Women have always been passionate, driven, and self-sacrificial. Our time is mostly spent fulfilling different roles that sometimes, it has become all too natural for us to accept that this is our journey. To keep pouring out, while forgetting ourselves in the process or being accustomed to not embracing the fact that we are human, we get tired, we need care, and we need a little bit of a breather, if not more.
While it isn’t true for everyone, this is certainly true for me. I have been used to living my life without recognising the need to pause until it’s too late. There have been many instances that I would be rushed to the hospital because I couldn’t manage my stress that brings many health complications. This has been the story of my life for a span of 10 years.
This started when I was in university until I started working. My mind would experience stress that my body couldn't completely cope with. I have been stubborn and have thought that I am invincible. I tend to shrug it off and say to myself, "I can do anything", and "I am well".
Even when I moved countries and started a new chapter with my husband, also starting a business, I looked back and realised that I haven't changed my mindset and habits. I kept going and thinking that I will be okay. Until I wasn't.
It was in 2017 that I turned into fitness and helped myself to get better by eating healthy meals and exercising. However, I still am no good at managing my stress. It took me a while to fully realise that I need to be managing not only my stress, but my stressors. I needed to get to the bottom of it. And it was a lot: work, business, family, and the lack of self-confidence because of my weight. It's as if what makes 'ME' me stresses me out.
I knew that I had to accept myself for who I am -- be gentle and gracious to myself. It was an arduous process of self-discovery and self-love.
From fitness to self-love, I have discovered wellness and self-care as the double edged sword that was missing in my wellbeing. In finding what works for me on a daily basis that also helps me not only to cope with my stress, but also to be on top of my stressors, I can say that I'm in a better position now than before. Fully accepting that who I am is enough and showering myself with love is what I needed to do. Also, being thankful for everything that I have instead of being a grumpy auntie helped me to embrace joy and peace, even in chaos.
Without recognising the need to pause, re-evaluate my health, analyse my fitness routine, I wouldn’t be here right now. I believe that all those hospital staycations and horrific overnight ordeals with my sickness finally propelled me to do something about my health.
Embedded in the realisation is my new truth – being a woman is also about filling your cup. To nourish and grow within. That is so we can keep filling others without exhausting ourselves, in all the aspects that makes us the woman in our family, our tribe, or just simply the woman that is us... the woman that is YOU.
We may have different hats, stories, and journeys, but I hope that you and I will keep filling our cup. I hope that wherever you are, whatever your season is, you’ll find moments to be alone, to drink that hot cup of coffee, or to finally take a step towards a goal. That you find time to take care of yourself, think of yourself, and make time for the things that matters to you.
In pursuing and building this business, my aim is to spread self-love in the form most familiar yet almost unreal to some women. That is taking care of ourselves, fully embracing the ebbs and flows of life, while at the same time filling our cup.
It’s okay to enjoy the pleasures of life. While we are here, let us take our time.
Can you remember the last time that you had a time out for yourself? I'd love to know some steps that you are doing for your wellbeing!