Maybe the lesson isn't to expect better from everyone. Maybe it's to stop expecting everyone to be like us.
May we all have the wisdom to choose kindness, the courage to set boundaries, and the peace to walk away when they're not respected.
Maybe the lesson isn't to expect better from everyone. Maybe it's to stop expecting everyone to be like us.
May we all have the wisdom to choose kindness, the courage to set boundaries, and the peace to walk away when they're not respected.






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| Dresden, along the Elbe River. Cities like this don’t ask for attention. They just let you slow down. |
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| Just taking it in - Duomo di Milano |
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| Lake Como from above. Some views don’t need much explaining |
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| Somewhere between travel and downtime, this little whale came to life. |
| Amazing view of Lake Tekapo. Even more beautiful in person. |
| A photo taken during our boat ride along Milford Sound. |
| One of many beautiful views we passed on the drive to Christchurch. |
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| Image generated by Microsoft Designer |
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| Image generated by Microsoft Designer |

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

Photo by: May
I know this post is late, but I will share my reflections anyway. 😊
As I sit down to contemplate the year that has just bid us farewell, my heart overflows with gratitude for the rich tapestry of experiences that shaped my 2023. The highs and lows, unexpected twists, and moments of sheer joy have etched an indelible mark on my heart.
In 2023, my heart found fulfilment in sponsoring more children and visiting them in different corners of the world. Witnessing the impact of these simple acts of kindness was humbling and profoundly rewarding. However, the year also presented challenges. Battling through my first encounter with COVID-19 reminded me of the fragility of health.
As the calendar flips to 2024, a renewed sense of purpose propels me forward. Learning from the past, I am determined to live healthier, reignite my passion for marathon running, and strive towards a lofty goal – completing an Ironman before I turn 50, a challenge I eagerly embrace at the age of 43.
My focus for 2024 extends beyond personal milestones. I aspire to inspire those around me to adopt healthier lifestyles. I hope to create a community dedicated to fitness and well-being through training updates, motivational stories, and encouraging words.
In the spirit of giving, I plan to initiate a fundraising effort. While the cause remains undecided, the goal is clear—making a positive impact. Additionally, visits to my sponsor child in various locations will continue, fostering the connections forged in 2023.
Looking ahead, the dream of completing all 6 major marathons takes shape. The plan is to achieve this milestone before reaching the age of 50. As the journey unfolds, it becomes not just a pursuit of medals but a celebration of resilience, perseverance, and the joy found in every step.
Join me on this expedition of self-discovery, resilience, and pursuing a healthier, more fulfilling life. Let's make 2024 a year of positive transformation—one step at a time.
May x
I am most proud of the personal growth and development I have achieved in my life. Over the years, I have worked hard to become a better version of myself, learning from my mistakes and continuously striving to improve. This journey of self-improvement has not only benefited me but has also allowed me to make a positive impact on those around me.

Photo by: May
One of the areas I am particularly proud of is my commitment to giving and child sponsorship. By contributing to the well-being of less fortunate children, I have had the privilege of being part of their journey towards a brighter future. It is a source of immense pride to witness the positive changes in their lives and know that I have played a role in their development.
In the midst of my efforts to make a difference, I have also realised the importance of having time for myself. This self-care aspect has been an integral part of my journey. I have dedicated time to nurturing my own well-being, ensuring I have the energy and enthusiasm to continue contributing to the causes I care about. It is a delicate balance that I have managed to maintain, and it is a source of pride to prioritise both my personal growth and the growth of those I support.
Additionally, I have made a conscious effort to cultivate a love for reading. It has allowed me to expand my knowledge, gain new perspectives, and find inspiration in the written word. This newfound passion for reading has been a significant part of my self-improvement journey, helping me evolve as a more well-rounded and enlightened individual.
Overall, I take immense pride in my journey of personal growth, involvement in giving and child sponsorship, dedication to self-care, and commitment to reading. These elements have collectively shaped me into a person I am proud to be today.
May x
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. My life has been a whirlwind of change, from moving to a new country to embracing a new relationship. Amidst it all, my fitness journey took a backseat. I blamed myself for not being disciplined enough and for my love of food. But today, I want to share how I'm rediscovering my passion for fitness and making positive changes, one step at a time.
Before the changes swept me off my feet, I was dedicated to my fitness routine. Running, marathons, and staying active were not just hobbies but a way of life. Then came COVID-19, which upended everything I believed in.
Moving to Bangkok brought new challenges. Finding the right gym and adjusting my workout routine wasn't easy. I had to adapt, and my fitness journey took a hit.
I decided to stand by my partner through his health and wellness journey, even though it meant adjusting my own habits. It was a difficult decision, but I wanted to support him every step of the way.
Six weeks ago, something clicked. Both my partner and I realised it was time to prioritise our health. We gave up alcohol, revamped our diets, and committed to regular workouts. It was a turning point we'll never forget.
Over the past six weeks, we've made incredible progress. Our dietary changes, increased exercise frequency, and a renewed commitment to fitness have transformed us physically and mentally.
I'm hopeful and determined as I prepare for an upcoming full marathon. My changes propel me forward, and I'm eager to see the results.
Image created with Microsoft Designer
This journey taught me consistency, support, and self-awareness are the keys to success. If you're facing similar challenges or changes in your life, remember that it's never too late to make a positive change.
My fitness journey has been a rollercoaster ride, but it's a ride I'm determined to enjoy. I'm grateful for the support and motivation I've found along the way, and I'm excited to see where this path leads me.
Share your story with me if you've experienced similar life changes or fitness challenges. Let's embark on this journey of self-improvement together, one step at a time.
May x
The best piece of advice I have ever received was "be like water." Often attributed to Bruce Lee, this advice is significant as it emphasises adaptability, flexibility, and resilience in life.
Water possesses the remarkable ability to assume various forms, whether it flows serenely as a river, crashes forcefully as waves, or settles tranquilly in a still pond. Likewise, embodying the essence of water in life means cultivating adaptability to changing circumstances, embracing the ebb and flow of existence, and mastering the art of surmounting obstacles.
However, the concept of "be like water" has transformed my approach to life. I've learned to emulate water's ability to navigate around obstacles, yielding to the currents of change rather than resisting them. This shift has fostered a newfound openness to fresh ideas and diverse viewpoints, enabling me to think more creatively and perceive the broader context of situations.
This advice has instilled in me the importance of embracing change rather than opposing it, ultimately allowing me to harness it to my advantage. Like water, I strive to navigate life's challenges by adjusting my approach while remaining true to my core values. Whether confronted with adversity or enjoying success, I aspire to be like water—resilient and adept at overcoming whatever life presents.
May x
My incredible journey has carried me from the couch to the finish line of marathons. Back in my school days, running was a common activity, often a part of PE classes and annual sports days, though I never thought of myself as a particularly skilled runner.
My journey into the world of running began in late 2012, all thanks to an invitation from my sister and her friend to join them in the Penang Bridge Marathon's 10km fun run. I embarked on this adventure with no prior training whatsoever. It was a daring move, and to my surprise, I conquered my very first 10km run. Although I walked like a crab the next day, that memorable day marked the rekindling of my love for running.
I became addicted to the thrill of running and soon found myself registering for more running events in Penang. However, my passion had to make room for weekend studies, so I couldn't be as active as I wanted to be until 2014. It was during this time that I mostly participated in 10km events. In 2016, I took on my first half marathon, and that's when the real adventure began. And from that moment, there was no turning back. I've completed a grueling 50km Ultra Marathon, conquered 45 Half Marathons, and 9 Full Marathons to date. I take immense pride in the numerous trophies I've earned from the many local races I never backed down from—until the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges, including lockdowns in Penang, which imposed restrictions on outdoor activities. However, I was determined to keep running. I even tried running indoors, even if it made me look like a mad person. Despite the limitations, my passion for running remained unwavering.
During those runs, I couldn't help but ponder questions about the art of running, such as the right footwear, effective workouts, injury prevention, and optimal training methods. My running friends were a great source of wisdom, even though they weren't professionally certified. Their insights fueled my interest in fitness and the need to understand it better.
An important turning point in my journey came from a place of deep concern. I witnessed my beloved grandmother's health decline due to limited mobility, primarily caused by knee pain. Her frail body and delicate skin were powerful reminders of the significance of staying active, building our muscles, and looking after our overall health. Her struggles began in her late 60s, and she gradually reduced her movement around her late 70s, particularly after a fall. She became hesitant to move, and the arrival of Covid-19 further exacerbated her condition, causing her to age significantly, with arthritis adding to her challenges.
Fast forward to 2021, still serving as a CFO and juggling responsibilities among 4-5 offices in the Asia region, I stumbled upon an opportunity that felt like destiny—a Personal Trainer course offered via Zoom online study. It was a perfect fit. I signed up, eagerly attended classes, immersed myself in self-study, and my interest in fitness deepened further. I found myself brimming with ideas and aspirations to leverage this newfound knowledge to help others lead healthier lives.
My aspiration is clear. I will use my passion for fitness and personal training to make a positive impact on people's lives.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my experiences and motivations. Thank you for joining me on this incredible adventure. Stay tuned for more stories, insights, and inspiration on my journey from the couch to becoming a marathon runner and an aspiring fitness trainer.
Together, we'll discover the joy of a healthy lifestyle, one step at a time.
May x
For over 2 decades, I had dedicated myself to a career that was defined by determination, hard work, and unwavering commitment. Climbing the corporate ladder, I achieved a position many aspire to reach. But success, as they say, comes with its own set of burdens.
In the corporate world, I encountered my fair share of challenges. The politics, the pressure, and the relentless pursuit of profit all took a toll on my sense of fulfilment and purpose. I was caught in a web of what I've come to call "corporate nonsense" that often left me questioning the very essence of my work.
The turning point in my journey came when I lost my mother. She had devoted her entire life to supporting our family, as my father wasn't around often, leaving little time for her to enjoy the fruits of her hard work during her retirement years. I deeply admire my mother for shouldering these responsibilities so gracefully. However, just six months into her retirement, she received a devastating cancer diagnosis.
I couldn't help but feel immense guilt and frustration for not being able to afford the treatment that might have saved her life. This experience became a profound awakening for me. It made me realise that no matter how hard you work or how much you earn, time and health are precious and cannot always be controlled or bought.
The decision to step away from my CFO role was not made hastily. It took me five years of careful consideration and diligent planning to ensure that I had worked hard and saved enough for my future. This decision bore the weight of many years of effort and accomplishments, but it also held the promise of something deeper—a golden opportunity to redefine my life on my own terms, unburdened by the constraints of corporate life.
The internal battle I wrestled with was overwhelming. In the initial weeks of not working, I relished the break, but as the months passed, a sense of shock and guilt set in. I grappled with the feeling that I wasn't contributing and feared stagnation. I had always been active, but the constraints imposed by the pandemic limited my options. The fear of the uncertain future, self-doubt, and the persistent question of whether I had made an enormous mistake haunted me daily. It was an ongoing struggle, with my rational mind conflicting with the desires of my heart.
In the end, what allowed me to come to terms with my choice was recognising that it was a conscious decision to embark on a path aligned with my core values—a path where I could seek fulfilment beyond the restrictions of the corporate world. This realisation spurred me to begin planning and enrolling in courses to further my journey.
May x
However, life has a way of presenting us with unexpected opportunities and moments of reflection. About 9 ago, I experienced a profound loss when my beloved mother passed away. This event marked a turning point in my life. It was then that I began to reassess my priorities and question whether the path I had been on was truly fulfilling.
As I ventured into my 40s, I made a courageous decision. I left my high-paying job as a CFO to embark on a new chapter, one filled with purpose, personal growth, and the pursuit of passions I had long set aside. It was a daunting step to leave behind the comfort and security of a successful career, but deep within, I knew it was the right move for me.
Transitioning into running my own small business has been both challenging and rewarding. While I now focus on part-time administrative support work, it has opened up opportunities for me to explore my interests and truly live out my values. With each passing day, I find myself more fulfilled and motivated to make a difference in the lives of others.
This courageous step has allowed me to break free from the confines of the corporate world and embrace a life that aligns with my true passions. While the path may be uncertain at times, I am grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead. Through hard work, determination, and an unwavering belief in myself, I am confident that this new chapter will bring about personal fulfilment and growth beyond measure.
I've always been passionate about fitness, but the path forward was unclear. Recently, I've taken steps to turn that passion into a potential career. I'm currently attending personal training sessions to enhance my own fitness and to gain the skills and knowledge required to become a certified trainer. It's a journey of self-improvement that I'm excited about.
Learning is a lifelong endeavour, and I am committed to staying informed and up-to-date. I have enrolled in numerous online courses and educational programs to expand my horizons and ensure that I am always growing, both personally and professionally.
Through this blog, I hope to document my experiences, insights, and lessons learned as I navigate this new chapter of my life. My goal is to inspire and connect with others who may be on similar journeys or who simply seek a fresh perspective on life.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure. I look forward to sharing my thoughts, experiences, and the joy of discovering what truly makes life meaningful.
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