Aries Yeo - Make Your LIFE Count

🎂 Happy Birthday to ME!!!

A Birthday Reflection: Learning to Pause Through Life's Hardest Lessons

For years, this day would pass like any other – filled with meetings, deadlines, and the constant hum of professional life. I prided myself on working through my birthdays, wearing busyness like a badge of honor.

But life has a way of teaching us its most important lessons through our deepest pain.

It wasn't until I lost my son that I truly understood the fragility and preciousness of time. In the depth of grief, I learned that every moment – especially those that mark another year of life – deserves to be acknowledged, felt, and celebrated.

This profound loss shifted my perspective entirely. I realized that in my relentless drive to achieve, to deliver, to "show up," I had forgotten how to simply be present.

✍ How many moments had I missed?
✍ How many celebrations had I postponed?
✍ How many times had I told myself that there would always be "next year"?

Today, I choose differently. I choose to pause. To reflect. To celebrate not just the achievements, but the simple gift of being here. To honor both the joy and pain that have shaped me. To remember that every birthday is a privilege denied to many.

For my fellow professionals who, like my former self, might be reading this between meetings: Your dedication is admirable, but remember that your worth isn't measured by your productivity.

🥂 Take that pause.
🥂 Celebrate your milestones.
🥂 Hold your loved ones close.

Because sometimes the most important lesson in living comes from losing someone you love.

This birthday, I'm not at my desk. Instead, I'm taking time to remember, to feel, to celebrate – not despite my loss, but because of what it taught me about living.

Life is precious.
Time is finite.

And sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply stop to acknowledge that we're here.

I'm curious: When was the last time you truly paused to celebrate yourself? What made you finally take that moment? Share your story below - your experience might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.



A walk in the nature. A home-baked birthday cake and a bouquet of flowers! What else can I ask?

✨Pouring Out!! vs Filling Up!!✨

📌 Are you being selfish when you look after yourself?
📌Are you being irresponsible when you put your needs first?

These days, I noticed a number of my clients are emotionally-drained from being a caregiver, a mother (parent), a great boss/leader, a partner etc

It is always the others before themselves, so much so that they seem to have vanished.

There is no longer a ME!

📌One even casually commented that it is no big deal, the emotions/ feelings were passed.
📌Another felt crushed
📌Another think it is weird that she lost her motivation in her work when she was the most motivated person in the last few decades at work!
(there is more examples to give)

What are these saying!



I'm not trying to define anything here Rather ask how many of us take note of our own needs?

Like a Vessel, it can only be poured out when it is filled up.

Do you notice when you are getting emptied or when you have to squeeze every drop out of yourself?

This client of mine said her vessel is like a titanic heading towards the iceberg, what about your vessel?

Do you notice what is your vessel like?

💕 You, yourself, as much as anyone else in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. –Buddha

If this resonates, may I encourage you to give yourself permission to reflect, refuel, and reclaim your energy.

Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s only when we take care of ourselves that we can truly be at our best for others—at work, at home, and within.

Chester’s Midsummer Watch hashtag

the oldest and probably one of the most colourful parade in the UK, with its first outing in 1498

With over 400 local people are involved in this moving portrait of historical events, local legends, biblical and other mythical characters. Musicians, giants, dragons and pirates deliver colour, spectacle and excitement. ( I am lucky to catch it this year - the very first since moving to the North West of UK)

This annual celebration offers more than just spectacle; it's a powerful metaphor for the journey of rediscovery especially for many midlife executives.

☀ : Your Personal Midsummer
Just as the Midsummer Parade celebrates the height of summer, midlife is a season of renewal. It's a time to reflect on past achievements, set new goals, and embrace fresh opportunities. Midlife is not an endpoint but a chance to start anew, to find deeper personal fulfillment beyond traditional markers of success.

What fresh opportunities will you seize?

☀ : Your Unique Parade Float
The parade is a dazzling display of individuality, with each participant showcasing their unique talents and heritage. Similarly, rediscovering your authentic self involves embracing your unique strengths and qualities. It's about letting go of societal expectations and allowing your true self to shine.

How will you let your true self shine?

☀ : Your Cheering Crowd
The parade unites diverse individuals in joyous celebration. Your path to reinvention needs this same spirit of community.

Who are the cheerleaders in your life? How can you surround yourself with those who uplift and inspire you?

☀ Ignite Your 'Second Act'
As the Midsummer Parade illuminates Chester's streets, let it inspire the illumination of your authentic self. This is your moment to blend success with deep personal fulfilment, to write a new chapter that's vibrantly, that is unapologetically you!

Ready?

Join the Parade (metaphorically)?
How do the themes of renewal and authenticity resonate in your life? What's your 'parade float' of unique talents waiting to be showcased?

Share your thoughts below and let's start a conversation about reinvention!

Another huge milestone for me!

I can't believe I am done!

28days of fears, tears, pains !!!

After discharged from a major operation about 4 weeks ago, thought I just need to be resting and allow my body to recognise the new norm as part of my colon is taken out.

No, I was armed with a daunting prescription that required regular injections to my tummy. As if the physical toll of my illness wasn't enough, I was now confronted with the overwhelming fear of needles that had haunted me for as long as I could remember.

The mere thought of injecting myself sent shivers down my spine, triggering a wave of anxiety unlike anything I had ever experienced.

A couple of weeks just before my admission into the hospital, I have the episode of fainting during the Pre-Operations procedure when the nurse had injected me for blood test.

I can't believe I am celebrating! Celebrating a milestone that I would never ever thought I would encounter in my life!

But I am damned glad, glad that it is all done.

And I am super proud of myself!

I still can't believe it!!!

an inherent aspect of our being,



woven into the very fabric of our existence.



It is the gentle hum of contentment that arises when we align with our true selves, when we embrace the fullness of who we are.

We instinctively seek happiness yet most of us seek it outside of ourselves, chasing after the external validation, worrying about what others think about us, constantly comparing ourselves with others like a never-ending quest for fulfilment.

Like , it is instinctively yet we are constantly seeking our own authenticity and wonder why it is so hard to be authentic

Is true happiness really found in the external world?
Is your own authenticity found through validation from others?

What if you are able to quiet down, and sense for that quiet joy, the joy that bubbles up from deep within you when you connect with your innermost sense, your authentic being?

When you cultivate a sense of peace and acceptance that transcends external circumstances.



When we seek happiness outside of ourselves, we are bound to be disappointed, for the external world is ever-changing and transient.

But when we turn our gaze inward, we tap into a reservoir of happiness that knows no bounds, that remains constant and unwavering amidst the fluctuations of life.

“Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside.” Ramana Maharshi

May I offer this invitation to you:
To allow yourself to turn inward, to the wellspring of joy that resides within. For happiness like authenticity is not something to be found or acquired; it is something to be realized, embraced, and celebrated in each and every moment of your life.


Have a Sunday filled with joy and happiness from within.

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Am I normal?

You Are Absolutely, Positively Normal!

Apparently “Am I normal?” is the most repeated questions in grief support groups

In the midst of great loss,

in the middle of reconstructing a life that includes a giant hole,

while struggling to place one foot in front of the other,

parents who have buried a child are often worried about whether what they feel and how they act is “normal”.

I never been in a grief support group, but it is a question I wonder all the time. 7years had passed since that fateful day 14th April 2017. Why my heart still aches.

Many a times I wonder what would happen if I had told the pastor (when he asked me what do i want then) that I just want my son to live, not about being God’s will be done.

Will my son still live?

What if I am not being rational then – but ask for my life in exchange for his life, a question i asked a million times.

Will my son still live?

I will never know, will I?

Too many unknown,
Too many what if

In mindfulness, I learnt it is the Now and the Here, not the past or the Future. Replaying the past in guilt or worrying about the future wll not serve,

it is my NOW that will make a difference to the future.

It is my NOW that will make my past a Proud!

But I can allow myself to feel the depths of my grief, to surrender to the waves of sorrow that threaten to overwhelm me. For in embracing my pain, I also honor the memory of my son and the love that we shared, finding solace in the knowledge that he will always be a part of me, forever cherished and never forgotten. That is my NOW.

Does your work matter to you?

according to a McKinsey & Co survey

89% said YES

Saying they want purpose in their lives

70% of employed people say their sense of purpose comes from work.

Pew Research found work was the most important source of meaning in people's lives, after family and children.

Yet for some, it is just a job, it pays the bill and that is good enough

For others, I need to know why I am doing, how it helps others and finding joy and fulfilment in my doing.

Imagine in a bustling hospital, there were two custodians, Sarah and Mark, responsible for keeping the facility clean and sanitary.

One day, a curious visitor asked them about their jobs.

Sarah, with a warm smile, responded, "I have the privilege of contributing to the well-being of patients. My role isn't just about cleaning; it's about creating a healing environment. I take pride in ensuring that every corner of this hospital is not just spotless but also comforting for those who are going through challenging times. It brings me joy to know that my efforts play a small part in the larger picture of patient care."

On the other hand, Mark, with a more indifferent demeanor, replied, "I clean the hospital. It's just a job to pay the bills."

What do you think happen over time.

Yes, the difference in their perspectives became evident. Sarah approached her work with a sense of purpose, deriving satisfaction from the knowledge that her efforts contributed to the overall well-being of the patients. Patients and staff alike noticed the extra care she put into her work.

Conversely, Mark's lack of enthusiasm was palpable. His indifference reflected in the quality of his work, and he seemed disconnected from the hospital's mission of healing and care.

The story highlights the transformative power of finding purpose and meaning in even the most seemingly mundane tasks. It emphasizes that how we perceive our roles can significantly impact the quality of our work and our overall job satisfaction. Finding purpose in our work can elevate it from a mere job to a meaningful contribution to a greater cause.

In a corporate setting, what do you think these two custodians will be like, be it a project manager, a receptionist, a front office manager, HR, Finance, whatever that role might be.

💁‍♀️ When our work matters to us, we are naturally motivated.

💁‍♀️ When we are motivated, we are naturally better workers, employees, colleagues

💁‍♀️ When we are better workers/employees/colleagues, we are naturally more productive.

As a leader in your organisation, how are you motivating your people to help them to find the purpose and meaning in what they do.

DM me to find out how I can support you to increase your staff motivation.