Refinement Society

People use to think that certain personalities are lucky and are born with attractive personalities, while others are not.  Growing up, in the early years of our lives,  many of us encounter that the popular person is pleasant and cheerful, is thoughtful and considerate, is a good sport, interesting to talk to, has a sense of humour, has good manners , acts natural, is neat in appearance, or even good looking. Shy people might wish that they were more extroverted and spontaneous in initiating a conversation. Some hot-tempered friends we know might wish they could keep their cool in emotionally charged situations.  Image Credit: Unsplash by James Kovin Charming people exude confidence and perseverance, are articulate, with charisma, and more often hungry for new knowledge. They are also great listeners, and have cumulative qualities of ' The Image Factor '.  What is it about certain personalities that continue to inspire and attract others? As one evolves in their career, o

  Are you Being Too Nice? Are you always the nice guy or girl 24/7 public persona, take heed to the psychological stress lurking below that friendly surface. What does it mean to be nice? I recently had a client in my private coaching session tell me that she was tired of being nice to people, as she does not get the respect she deserves. Does kindness have a gender? Men and women are taught to think and talk about ethical issues in a different voice. In decades by default, men are perceived to be more of the natural leaders or abstract thinkers, and women socialized for social or domestic life and more about immediate connections. I think you will agree with me that society tends to give men and women different 'default settings' when it comes to ethical reasoning. We all have our own personal mountains to climb, and overcoming these life ventures allows us to progress to new ambitions. It goes without saying that scaling new heights can be a challenge, especially when t

As we all know, Sunday is the vital day to be recharged and renew our energy for positive vibes to set the tone for the week ahead. As we are still facing the #stay-at-home mode,  staying inspired is something you have to work on a little. You can consider tuning in to a playlist during an easy Sunday afternoon, or evening to get rejuvenated and be inspired by what the world has to offer you. The music you tune in can change the way you feel, and see the world. If you need a little bit of motivation, tuning in to some of this music may help! Music is a powerful force. The right tune can make you stay focus, take action, or want to become a better version of yourself. Some songs have the power to unite people and some motivate us to see the BEAUTY in the world. -Refinement Society   1. Stronger (What doesn't kill you)- By Kelly Clarkson via VEVO "What doesn't kill you makes you a fighter."   This song, by Kelly Clarkson, is an American Idol  'Season 1' winne

"Change the way you Read, Live the Way You Change" -Refinement Society Books A Refined person not only appreciates Art, Culture, Taste, and many Fine things in life, he or she READS to awaken their creative qualities, inspiration, pleasure, joy, and MENTAL Balance. Welcome to the Refinement Society Book Club. We find books that we like and recommend especially for the discerning palate- those with a hunger to thrive and not only strive.  We have listed the books that we like so that you can quickly find the best solutions and inspirations for your refined life. Feel free to share with us books that you like or even your own books and our editorial team will review and might add them to our RS Book Club once approved. Books   1. Self-Help/Self-Enrichment If You Want to Achieve GREATNESS, stop asking for permissions.  Image Credit: MPH Bookstore Online RS Book Code No. 1:1 What :  Title     - The Image Factor Who : Author: Teresa Dian Chew Where: MPH Bookstore Online Retail P

Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of Ramadan, which also marks one of the important celebrations for the Muslim community and one of the biggest holidays in Malaysia.  Image Credit: Author Teresa Dian Chew in the Raya attire meeting up-and-close with Tun Dr. Mahathir. A Raya courtesy visit to Politician, Statesman, and                                   4th and 7th Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, at his official residence in Putrajaya pre-covid19, a while ago.  Pre-covid19, the ' Rumah Terbuka ' or 'Open House' concept is prevalent in the Malaysian cultural heritage especially during major festivals and celebrations like the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Christmas. His Majesty, the King of Malaysia and, the Prime Minister, the government officials, and leaders also hold open houses for the public at their official residences. Open Houses are an integral part of the Malaysian culture where different communities come together to sh

Live Well " He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much." -Bessie Anderson Stanley Image Credit: Unsplash  by Amelia Bartlette Work, Family, Friends, and Self Ask yourself now, when was the last time you achieved and enjoyed something at work? What about achieved and enjoyed with your family; your friends? And recently have you achieved and enjoyed something just for you? In the era of digital evolution and escalation of information overload through various social media channels, we are constantly bombarded with news, images, ideas, and opinions. Social distancing as a result of the global pandemic has heightened initiatives by media houses and brands with ongoing marketing and promotional information that our boxes are loaded with. Though most of us are working from home currently, it is not uncommon for us to often be required to multi-task as we juggle the needs of our private life, family, and work. Taking time out to relax and regroup o

"Etiquette must, if it is to be of more than trifling use, include ethics as well as manners." - Emily Post  1922 Best-Selling Book 'Etiquette' Image Credit: Unsplash   Since young, from the appropriate conversation, to how to handle conflict situations and others with restraint and civility, to how to behave at the dining table became the roadmap to my etiquette practices and interaction with people.  Growing up in a small town, I first learn about manners watching my parents behave, how they treat others, neighbours, friends, and people in the marketplace.  Since my growing up years, together with my other siblings, we were taught to take others into consideration or think about others before ourselves. We learned not to impose on others and we were taught not to make comments or give opinions unless invited to.  Have You ever met someone you thought was more elegant and poise than most people? Do you wonder what that person's secret is? You may be surprised b