Disclaimer: In Real Life is a platform for everyday people to share their experiences and voices. All articles are personal stories and do not necessarily echo In Real Life’s sentiments.
From my perspective, I look in the mirror and I already know myself. I am a very happy-go-lucky person!
I’m not young! I’m already 53 years old. But I’m way more relaxed, not like before. I know myself enough already at this point so the mirror exercise (where I stare at myself for 5 minutes while repeating positive affirmations) only allows me to see myself as I am.
To those who feel sad or guilty when they see their own reflection… You should ask yourself, what more do you want in life?
You should find what makes you happy. A hobby or passion that brings you happiness. We have to be happy, and when we’re happy, then we will find peace.
![I Used To Waste A Lot Of Money On People Who Didn’t Need It But Now I Give To Those Who Do in In Real Life An Elderly Ethnic Woman Smiles At The Camera. She Is The Narrator Of This Story/](https://inreallife.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DSC_9595.jpg)
[image taken by author]
I’ve found my peace.
My hobby is cooking!
Currently, I’m more involved in the Food Beverage Line. I cook and send food out, something like catering work.
![I Used To Waste A Lot Of Money On People Who Didn’t Need It But Now I Give To Those Who Do in In Real Life An Elderly Woman Cooking Stir Fry Noodles](https://inreallife.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/woman-cooking-by-kong-reach.jpg)
[source: kong reach on pexels]
Realising Where My Money Should Go
When I was younger, I used to waste a lot of money! Whether it’s on clothes, shoes or bags… I’ve also always been the kind of person to help others.
![I Used To Waste A Lot Of Money On People Who Didn’t Need It But Now I Give To Those Who Do in In Real Life Focused Young Ethnic Woman With Credit Card And Laptop.](https://inreallife.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/woman-spending-money-by-Liza-Summer.jpg)
[source: liza summer on pexels]
I helped a lot of friends financially and that included helping people who I am not supposed to help… I end up with my name getting screwed.
From that day itself, I realise I might as well spend money on myself and on people who actually need it.
“Sedekah should not be seen as a burden.”
When you give, even when you don’t have money, you can see it return sooner or later.
Good Deeds Go A Long Way
During Covid, we did gatherings for Syabas Malaysia, and several people including policemen came thinking we were selling but we were just doing catering!
Coincidentally we had extra food and we aren’t in the position to invite people over to help us finish it. Malaysia was still under strict lockdown. We were wrecking our brains wondering how to finish this food, turns out it was for these people who needed it!
Making other people happy can naturally bring us peace.
![I Used To Waste A Lot Of Money On People Who Didn’t Need It But Now I Give To Those Who Do in In Real Life Distribution Of Precooked Meals](https://inreallife.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/food-distribution-by-Su-Casa-Panama.jpg)
[source: su casa panamá on pexels]
And if I had more, I would give even more than I already am doing now!
The was part of the Mirror Work Experiment organised by Reconnect & Recharge, a wellness and self-care hub that empowers people to lead healthy wholesome and meaningful lives. Head over to this link to find out more about their work.
Do you know anyone with an interesting story to share? Drop us an email at hello@inreallife.my and we may feature the story.
For more stories like this, read:
3 Short Stories From Malaysia’s Essential Workers And Frontliners
I Don’t Earn Much, But I Cook For Putrajaya Hospital Frontliners. This Is My Story.
You might also like
More from Real Relationships
My In-Laws Treated Me As Their Maid, So We Moved Out and I’ve Never Been Happier
This story is about a young woman who confessed how she wasn't prepared for living with her in-laws with high …
My Filipino Kakak Raised Me Instead of My Own Mother
This story is about a Malaysian girl who was raised by her Filipino maid and her acknowledgement towards her as …
My Mom Abandoned Me When I Was 5 For a Man She Had an Affair With
This story is shared by a woman who grew up without her mother after the age of 5 and wanted …