Heart Open ConversAsians

I know you’ll get me when I say that the hardest part about committing to your workout is the part where you actually have to get off your butt, change, and go. I’m proud to say I overcame that hard part today, and felt all the stronger and lighter and better for it, but what I’m about to share, was something that I wasn’t prepared to experience.

It isn’t my first time at this indoor cycling studio, and each session has been nothing short of invigorating and amazing since. By a change of schedule, I ended up attending the class of a repeat instructor whom I adored the first time around. I walked in and got clipped in, knowing I’m guaranteed a hair-flipping, intoxicating 45 minutes ahead.

Halfway through class, she told the story of someone who had been a long time member of this community who had unexpectedly passed very recently, and recalled when she first met him here 9 years ago that when she asked him, what is it about this community that you makes you return, and he said, this place was his respite when he was going through a very difficult time, and it was the only place, that when the lights go out, he was given the space to let go, and to cry.

I felt the ache in my chest in that instance, and like him, I allowed the tears to come as I rode and let the music and room take over. It was surreal and needed, and not what I had expected to walk away with at the end of a workout class.

It made me realized how much I was holding in and keeping it altogether, and as I looked around class, it was apparent I wasn’t alone in that.

I guess I just wanted to take this experience tonight to say that the naked eye doesn’t tell us how much the people we share a room with are actually going through and it helps to remember to be kind and also, that when you allow yourself to say yes and actually get up and go do that thing, it could well give you an unexpectedly memorable experience in exchange in more ways than you know.

Be gentle, everyone.
Sending love 💗

Hello treasured ones. Just me checking in the day after Christmas.

We had a full house yesterday hosting family and friends at ours. It was a wondrous time. You can head over to my personal account to check out some photos capturing those wonderful memories and a caption citing how these folks are gifts that keeps on giving. They truly are, and also, some other truths about this day that I’m going to be honest about here, are:

- It is unabashedly the MOST time of the year; both just most wonderful, but the most of EVERYTHING.
- I have a love/hate relationship with hosting; it can be soooo darn stressful to make sure everything falls into place and everyone has what they need in the moment they need something.
- Wayyyyyy too much thought and planning and preparation is required for just ONE day of affair.
- In the end, we (the hosts) cares the most about alllll the things. People only needed the basics and were satisfyingly happy for the time spent together.
- What came with the loads of fun and laughter and dining and wining is heaps full to clean and organize around the house that I started on last night and still finding more to do.
- Gifting for the adults could be improvised and done in a more meaningful way to avoid disappointments because of unmet expectations.

For now, I’m most thankful for a clean and serene home, space for yoga and breathwork, being in my coziest jumpsuit and cuddling up with my most darling Sadie.

I hope your Christmas was everything you wished for and more, and also, I hope you’re finding pockets of moments this post Christmas Day to care and relish upon your beautifully imperfect and wonderful self.

Sending so much love, space, breaths.

You folks already know how much I love love love connecting with and highlighting stories of my fellow Asian allies, friends and entrepreneurs via this podcast, a container that I strive to keep honest and safe to hold intentional, meaningful conversations in. And you know what I also love? That these treasured connections now presents the opportunities for me to support and contribute to their heart businesses, projects and causes in ways I can while getting my (shopping) needs (more like wants) met ;)

I’ve been looking for a bracelet made of precious gemstone that’s timeless, speaks of me, and customized to address my concerns and help ease my limiting areas. And this exact item arrived at the house today. It’s handmade, stone by stone, with love and intention from the ever charming, psychic advisor, spiritual life coach and friend, Serene 💕🤍 She made sure it was cleansed and blessed before sending it my way all the way from motherland Singapore. It feels so quality and looks so modern; I’m gonna be wearing this for a long long time!

Curious about the beautiful work that Serene’s doing, the chapters in her life that inspired it, and her advice on a next small step you can take to pursue your passion? Check out Episode 34 on the podcast for all of that and more 💫

This podcast, this container, this community. Truly a gift that keeps on giving. I’m the lucky one 💕 .