How a New Habit Improved My Quality of Life

Finding habits that genuinely improve our quality of life can be challenging, especially with the busy responsibilities of daily working life. One habit that I have found to make a significant difference is reading.

Image created with Microsoft Designer

Over the past few months, my life has been hectic. Despite my best intentions, carving out time for reading often felt like a luxury I could not afford. However, I have discovered that even brief moments spent with a good book can offer substantial benefits.

I have always had an interest in non-fiction, romantic comedies, and mysteries. Recently, I have broadened my reading interests to include science fiction, fantasy, and philosophical fiction. Each genre offers a unique perspective and provides a refreshing break from my daily routine.

Undeniably, I have faced challenges with this new habit. Finding time to read consistently has been difficult, and I have struggled with patience when a book does not immediately captivate me. I have had a few books that ended up as "DNF," as I sometimes find it hard to push through if the book is not engaging.

However, I have learned that flexibility is key to making reading a regular habit. Even if I cannot read every day, I make an effort to pick up a book whenever I can. Whether it is a few pages before bed or during a short break, these small moments of reading contribute to a greater sense of relaxation and mental improvement.

Incorporating reading into my routine, even sporadically, has enhanced my quality of life. It offers a mental escape, fosters creativity, and provides a chance to unwind from the daily grind. I hope to continue making reading a more regular part of my day and encourage others to explore this habit as well. Sometimes, small changes can lead to the most significant improvements in our lives.

May x

Travel Hiccups: Lessons Learned from a Disappointing Experience

I was really looking forward to running the Gold Coast Marathon, but unfortunately, my excitement turned to disappointment due to a series of unforeseen issues.

Photo by: May

I applied for an ETA to enter Australia, expecting the same swift approval I had experienced in the past. However, this time, the process took 4 days instead of the usual seconds. My application wasn’t rejected, but I received an email stating that it could not be finalised at that time. I was instructed to submit additional information through ImmiAccount, including a copy of my passport biodata page and evidence demonstrating my intention of a temporary visit. 

Also, it requires proof of employment in my home country, a bank statement showing sufficient funds to support myself during my stay, and details about my family background. It was a horrendous experience. I was forced to cancel my trip because the ETA was approved just a day after my scheduled flight. This delay had a domino effect, leading to the cancellation of both my flights and hotel bookings.

In an attempt to make the best of a bad situation, I contacted the marathon organisers to ask if they could courier my running bib to me. I knew I wouldn’t be able to collect it in person or sell it, so I was willing to pay for the service. Unfortunately, my request was turned down. This left me not only disappointed but also out of pocket for a significant amount of money.

Looking back, I realise the importance of applying for travel documents well in advance. The lesson is clear: don’t wait until the last minute, especially when it comes to something as important as an international marathon.

To make matters worse, I fell ill after attending the trade show in Singapore. I suspect it might have been COVID-19. On the bright side, missing the marathon meant I could recover without the added stress of travel and racing.

Though I’m still unhappy about the whole experience, I’m trying to focus on the positives. Sometimes, life throws unexpected challenges our way, and all we can do is learn from them and move forward.

May x

My Recent Work Adventures

My last post was about the Paris Marathon. Since then, I’ve been travelling a lot for work and also taking some time off for a holiday.

Photo by: May

About a year ago, I started working with a company I had previously worked with. They reached out to me for a short 3-month project, but the scope expanded, and so did my contract. Even though marketing isn’t my strongest area—despite having a master’s degree in it—I’ve been handling it as best as I can.

I was particularly busy preparing for a major event in Singapore in June. It was my first time managing such a large event with a 54 sqm booth, thousands of visitors, and hundreds of exhibitors. I wanted to make sure the company was well-represented and not embarrassed.

I’m proud of how I managed much of the work independently, with guidance from the client’s corporate MarComms team to ensure we followed their branding. Being able to make decisions on my own has been a great advantage and has helped me work more efficiently.

Additionally, I’m pleased that the company offered me a permanent position as my contract is coming to an end. Although I had to turn it down because it’s not the path I want to pursue, I’m glad my work was valued. I hope that once the new person joins, I’ll have some time to reflect and learn from this experience.

I’m looking forward to sharing more updates and hope that after my contract ends, I’ll be inspired to get back to blogging regularly after having taken a break since my last update.

May x