a fat penguin.

A collection of illustrated stories and events on the simpler, humbler things in everyday life as seen through the exploits of our chubby protagonist: a fat penguin. (All original artwork and text by Lee Zhi Wei, unless otherwise stated) afatpenguin is now on Twitter, follow at http://twitter.com/afatpenguinsays var sc_project=6696307; var sc_invisible=0; var sc_security="2b3b00db";

[afatpenguin]

That's it, folks. This is the end of the road for the afatpenguin blog. Our chubby friend is going on a loooong holiday - but he's not sure when he'll be back, if ever. But he wanted me to tell you all this: thank you so much for your wonderful support - whether it was the likes, shares or reblogs. He could not have asked for more. :') But he feels that he's done his part in this big, big world... and that there are no more messages to share, at least until he finds new lessons in his new journey, whatever that is. Thank you, and much, much Fat Penguin love to you all. <3

[afatpenguin]

It's pretty amazing how the human mind can effortlessly get excited about one new thing after another. But when there are just too many of them coming your way all at once, it can get exhausting and just plain messy. The key, really, is to genuinely understand that getting all pumped up and getting to work are two different things. Whether it's an idea, a responsibility or an event - sometimes, less is more. It's not about slacking off or being lazy. It's about moving forward, one step at a time. Big steps.

Keep it simple: who begins too much accomplishes little.

[afatpenguin]

It's easy to get comfortable with routine. We are, after all, creatures of habit. But every now and then, it's important to ask ourselves: why are we doing what we are doing now? Where does this go? Is this helping me get to where I want to be tomorrow, next week, or next year? We're only around for a shorter time than we think, but we have more control over what we do than we give ourselves credit (or responsibility) for. Know why you do what you do. The answer can surprise you, educate you - above all, it reminds you of how your everyday actions fit into the bigger picture of things: your life.

Purpose. Always ask why.

[afatpenguin]

It's a perfectly human thing to do, to assume that we already know what we need to know. So we close our minds and lock up our hearts. But the thing about collecting life's lessons - often the ones that really matter - is that you never know when they are going to come along. And when they do, if we've decided that it is not worthy of our attention, we let it pass us by, never knowing what we've missed out on. It could be a class, a course or an event that you had no interest in, but sometimes, we could do with less assumptions and preconceptions. Don't just push it out of the way, give it a chance. You might just get something in return.

Keep an open mind. You can't fill it if you think it's already full.

[afatpenguin]

Sometimes in life, we can find ourselves in low and stinky situations more often than the better ones. And there are many ways to respond to this. You can complain and paint yourself in shades of green, enviously eyeing of others who may be on the more favourable end of life's fortunes. Or you can choose to sulk for awhile, get over feeling sorry for yourself, and start thinking about the good moments you have had, and the great ones waiting ahead. Yes, it's a choice. So choose wisely.

Count your blessings.

[afatpenguin]

It's one of those unexplainable little joys in life: sneakers, loafers, running shoes - whatever your weapon of choice, the feel of a brand new pair of shoes hugging at your toes always gives you a sense of renewed spirit to take on the whole world. Maybe that's just what you needed to start prepping for that big marathon at the end of the year, or maybe you just needed to replace those old Converses, worn out over the years. Whatever it is, Paolo Nutini got it right when he sang "Hey! I put some new shoes on, and suddenly everything's right!" ...well, maybe not everything, but it'll do just fine at least for a little while. :)

[afatpenguin]

Happy Easter everyone! :)

with peace & love, the Fat Penguin

[afatpenguin]

In a world where superficial judgments are passed around on a daily basis, some will find the old adage "it's what inside that counts" almost laughable. But a cheesy truth is still a truth; the inner stuff is the ultimate ingredient in the Fat Penguin's Guidebook to Greatness. It is the mental battlefield on which we must first triumph, for the victor's spoils is in seizing our true strength and capacity for success. No goal is too big, no dream is impossible.

Substance > size.

[afatpenguin]

One of the key things about achieving greatness is to step back and realise that the sooner we stop letting our situation dictate our attitude, the sooner our actions will shape our situation. Whatever your goals are, the biggest hurdle, really, is the one in your mind. Today, our chubby friend arrives at the crossroads that we are all too familiar with and is hit by that very realisation - that he is the master of his own destiny.

Success. The choice is yours.

[afatpenguin]

Need motivation at the gym, for your grades, or just your life in general? How about wearing it? :D Get your afatpenguin t-shirts* here!

*Also available as hoodies, girly fitted tees, v-neck tees and long sleeve tees. 

[afatpenguin]

Fat P's philosophy on complaining is short and sweet: don't just talk about it, do something about it. How many times do we find ourselves in a situation where our time and energy would have been better spent on trying to actually get results instead of whining about it? Whether it's in the gym, or your grades, or your project - nobody said getting further in life was all sunshine and daffodils. Time to get your game face on and step up to the plate.

Shut up & buck up. 

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Reblog and like if you want to see more Fat Penguin doodles in colour or if you want to see this as a t-shirt design! :) Don't forget to like the Facebook page too! <3

[afatpenguin]

Peeps in Fat P Tees #2

New additions to the Peeps in Fat P tees photo album!

These two feature the "Pain is Temporary, Glory is Forever! v.3" design which can be purchased here, as well as 16 other designs. This one goes out to all the fitness freaks out there - you know this motto is one to live by!

Credits to Geva Di Luciano for the original picture, and shout out to my friend E-Quine for getting Reece to do this as well.

Don't forget to check out the Facebook page for more updates! :)

[afatpenguin]

Why stop at moving mountains when you can move the world? Never underestimate the potential of good old fashioned willpower. Too often we hear that pesky voice whispering doubts into our head and we sell ourselves short. But we have the capacity for so much more than we think, if only we start by believing. You have what it takes, so start today.

Willpower. Better than a Jedi mind trick.

[afatpenguin]

This is just me goofing around with one of the afatpenguin T-shirt designs. :D If any of you have gotten your flippers on any Fat Penguin stuff, feel free to send me a picture via the Facebook page! :)

T-shirt: Fat Penguin Ninja More t-shirts available at afatpenguinshop.

[afatpenguin]

Today, afatpenguin celebrates its very first birthday! :D It's a leap year, so that's 366 days since its inception on 9th of March 2011. Our feathered friend's birthday wish is simple: hopefully, he will continue to provide to all of you wonderful people doses of inspiration, life lessons and reminders of the simple, everyday joys life has to offer us... or if all else fails, a wholesome serving of chubby cuteness. :) Lots of Fat Penguin hugs and love to everyone who has been supporting his journey thus far - the adventures do not stop here, of course! More to come!

Best wishes, Fat P.

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Facebook: http://facebook.com/afatpenguin Twitter: http://twitter.com/afatpenguinsays Shop: http://afatpenguinshop.redbubble.com 

[afatpenguin]

Thanks for the follow :D I have to say, I absolutely ADORE the comic! I saw two of them a few days ago and went "Jhreihfien awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!"

Thanks, I'm glad you like them! :) Hopefully future Fat Penguin doodles will not disappoint and continue to provide you with weekly doses of aww! :D 

[afatpenguin]

Fat Penguin believes that a little perspective goes a long way. How we view and define our experiences strongly influence our everyday decisions that ultimately shape our goals, our identity and our destiny. It's important to be able to embrace imperfection, but some imperfections can be improved, if we would just put in that extra bit of effort. It's not about vanity or stroking your ego, it's about emerging a better person at the end of the day. What have you done today to improve on your 'weaknesses'?

Weakness? More like opportunity to improve.

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Inspired by the Fat Penguin? Visit (and like!) his Facebook page to see more Fat Penguin goodness! :)