Day 53: Art of Communication

Nice catchup Ee Dzu, from a tuition teacher to a dear friend. We started to meetup again after after I introduced her plant based diets.

Yesterday, I get to know what is her language of love lol 😃 I will do more of that. Learning from her the art of communication from her as well. Why communication breakdown because due to lack of understanding and clarity.

She is a Christian and I am a Buddhist and yet we are open and respect each other religion. Both of us shared our experiences. I feel we both have a common goal to improve on our own spiritual path.

In life, people come and go. Cherish while I can.

#XmasGathering #EeDzu

Day 52: Anger Management

朋友问：为什么把刘海剪到这么短？

我就一五一十的说。两位理发师起争执，帮我剪头发的理发师因为生气。错手，把我的头发给剪得太短了。

妈妈还安慰我说头发很快流长，到了新年刚刚好🤣

剪错头发是小事，但情绪管理是大事。如果，一个人不懂得情绪管理，把自己的情绪看好。人际关系会很差，也影响别人的情绪。

虽然把自己的心看好是一种学问，我们应该好奇和探索为什么自己的情绪是这样。

#人生智慧 ＃情绪管理

Day 51: Shopee Challenge

Thank you for supporting us by clicking "Like" at Shopee Product Design Challenge 2020 Page.

We collected 233 likes within a day and it is still growing. Thanks to our lecturers, classmates, friends, family and even strangers for likings and loving our work.

It has been a fun and fruitful experience to join this challenge. We completed the Design Sprint within 2 weeks! Not only sharpening our design skills, but at the same time, we learnt to do research and understanding what user wants.

We didn't get place in the semi finals, but this will not stop us from continue our UIUX journey.

There is value in design sprint as it helps the product owner to make informed decisions in a short time.

What went wrong was we didn't have enough buy-ins for current shopee users that their refunds was a headache. Secondly, Shopee might be looking for shining ideas to engage their existing and potential young customers.

However, from our UX survey 89.7% shopee users agreed that they will come back to purchase more when the return and refund experience is seamless.

We also did our usability testing with our prototype (even though it is not required). The feedback received was it is an improved version of Shopee current returns and refund system.

Overall, it is still a gained experience from me and my team.

#ShopeeProductDesignChallenge2020 #DesignSprint #UIUX

Day 50: Musical Box

Xmas gathering starts now lol 😃. Meetup and catch up with friends. Dining at The Larder Cafe, Toa Payoh Central.

I love this music box, even though it requires to turn manually. The music tune is
You are my Sunshine! So Nostalgic!

#XmasGathering #Innoprint

Day 49: Decluttering is Therapeutic

I opened these 2 boxes of business namecards with a heavy heart. I wasn't sure how to deal with them for past 3 months. The boxes were covered with dust.

Some business friends cards were there.
Some networking cards were there.
Some useful contacts were there.

After having a good conversation with Angie, I made up my mind. The important and relevant ones stay.

Some friends are meant for a while, while others for a lifetime.

After clearing away what I needed to do, my heart becomes much lighter. I need a fresh start. #DeclutteringIsTheraputic

Day 48: Backup your files regularly (even it means that it requires daily habit)

On 14 Dec 2020, monday evening, Google suffers global outage with Gmail, YouTube and majority of services affected.

Error was due to lack of storage space in authentication tools causing system to crash.
When that storage filled up, the system should have automatically made more available; instead, it seems it didn’t, which meant the system crashed, just like a desktop computer does when it tries to operate with a full hard drive.

The widespread failure of Google services revealed to many the extent to which they rely on the company for basic tasks. The company’s smart home services were some of the first to cause real problems: users who had rebuilt their homes around voice commands found themselves unable to turn on the lights thanks to a failure of Google Home and Google Assistant, while those with the company’s Nest thermostats were unable to control their home’s heating with an app, as they had become used to doing.

It is indeed that Google serivces have huge impact on people lives.

Just happened that me and my team was preparing for our project submission during that period. We couldn't access our important proposal slides! It nearly freak us out and fortunately one of my friends opened the file before the system went down for 45mins. A friend yesterday told me all her things are at google drive, she also felt panic when the system went down. I have a fair amount of experiences on how my system crashed and I was fortunate enough to be able to recover my files.

Have you backup your important files already?
Always backup your files regularly no matter what.

I couldn't say enough our data is our important assests in today's world. In the past, when the system went down, it didn't affect us much. But today, most technology companies are using cloud storage. Should one day, anything happened to your files online, you must have a copy in your home system.

Technology is always a double-edged sword. It gives us lots of convenience, yet at the same time it also have its own risks that it may fail you at any time without warning. Remember, always backup your files regularly, no matter what. Even if you find it too troublesome, too hassle. It is a habit that cannot be taken for granted.

Day 47: First 4 words are my focus for 2021

Normally I don't really believe such things. But somehow I feel something when I randomly pick the 4 words: Gratitude, Connection, Money, Alignment. I feel that there is alignment when all these 3 aspects are met. It is pretty accurate especially now I am doing alignment in my life. I feel more gratitude and connection with myself and money is finally coming in! The best part is people want to give me money :) I am receiving graciously hehehe :D

I am grateful towards what is happening in my life. My life is starting to work for me. I allow abundance to come into my life. Thank you for the love and support that I needed.

Day 46: I figured it out {how to overcome my exam fear}

Yay! I got my results.
This post is not to show how good I am, but rather, my own experience in personal transformation.

I am really happy with the results that I got. I don't need to prove myself that I am good enough. I am enough. Of course, I feel good that my lecturers recognised my efforts and my understanding about the subject matter in UI UX.

Thank you Erik Chua, Allan Zhang and Teck Tiong for sharing their Design Thinking, UI and UX research knowledge and experiences with me. Answering my doubts and confusion. Not forgetting my classmate designer, Evelyn Lim, she was supportive and opened to my ideas and we had the shared goals and values.

When I was young, I studied for my parents, with a lot of anxiety, fear and stress.
I am older now, I studied for myself with joy, excitement and curiosity.

As an adult learner, I choose to decide what I want to learn. It was a very empowering experience for me. Learning is fun especially, when I am opening to new knowledge and experiences.

I wasn't a smart student during my secondary days. I took a long time to understand the subjects, especially Maths. It was a painful period. Fortunately, I didn't hate Maths but rather, I want to know what I didn't understand.

My secondary Math teacher, Mr Lee was very professional. I still remembered his face after so long! I am grateful for what he did. He gave a group of students, who were weak in Maths, tuition class after school weeks after weeks. Because of his patience and his clear explanation, I finally figure it out.

One thing I did differently was to change the way I study.

"If you are suffering at your current situation. Change the method to get different results."- Transforming Rachel

Now, I found my own ways of learning and absorbing information.
The results are just showing that I understand the subject matter and I studied well when I know where to score points. I am happy that I didn't give up myself. I am feeling grateful to my healthy self, getting more and more patient with myself.

Today affirmation: I study with ease and confidence.

Parents out there, who are stressed with anxiety and stress with your children results. Children don't study well, not because of laziness or stupid. They don't understand the subject matter, even though their teachers may have explained it many times. Not that they don't want to learn or trying to be funny, they just haven't figure it out yet. It could be also their emotional aspects. They don't find interest in learning. They are too fearful internally or stressed up by their internal or external environment. You need to dive deep what are their study challenges.

Many years back, Venerable You Deng told me that taking exams are just tests to help us understand the subject matter better. That shifted my thoughts as well on how I perceived exams entirely. When I scored well because I understood the subject matter. When I don't, I just need to put in more efforts to understand it better.

Although my exam results were not fantastic in the past, I got an F for my English Language. I love writing now because I saw meaning in translating my thoughts into words postively. The beautiful part in life is Transformational. If you were the same as yesterday, you are not growing or progressing forward.

I always have this chinese idiom at the back of my mind. "行行出狀元" In every trade, a master appears. It means that you can produce outstanding achievements in any task, provided you put it enough love and diligence.

Please give your children the space to learn and grow. They will make it in life no matter what.
#SelfImprovement #SelfMastery

Day 45: How to master storytelling

Today I had an awesome experience with Craig Valentine.
He shared many valuable tips on the path to storytelling.

"Don't get ready, stay ready to speak."

As a World Champion speaker, he is consistantly asking to speak.
Have a collection of stories.

He breaks down into 3 parts of speaking.
Craft, Deliver, Sell

1) Craft
Clarity of Message - Tell a story, make a point.
Never stop asking questions.
When people remember the story, they remember the point.

Foundational Phrase (1st Homework)
• Keep it short less than 10 words.
• Easy to remember for the audience and speaker
• Helps to crystal clear your message
• The phrase determines what stays
• It is not what you say, it is how people receive the message
• Find the Phrase in every of your speeches.

Some examples
• We are not borned to be bored.
• Never stop asking questions.
• Your dream is not for sale.
• What got you here won’t get you there.
• Change small and change often.
• Actions speak louder than words.

What do you want to do, make it visible.

"No Phrase, No Stage."

Who are your audiences came to hear your message
What is your message and what do they get out of it.

Conflict is the hook.
Know exactly the moment of conflict.
Do it early.
Share your failures.
What went wrong?
Remember, spaces, faces and in between the lines.

2) Delivery
Find ways similar to your audience.
Take us to the problem, take us to the cure.

"Speak to one person but look to all."

Make deeper connection with the audience.
Speak directly to the audience
• Use singular
• There is no "some of you"
• it is not the lines, it is "space, faces, in between the lines"
• Hallway test

"Mimic correctly."

Tap back the Memory -> Go and relive it
It has the right emotions and actions


3) Sell
When you are speaking, you are doing sales. Sell the message, take the audience to the next step.

"Never sell a product, sell the results."

Craig mentioned how to become 3 times better speaker through his 52 weeks speaking tips. Each week is only 5 mins of my time. I think this message is powerful.
Today I decided to take my communication skills seriously.
I made the decision to sign up for his 52 weeks of speaking tips and I did it.
When I take myself seriously, my life changes.

Never close at Q and A
People remember best at beginning and last.

Storytelling and uncover your humour
Humour is inside your story.
The characters dialogue.
I remember my stories, whichever makes the audience curious.
You are going to see your dreams, be it and have it.

"Today I move the chairs, Tomorrow I will move the audience." - Craig Valentine

Day 44: Friends are like Sunflowers

Today I wake up early to draw Sunflowers, after drawing 10 sunflowers. I feel realy good lol :D

I was inspired by this quote and start drawing sunflowers :P It is lovely, isn't it :D

Day 43: I closed 2 deals

I am happy that I closed 2 business deals today. I am glad that I am attracting people I want to work with. Thanks May and Thomas for giving their design projects to me. I will put in my time and efforts in their projects. I have gained their trust and support. I want to help them to become better in their business and their brand presence.

Thanks Jeffrey and Angie for asking me to look into supporting solopreneurs. They are easier to work with and they have lessr things to consider because their businesses are still small yet. A lot of room for creativity and new ideas for business.

Day 42: 2nd Batch of Xmas Cards

Today I prepared the 2nd Batch of Xmas Cards. These batches are for my mentors and friends who have helped me along the way. I used special papers, gold flakeswith some shimmering effects on the card, to show that they are special to me.

Special thanks to:
Evelyn
Jeffrey
Mr Mok
Stephen
Edy
Deby
Seh Leng
Judy Ho
Winnie Woon

Day 41: Resolve issues with Parents internally

Today I went to see Hyder for coaching again. I was very excited and touched to see Hyder took my logo design seriously and print the logo onto his mug. I mentioned to Hyder for past 15 years I didn't want to send out Xmas cards to people. But somehow I feel that in this covid-19, I want to do that. He said that is because, the younger Rachel wasn't align previously. But this current Rachel understand why she wants to do it and she is aligned with herself. When she design it, she does it with Joy.

Today, I expressed my communication with my parents are poor. I dislike my parents to force me and to rush me to do things for them. I rather keep myself at the room.

Hyder made me realised it is my issues of communication. I needed space and I didn't express my thoughts with my parents.

Hyder also made me realised that I didn't put myself in their shoes.

Parents will feel lost, frustrated and helpless if no one can help them.

Now I learnt that instead of brushing them away. I look at their things with empathy and compassion. Find out what happened first and decide how much time and space I need to complete the work.

Hyder is so funny. He just said my issues is just space. When I solve the space issues, everything solves haha :D Come to think about it, everytime I upset with my parents is due to space!!!

Finally Hyder mentioned to me about Omega, the vibration energy. He showed me this diagram which I find it so amazing. How my state of being shifted.

Day 40: Bling bling

In my younger days, I dislike anything that is shining and dazzling. It appears that the person just wants the limelight.

Recently, I just can't help but liking clothes with bling bling. As I Google the symbolic meaning. It has association with wealth and status.

I feel rich from inside out. I start to feel dazzling from inside out too. I can't help but to feel the dazzling materials to feel precious and pretty. I want to be seen.

Bling bling has to do it tastefully. You can't bling bling all the time. It has to be exclusive. It blings once awhile so that it's special, unique and valuable.

Oh yes, recently I just design my company RWDC Xmas cards with rainbow reflection. It's beautiful. I am special.

Day 39: Managing my money

On 11 Nov 2020, I could visualised the money is on the table and there is a fountain of money everflowing, there is no need to chase after money. Money will just come to me naturally, whenever I need it.

On 7 Dec 2020, there is a huge bill amount came in. Instead of feeling scared, I look at payment individually. What have I actually spent on. Go through line by line. Understanding each line. I am no longer scared of my own bills. I understand why I spent them. Each payment has meaning, either for my health, education or work. I use my money with care and respect. My money is spent for greater good.

Today affirmation I put my money into good use.

Day 38: Customised Laptop Bag

I approached Bee Ping to help me to design a laptop bag. She did it quite well. The materials she used and the size she made. I like the pockets to put the things such as water bottle, umbrella and hp.

The only down part is the laptop bag itself is too heavy. I need to decide what to put in the bag before I bring it out. This is my Xmas gift for myself in 2020. Thank you Bee Ping for her time and effort to design such a lovely laptop bag for me.

Day 37: Xmas Cards 2020

I did my own self promotion in Nov. 11% discount is related to 11.11.2020. Opening up new business opportunities for myself.

I remembered myself and there is a message I want to share with the world. Perhaps people can't visualised what I do and they may not think it is lovely to send well wishes to the people they care about. I decided to do it for my business partners, friends.

Thanks Jay and Jonathan for helping me to print the Xmas Cards, they are lovely. This year theme is "Joy of Giving". While supporting Jay, I also get the spread my messages about improving things together for the better. Hope people who received them like the message. Make them feel that they need to improve things better with Joy.

Day 36: Empathy with ourselves

I had a good sharing session with KH. We spent 3 hours, understand our life expereiences and sharing our feelings what has happened to ourselves. He can resonate with what I shared.

I feel that we need to start our own joy and happiness before we can help others. See beyond the fame and glory. What can I do to help myself and others to be better.

When I connect with myself, I feel empowered. I feel that there is a lot of things I can do, I have a lot of resources with me.

When I connect with myself, I feel empathy. I feel my own emotions. My anger, sadness, frustrations, joy, happiness and curosity. I can feel myself a lot better now.

When I connect with myself, I feel trust. I feel that I have found a lost friend for a long, long time. I want to trust myself, understand what is going on inside me.

There is a lot of joy within me. I am less frustrated with myself. I am more patient with myself. I could feel other of my own emotions, I acknowledgement them. My emotions feel safe with me. They show up appropriately based on situations. I am able to listen to myself. I care for myself.

Day 35: Passion 96

We had an SPATMC Exco Meeting today.

As all the exco felt that SP wasn't supportive to grow our club. We have decided to do a rebranding exercise.

After much consideration, we felt that passion96 seems to work pretty well. Because we speak with passion. We want to live our live passionately. Very fast, we registered our domain name passion96.com at Godaddy.com.

It is high time to let go of the past, 15 years of good memories and start new afresh.

96 Meanings 96 meaning is encouraging you to accept all the change that is taking place in your life positively. Maintain a positive attitude that will enable the universe to channel positive energies your way. Get rid of all your worries, fears, and anxieties and focus only on positive thoughts.

The number 96 symbolizes family, home, as well as caring for humanity. This number also symbolizes idealism, responsibility and harmony. People who resonate with this angel number are very close to their family and they take great care of them. They are also concerned about the wellbeing of humanity as a whole.

You deserve the best, stay open to receive new goods that will exceed your expectations, because you are now ready to upgrade your life.

The universe will offer you new opportunities to live and serve the purpose of your soul.

Day 34: 2 Days of Video Editing

Feels like a Pro after learnt video editing in 2 days time.

A few elderly is awesome. Despite facing some challenges in using the Adobe Premiere Pro. They managed to complete the tasks given to them. Never say give up.

One of the elderly, told me she learns video editing so that she has the same interest and common language with her son. Awww...

The reason for me joining this video editing is to learn the basics skills to stitch up the videos, images and audio in a seamless way.

Yes, I can always learn on my own. Having an experienced trainer helps me to shorten my learning curve. #WorkInProgress #AdobePremierePro

Day 33: My Message to the World

I want to share my mission is to help business owners delivering purposeful design. Being a solopreneur, with 15 years of designing experiences. I love creating websites that able to transform in positive manner. I believe every company has our own unique brand story to tell. Every entrepreneur has a desire to make a difference in this world.

I am passionate in what I do and I want to re-ignite entrepreneurs' burning desire, especially solopreneurs, why they do what they do. Edy and I built functional, lasting website that help them to improve their customers experience.

We would like to invite them to embark this wonderful journey of website creation, that they will make your website from “Nay” to “Yay”. A website you feel proud of and their customers enjoy visiting their website over and over again.

Our Offer
Solopreneur Website
1 Customizable Landing web page
1) Craft your Brand Story
2) Your Promotion Banners
3) Your Top 3 Services that you have
4) Testimonials
5) Call to action: Make order / Book an appointment with you


Our Requirements
Exclusive for GBA Solopreneurs and Startups Only

1) Solopreneur with no more than 3 people business, you are talented in your own ways.
2) You are committed to build your business.
3) We move your business to the next level.

Our Pricing
Pricing starts from $1200 and cap at $2000.
Depending web requirements


I am Entrepreneur Brand Pilot to bring their brands to where it needs to be there.

Day 32: 66

Number 66 is a powerful number of unconditional love, healing and faith and trust in the Divine. Angel Number 66 is a message from your angels to put your faith and trust in the benevolence of the Universe as your daily needs are continually met. Keep your thoughts positive when the Angel Number 66 appears.

This number is a reminder to you that you need to be more nurturing and kind to other people in your life. Perhaps you not only neglected yourself, close friends and family, you have also forgotten how to express emotions to them and make them feel good.

When we find ourselves in hard life situations, these numbers come to us as reminders that every situation in life has a valuable lession behind it.

Day 31: Light from Within

I feel strongly about this quote.

Everyone has our own challenges and setbacks but I feel that when we have the courage to face it. We can overcome it through our compassion and wisdom. There is a saying a room disperse 10 thousand years of darkness with one ray of light. I truly believe this statement.

Today attended the Elite Speaker Training Day 1.

Thanks Kin Ng and Wekie Tay. There are so much learnings receiving from today workshop.

1. Knowing Why
2. 5 Mistakes when crafting speeches
3. 5 tips to craft the message.

I feel emotions when I was asked about why do I want to become a champion speaker? I feel that my voice needed to be heard. To inspire and motivate people.

Real reason: To touch people hearts I believe I am able to shine light into people hearts purposefully. I have important messages to share.

Wekie mentioned about the internal drive. Story must be relateable and we don't need to have super unique story. It is a journey.

Kin mentioned about Mindset, Knowledge and Skills (Stage Time). These 3 parts are equally important. It feels like 信 (Faith)，愿 (Aspiration)，行 (Practise).

Day 30: 1/2 Day Hospitalisation

Early morning I had a chest pain. At first, I wanted to ignore the pain but my body gave me the signal that I needed to look at it. Dr Tng recommended me to go to hospital for check up. After waiting for my turn to be reviewed by the doctor, I noticed the plain ceiling. It is indeed depressing to look at such a boring experience to look at the ceiling while waiting.

As my vein is small, the doctor used the left side to extract my blood but he couldn't do it so I have to suffer 2 rounds of pain and the other nurse extract another round of blood for testing. It sets me thinking why am I allowing people to hurt me? I didn't like the needles to be poked into my skin. In the end, I still let them to hurt me. The helpless feeling came back.

I started to read the book, Whole. This chapter shared about why we need to eat more whole foods than animal products, meat and milk. Milk promotes cancer. Spinach and kale have more protein than animal products, meat and milk.

It is quite ironic to read such book in the hospital. But I feel it helps me to rethink how I want to live my life. Do I still want to live in my old ways where I feel that I have no choice OR I start to take my health seriously. To really put in real foods into my body to let it heals. Every decision has its own consequences. My life is precious. Please take care of my body. It is giving me signs that I needed to take care of it before it is too late... My body is telling me if I don't take care of it. I may lose it.

In the end, I did 2 rounds of ECG and 2 rounds of blood tests. Fortunately, all are negative. The doctor allows me to be discharge from the hospital. What a day!

Day 29: 33

3 is related to talent, skills, expansion and also self-expression.

This number may symbolize great progress and abundance that are expecting you in the near future. It can mean that your health will be much better in the future period, but you will also have many opportunities in your career. You will be happy and satisfied in your personal life as well.

When it comes to number 33, the symbolism of number 3 is even bigger. This number is a symbol of bravery, honesty, compassion and discipline. This number is also telling you that many things in your life are possible. We just have to pay more attention to the opportunities that appear every day around us.

Day 28: 2222

I am more sensitive towards the numbers recently.
The 2 messages are telling me to keep my life in balance and never forget the power of positive energy. 2222 vibrates strong and positive energies. It speaks of courage and ambition, as well as balance and harmony. You can achieve your big dreams and still have a happy and harmonious life. The meaning of 2222 is also about decisiveness.

2 is duality and balance. To be calmer and take situations more grace and tranquility.

22 is diplomacy and power. Achieve better relationships with other people and better communication with the world.

222 is encouragement, faith and trust.

2222 is love and patience into relationships. You will be more compassionate and loving towards people you care about. Make you feel more empathy towards people in your life.

Day 27: Courage

Shifting fear to courage

Hyder asked me what I want to create?
On the surface level, I start to pen down…

Design Thinking Webinars
Mar, Jun, Sep

Reaching out
Social media with valuable content
Face to face referrals

Posting articles, videos
Design Thinking
UX Design
Web Experience
Branding
Testimonials
Business Challenges and Solutions

Hyder asked me who do I want to work with?
I start to pen down randomly.

Price is Right
Clients Commitment
Willing to work together
Trust
I am able to value add
Appreciative
*Good working synergy
Giver
Non Calculative
Understanding
Value add peoples lives
Trust that I can do the project
Positivity
Try
Explore
Open to Ideas etc

Big organisation like NUS Enterprise
Established Brands like Dacon, Toyo Jitsugyo

People I want to work with and they want to work with me
Ideal clients, partners, vendors
1. Trust
2. Good working synergy
3. Commitment
4. Open to ideas
5. Value add people lives

Should there be a symbol...

Somehow Hyder lead me on into my subconscious mind. I saw the little girl who is me holding a ballon, I was scared. I was afraid that it may brust any time. Hyder asked me to deflat it and make the sounds of releasing the balloon. I felt a lot better after I releasing the balloon.

Accept my carelessness. It is okay to make mistakes that is how I learnt.

My Realisation
On off Switch of Fear and Courage.
To acknowledge myself that I am courageous.
I have been courageous all my life.
Just that I didn’t see it in the past. Now I do.

My Design Studio
I want to create a safe, learning environment where there is collaboration, open communication and trust.

I am the Star!

Day 26: 1111

I have been seeing 1111 and 111 today.

According to Universe, I am aligning with the Divine.

The Meaning of 111
1. Embrace New Beginnings
The meaning of 111 is revealed by looking at the nature of the number one. Number one represents a new beginning because when counting up from zero, it's always the first number. And so seeing 111 brings a message about new beginnings coming into your life, and specifically, new beginnings coming into your life at the level of your mind, body, and spirit.

It is quite true, I start to eat more healthily again, listening to my body, reading on health nutrition book today. Swee Tiong invited me to join the 5 Days Elite Speakers Training Program (This is very clear that I want to be trained by experienced speakers. To shorten my learning curve), Rendy approached me to help me to involved in Userabiity testing which I am interested. (I am able to value-add people lives.) Stephen asked me to join crypo currency which may be another stream of revenue to bring in money and Edwyn called me to ask me to help him in a small project.

2. Linking Heaven and Earth
the triple appearance of 111 brings up in my awareness, an emphasis of this link between heaven and earth at the level of your mind, body and spirit. Seeing 111 then becomes the perfect opportunity to ask yourself; “How are you at the level of your mind, body and spirit being the bridge between the physical and spiritual? Rather than judging or reacting, allowing yourself to simply be open… To be the bridge between Heaven and Earth. By becoming aware, tuning in and letting go of reacting to what you're observing and just observe...

3. Trust, Trust, Trust
It is a reminder to focus in on what you really want. Focus on what is truly possible for you, and come into greater alignment with your truth and authenticity... With who you really are. This Truth is able to emerge when you get clear.

4. Call to Awareness
Just observe, remain open, and receive. You may just receive some insight, guidance, or knowing regarding your present situation. Be present.

5. Infinite Possibility
It is a reminder that there truly exists infinite possibility for your life. Simply return your awareness to the many blessings in your life. To refocus on being positive and optimistic through letting go of fears, doubts and insecurities by refocusing in on your highest intentions. Focusing on the highest intentions for your life, and on what will bring you joy, love fulfillment, radiant wellbeing and a sense of truly thriving in your reality. By focusing on what you love and enjoy, that also serves in the highest interest of all … You’re tapping into high vibrational manifestation.

Feel that feeling. Feel the gratitude for what is yet to be, and yet also give yourself the gift of feeling gratitude in the moment for all that you already have.

Tune into gratitude for all the blessings in the moment.

Day 25: Whole: Rethinking the Science of Nutrition

I started to read this nutrition book, Whole written by T. Colin Campbell, PHD. He previously wrote the best selling book, The China Study.

Here are some important points that I captured.

1. Nutrition is the MASTER KEY to human health.

2. What most of us think as proper nutrition, isn't.

3. Our food choices can be far more effective shields against disease than the pills Doctor's prescribe.

4. Whole food, plant based food (WFPB)

5. Most people still don't know that the key to health and longevity is in our hands.
The choice is ours.
Choose wisely for my own health.
For the next generations and for the entire planet.

6. It is never too late to start eating well.
A good diet can reverse many of health conditions such as cancer, heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, stroke, macular degeneration, migraines, erectile dysfunction and arthritis.
In short, Change the way you eat and you can transform your health for the better.

7. For some reason, "Health food" has a reputation for being tasteless and joyless. Fortunately, it is not the case.

8. Eat variety of vegetables, fruits, raw nuts and seeds, beans and Legumes and whole grains.
Avoid heavily processed foods and animal products.
Stay away from added salt, oil and sugar.
Aim to get 80% of your calories from carbohydrates, 10% from fat and 10% from protein.

9. Ideal Human Diet Whole food, plant-based diet (WFPB)
i) Vegetarians
They still consume dairy, eggs, too much oil, refined carbohydrates and processed foods.

ii) Vegans
They elimate all animal-based food, but they continue to consume added fat (including all cooking oils), refined carbohydrates and processed foods.

WFPB has remarkable health effects of this diet in reference to scientific evidence.

Day 24: Fears

These 2 days I have been attending Area Contests: B3 and B4 Area HSE Contest (21 Nov) I helped as Timer and G2 and G3 Area HSE Contest (22 Nov) I supported Swee Tiong and Harsono. It is good that both of them participate so that they understand how the TM contests are being run and conducted.

There is one speeches that leaves a deep impression about Fears.
"Once you overcome your fears, you will become better."

This statement is true for me. I used to fear of public speaking but now I feel I am more stabilise and I don't get panic so often. I realised it is inner anxious that makes me feel panic. Of course, doing IOPT works has helped me to understand why I feel anxious. I wasn't given the space to create things. I recognise that I shouldn't judge myself. It is perfectly okay to be imperfect. I love the way I am. I cherish myself even more I allowed myself to be healed.

Day 23: Toastmasters Journey

Had a 2 days at Sparks Conference, 12-13 May 2018, Grassroots Club. This is my 3rd consecutive year that I did event design branding for Toastmasters Annual Conferences. This year is Sparks theme, I am happy that I am able to capture the essence of the theme.

"Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, sparks of possibility into flames of achievement." - Golda Meir

I see the Sparks in myself now.
Thanks Karthik could see the best in me, even before I can see it myself.
Thank you Leslie Tang for taking such beautiful photo of me with my work.

As I reorganised how I walked through the toastmasters journey, it has been very challenging for me. I really struggled through my way. Each time I just allow myself to learn bit by bit, it seems to become a little bit easier. after this 15 years of hard work. I realise that it is the day in, day out that I have put in my efforts to shape the person I want to be. I am feeling a lot more confident to express what I needed to be heard. #SparksConference2018

Day 22: Hoarding or Decluttering

2 years ago, at age of 40, I told myself I didn't want to continue to live the type of life for the next 40 years. I wanted to change my space and I did it. The type of living environment means a lot to me.

I got an old friend of mine inspired.

Recently she decided to declutter her house. She literally discarded more than 50% of the things in her house that she doesn't need anymore. She told me that she doesn't want to live in such a mess when she will be in her 60 soon. She will not have any more energy to clean up her house when she is in 70s.

I felt so happy for her. I can feel that she finally realised how important to stay present in the moment. She felt a lot happier and feel so good about herself. She felt that she is moving into a new home. She can feel wind coming into her house when she never had such experience lol 😃

Yesterday I came across a lady, who told me that she bought 3 wallets at 1 go and I asked her if she is giving them away as gifts. She said no. Did she threw away other old wallets? She said no.

A food for thought: I start to wonder why a person needs to have so many similar things in his/her life. When you can only use once at a time. Hmmm...

Are we decluttering or hoarding things in our lives? #hoarding #decluttering #lifelessons

Day 21: Clearing my old shoes and bags

I bought PacSafe around Mar 2019. The purpose of buying it is to keep me safe from theft. Thank you for keeping me safe in UK. Although it is a good bag, it has become smelly, sticky and rusty. No matter how much I wash it, it never feels clean. Another bag I let go is another brown bag. Somehow I feel that I won't be using it. No point keeping bags that I won't touch it anymore. I am getting more and more simplified. I want less things in my cupboard and my room. I feel it is better for me. Every product has it's own life span. Letting go of the things one by one. Things that I do not need. I feel good. I realise I do not need many physical things in my life. Just the essentials will do.

I also let go of this cute little lamb. It has turned rusty too and it has stuck in the chain. I feel it should let it go. I keep this photo so that it reminds me that this is the small gift that Ee Siew gave me during the UK trip. I will cherish the memory. I do not necessary keep the physcial item. The memory will still be there.

I bought back similar bag texture as I really like pacsafe material. Quite interesting to meet a friendly lady who also wants to buy her bag. We supposed to share buy because my bag is too low cost, we can't meet the $85 citeria. She likes her bag so much that she sharts to ask around. In the end, another 2 more ladies joined us to exceed $85! The sales aunty said by right cannot one because the company will be losing money but in the end, she still willing to help us. I am grateful to her.

I realised that good brands are losing money so it is the best time to get good quality products with affordable rates. I also went to Robinson to see if I can find some treasures, true enough, I managed to bought 2 soft leather quality shoes, which it is also a good deal.

I notice I have been buying new clothes, shoes, bags, good food recently lol :D especially during the pandemic. It is what the rich people do, buy things when people are panic (Things will be cheap) and stop buying when others are able to spend (Things will be expensive.)

I pamper myself once awhile because I deserved them!

Day 20: Give myself a break

Today I really give myself a break. I wento to collect my printed book and happened to meet an old man who doesn't know how to use whatsapp and wechat. Even though I helped him to access his files. Unfortunately he is still unable to print due to the font not recognised by the printer. I did my best and that is good enough. As the book collection got delayed, I reached Haatch at around 1130am. I was unhappy that Wendy keep saying she got to change shivan. It is not that I purposely late. Anger got better of me. I almost paid $286 for this simple facial. Luckily I calm down and I only paid $136.

Lesson learnt: Never make decision when feeling angry!

I had a good ramen meal at the orchard central. Even though it was $25, I feel I want to pamper myself. After that, I went home to rest.

At night, I just went online to reconnected with my Toastmasters Friends. It is our 15 Years of Crystal Anniversary. I feel excited to make this video for my members. Digging out all the past photos. Stay Tune!

Day 19: Letting go of these 2 Tshirts

As I get healthier, I realised that I don't need constant reminder that I need to be happy or I need support from my parents. I can support myself and I am truly happy from inside out. I can let go of these 2 tshirts already.

Thank you for serving me well when I needed the reminder. Now I don't need them anymore. I also realise I don't need the cute stuff anymore to cheer me up. I am enough.

Day 18: A Letter to my future self

Today I went to Creative Mindset, Tampines Hub for a session. My task is to write a letter to my future self. I can only read this again 3 years later in 2023 when I am 45 years old.

Dear Future Rachel,

Thank you for walking through this healing journey with me, it is not easy but I feel it is worthwhile. Due to Covid-19 in 2020, the whole world seems to put to a stop / a reset. Those businesses used to flourish, now has obsoleted. I believe everything in my life is starting to transform. I feel a lot more hopeful and joyful ever since I started my IOPT healing in 2018. By looking at my own traumas, I get to understand why I behave and react in certain ways. Now, I could smile from my heart truly and genuinely.

Year 2012 - 2020, these 8 years of self discovery, healing and exploring myself is not an easy feat. I finally feel that I can love myself, appreciate myself, see myself as a subject. I learn to listen more towards myself. External factors are just resources that I can tap on to help me to grow up as a person. I uncover many good qualities and values that I have. I cherish myself as a human being. Life is precious and vulnerable. I take my life seriously.

The fear that I have are financial and whether I am capable and wise enough to handle the challenges in my life. I wasn't good at managing money. The fear of losing money, constantly worrying not having money when I becoming older. The fear of not able to close sales or bring in money to upload the quality life. The fear of not having enough, lack of resources etc. I realised that I am enough and I have resources to fulfil the goals that I want. I just need to ASK!

My personal values are
1. Clarity
2. Courage
3. Trust
4. Growth
5. Gratitude

My business values are
1. Authencity
2. Integrity
3. Respect
4. Dedication
5. Commitment

My skillsets are graphics, UX Design. I love to design and I also like art and craft. They unleash the creativity in me. I enjoy planning and build systems. I am a detailed person, I like to look at the details. I have good relationships with my peers, which I am thankful for.

The thing that is important to me right now is my health. I feel that I need to put in efforts to recover my health. I only have 1 body, if I don't bother to take care of myself, then who will do it? There is no one. I feel tired and exhausted writing now as I ate too much just now with meiyan, manice, stephanie and lay eng at ling zhi vegetarian liat towers. I need to say no to food that will harm my body. I allow myself to rest even if I need that 5 mins.

I want to stop sleeping late, stop eating fried, oily food and food that is harmful to my body. I want to continue to go to the park to exercise everyday in the morning. I want to continue my daily journal. I want to start reading, increase my knowledge. Live by my own values: Clarity, courage, trust, growth, gratitude.

Dear Future Rachel, I hope you have improve your health conditions. You are able to live the life you always wanted, to have the space that you need. I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and I love you. Take care I bless you with all the lovely and meaningful moments that you want by having more joy and laughter in your life.

Love you,
Rachel in 2020

Day 17: Christine Workshop 23

These 2 days of Christine Workshop makes me feel happy, sad and emotional. I always seems to have association with children matters. Whenever I see a child, I always feel that they needed their own voice. To be seen, loved and protected. Not all children are happily bring up.

There might be different ways of being traumatised by their parents during their childhood. Especially the eldest child in the family, they are expected to be "a parent at a young age" It is like an unspoken rule that they have to do. For the middle child, the parents will somehow neglected them, they will be feeling unloved or unwanted. As for the youngest in the family, most of the time, they are treated like everything they don't know and even they are in their adulthood, they continue to be seen as incompetence or needed to be helped.

Unless the child is willing to look at his or her traumas, they will contine to live their lives as "normal" in their family dynamics. Unless they stop the family voices in their head, they can't have back their own lives and their own identity.

Day 16: Trust my Instinct

Case 1 I always wanted to get a full length mirror for a long time. I have my own citeria: It has to be slim and tall (that is obvious) to fit into my wardrobe. Fortunately, Swee Chen suggested to find it at IKEA and true enough I found it.

When I saw it, I knew it was it. But as my aunty asked,"Can it fit into the wardrobe?" I started to have a little bit of doubt. Later Ee Dzu sort of help me to measure and it seems like this mirror, 20 cm x 120 cm really can fit onto the wardrobe. True enough, when I brought it home. The mirror just fits nicely.

Update: I am grateful Swee Chen asked her electrician, David to send 2 workers to help me to install the mirror. They are very professional, they didn't do blindly. They discussed before they do. Finally find the best solution to install the mirror. They used strong tape and silicon gel to paste it on the cupboard. It fits nicely. I appreciate their professionalism and their heart in delivery good workmanship.

Case 2 I told Edy to link the Finalist name to the individual pages. and true enough, Priscilla really ask for it.

I am grateful for all the experiences in my life. It tests my intuition, reflex and decision making whether I am sensitive enough to find the right solution to my situations.

Day 15: Contingency Plan

Due to the accident that I had, fell from the slope escalator. I realised that having Contingency Plan is important. You didn't know when do you needed extra money for the future.

I remembered when I was a child. I was thought to save money for "raining days" and I did faithfully. True enough when bad things happen I have extra money to use. I stopped doing it when I reached Secondary School somehow I feel that it is not a happy feeling.

For now I want to save $2 a day to grow my money. Yes, it may be a little bit little but it is still better than savings at all. Every small acts help to grow my money.

For all I know, I can use these money for my short trip travels, having a good meals with my friends and other happy moments. I do hope that this act of savings is a act of love and healthy grow for myself. I am willing to do it and I do it happily.

Day 15: Spine and Pain

On 7 Nov, I slipped and fell. I went to see the xray scan on 10 Nov. Today went to see Melisa, to find out how serious is my spine damage. It turns out that the spine upper back has shifted 12% and lower back has shifted 16%. According to Melisa, it is still not too bad. Degeneration has taken place. I am glad that I had informed decision about my spine condition.

Due to the spine and pelvic have shifted, more pain have experienced. Melisa mentioned that I needed 3 - 6 months for me to recover. I take it as my investment for my health. I felt like I am taking a science class today to learn about my own condition. Never leave the decision for others to make for me. I never expect that this fall has made me more aware of my own health conditions. I can take more precautions now.

I just wonder,"Why do I need to make myself in such situation to make people care for me, just to have contact with myself?" I am glad that because I am trauma informed, I take in the information in a healthy and responsible way. I decide for myself to get myself treated and not to let others to decide for me. I feel a lot more courageous and stable to my own decision making.

Many people choose to meet mishap before they truly take themselves seriously, this includes me. I hope that as I become more and more healthy, my health will be slowly improve and my quality of life will improve too.

Day 14: Resolving Money Issues

Today I met up with Hyder for my coaching session. I have been troubled with money that I didn't want to face it.

I felt anger, sadness, upset with money and I didn't want to talk about it. However, I want to shift the state of my mind.

When I start to visualise, I saw a box of money was on the floor. The energy was low and stuck. When Hyder asked me to feel joy about money. I couldn't do it. I rather disassociate with money than to have contact with money. Very soon, I felt a shift, I managed to see a table covered with money. I felt these money wasn't mine, I start to doubt it. The money starts to grow and more and more money appears like an everflowing fountain. It looks fun as the money starts to fly around the space. I start to toss the money in the air, I feel great. I have more than enough than I need.

I heard a voice said," Take whatever money you want on the table." I felt joy, freedom, assurance that these money are meant for me. I find this entire experience is amazing. I never experience such moment in my life. When I disbelief, nothing happens. When I doubt, things happen slowly. When I believe, things happen almost instantly.

I trust myself, good things are happening in my life right now.

Today's homework is Money is on the table. I feel happy drawing money, there is more than enough to go around.

Day 13: Shopping

Met Heng Yi and Ee Dzu for dessert. Ee Dzu asked me what are the most things that I spent on. When I reflect it is food, clothes and books. I invest on books to educate myself. Food is more like to comfort and pampered myself. As for clothes, I use them to make myself look great.

I went to Red2, I found a beautiful black jumpsuit, it costs $69. I really look good with it. I felt it was expensive. As the lady refused to give me discount. I left the shop. To be honest, I really have a lot of beautiful clothes in my wardrobe that I hardly wear.

I remembered I bought a $90 purple long dress. After wear a few times I hardly wear now. I am thinking to myself why do I spend so much money on the clothes that I hardly wear? I went to retouch my clothes. I have forgotten about my own clothes. Clothes that I bought. I constantly seeking outside for new things. My wardobe itself have a lot of beautiful clothes that I accumulate over the years. They are in good conditions because I hardly wear.

Today, I want to wear my own clothes. I want to be seen by others.

PS If after 10 Dec, my payment comes in and the M size jumpsuit clothes is still available. I will buy it. This is called delayed gratification.