Sometimes don’t you just wish that things can remain the same, the way it has always been, before the fiasco happened? And bad things do seem to occur all at the same time don’t they? What a conspiracy!
Whether we like it or not, our life journeys will be challenged with difficult situations sometimes.
How do we live life, instead of merely just coping with it?
I am currently in a series of transitions in my life journey. I have resigned from my job after much struggle and deliberation ‘ I didn’t expect to leave the organization so soon ‘ without new employment waiting for me.
I am also in the process of passing on my previous role as the co-ordinator for OC Women to a successor, so as to focus on my new duties in Sayoni.
Transitions can be stressful and draining. Stresses in our lives can take its toll on our emotional and physical well-being.
How do we take care of ourselves so as to go the distance and not burnout prematurely?
Each of us will have to find our own ways to nurture a tranquil, restful and safe space for ourselves in the midst of the whirlwind of happenings in our life journeys, far from the madding crowd.
While negotiating through the current series of transitions in my life now, I take frequent short time-outs for myself. I make sure I have adequate sleep, for a tired constitution can magnify a stressful event many times over. I snuggle up to a good book, go for a movie on my own, write in my journal, take long walks; nurturing a space for my stressed out psyche to recharge through reflection and quiet contemplation.
I am constantly humbled by how the simple things in life can motivate, refresh and inspire me.
Last night, I went for a long walk around my neighbourhood. I could smell the cool night air, bringing with it the scent of leaves, grass and dew. I walked past the canal and could hear the trickling water and its echoes in the canal’s tunneling depths. I crossed the overhead bridge and stopped midway, my back leaning against the railings, my eyes scanning the scene before me. Standing in the middle of the overhead bridge at night, seeing vehicles with bright gleaming headlights speed toward you, past under you, gone behind you, is a beautiful sight. It will never be so nice to look at in the daytime.
I want to live life, not merely just coping with it. I want to take care of myself so I can go the distance.
What about you? Are you living life, or merely just coping with it?
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May 10, 2006 at 1:40 pm
[...] � On a virgin visit to Mox, the secluded lift lobby and stuffy ride to the top feels like a rite of passage. This afternoon marked an important initiation indeed, lesbians plotting world dominion Pelangi Pride Centre’s re-launch party and Community Fair. As the queer cause has floated over the years, so has the community, symbolically. What cause, you may wonder, when it involves things we would rather take for granted – having our partners included in family events, asking friends for a perspective on dating or relationship issues, feeling safe where we have lived most of our life, supporting our partners through sickness and death – in essence, to live and love without guilt, anger and social rejection. Do cowgirls dream of tropical rainbows? Registering at the fair, you would receive a welcome drink coupon and lucky draw number. There were booths for various activities and interests: us, an adventurers’ club, information about safe sex, a church community, a buddhist fellowship, a support group and a women’s discussion list and activity organiser. Visitors who may have seemed shy at the beginning, warmed up as quickly as the air. For every stereotype about queer folk, you would find confirmation and contradiction in the diversity of appearances, personalities and agenda represented. Yet the mission was simply: seek people with whom you have something in common. Against a background of music and poetry performed by Wendy Siew and Cyril Wong, feet reposed and chatter rose. Thanks to our charming volunteers, every woman received a Sayoni bookmark and some gamely wore our stickers. Before long, people started crossing the line. Bodies pressed up against the booths eager to learn more. Organisers and booth representatives circulated. Family and friends bonded. The floor was packed and at least 50 members of Sayoni showed up. Food � check, drinks � check, fun � check, learning � check, connection � check. This Election day, the community had at least one choice and we voted resoundingly. tags: ppc, celebration, community, gay, glbt, lesbian, library, mox, queer, pelangi pride centre [...]
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