The proud father of three girls – Isabele (4), Alexis (3) and Chelsea (1) – David Yee treasures being with his little tots. “Being a parent has added another dimension to my life, and it’s certainly very fulfilling.”

A homebody, Yee longs to be with the family after a hard day at work. “When I come home at night, they will run to me and throw their arms around me. I enjoy listening to them, to know what they have learned, what cute things they said. That is nice – it makes everything worthwhile.

“However, children can be very trying – it’s a daily challenge. How do you tell your 2-year-old not to wear ankle-length skirts to the playground? You have to reason with them. It’s a very trivial thing, but to them it’s something very important.”


Life is about making choices

“My wife Jacquelin and I used to do lots of events. We hung out with friends and we had a very strong social network. We had great fun. But when children come, it changes everything. You have to focus on them; every decision you make revolves around your children.

“Now, you have to consider child-friendly restaurants. Does the restaurant have baby chairs? Does it offer foods that my children like?” It may sound like a tough change in lifestyle, but it was easy for Yee, who counts his children as a blessing.

“Having healthy and cute children is a miracle. I’m so lucky that I don’t have to worry about their health. I am so grateful.”


Life is about loving

“Going home means engaging with my children, and sometimes, when you’ve had a long day, it can be hard. My children have not seen me for the whole day and my wife has not had a break, so it’s time for me to get in there and take over.

“Sometimes you need a bit of down time, but obviously as parents, you don’t get it.

“Maybe when they are sleeping, but my children don’t sleep very well, so no down time for me,” says Yee, who hopes his children will grow up happy, enjoy life and be exposed to positive influences.


Life is about creating memories

“Health begins and ends with food. We believe in eating healthy – my wife and I try as much as possible to not give just any sort of food to our children. My wife cooks every day and I on weekends.

“Our menu is driven by the children. They love pasta and they always get involved in the making of it, so it’s a fun activity,” shares Yee, who loves creating memories for his children. “Life is short; today is only today. It's about memories. It's up to you, your passion and enjoyment.

“After work, I rush home to be with my family. We take walks and play games in the park; I run after my children and I pick them up. So, at the same time, I do a bit of cardio and weight training.”


Life is about passion

“I’ve a passion for wine; I have a glass a day, but I don’t drink too much,” confesses Yee.

His advice on wine: “In Asia, we should be drinking more of white wine due to our climate and food. Although most people appreciate red wine more, our climate and food tend to go better with white. It’s cold, for one; it’s fruity, so it complements spicy food.

“Health is like wine – it has to have a balance. For example, you need a balanced diet from all five groups in the food pyramid. Wine is the same; it’s all about balance. Find the middle ground to complement each other, to add value.”


Life is about attitude

“What sets people apart is confidence; what you do with what you've got. It’s how you carry yourself. I like to think of Madonna: her voice is not that great, but she does so much with it.”

On how he copes with disappointments, Yee is quick to say, “Lower your expectations. Everyone has disappointments; you just have to put things into the right perspective.

“You just manage it the best you can and move on. You have to think, ‘I’ve got it bad sometimes, but there are so many people out there who have it worse’.”

He concludes with a reminder: “You have to plant the seeds today for the memories of tomorrow. Never regret! Don't put off what you could do today for tomorrow. Seize the moment!”


* ‘Life Inspired’, known as Li channel, can be viewed in Malaysia on Astro B.yond channel 706.

Be life inspired with David Yee in the Nov’11 issue, on stands now.