Thank you for showing up today
This Paynter poster now sits framed, on a ledge in my living room. We need to remember to take care of ourselves, before we can begin to think of others. I particularly love the reminder to have Coco Pops, but I tend to lean towards Honey Stars.
It’s awkward, Asian upbringing aside, to celebrate ourselves. We’ve gotten better at praising others, celebrating their wins, but there is a dead pause when we get asked the question - do we ever praise ourselves?
Then a quiet snide voice in the head chimes in: Self praise is no praise.
Hold up! It’s not about being self-important or finding bragging rights; it’s about valuing yourself and valuing your efforts. The hardest part of every day (especially in “these difficult times yada yada”) is ensuring that the day goes well (enough) and tasks are done (to the best of your ability). Bosses are already starting to expect Business As Usual, even as Microsoft’s latest 2021 Work Trend Index survey shows leaders are out of touch with employees and need a wake-up call - to recognise that a fellow human being is doing their best, putting one foot forward, to get things done, even if their pace doesn’t match yours.
Today, I just want to say to you: Thank you for showing up. It’s not easy to keep trying. It’s not easy to say “I’m okay” when you just want to take a really, really long breather. I see you.
Turning these pages
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Thank you for the beautiful memories, Eric Carle. Artist and children’s books illustrator Oliver Jeffers shares the impact the late author had in his life. When asked about the lasting popularity of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Carle once said, “I think it is a book of hope. Children need hope. You, little insignificant caterpillar can grow up into a beautiful butterfly and fly into the world with your talent.”
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Rest = sleep(ing enough), at least that’s what I thought. But there is at least 7 types of rest that you could choose from, that you never knew you needed (depending on your lifestyle/type of work). I also liked how Trello expanded upon Saundra Dalton-Smith’s TED talk. Feeling mighty refreshed after attempting an art jam last night, myself!
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Geek out further on how the design for the poster above was created, and perhaps you’ll be like me, wondering if any other brands would put their heart into labelling?
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I’ve been using the Presently app for 251 days and running, because gratitude has plenty of positive effects and being thankful, is a good feeling! I truly feel setting aside that few minutes to jot things down can help uplift the languishing feels, even for a bit.
One last thing
What a thoughtful comic by Khor Shing Yin. There can be so much and so little that Asians would like to say. But the world has to listen first, and realise it’s not just one group, it’s not just holding an AAPI Heritage month - in fact in Singapore, I will just say, what is this? It’s having generosity, courtesy and respect to your fellow human being. That’s all.
My Chinese name is 美珊 btw. That was a heck of a lot of strokes to get used to, as a kid.
Waiting for June,
Medhā