In conjunction with Valentine’s Day, our colleagues at Lifestyle speak on the importance of loving yourself
FONG LEONG MING
CHIEF SUB-EDITOR
“I’m at that age where there’s nothing to fear anymore but fear itself. A lot of our anxieties are imagined. So I’ve learnt to get out of my comfort zone and do what I’ve always wanted — learn social dancing and public speaking.
I also pamper myself now by spending a bit more on myself. Where before I’ve only worn RM39 shoes because I feel they do their job fair enough for a year, now I treat myself to a RM300 branded pair during festive occasions. Unlike before, I also do not sweat the small stuff anymore. I sleep better and that’s kind of loving myself more too.”
LOONG WAI TING
WRITER, ENTERTAINMENT
“To love yourself is to treat yourself better. To borrow a quote from Lama Yeshe: “Be gentle first with yourself, if you wish to be gentle with others”. Now, who wants cake?”
ANGELA GOH
SUB-EDITOR
“Slow down and indulge. Every day I try to get me-time (even if it’s for five minutes) and meditation is the simplest as it requires no gadget, no budget. Just be still and focus on breathing.
Green tea is most soothing for the soul and it’s all the more gratifying to brew it the proper way, such that I spend more on top quality leaves than on clothes.
Before urban insanity sets in, I take refuge in weekly massage sessions that has turned me into a spa junkie.
When I go full throttle in self-love, it is to a spa retreat, on a trekking holiday (my friends still can’t understand why I “pamper myself by torture”) or on safari (animal therapy is amazing).
As you read this, I am indulging in all three in northern Thailand.”
ZALINA MOHD SOM
EDITOR, TRAVEL & FOOD
“Simple, by spoiling myself rotten — I eat, drink and do what I like. I like chilli — loads of them, especially the fiery bird’s eye chilli. This only means I love Asian food that is rich in carbohydrate and oil.
And I love coffee so much that a morning without my thick “kaw” mug of black coffee will only give me an afternoon migraine.
Lastly, I like to make my body sweat by doing simple, regular things like stair-climbing, jogging, gardening and cleaning my house.
Then, when I have the time and the means, I like taking on a bigger, sweaty challenge like going for a climbing or hiking expedition, running a full marathon or even trying the hottest dish available. And such accomplishment is best celebrated with a good, fiery hot nasi goreng kampung and a big cup of black coffee.”
NOOR AZIAH HAMZAH
LAYOUT EDITOR
“To love others and be loved in return, first learn to love yourself. And there is no better way to love yourself than by being truthful and sincere in all that you do. And as I love my husband, family and friends, so do I feel their love in return.
I am grateful for each day I live and love, for the years I had and the many more I will hopefully have. I set goals, achievable ones. For each one that I meet, I reward and pamper myself, a little bit of love to myself. The shopping trips, the overseas trips and trips to the great outdoors, these are also ways I love myself.”
AHMAD KUSHAIRI
EDITOR, TECH
“There are many ways to love yourself. For me, it starts with a healthy body and mind. I was diagnosed with lymphoma in October 2005. This was followed by 12 sessions of chemoteraphy over a course of six months. The hospital became a second home to me.
The painful experience 12 years ago taught me one thing. That to love myself, I need to live healthier. Which essentially means that I must take care of my health more seriously than before.
Since then, I have been careful with my diet. I eat moderately and don’t over-indulge. I bought an exercise machine and try to exercise more often at home. I have managed to lose a few kilogrammes over the years, although I must admit that I still need to lose more. I also make an effort to do regular health checkups.
Be healthy, be happy. Love yourself.”