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 Salam. 

I was tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, 21 October 2022. 

It is almost ideal that my COVID-19 symptoms were not mild and the book that I was reading at the moment is Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho, suggested by a dear friend. 

First, I thought that death was possible at this current window given the circumstance, not that I think I am exempted from it, but not this soon. Up till now, I am still in denial that any age will always be too sudden for death. 

Secondly,  tested positive with COVID-19 was a good break because I felt that I have been living my day to day life not having any space to reflect on the life overall picture. I have been so overwhelmed with mundane things because everythings seems relevant and need to be taken care of there and then. All the things I am accountable and responsible for. Letting them slipping off my fingers will only reeks irresponsibilities and I don’t want that. COVID-19 came and the symptoms left me no choice, something seems tightened my temple making my eye hurt when staring at the screen and the accompanied headache was no joke. I lost my voice, I sounded like those voice after inhaling helium except that that helium doesn’t come with prickly sensation upon swallow. I was shivering, in sweater and socks, so I slept for every chance I got. I was able to sleep without guilt thanks to all understanding people (and cough syrup). 

I think all surrounding people are understanding and forgiving but most of us can’t help from feeling guilty, guilty of being sick in my case. 

I felt better on day 3, at least I can use my eyes for reading. So I continued reading Veronika Decides to Die. Don’t want to be a party pooper and spill any spoilers but reading a book about death never fail to make me feel more alive. I am relieved that death did not come at this juncture. However, apologies seem appropriate. Nothing specific just precautious, so I would to like say sorry if I did any harm. 

Can’t wait to be back on my feet and enjoy life again. 

Low Key

 Salam. 

Living up to this very day, one of the most true things I can conclude is there are things that need not to be on social media. The excitement to post about everything bring shame to the post-er (if there is such a word). Clout chaser taking advantage on life tragedy of others - tragedy porn, I wonder why.

It is only due to the mere pleasure of being the one the first broke the news? 

Lesson learned for us to stop or not to start. 

IF

 Salam. 

I have been doing intermittent fasting for 3 months and enjoyed it so far. To be clear, enjoyed the result not the process. The result was especially on how it make me feel lighter, more focused, and make me believe that I can achieve something if I tried, started, attempted.

I have a lot more (kgs) to lose but I believe it is just matter of time for the result to unfold if I stick to the process and not give up. Aminnn insha Allah. 

The main reference for me to do intermittent fasting is this book titled The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung and youtube video by Dr. Berg. It was trial and error at the initial phase and along the way, I experimented and picked up what worked best for me. 

The hardest part was to start, the second hardest part was to be consistent, the third hardest part is to maintain as it is a lifestyle change. I want it to be sustainable and not impacting my social life as my social life was revolving around food. It is awkward in the beginning but bearable after a while. Can’t wait for my routine medical check up and see how does this new lifestyle benefitting me. 

Hope to enjoy this ‘little investment’ I made in the next 20-30-40 years. 

Unhappy but Forever Busy

 Salam. 

I learned something new this week, so excited and happy that I got to learn about this. 

I learned that both praise and rebuke are not a good form of developing other people be it own children or subordinate. Rebuke is obviously annoying and will backfire. But praise was once preached as a good way to get children or subordinate or students to excel in something. Apparently I learned that it is not the case. Shocking right? Bear with me, I hope I can share what I learned from the book accurately. 

When a child did something good, it is normal to say, ‘Good job!’, however when it is uttered to grown up, sounds weird right? Imagine, ‘Good job, teacher!’ Or ‘Good job, boss!’

Good job from a mother or father to their child does not sound out of line because parent and the kids fit to vertical relationship setting while between grown ups, horizontal relationship is the setting. Vertical relationship is hierarchical. Praise to another grown up is manipulative because the person that gave the words was putting himself at higher rank assuming him possessing the power to make the receiver felt validated. But in horizontal relationship, one does not require others’ recognition to feel capable. One is already capable without the recognition from others. So the manipulation won’t works. 

So what is the best way to encourage others? Based on the book that I read, it is simple gesture of gratitude, ‘Thank you’ or any words fitting to convey the message that the doer had contributed to overall ecosystem or community.  

For the doer that did the good job, without others’ recognition or validation, a feeling - sense of contributing to others is enough encouragement. It is intrisical yet liberating because the doer is attaining or will attain freedom in his/her life when working on something, totally detached from others’ validation or recognition. 

Hope you had a good rest and good days ahead. Bye!