If there was anything that the pandemic has taught us, it would be that people are resilient. We often think of ‘resilience’ in terms of black and white; that either you have it or you don’t. But this is a fallacy. Resilience is a dynamic concept; something that can be learnt, nurtured, built upon. That is why we are excited to share that our theme for 2021 is about embracing growth, being kind to ourselves and others. Here’s what some of our resilient Tapestry writers say about being a #WorkInProgress.
Aznet // My life has been full of little “earthquakes”, but in 2020, I finally had the chance to make them all count. Now I work in mental health, providing peer support through my personal lived experience. For that, I feel privileged to know and work alongside every peer I meet. My aim: To do what I can with one person at a time. I know I have challenges yet to overcome. I’m still in recovery myself. I’ve learnt that these things take time. You can’t force it, and it turns out, failure isn’t really failure. Rather, they can be magnificent opportunities. 2021, I’m looking at you. Let’s have a good year.
Karen // In the coming year, I hope to continue the interior work precipitated by the unique year that was 2020. The circuit breaker had thrust me into a season of learning to slow down, to befriend my own emotions (including the “unwanted guests”), and to be more present to the people under my roof. I carry into 2021 a checklist of professional and social to-do’s, I hope to invest just as much into growth that is invisible to the outside world.
Kelly // I’m a work-in-progress in so many things! In 2021, I hope to get better at thinking clearly while also feeling deeply, and to not be afraid about sitting with thoughts and emotions in their entirety. Sometimes, I shirk them away (especially the emotions) before I can fully process them. I also want to be better at being fully present in conversations, and to think more before I speak or text. And, as always, to continue pursuing stories that make a difference.
Mak // Despite Covid-19, 2020 has been a year of self-discovery through intensive and oftentimes painful therapy sessions. My hope is that 2021 will continue to be a year of self-discovery, as well as learning new pathways of thought patterns that will help me to grow in ways where I can bless and care for others, while at the same time healing from the issues that are still being uncovered.
Anuradha // In 2021, I want to work on making choices that lead towards greater clarity—clarity of what brings me meaning and purpose in life; clarity of what it means to come home to my body and who I am on the inside; and clarity of the connections and relationships I need in my life. And above all, I want to continue choosing joy, time and time again: finding the stillness within amidst the frenzy of modern living, being kind when I feel less than worthy and seeing beauty and wonder even in the mundane.
Ying Xuan // 2020 first taught me not to only live vicariously through others. Instead of painstakingly comparing myself to others and seeking to emulate their lives, I will pursue what truly makes me well and happy. It is also alright to take a break. A relentless chase for perfection and productivity will be futile if it results in a burn-out. I will work on affirming myself and remind myself of even a minor progress every day. Self-love is not an indulgence but a mandatory part of life. Only when I am capable of loving myself, will I be able to love others.
Read last year’s resolutions and reflections from Team Tapestry here.
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