THE VERY FIRST TIME

Have you ever been for a photo shoot before? 

Nah... I’m not talking about pictures that you pose during weddings with family or vacations with friends. 

I'm talking about pictures that’s plainly about you, you and you! 

Something like a modeling shoot. 

Most of the time when I look at photo shoot pictures of my friends, I always have this thought in my mind - ‘How nice would it be if my friends were photographers?’.

It would feel like I have my very own personal paparazzi. How cool is that?! 

And I know I’m not the only one who feels that way. There are many girls out there who also wants to experience a few minutes of fame either the way celebrities pose at red carpet or just a simple modeling pose outdoor. 

But there’s a catch to this. It’s the PRICE. 

Modeling shoots are pricey and because of that, most people just settle for the simple shots taken by their friends and families. 

No offence to photographers. We appreciate your skills and talents and your wonderful pictures. It’s just we can’t seem to afford it. (yet)

But here’s where my regular ‘Say Cheese’ pictures turn a little different when I attended the MIX MATCH MADNESS - DRESS FOR SUCCESS workshop organised by D’Chic Events.

Feeling excited to join the MIX MATCH MADNESS workshop!

For the very first time, I got the opportunity to struck a pose (the so-called model pose) and got it captured. It was really fun! No kidding. Really really fun!

At this very interesting workshop is where a personal stylist, Kim Grace from Kim Galaxious, taught us about the various ways we can mix and match our clothes - putting a full stop to the dialogue “I have nothing to wear!” whenever we go out or attend any event.

With loads of exciting practical sessions that reveals about our body shape, face shape and accessories that suits us to simple make-up tips that change from the day to night look, this workshop has everything a women needs.

Some accessories to create a statement to my outfit. 

The best part of all is putting our knowledge of the workshop into practice when we mix and match from head to toe and got ready for our individual photo shoots. Of course, our personal stylist was there at all times, guiding us and giving a green-light to proceed only when she was satisfied with our style.

'What would suit me best?', I wonder.

The workshop solved all styling problems in a go. Tips and tricks about fashion as well as mix and match in dressing and individual photo shoots - all under one roof with a reasonable price.

Being a ruler body shape, I settled for a turtle neck casual outfit with a long necklace paired with light-colored jeans and a pair of yellow heels to highlight my slim legs. 

My choice of heel that flatters my leg.

And the outcome?

Check it out for yourself!

Ta-da!!!

With personal stylist, Kim Grace.

Excitedly posing in front of the camera.

Posing with the beauties.

For more pictures of the event, click here!

THIS BETTER BE FUN

I used to think that emotions are permanent. Like if you feel something, that feeling is going to last for a very very long time.

Boy, I was wrong!

Sad to say, I came to understand this only about a year back. But it’s better now than later.

The truth is, emotions are never permanent. It often switches from one corner to the other. One moment you are jealous, leading to frustration and sadness and the next moment, someone cheers you up with some funny gestures and you feel much better, even going to the extent of laughing.

At that point, at that very point when you’re laughing, do you actually remember your past sad incidents?

Honestly, you just wouldn’t! Because it feels so damn good to have a good laugh, especially with your loved ones.

So, where did that emotion go? You know, the one when you were feeling jealous, frustrated and sad. Where did all that go?

Poof! It just vanished.

Strange, right? And we thought grieving lasts a long time. Even happiness doesn’t last long. Unless, you choose to.

I also understood something else. Anger turns into revenge, jealousy turns into hatred and sadness turns into depression not only because we chose that emotions but also because we suppressed it for a long period of time. Or at least, I suppressed it for way too long.

If we could all just tell out how we feel at the time we felt it (both positive or negative emotions), wouldn’t that solve all problems?

I may understand all this - that emotions need to be expressed right at the moment for me to feel better. But if I don’t put this into practice, I also know, my understanding will remain an understanding and will not be something applicable.

So I thought, why not express myself as much as I can no matter if it’s good or bad?

And my mind, as quick as it can be says, ‘This better be fun.’

Everything’s A Lesson

How would you feel when someone bombards you with negative comments when you feel like you are at the top of the whole?

You feel horrible! That's what it is.

And you would never understand this feeling unless you experience it for yourself. But that is not what my whole sharing is about.

A few days back, I was out arranging for a video shoot project for a client. I was to assist, direct and monitor the whole shoot while my friend did the video shooting. It was my very first experience in the production field and I felt so excited.

I kept on taking pictures of everyone there - the crew and the main cast. I made it a point to constantly update about the happenings of this shoot on my Facebook page.

I thought the more I posted my updates on Facebook, the more people would notice my company and what I was doing. Though it was not much, Clicking Pens was getting likes every now and then. It made me feel happy knowing that I am getting better about showcasing my services to the people out there.

After the shoot, we packed up and left for the next job of the day. Which is another video shooting cum recording project. But this time, I would be the one on the limelight as I was to host a program called ET Youth. 

My friend and I reached the location, unpacked our stuffs and began to set up for the shoot. As the host, I went through the topic of the day.

Then, my mentor walked in. As he was taking a seat at the refreshment table, he asked, "How was the shoot?"

I was prepared to say how awesome it was and how good I felt doing all of it. 

I said, “The shoot was good!” and went on explaining about the day.

Suddenly, he said, "Sorry to be harsh but the truth is you wasted your time posting all your updates on Facebook. It was a total waste of time."

I was taken aback by his comments and was definitely embarrassed. Least I felt was glad there were only few people in the room at that time.

He said my picture wasn't on it (because I was taking pictures of everyone else except mine) and so, no one knows what your company does. Nobody knew my role when actually, I played a very important role on that day.

I was almost on tears listening to all of this. Here I was, thinking that my mentor was going to congratulate or compliment me for a good job. But ended up listening to some very harsh and sarcastic comments which made me feel so dumb.

It took me a while to digest all the comments. I was very quiet and didn't speak to anyone for sometime. I couldn't make myself to feel better after listening to the comments.

'How could he say such a thing?', was my first thought.

'Why must he say these things now?', was what I thought next.

And then it came to me all of a sudden. There must be a reason why he said it. And why he said it at that time. 

'What am I suppose to learn from this?', I thought, finally.

1. I realize he was teaching me to improve myself to be better every time. I mean, it makes sense,right? Who would know what my business services are if I don't show or tell it to them?

2. Also, I understood that similar situations may occur in the near future. Something or someone may make my emotions go in a whirlwind just when I'm about to deal with a client, host a program or plainly, do my job. He was teaching me to stay balanced, especially with regards to my emotions.

On that day, if I had showed my depressed or angry emotion throughout the program I was hosting, I would have been categorized as the worst host on the planet.

My mentor was just teaching me how to handle my emotions. And instead of looking at how he said his comments, his reaction or the words he emphasized on, he was teaching me to look for the lesson behind all of it.

After a long 15 minutes of analyzing the situation, I switched back to my happy and excited mood. True enough, I had a fun time hosting that day. It gave out a very cheery feel, from the surrounding and even the people there.

At the end of the day, when everyone headed home, I took a moment to speak to my mentor.

I said, "Thank you for saying those things earlier."

And I meant those words, genuinely.

Life's Not So Bad, You Know...

'It's raining it's raining...', that's the weird version of Rebecca Black song crossing my mind right now. 

Its 4pm. And time's running out. Not in a way that life's going to come to an end or what but just that time is running out from the schedule I have made for myself today. 

So much for following a schedule. But the moment something external comes along the way to ruin your plan, suddenly you don't seem to have a Plan B. 

Because in a situation where you have the rain stopping you from keeping up to a schedule, having an umbrella would be plan B. But neither do I have an umbrella nor did I buy one. 

To answer why didn't I buy one, well it's because I didn't feel like it. It's really weird. I'm not sure if it's because of the cash I have to invest on an umbrella or plainly because I just don't feel like walking under the heavy rain. 

I also know that even if I did buy an umbrella and head to my destination which would take me about 15 minutes to reach, I am somehow still going to get wet in the rain. Just that the quantity might be little, considering with the protection above my head. 

So now, clueless on what I should do - just go or wait till the rain stops (and if I'm waiting, what do I do to kill the time?), I stand in the far corner near the ticketing kiosk, looking at everyone who comes out of the station, open up their umbrella and continue their journey.

I tried repeating my goal, not that I didn't. But I often add my own thoughts to it and the goal got distracted. 

And after that, a sudden realization hit me! Why don't I write to kill the time? 

So, that's what I did. But here's more! 

I thought why not try the SIEP technique to understand what I can learn from this situation. So here goes. 

S (Spiritually) - 'I need to accept the situation that is happening to me right now.' Which is the fact that i can't head home and continue with whatever i should be doing next (part of it is checking my mails and exercising). I can do it but it would just get slightly delayed. 

WOW! The rain slowed down! Okay. Let's continue.

I (Intellectually) - 'What am i supposed to learn from this?'
Hmmm. I may not be correct in this but I also may get a bigger learning later. Currently, I kind of like how it is now. 

I guess I'm just finding a reason to write and Nature has given me one. I've always liked to write somewhere different or maybe places where I can observe the surroundings. Instead of a closed, in a box kind of place. And guess what, that's what I've got. A half open space with people walking by, breeze from the rain that keeps the air chill, not too creepy quiet or not too loud and noisy so that my senses don't wonder around. 

Though I couldn't find a place to sit and I was actually standing while writing this (and also in a desperation to pee), this is indeed a nice experience that got me to write.

E (Emotionally) - 'Calming the emotions.'
Realizing the above got me calmer because the past 30 minutes that I've spent waiting for the rain to stop, I got to do something that i really love to do!

P (Physically) - 'Pointing the senses to yourself instead of the world outside.'
Guess I have been blaming the rain for occurring at the wrong time but who am I to blame the Nature right?! The fact that it has given me a beautiful opportunity to write which also makes me feel light and happy is pretty amazing. 

So for those of you (mostly everyone!) who have always been criticizing about almost anything or everyone around you, just take a moment to think. What opportunity has it given you? And you would be grateful just like how i feel right now.

Well, guess what? The rain just stopped! 

WHAT'S A WORKSHOP WITHOUT FUN

No. We ain't talking about the workshop where you send your cars for repair or maintenance.

We are talking about a workshop that puts you into the forward gear.

To cut to the chase, Goal Setting workshop brought to you by GLOBETROTTER CONSULTANCY gets you to focus on your priorities and keep track of your life's plans.

22^nd February 2014 marked their debut Goal Setting workshop which was opened to the public.

It was definitely a success, no doubt in that. But the question here is, what is it about?

Well, obviously, as per the title of the workshop, the core message is creating awareness among people about the importance of having goals in one's life.

It can be a target or guidance on where to head your life. It helps you find the goal post!

Participants busy with their practical session.

However, there's more than just that.

It's how the whole workshop was moulded to give the best understanding possible to their fellow participants.

With practical sessions one after another that opens you up to being a kid you once were and enjoying every moment of life to the very point of finding out what your heart really wants. This workshop awakens your inner self.

But here's the challenge.

You have to be your carefree self.

“Leave your mind behind and quit judging anything. Just be a kid for these few hours. And you will definitely get connected to what matters to you while having fun!”, said the trainer of the Goal Setting workshop, Valsala Krishnan, when asked about the ground rules to be obeyed.

Happy participants with their goal 'visuals'.

Valsala Krishnan is a Certified Corporate Coach with more than 15 years of corporate experience in British and American Multinationals ranging from Finance, Human Resource, Organizational and Talent Development.

She was also a Corporate Trainer, designing and delivering in-house training programs for South East Asian managers on goal setting and being their in-house coach in achieving personal and team goals.

Currently, she runs her own firm, GLOBETROTTER CONSULTANCY, offering Strategic HR Consultancy, soft skills training and high performing team shaping.

Feel free to join Valsala Krishnan in her Goal Setting workshop which is once again opened to the public on the 18^th March 2014 (Tuesday) and on the 29^th March 2014 (Sunday) from 9am-5pm at Plaza Sentral, Kuala Lumpur inclusive of lunch and tea breaks for RM200 per person.

For registration, call / sms 012 2004249.

THE HEART - THAT'S THE KEY TO EVERYTHING!

Lots of interesting topics are being covered in Gen-Y-Vibes just in the month of January! And this time, its all about the heart that is within you.

“How do I listen to my heart and what do I even get by listening to my heart?”

Well, if you are thinking about these questions, Rani, our guest speaker, is sure to provide you with some answers. Answers from her very own experiences on how that one little habit of listening to her heart made huge differences in her life. From choosing her life partner to even handling any obstacles in her life - the HEART was one thing she never ignored.

Gen-Y-Vibes would like YOU to join this HEARTWARMING session and discovering yourself though – the HEART.

Day: Saturday

Date: 11^th January 2014

Time: 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm

Venue: 1B-3-1, Plaza Sentral,

Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, 50470 KL

Interviewee: Rani

Topic: Listening to the Heart

*Below are interviewee’s full profile and pictures of our previous sessions.

RANI GANESAN

Rani is a Professional Certified Trainer of Sanma Concept Ent and the Founder of Pusat Tuisyen Sri Makmur (PJ).

She has a well – diversified knowledge in the training world and has significantly changed many students & parents lives though dedicated academic success. Rani has been exposed well in parental counselling for the past 15 years. Her inspirational trainings lead people to be successful at physical, emotional and intellectual level.

The 7 Basic Laws of Nature is her way of living. She conducts classes and training based on these Nature’s Law. She recently translated the book “The Seven Basic Laws of Nature” by Elango Thiyagu also known as The Uneducated One into Tamil. She has conducted more than 200 training programs in English & Tamil.

Her mission in today’s world is to win love, live and business successfully.

E-mail : Srirani44@yahoo.com

Website : www.sri makmur.com

ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL!

A team gains its strength by sticking together in striving to achieve a similar goal. And this time, Gen-Y-Vibes is inviting a special guest speaker in appreciation of all the wonderful teams we have all come across in our life.

Well, everyone is somehow involved in teams, whether in organizations or not. Catch an amazing couple, Gen & Selvi, for a jovial interview session, sharing about their teamwork that brought immense success to them, especially becoming a medal winner at the SEA GAMES for Chess at Myanmar recently. So learn from the ‘pro’ how YOU can also manage in a team and achieve excellent results!

Day: Tuesday

Date: 7^th January 2014

Time: 8.30 pm – 10.00 pm

Venue: 1B-3-1, Plaza Sentral,

Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, 50470 KL

Interviewee: Gen & Selvi

Topic: Teamwork

*Below are interviewee’s full profile.

GEN & SELVI

Genkeswaran, Founder of Chess Master

Selvi, Founder of “Generation of Sagacious Art – GOSA”

Genkes and Selvi are passionate about teaching children the game of chess. To them, chess is not only a game. Chess helps one develop one’s ability to solve everyday problems and also teach one to be more patient. In other words, it also teaches about life!

Through the years, with guidance from Elango Thiyagu they worked on the ideas of chess tournaments for children, chess classes for schools and now Chess Master conducts training workshops – “Chess Within You” in school for students that covers life lessons to instil in the young the values of life based on Nature’s Laws. Still polishing his skills with International Master Mok Tze Meng and Candidate Master Collin Mathavan and at MCF Arbiter, Gen is a life-time student.

The couple’s deep passion in the game has brought them places, meeting people from all walks of life. Since conducting “Chess within You” workshop, incorporated with GOSA in 2012, they realized that chess is naturally inside everyone! This has made them more committed in teaching the game.

They conduct classes at Tropicana Golf & Country Club, Botanic Resort Club, Valencia Club House, schools, kindergartens, tuition centres, home, etc. Chess Master successfully held their first tournament in Year 2010. Their students became winners of under-12 category in MSSD Klang in 2013, MSSS in 2013 and also Klang Parade Chess Championship (KPCC) in 2013.

Gen and Selvi’s goals with regards to chess are:

- All children should be given a chance to play chess

- To teach kids to become aware that by learning chess, they learn what they need to do so that they can achieve easily what they want in their life.

Website: www.chessmasterjourney.com

E-mail: chessmaster_email@yahoo.com

E-mail: gosa_email@yahoo.com