The unhealthy link between self-worth and academic achievement has been a long-standing issue within Singapore. Be it from time in school or even at the workplace, we are always chasing after the last point or going towards meeting our KPI for the month. But I think the pandemic has made us, including myself, rethink all these things, and finding balance and fulfillment is the way to go in the long term.

Starting a vulnerable conversation is not an easy task, especially with people who come from high-context culture countries like Singapore or Japan. Within these cultures, it might not feel appropriate to express feelings or discuss emotions with someone other than close friends or family. That said, here are a few tips to start a vulnerable conversation with someone.

You might have heard of gratitude journaling and wondered what it’s all about. I first came across gratitude journaling in 2018 and decided to give it a try. Mostly because I was attracted by the pretty journal layouts that people were sharing on Pinterest. However, as I started jotting down what I was grateful for each day, I discovered that it was so much more.

Tough love is a prime example of the philosophy ‘the ends justify the means’. As Michael Scott says in the hit TV show, The Office, “Tough love is when you have to be mean to somebody because you love them. And the more you love a person, the meaner you have to get.”

“I’m scared that life will pass me by,” a close friend confided in me recently over a cup of coffee. “I’m afraid that I’ll wake up one day, realise I’m 50 years old, and wonder where all the time has gone.” It is a valid worry, and one I personally relate to. Deep down, I am also worried that I’ll #hustle and #girlboss my way through life without stopping to smell the flowers.

I used to keep my feelings, thoughts, and opinions to myself. I never explored my emotions thoroughly before. I would push them aside whenever I interacted with people or worked because I didn't want anyone to know the challenges I faced at work, except for my closest friends. Writing has become a powerful tool for me.