Tag Archives: happiness

I Started My Own Publication

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My First Cousins

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Grateful for My Cousins

When I see my nieces with their cousins, it makes my heart swell. I want them to be close all their lives, like they are right now, and have beautiful memories like I do. My childhood was not easy due … Continue reading

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#20. Simple Joys: Singapore being cooler because of all the trees and plants

It’s something we take for granted. The rest of Southeast Asia is much hotter due to the lack of trees, even though Singapore lies closer to the equator. We also have the advantage of being an island. The surrounding water … Continue reading

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It’s So Easy to Fall Out of a Routine of Good Habits

I fell out of my routine since my last holiday. You see, my routine was very much a forced thing. I was waking up pre dawn, as early as 4.30am, even though I’m naturally a night owl, and going to … Continue reading

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#17. Simple Joys: Meeting My Partner For Lunch

He’s usually not free due to various meetings. It was nice to chat non stop.

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5 Things I Thought I Would Have when I was a Child: Letting Go of My Expectations

This is my exercise in letting go of expectations. Sadly life never turns out the way you expect for many, but there have also been treasured joys I never expected as well. When I was a kid I always imagined … Continue reading

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#13. Simple Joys: When they Don’t Forget My Spicy Condiments

A meal is elevated by condiments, like all kinds of chilli and sauces. I always need spice in my meals.

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#98: Exciting, Ever Evolving Food Scene

I do love dry Laksa, so I was exited to spot the opening of this new dining place at Vivo. I haven’t reached 100 on my 100 Reasons to Be Happy in Singapore, but just found my number 98/100. Started … Continue reading

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#8. Simple Joys – Nice Strangers

The ethnically Malay grab delivery guy who got into the lift with me was so cheerful and nice. “Which level?” Wanted to press the button for me. And he said thanks as he left. He did me a favour but … Continue reading

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#5. Simple Joys: Encouraging texts about my writing from mum, partner, uncle and aunties

This is a huge one and I appreciate every word so much. I often keep screenshots to look at so that I can feel happy when I’m down. It’s almost like a letter from the past. I have kept all … Continue reading

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#4. Simple Joys – Cute Text from Niece

Brightened up my whole day. Because it’s rare, I’m so utterly thankful.

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#3. Simple Joys – Riddle from Little Niece

Honestly the highlight of my whole day. Anything they do automatically makes my heart sing. Here’s a riddle: A grandmother, two mothers and two daughters went to a café. Each of them ordered a cup of coffee. How many cups … Continue reading

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#2. Simple Joys – when they don’t run out of my favourite sandwich

When they don’t run out of my favourite tuna baguette.

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#1. Simple Joys – A Seat on the MRT

Getting a seat on the train (MRT) . And I don’t mind taking a longer route and less crowded line, in order to get one. I previously had a Happiness in Singapore list but Janet’s ‘The Little Things’ post inspired … Continue reading

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Fascinated by Salman Rushdie revealing the best period of his life

If I could go back and relive any time in my life, I’d start in 1979. I was just finishing Midnight’s Children and my first son was about to be born. In fact, I remember telling his mother to just … Continue reading

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The Best & Most Useful Gift from My Partner

I can clip this to my bed post to listen to my audiobooks. The sound is much better than the tinny sound from my phone itself. I try to get the speaker as close to me as possible, so that … Continue reading

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Feel So Happy Meeting with Two of My Cousins After Almost 4 Years

I have social anxiety, but I don’t feel it with people I’m comfortable with like my cousins. I practically saw them grow up, being the much older cousin. They were the cutest toddlers. It’s true what they say about cousins … Continue reading

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Playing the Piano Again

I’m feeling so happy today. I bought a new piano book at Yamaha (the old time piano studio that still exists in Singapore after all these years). Playing something new helps me assess a different party of my brain, the … Continue reading

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Anxiety: Why Am I Wired This Way?

My brain has been wired by trauma to always think of the worse possible outcome, so that I can be prepared. I’m constantly in fight or flight mode. It’s a terrible state to be in and I wish I wasn’t … Continue reading

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#97: A Mall With A Beautiful Indoor Fountain Surrounded by Lush Greenery

Decided to continue the list I started more than a decade ago. Since then probably some things on my list are no more, because Singapore is constantly morphing. But we are now blessed with Jewel and her majestic fountain. It … Continue reading

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Singapore Museums: The National Museum is Amazing & A Must Visit

It’s free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents so we really should take advantage of this. The building itself is spectacular and we are always awestruck looking up at the dome with the stain glass. As I went with two darling … Continue reading

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