Wanderhoney.Com

I still remember when I first started working in Putrajaya; life was incredibly tough. Meals were irregular—sometimes, I’d only eat once a day. On lucky days, I could afford rice. Otherwise, it was biscuits, bread, or instant noodles every day. Financially, my family couldn’t support me, and at that time, I didn’t have any savings. From 2010 to 2014, life tested me in ways I could never imagine. I carried every burden on my own.

I was unhappy, struggling with depression, and cried myself to sleep almost every night because I couldn’t accept the path my life had taken.

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Sometimes kindness comes from a stranger.

Everything changed when I met Wanni and someone I now consider my big sister, Kak Shaliza. At the time, I was at my lowest point. I was fighting silent battles and almost gave up, but they lifted me up, even though I was a stranger to them. They believed in me, supported me through the hard times, and gave me the strength to move forward.

Wanni introduced me to people in the modelling industry and even lent me money without me asking. Sometimes, she’d check on me by saying, “Do you have enough money?” just to make sure I was okay. I started doing modelling jobs to earn extra income, and my life gradually began to change. I’ve learned so much along the way, gaining wisdom that’s shaped who I am today. I also earned enough to take care of myself, and along the journey, I crossed paths with incredible people who became true friends. Their presence in my life has been a gift I’ll always cherish.

Although I’ve since left modelling, I’m incredibly thankful that my life has turned around. Alhamdulillah, it’s so different now. I’m proud of the person I’ve become.

To everyone who was there for me, I will never forget your kindness and generosity.

Me on Magazines:

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What I want in life.

In November 2015, someone I regard as a big brother—Peter—told me something that changed my perspective. He said:

 

“This world needs someone like you. Stop hiding and step out of your comfort zone.”

He always believes that I have the ability to make others happy. That serious conversation motivated me and helped me realize my hidden potential. Since then, I’ve discovered what I want in life: to help people, inspire and motivate them (this blog is part of that mission), travel to new places, meet new people, learn about different cultures, gain knowledge, do volunteer work, and continue inspiring others.

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I don’t let money control my life.

Money is essential for daily life, but if you let it become your main priority—constantly talking, complaining, or blaming money for your unhappiness—you’ll never feel at ease. Gratitude is key. Sometimes, the problem lies in your mindset and lifestyle.

Don’t be stingy, especially when it comes to sharing food, supporting your parents or siblings, or giving to animals and those in need. Always give freely without expecting anything in return. This is the principle I live by. Alhamdulillah, my life is blessed with abundant rezeki.

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Your world doesn’t end there just because…

Just because someone doesn’t have a college degree doesn’t mean they lack intelligence or a future. Honestly, I’m a high school graduate with good grades, but I didn’t further my studies. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I chose to shoulder family responsibilities at a young age.

Some people judged me, labelling me as uneducated. For years, this hurt my confidence and self-esteem. Eventually, I realized life isn’t about degrees—it’s about what you do with your life. By my mid-20s, I managed to:

• Buy a house for my parents at 27.
• Purchase a car and pay my own bills and health insurance at 23.
• Travel abroad on my own at 28.

My life isn’t perfect, but I achieved all this in my 20s because I believed in myself and never stopped fighting. Remember, everyone has something to teach you. Never look down on others, because no one can predict the future.

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I minimize my life and sell my old stuff.

I used to collect books, DVDs, fashion accessories, and beauty products. Once I prioritized my goals, I sold everything I didn’t need on platforms like Carousell and Mudah. The money went straight into my savings. Now, every time I want to buy something, I ask myself if it’s necessary. If not, I won’t buy it. I’ve wasted enough money in the past, and I won’t repeat that mistake.

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I protect myself from other people’s negativity.

People will always have opinions about you, no matter what you do. I’ve faced backstabbers, gossip, and harsh criticism—even over my English grammar. Some people seem to find joy in tearing others down, but I’ve learned not to let negativity weigh on me for too long. Instead, I focus on improving myself and preserving my peace of mind. From backstabbing and gossip to baseless accusations and biting comments from so-called experts, I’ve dealt with it all. Let’s not even get started on the grammar nazis—some people, especially within the Malay community, seem to have made nitpicking their life’s mission. It feels like they’re always ready to condemn!

Oh, by the way, at least my boyfriend’s a Westerner, and most of the people I surround myself with are Westerners too. *flip hair.

 

 

Yes, criticism and negativity can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to feel hurt. But don’t let those feelings linger. Learn to tune out the noise, continue growing, and never let someone else’s behaviour rob you of your inner peace. Keep moving forward and focus on becoming the best version of yourself.

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We all have haters, no matter how good we are.

Here’s a truth you’ll need to embrace: we all have haters, with or without you knowing about it. Letting their opinions dictate your happiness is the quickest way to lose yourself. Truly happy people don’t waste energy caring about what others think. Personally, I don’t let anyone’s opinion affect me except my own and my parents because their validation matters; the rest is just noise.

“There will always be haters. And the more you grow, the more they hate; the more they hate, the more you grow.”

Sometimes, it’s not just about ignoring haters. It’s about recognizing toxic people in your life—whether they’re annoying friends or self-destructive acquaintances. Letting go of such relationships is a life hack many overlook, often because of misplaced loyalty. Here’s the truth: you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Look around. Are these people uplifting you or dragging you down? If it’s the latter, don’t hesitate to cut ties. Your peace and growth come first.

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I live a simple life.

I’ve never been interested in luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, or Chanel. While others chase after expensive items, I find peace in simplicity. I don’t compete with anyone. Benda ni juga yang buatkan hati I tenang sebab mentality “nanti orang cakap apa pulak” tak ada dalam diri. Instead, I focus on being fashionable within my means. That doesn’t mean I only buy cheap things—I invest in quality when necessary. I always remind myself not to lose my pride and dignity just because I want to live a fancy life.

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I keep track of my finances.

I don’t use credit cards for everyday purchases—only for travel expenses like flights and hotels. I’ve set up three savings accounts:

1. Primary Account (for bills and salary).
2. Travel Account.
3. Emergency Account.

Each month, I transfer money into these accounts and use a prepaid card for shopping, which earns points for flight tickets and hotels. It’s an easy and effective system.

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Having an insurance and investment.

This is essential for everyone’s future, and yet, many in our community don’t take it seriously—especially medical insurance. FYI, even government jobs now require you to pay for certain medications and treatments. Often, you have to pay out of pocket first and claim later. What if the bill runs into the thousands? Where will you find the money in the meantime?

This is why medical insurance is so crucial. You never know what could happen tomorrow, and being prepared can save you from financial stress.

And one more thing: never get involved in multi-level marketing (MLM). Don’t mess up your life by falling into those traps. There are better ways to build your future without sacrificing your peace or finances.

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Finally, love yourself. 

There will always be people who seem to have it all—living picture-perfect lives that make you feel like you’re falling behind. But remember: appearances are deceiving. No one’s life is as flawless as it seems. Everyone has their own unique timeline, and your life is yours to shape every single day. It’s your choices that define you, and you alone are responsible for them.

Stop comparing yourself to others—it’s a fast track to unhappiness. Even if you feel far from perfect, know that perfection isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you can work toward. Don’t know how to do makeup? Learn. Struggling to dress well? Study the basics. Want to speak a new language? Dedicate time to it. You can master almost anything in life if you’re willing to put in the effort. The only question is: are you ready to start learning?

Until then, keep learning, keep growing, and keep loving yourself.

 

X, Hani.

 

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