ChirpBirdee

Part 4 of a 10 Part Series Managing expectations. Expectations are mere benchmark or indicator of what you are able to do and achieve. It's set deep into an emotional attachment, a believe that you have some kind of ability or control over something. You are expected to control your anger. When you are in anger, you are never in control of what you are feeling, but you are in control of your actions. You are expected to be an ideal partner. You should know better because you know what I like. But I don't because what you like changes every 60 seconds. You are expected to be able to do the job, you've done this before. But I don't because every task requirement is different. You are expected to. You know better than this. Many things in life happens without your control. It happens beyond your comprehension what more control. You can't control other people's emotions, perspective and views. Despite what you think of yourself, you can't expect people to think ...

Part 3 of a 10 Part series. Achieving clarity Clarity is to be in the present moment, with intentions- good or bad, knowing and focus on getting things done, understanding that outcomes- good or bad, is by the Divine Decree of the Creator, accepting if outcomes is in your favor-it is good for you and outcomes that doesn't go your way- are not good for you at all or not good for you right now. Mental Clarity- This is a state of mind, that you understand what and why you are doing something. You are fully aware of the present moment and the consequences of your doing. Having mental clarity is separate from having emotional clarity. Unstable emotional state may cloud your judgement and make you second guess yourself, but you are aware of what and why you do it. Emotional Clarity- You have to acknowledge what you feel in the present moment. No matter how bad you feel, you have to understand and know why you feel that way. You acknowledge that feeling your emotions are normal and it...

Part 2 of a 10 Part Series. How do you achieve calmness? You can achieve calmness with practice and control.  Practice and control in stillness, temporarily abandoning how you feel. To calm down is to back away from the overwhelming feeling  in response to conditions or situations you are in. To calm down in anger. To calm down the excitement. To calm down the fear. To calm down the anxiety. To calm down from the overwhelming feeling and begin to relax. It's not calmness. It's not relaxing. It's just stillness. To be completely still and in tune with yourself. To be completely still and in tune with nature. To be completely still and in tune with God- Your Creator. To be still is to surrender completely. To be mindful, is to be aware and in tune with everything and everybody. To be mindful is being careful and intentional. Remember every breath work, every prayer (or chant?), every heart beat, is in tune and beats to the same rhythmic vibration to the One- the Almighty Crea...

Part 1 of a 10 Part Series. What is chaos to you? Chaos to me sounds like clapping thunder ringing in my brain. You can see everyday chaos- people hurrying in the streets, jam packed trains and buses. Cars buzzing down the street. Invisible chaos? It's in your head. It's how you feel. The never ending dread, a heavy heart and a forced smile. Why everything feels like chaos? The lightning fast pace of time, never ending work load and chores. You never seemed to feel at ease or at peace. Dive deeper. Does chaos manifest a long time ago? When you are a child with traumatic experiences? Or does it began in your teens, while you party as hard as you hit the books? Did something happened in your life that you cannot change? Did you give into something that you are not supposed to? Drama. Trauma. Dismissed. Embarrassed. Abused. Isolated. Lost your voice? Can't speak your truth? What can you do about it now? You can give in and succumb to that bad experience and give up on life. Or...

When Minimalism Breaks the Bank: The Difference Between Aesthetic Minimalism and Practical Minimalism Minimalism is often marketed as the ultimate life hack—own less, stress less, and save money. It sounds great in theory, but in practice, minimalism can actually cost you more if you approach it the wrong way. I’ve seen two versions of minimalism: 1. Aesthetic Minimalism – The perfectly curated, Instagram-worthy version that focuses on sleek, neutral-colored everything. 2. Practical Minimalism – The mindset-driven approach that prioritizes intentional living over visual appeal. If minimalism is supposed to help you save money and simplify life, why do some people end up spending more and creating waste? Let’s dive into the ways minimalism can break the bank and how to practice it mindfully instead. 1. The Costly Aesthetic of Minimalism When I first discovered minimalism, I was fascinated by the clean, modern spaces I saw online. Everything looked so organized—white walls, perfectly arr...

Balancing Minimalism, Frugality, and Eco-Friendly Living: The Art of Mindfulness Minimalism, frugality, and eco-friendly living—these three lifestyles often overlap, but they are not always the same. Over the years, I have found myself navigating through all three, trying to find balance rather than forcing a strict set of rules upon myself. The key to making it work? Mindfulness. Mindfulness has helped me make intentional choices, whether it’s about the things I own, the money I spend, or the impact I leave on the environment. It’s not about perfection—it’s about awareness and balance. Minimalism: Owning Less, Living More I started embracing minimalism when I realized I was constantly overwhelmed by clutter. I used to think that owning more meant I was building a comfortable life, but instead, it made me feel trapped. Now, I see minimalism as a mindful practice rather than a strict rule of “owning less.” It’s about: ✔ Keeping only what adds value to my life. ✔ Letting go of things tha...

5 Easy Asian-Style Meals Using Canned Sardines (Halal & Minimalist-Friendly) Canned sardines are a lifesaver in the kitchen. They’re affordable, packed with protein, and last long in the pantry. Growing up, canned sardines were always a staple in my family’s meals—simple yet so satisfying. Even now, I always keep a few cans on hand because they make a quick, flavorful meal with just a handful of ingredients. Here are five easy Asian-style canned sardine meals using halal ingredients that are simple but can be upgraded into gourmet dishes. 1. Sardine Sambal (Malay-Style Spicy Sardines with Rice) This classic Malay dish is a quick and easy meal that pairs perfectly with hot rice. The spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sambal sauce makes the sardines extra delicious. Basic Ingredients: 1 can of sardines in tomato sauce 1 onion, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp chili paste (sambal or chili boh) 1 tsp sugar 1 tbsp lime juice How to Cook: 1. Sauté garlic and onion until soft. 2. Add c...

5 Easy Rice with Gravy Meals in Asian-Style Cooking (Halal & Minimalist-Friendly) Rice with gravy is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. I love how a simple bowl of rice becomes an indulgent meal when paired with a flavorful gravy. Plus, it’s versatile—perfect for budget-friendly cooking but easily upgraded into something gourmet. Here are five easy Asian-style rice with gravy meals, using halal ingredients and minimal effort. 1. Ayam Masak Kicap (Soy Sauce Chicken with Gravy) A Malay-style soy sauce chicken that’s savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic. The thick gravy soaks beautifully into the rice, making it perfect for an easy meal. Basic Ingredients: 2 chicken drumsticks or thighs 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp oyster sauce 1/2 cup water 1 onion, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp sugar How to Cook: 1. Heat oil in a pan, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. 2. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned. 3. Pour in so...

5 Easy Asian-Style Porridge Meals You Can Cook in a Rice Cooker (Halal & Minimalist-Friendly) Porridge, or congee, is one of the easiest and most comforting meals I can make in my rice cooker. Whether I’m feeling under the weather, want something light, or just don’t feel like cooking anything complicated, porridge is always my go-to. What I love about cooking porridge in a rice cooker is that it’s effortless—just throw everything in and let the rice cooker do the work. It’s also budget-friendly, filling, and easily customizable for a gourmet twist. Here are five Asian-style porridge meals that are simple yet delicious, using halal ingredients. 1. Classic Chicken Porridge (Bubur Ayam Simple) This Indonesian/Malaysian-style chicken porridge is smooth, comforting, and full of flavor. Basic Ingredients: 1/2 cup jasmine rice, washed 2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth 1 small chicken breast or 2 chicken drumsticks 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp white pepper How to Cook: 1. ...