each passing day.

Even with an escaped terrorist hiding within the shores of Singapore, life must still be lived to the fullest. This event has not put me off my visits to the beautiful parks, reservoirs, gardens and places of interest that I love in Singapore. The greater care that I will observe will be increased vigilance, and using common sense.

How To Move On From Now
Be alert to any person who resembles that in the photograph above.
Report to police if you see anyone bearing similar facial features.
The telephone number to call is 999.
Or email spf_police_information [at] spf [dot] gov [dot] sg
Report any theft of food, drinks, money, clothes, transport means (bicycle, car, boat) to the police.
Do not confront any suspect without police assistance.
Do not wander into isolated areas alone.
Inform your next-of-kin about your whereabouts and estimated time of return.
Bring a handphone with you at all times to call for help if necessary.

The battle against terrorism may have been lost with this escape, but everyone from the Minister down to common folks like us must buckle down for the larger war. Until his eventual capture, which I still believe is possible, I will be taking these precautions whenever I go for my visits.

Take care!

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Seen This Scene That: See More Places, Live More Life

See More Places, Live More Life

To my loyal readers, thank you for your support. You would know by now that I have been writing passionately about many places of interest in Singapore, especially the parks, reservoirs, beaches and museums.

To those who chance upon my Seen.This.Scene.That blog while surfing the Net, I welcome you! After you read all my postings, I hope to inspire you to return with prospects of more fascinating updates on the sights and sounds in Singapore that resonate in my heart.

I have learnt many useful lessons from my blogging experience on Seen This Scene That. The past months of gathering facts, collecting photographs and sharing them with you have enriched my life beyond imagination. I have acquainted myself with new contacts and friends that I shall treasure deeply.

My philosophy of life has moderated over the years. In the beginning of my career, work-life balance was a lopsided, one-dimensional experience. Like almost all Singaporeans brought up in a materialistic, everything-must-be-number-one environment, I was enchanted by the dizzy pursuit of success, epitomized by the 5 Singaporean C’s (cash, condo, car, credit card and country club).

Maturity has been a compelling reason for much of the adjustment in work-life balance to a sensible level. With time, materialistic goals have been downgraded. Emphasis seems to have changed to less tangible aspects of living life. Coupled with spouse and children, life has become more grounded on the joys of living. In my mind, I am beginning to breathe easier; the air seems fresher, the scenes brighter and the sounds clearer.

I believe that one should see as much of the world as one can afford to. These places do not have to be far away. Begin with your neighbourhood sights and progress further from there. Choose to start with those places that stir your interest. Ask around for tips and consult friends for advice. Reading my blog is also another avenue. You will be surprised by the breadth and depth of places others may have to share with you.

To see more places is one distinctive way to live more of life. Multiple benefits accrue to the person who dares to venture out of his or her comfort zones. There is plenty of knowledge to be gained. The experience can shape you into a better person. Learn to broaden your worldview of life as you explore new vistas in your travels.

To change from an armchair traveller to an intrepid traveller is never going to be easy. But do consider going out to places to see the sights, witness events and participate in activities. Immerse yourself in the ambience at different times, different places. Keep exploring to see more places and live more of life.

I am confident that many of you are already performing these activities to see more places. For those who have yet to break out of the workplace cocoon, there is still time to realize these pursuits. Pursue your lofty dreams to climb the ladder of success but at the same time, do not neglect your work-life balance. Spend sufficient time for family, friends and yourself to be able to enjoy a healthful and meaningful life. Choose to see more places that fascinate you, and in the process, live more life.

Take care, be happy.

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Earth Hour 2008: The Follow-Up

(Read here for an earlier post.)



Earth Hour 2008: The Follow-Up

Earth Hour came and went on the 29 March 2008 from 8pm to 9pm. As a follow-up to my pledge to let it start with me in the belief that one person can make a difference, here is an update.

Instead of telling it like it really happened, I have added a twist. I would like to offer three versions of what happened on that night.

Version 1:
Earth Hour came. I forgot about it that day and continued to turn on the lights and surfed the Net on my PC.

Version 2:
Earth Hour came. We switched off all lights and went out to the neighbourhood kopi tiam (coffee shop) for dinner. Over sixty minutes, we watched the half-moon drift across the night sky.

Version 3:
Earth Hour came. We switched off all lights after an early dinner at home. Over sixty minutes, we watched the half-moon drift across the night sky after asking our neighbours to switch off their lights.

Can you guess which version occurred?

STOP here.

Make a guess first before you read on.

OK, OK, the answer is inside the comment folder.

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Save The Earth In One Earth Hour

Save The Earth In One Earth Hour

One hour -
The length of time needed to save the Earth
by raising awareness on global warming issues.

On 29 March 2008 from 8pm to 9pm (Singapore time), citizens of the world are urged to turn off all lights for an hour to save electricity. I know it’s difficult. And one hour isn’t much to reduce our carbon footprint. But at least it’s a start to raise awareness and with it, hopefully positive action.

I wish to preserve all our wonderful natural spaces, parks, gardens, reservoirs and beaches, like those I’ve blogged on, for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

One person can make a difference. Let it start with me.

Take care, be happy.

(PS: Read here for the follow-up.)

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Why Would Humans Want To Live Life To The Fullest?

Why Live Life To The Fullest?

There are many reasons why any human being would choose to live life to the fullest. From the moment of birth, life begins a schedule. We can choose to go on autopilot and live out a mechanical lifestyle just to get by. Or we can choose to maximize the experience in this life before an expiry date.

Here I have compiled several reasons why humans would want to live life to the fullest.

Curiosity
Humans are biologically curious. However during growth and development, external conditioning suppresses this innate function. Most people stop asking why before they stop school. Awaken the curiosity in you to start living a fuller life.

Crisis
Humans can develop strange reactions when faced with crises. Example may include getting married, getting divorced, mid life crisis or premature retirement. Unusual tasks are performed to the surprise of family and friends. Most recover and move on from such extremes to achieve a healthy balance on life although a minority will be stuck in crisis mode.

Social
Family, friends and relatives exert social pressures on all human beings in various guises and situations. As creatures needing attention and a sense of belonging, they may turn their lives upside down to please certain individuals.

Emotional
Humans are embedded with batteries of emotion that require frequent top-up. Otherwise, when isolated, humans rapidly decline in function and suffer hysterical collapse. Examples of such batteries: feelings of goodness, sadness or madness.

Mental
Humans thrive in a state of well being when they can realize their full potential, cope with normal stresses of life, carry out a productive life and contribute to the community. If deprived of a chance to live life according to their desires, unwanted effects may complicate their life.

Physical
Physical considerations feature highly in the lives of humans. Knowledge of the need to expand energy through bodily movements in order to raise cardiovascular performances, flexibility, endurance and strength are well known. However in practice, beneficial physical activities like walking, jogging or tai chi are seldom followed through because of lame excuses and long suffering denial.

Interest
Humans possess considerable capacity to indulge in their interest. When fired up, their hobbies can consume their entire brain and their lives. They will spare no effort or time to pursue anything that interests them until the fire is doused. Some work to support their hobbies, while a lucky few make a living from their hobbies.

Boredom
Humans are creatures prone to boredom. When faced with an unchanging routine, the creative part of the brain will cry out for something novel. This is commonly encountered when humans have to deal with repetitive routines day in day out.

I am sure you have your own reasons to want to discover more of life. Do you have your own reasons to live life a little fuller?

Take care and be happy.

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How To Get A Life Without Losing Your Job (Part 2)

In my last post, I offered four tips on how you could get more out of life without losing your job. Today, I shall elaborate on several more.

5) Visit A Quiet Place
At times to escape from the bustle and hustle of a noisy office, I get out of my office chair and visit a quiet place. Parks, gardens, places of worship and museums can be an oasis of calm and peacefulness. I highly recommend you find a quiet place near your office to relax and clear the mind. Quiet contemplation has helped me to overcome challenges along the rocky road to achieving what I want to get out of life.

6) Read and Reflect
There are plenty of reading materials like books and magazines available to fill up the gaps in your knowledge. Get your hands on topics that interest you. Many can be found in regional libraries, bookstores and even on the internet.

7) Stay Physically Active
Getting sick is the quickest way to blow your plans to shreds. I try to keep physically fit through regular physical activity. The recommended exercise should be performed regularly at least three times a week or more, for 30 minutes of moderately intensity (e.g brisk walking, cycling, jogging). A balanced diet with at least 2 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits per day is also recommended by the Health Promotion Board.

8) Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy
Finally, I cannot overemphasize the importance of enjoying the process in your endeavors. If the fuel of passion does not burn in the corners of your heart, the flame of perseverance will be rapidly doused. I am enjoying every moment of my journey to get more of life, and the joy from new experiences reinforces the enjoyment.

At the end of the day, the choice to get a life without losing your job is yours to make. Do you wish to remain stagnant in the rat race until retirement? Or do you prefer to rejuvenate your life now and fulfill your desired dreams?

Take care and be happy.

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How To Get A Life Without Losing Your Job (Part 1)

How To Get A Life Without Losing Your Job

Have you given thought on how you can get more out of life instead of running the rat race? Are you exhausted from climbing the corporate ladder and making little headway? Have you seriously considered quitting to `find' yourself? If you do, this article will help you to get a life without losing your job.

I have grappled with these questions just like you. Through my own experience of setting up SeenThisSceneThat, I have uncovered hidden gems which have proven to be useful to help me get a life without losing sleep over my job. I have consciously followed these tips to ensure I get more out of my life without feeling stressed out by lifestyle demands and work stresses.

Here's what I recommend:

1) Make A Commitment
First, I made a commitment. I convinced myself that I really wanted to get something more out of life than my present lifestyle allowed. Excessive time in the office reduce my own free time to pursue other interests. My target is to raise the amount of time spent on personal pursuits than in the office. Don't get me wrong. I am still passionate about working with staff and clients. But as one matures, the priorities in life re-balance themselves.

2) Schedule Your Time
I learned to schedule my own activities after office hours, on weekends and on vacations. I protect this precious appointments for myself, my family and will resist requests or demands to postpone or cancel them. By putting it on record, it helps to keep discipline and motivate me to reach my objectives. This way, your life will better organised and there will be no excuse for missing my own appointments.

3) Talk To People
In the office, I talk to colleagues and clients. I would inquire about their off-duty activities and interests, and the reasons for them. My inquisitiveness extends to asking them details of vacations and their off-day plans. Most are forthcoming with their answers. In fact I find they are more impressed by my care and concern for their welfare. This reduces communication barriers and makes my work less mechanical. It's also a refreshing way to see how others live their lives and to discover more ideas to fill my own leisure time.

4) Enlist Support
Getting a group of people who share similar interests helps to keep motivation levels high. I involve my family and friends in the activities that I find meaningful. It's a wonderful and fulfilling way to spend time together. At times, we support each other with encouragement and exchange good ideas. Even when there's no news to exchange, our presence speaks a lot about our solidarity.

I shall pause here for you to digest these morsels of information. I shall continue on in the next post.

Take care and be happy.

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