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Why are we here?

Taking Stock!

Life is an adventure! How far you can take it is your choice! Start having a life today instead of waiting for the right moment to come. When is the right moment? No one knows.

If not for the pandemic, I will be travelling somewhere in this planet. However, staying at home has its benefits. I learn to stay in the present and doing things in a mindful way. There is no need to rush since commuting is reduced substantially. Just remain calm and enjoy the moment with some light music and lots of “me” time.

Being in the Present

  • Before the pandemic, I allowed my activities to drive me around. Now I have plenty of time to stay still, reflect and consider what is worthwhile pursuing.
  • Before the pandemic, I neglected to give much thought to what climate change is doing to our beautiful earth. Now, I spend time to ponder what I can do to reduce the damage to our environment.
  • Before the pandemic, I took many things for granted. Now, I learn to appreciate everything and every experience I have.

Have you found your North?

A few years ago, I visited Mohe, a northern city in China, near the border of Russia, to catch the northern lights. I was walking in a park and saw this 5 to 6m tall pillar with the words “I have found my North!” inscribed in Chinese characters. I was very intrigued by it and it evoked a sense of curiosity in me.

What is your North? Where is your North? If you asked a 5-year old what he/she wants to be when he/she grows up, what do you think he/she will say? Would he/she know? When you asked a 21-year old, do you think he/she knows any better? When you asked a 50-year old, what do think he/she will say? When you asked an 80-year old, what do you think? He/she will probably say I wish to wake up every day with no ache and pain in my body.

At different stages in our lives, we have different aspirations. Our aspirations evolve as we go through different circumstances and experiences in life.  There is no point worrying too much about things that we can’t control or change. So, go with the flow like water. Water appears soft and weak but when it combines its strength, it can become powerful as a waterfall and produce hydro power. Water is so soft yet have immense power. It flows in places that we can’t reach or see, like cracks in the grounds. Through its continuous flow it can erode the hardest place over time.  “Dripping water can eat through a stone.” (Chinese proverb). If you encounter any difficulty in life, think of water. Practise the art of patience and over time, your difficulty will erode.  Ask yourself: “Will this matter in one year time, 5 years’ time?  If not, then let it go. 

“If heaven made him, earth can find some use for him.” (Chinese Proverb).  You are here on this earth for a purpose. If you are still not clear what your purpose is, it’s time to find your North. A small step towards finding your North is to start charting your life today. Bring out the yet to be discovered inner wisdom, talent and creativity in you. “Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of standing still.” (Chinese Proverb). It is up to you to steer your life in the direction you wish to go.

Self-Care

How have you been taking care of yourself lately?

In the midst of the current pandemic, we can be so occupied with taking care of our families, team members and friends but forget the most important person, ourselves.

When we think of self-care, we immediately think of physical care like exercise, diet and sleep. Self-care is more than physical care. It encompasses our mental, emotional and social well-being too.

We need to be healthy, strong and whole before we can serve others. Here are 4 simple self-care routines which you can practice immediately:

  1. Physical care – have adequate sleep nightly (7 to 8 hours is ideal); exercise at least 20 minutes a day; watch the food you put into your mouth, make sure they are nutritious and beneficial to your health besides being yummy.
  2. Mental care – be aware of the mental chatters that go on in your mind, especially news about the pandemic. Process “troubling” thoughts with family members or close friends when you find negative thoughts taking over.  Practising mindfulness or just spending quiet moments alone help to dissipate some of these hidden stresses that we are carrying.
  3. Emotional care – there is so much going on that we sometimes can’t make sense of them but life has to go on and we still need to stay strong for our families and others who depend on our leadership or guidance. Take time off from your busy day to have some “me” time to let go of any emotional tussle that is tugging at your heart string.
  4. Social connection – don’t forget to stay in touch with people.  In times like this, friends can be a great source of support to motivate and hold us up when we feel like giving up. Work to build a group of trusted friends whom you can call upon when in needs or when you need a shoulder to lean on. Don’t forget to reciprocate. We need to be a friend to others in needs to provide mutual support.

Today is a good time to get going and you will be surprised to see what returns to you when you decide to act.