25 Signs You're Succeeding at Life...

We’ve all had days, weeks, months and — for some — even years of dark days and depression. Whether we fall into ruts of self-sabotage, loneliness or insecurity, leading a happy, joyful life can sometimes feel like a chore.

Most of us are so busy trying to dodge life bullets, we forget to stop and appreciate the little victories.

Consider for a moment that you’re doing a tremendous job at life. Living isn’t an easy thing to do, but it can be enjoyable when we start to see the good instead of focusing on the bad.

You are actually living a good life by recognizing these 25 signs:

1. Your relationships are less dramatic than they use to be.
2. You may not have as much money as you want but you live a rich life.
3. You’re not afraid to ask for help and support.
4. Where you live feels like home.
5. You’ve raised your standards.
6. You let go of things that don’t make you feel good.
7. You have moments where you appreciate who you see in the mirror.
8. You’re working on limiting your inner critic and consciously choosing more positive thoughts.
9. You’ve learned that setbacks and failure are part of self-growth.
10. You have a support system that includes people who would do anything for you.
11. You hear “I love you” often, from friends, family or a partner.
12. You’ve accepted what you can’t change, but change what you can’t accept.
13. You don’t complain much, but instead focus on solutions.
14. You don’t blame your parents, and accept them for who they are.
15. You stopped caring about what others think of you.
16. You’re happy for your exes when they move on.
17. You can celebrate others’ successes.
18. You allow yourself to feel your feelings and are comfortable sharing them.
19. You have passions that you pursue.
20. You’re able to accept compliments without deflecting.
21. You have things to look forward to.
22. You have goals that have come true.
23. You have empathy for others.
24. You feel connected to your work.
25. You love deeply and open yourself up to be loved by others.

10 Life lessons from Navy Seal Admiral's commencement speech at UT

I came through this amazing commencement speech by Navy Seal Admiral William H. McRaven today morning.. As usual I was in Monday blues.  This speech helped me to rejuvenate myself and set new goals for my life.  It was a very inspirational speech that everyone should read.  Cos I believe it'll give a new perspective for your life.

I especially love the first advice,

"If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed"..

I felt embarrassed when I read the first life lesson from the admiral.  I thought making the bed is very mundane work better leave for you maid.  How could someone do great things, if they are incapable of making their own bed ??

Read it.. and make your lives more meaningful to the people who lives around you..

http://www.businessinsider.com/10-life-lessons-from-navy-seal-2014-5?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+businessinsider+%28Business+Insider%29

My thoughts on George R. R. Martin's "A Feast for Crows.."

To be honest I became fascinated with George R. R. Martin's "A song of Ice & Fire" series after I watched the first episode of the HBO tv series.  Since then I bought the books and started reading those and never looked back.  I just finished the fourth installment of the series "A Feast for Crows".. and It's high time I write a review about the book.  Since I became a fan very recently, unlike other die hard loyal fans I was spared the agony of waiting between books.. Apparently there was a five year gap between 3rd and the 4th book of the series.  Well enough of that.. Let me tell about my thoughts of the book..

In the 3rd installment of the series, GRRM killed almost all the interesting characters loved by the fans.  The same way he killed Lord Eddard Stark.  Most of the characters were killed during the infamous "Red Wedding".  So GRRM thought since I have written a successful series for the 4th installment I can write about a quarter of the characters introduce useless and somewhat annoying characters and be unclear about several peoples fate as if it means nothing at all.

Really GRRM.. I say again REALLY ?

I loved the way GRRM told the story in the first three books but fourth book is no way near the standard of the first three books.  Were there no editors involved in this book ?  This is what he gave fans after FIVE freaking long years ?

For example, what happened to Oberyn Martell's bastard children ? Thank god no paragraphs were dedicated to them.. It would have been very painful to read.. What happened to the man who appeared in prologue ? He literally melted a man and GRRM vanished the man much of the same away from the book.. Not sure whether he would appear again as the same way he got vanished in the next book.. 

(Spoiler Alert) Only upside of the book is the fate of Queen Regent (aka Cersei Lannister).  I really enjoyed reading that chapter..

I still love the series and his writing is great.  It felt like he lost his way a bit and I think we need to get a big spotlight and collectively say " Get the fuck over here".  Here being nowhere near Dorne.

Resurrection...

“Only after disaster can we be resurrected. It's only after you've lost everything that you're free to do anything. Nothing is static, everything is evolving, everything is falling apart."

Ya I know!!! I watched Fight Club! And like every other guy out there I like the movie.

I truly believe that you will revive once you are smashed to the ground. I’m not saying it necessarily has to be a major calamity such as the death of a loved one but sometimes surviving a car crash or an insignificant heart break may open our eyes. We start seeing the world with a different standpoint and our notions take a new perspective that may excel our lives.

We see simple examples everyday; friends leave, hearts break, you might fall ill or get divorced ... and the list could go on. Whenever such a thing happens, a little piece inside of you dies... But people only begin to be concerned when they have an experience that shakes their paradigm and pushes them along a different path.

I guess it’s time to re-examine our lives... so you can reflect on what is really important and take action now. Tomorrow may never come! 

Early morning jog..

Last night I set the alarm for 4.30 am. So I could get up and go for a early morning jog..  I have enjoyed these early morning jogs since January this year and it has become a habit.  But there are times where you are too tired to get out of the bed..  Well today morning was one of those days..

When that happens, voices inside my head scream and say  this is enough for the day.  I have worked out enough for this week.  They want me to hit that snooze button and go back to the dream land.  But the only voice I chose to listen was one of defiance.  There's a reason why I set that alarm clock for 4.30 am.. So I commanded all those aching muscles to STFU.. Got up and went to running track..

This is how it looks at 5am in the morning.. It was dark.. not a soul in sight except the long line of lamp posts..

I put my head down and started to jog.. Today I did about 8.5 km at 9.2 km/h within 55 minutes.. I felt pretty damn good about myself after that..

45 Ultimate tips for men...

Tips for every man..

I should have listen to the 5th tip.. I took her to the movies on the first date.. and look what I had to put up with.

Learning to Dance..

well let me be honest with you all out there.. I CAN'T dance.. I have no fancy moves.  I have no rhythm in my body. I can't coordinate different muscles groups to form what could be a move that's pleasing to whoever cared to watch..

But hey deep down inside me I like to dance..  I want to own that floor and dance like hell.. Not for anyone else but for myself.. Cos I need it to relax after working hard..

So I decided to take dance classes..  I joined a Latin dance class..

They started with Cha-Cha-Cha.. What a dance it is.. Those Cubans sure know how to let themselves loose.. Still I'm learning how to keep my upper body still and sway hips and arms to the music beat.. I got the hang of basic feet movements.. So with time and with lots of practice hope I could be confidence enough dance it in public..

Not only Cha-cha-cha.. with time they'll teach jive, social rhythm, salsa, bachata etc.. It's all really exciting.. I'm really looking forward for Bachata.. I'm determined master those before the big date in October.