Lance ThooWelcome to another edition of “What’s Neue from 9 to 5”. In this segment, 9 questions would be about people’s opinion on general and everyday things, while the last 5 questions would be fairly chill and more tongue in cheek.
We here at Neue believe that every person out there has a story to tell. This is Bruneian Eats’ story.
She likes to think of herself as someone who loves learning about something new everyday.
“One of the things I’m most interested in is the different cultures and foods from all around the world,” said Bruneian Eats, adding that she loves sharing about the things she’s learnt and the food that she’s enjoyed.
She confesses that she’s rather introverted and often feels more comfortable doing so through writing.
“Food blogging just came naturally as an option to allow me to express myself and my passion,” she said. “I’d say my major drive in life is to be a better version of myself everyday. That way, I feel like I’ll never be stagnant and life remains interesting. I don’t like comparing myself to anyone else but me because I feel like it fosters a positive mindset and at the end of the day, I should be the focus of my own goals.”
Without further ado, let’s see how she responds to this week’s 9 to 5 questions.
(Photos of Bruneian Eats courtesy of Thanis Lim & Travellinglili)
The Tough 9’ers:
1.“Bruneian Eats”. How did you come up this name? What was your inspiration?
I think it came about because I wanted to share the food of Brunei with the world while also sharing the world’s food with Bruneians. I thought about how I could maintain that but also make it a little more catchy so this name just came to me and it sounded like a good fit. I put it into Instagram and believe it or not, the name wasn’t taken so I went with it.
2. What is one thing that you wished you had more of in your life? Follow-up question, what new super powers would you hope to acquire?
I’d say I wish I had more faith in myself. I struggle with some social anxiety problems and can feel uncomfortable in some social settings but I still love sharing my thoughts with others. It can get frustrating at times as I can’t express how I truly feel so a little more faith in myself would help a whole lot.
If I could have any super power though, I’d like to have psychokinesis powers where I can move things with my mind. Mostly so I can turn the lights off without getting out of bed.
3. What are you most grateful for in life?
I’m definitely the most grateful for all my closest friends, my sister and my significant other. They are the ones that have been there for me in tough times and they accept me for who I am. They make me laugh, we do stupid things together and I can always be myself around them knowing they won’t ever judge me. There are a million other reasons why I am so grateful to have them.
4. What are the most important things to you in life?
I think having a goal in life and drawing plans to achieve that goal is super important to me. I feel that it’s what makes me excited to get out of bed every morning and helps me view my challenges as opportunities. Other than that, the wellbeing of the people I care about means a lot to me. Bad feelings happen to everyone and I know how debilitating and lonely that can be so I always try to make sure the people I care about don’t feel that way.
5. What are the biggest things you’ve learned in life to date?
(Photo: Shutterstock)
One of the biggest things I’ve learnt was how to look after myself. That includes being kind to myself by being more aware of my thoughts, surrounding myself with people who truly care about me, working on things I’m passionate about and engaging in physical actvites I enjoy like yoga and pop pilates.
6. What advice would you give to yourself 3 years ago?
Three years ago, I was in university. Though I achieved a lot, I felt like there were more things I could’ve done. I would tell myself to stop waiting for the right time and do what I want to do.
7. If you are to do something for free for the rest of your life, what would you want to do?
I would probably want to do what Mark Wiens does for a living. Travelling around the world, experiencing new things, meeting different people, having stimulating conversations, eating all sorts of food and documenting it all.
8. What do you want to achieve 1 year from now?
In a year’s time, I’d want to travel to countries that I haven’t yet been to and write about my visits on my blog. I’d also love to experiment with different styles of content and videography for my YouTube channel.
9. What if these goals are doubled? Tripled? Magnified by 10? How would you feel?
Although I’d be happy, a part of myself would be stressed out. I’d be concerned about whether or not I’d be able to maintain the same number of audience and to keep producing new and exciting content. I’m also not sure I could produce content on time as I’d be juggling between this passion project and a full time job.
The Easy 5’ers:
1. How useful would you be in a zombie apocalypse? What skills do you have that would help you and others survive?
I don’t know that I can defend myself very well let alone others! I’m pretty useless at being resourceful and know nothing about survival! But my friends have said that I’d be useful at keeping others calm and sane by talking to them during a zombie apocalyse so I guess there’s that. Perhaps a confidant for the troubled minds?
2. Who would you most like to sit next to on a 10-hour flight?
(Image: GIPHY)
Honestly, I’d rather have an empty seat next to myself. I don’t like feeling pressured to talk to someone for long periods of time especially if it’s someone I really look up to and want to make a good impression on. I can’t imagine that being an enjoyable situation. I’d rather have more room to lie down.
3. What do you fear most in life?
My greatest fear is realising that I haven’t grown after all my hard work. It pains me to think that I’ve put in so much effort to work on the problems in my life, only for it to be ever present and continuously holding me back from my goals.
4. Who inspires you the most?
Mother Teresa has always been a major inspiration in my life. I’ve always looked up to her for being a very accepting and caring person. I’ve also always admired her drive and passion for helping others. I don’t know that I can be like her but I do strive to help others too in my full time job. I always try to be more accepting of differences in others and enjoy educating others about mental health.
5. What is one thing you’re going to do differently after answering all these questions?
I don’t think I’d do anything differently as I’m honestly rather happy with the direction my life is going at the moment.
Bonus question: What would you like to say to all Neue readers?
(Photo: Shutterstock)
I’d just hope to see more people prioritise their happiness. I feel that a lot of people put their work, others and their worries first without thinking about how it can affect their productivity, relationships and wellbeing. Maybe take some time to also be kind to yourself. I’d just like to share a quote that was was said to me and had always stuck with me since: “You are your harshest critic. Would you ever say the same things you said to yourself to a friend?”
See You In The Next #Neue9to5
Would you like to be featured next? Or would you like to nominate someone you admire to be interviewed?
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And while you’re here, do check out some of Bruneian Eats’ past articles that were featured on Neue – 3 Lip-Smacking Picks For Brunch, Supersmash Down: The 3 Best Ayam Penyet In Brunei & Brunei’s Ultimate Nasi Katok.