We think an average of 60,000 thoughts a day. There are so many I can speak about, but let me speak to a big one that just came up for me: Grief
Recently, I’ve heard stories of friends’ loved ones passing on or in critical condition. Even as the New Year is just around the corner, I don’t think we should shy away from talking about the bad, the ugly, the sad any time they are raw and visceral for us. Not just the good.
Losing someone stays with you forever. The grief dulls over time, but never goes away.
When I was 20 and lost my dearest friend, J, to depression, my grief and depression was strong. Like they would never go away.
Then, over time, through the little actions I did for myself (even though I didn’t feel like doing them) + through the love & support of my loved ones, I regained my hopes and vigour to live life again.
But this time, I felt a strong calling to live life being there for others fully, empathically. To touch hearts and co-create smiles and dreams and spread hope, kindness, generosity.
And that’s why I do what I do today. And I’ll keep at it. Why?
Three reasons –
#1: Because this gives me purpose and fills my soul like nothing else.
#2: J told me before she passed, that I had a gift of enabling others to open up, trust me, and speak freely. I never thought much about it then, but now I can see why.
#3: After J passed, I received a gift from her. It was a pen, carved with my name, accompanied with a small message: “Keep writing, Kai Ying.”
And that’s why I do what I do today.
I’ve never written so publicly about this before, but I felt the tug to.
May we celebrate the loved ones in our lives either deceased or living, and keep living fully.
For yourself, for them. ❤️
Wishing you a meaning-filled, joy-filled year ahead.
Stay curious with kindness,
Kai