Thursday, 16 May, is the fourth anniversary of my Dad’s passing and a significant date in my calendar.
Every year on this day since 2020, when Dad lost his fight to the Big C, I visit his grave.
I reflect and shed tears driving to the cemetery, listening to Cantonese songs we once enjoyed together, remembering his stories, and reliving memories with laughter.
In honour of Dad’s spirit – a fearless, creative freedom fighter who loved life – I am also reminded and prompted to do my best to push aside everyday stresses and worries to make way for my health & well-being.
As a caregiver, this is important because I wholeheartedly agree that we cannot pour from an empty vessel and care well for others when we are not doing good ourselves.
Back when Dad first got his diagnosis, life got tough. Our family indeed pulled together to look after each other and care for Dad and Mum, a disabled stroke survivor. However, the experience got each of us questioning our own mortality – a wake-up call to start prioritising our own health & well-being.
By resetting a few things I can control in life, I know May and June will be better months for me, first and foremost, and those I love and care for.
May reset: my realistic goals
Here are my realistic and achievable goals for May-June, which are guaranteed to lift my mood and make me feel better.
Goal 1. I will eat and drink better
Having started doing this, I already feel more energetic and upbeat. By preparing and enjoying more salads (check out my current favourite recipe) and drinking more water, green tea, and coconut water, my skin which is eczema prone, also feels more supple.
Extending this to my skin, I am also trying to stick to a twice-a-day skincare routine using Elemis for optimum nourishment and replenishment. Admittedly, I still miss some mornings or evenings – the nature of being a toddler Mum – and once or twice a week swap to Tri Balm, L’Occitane, or Simple Glow.
Goal 2. I will exercise more indoors and outdoors
Having kick-started this in April, I am already mentally and emotionally stronger. Physically, I don’t know if I’ve lost weight – not that weight loss is my goal – but the effect on my mindset is notable, with me thinking healthier thoughts and eating and drinking better.
It’s been years since I got on a treadmill, stepper, and rowing machine – and it is tough when you’re an out-of-practice asthmatic. But well worth it.
In addition, with the nice weather and our Son becoming a daredevil on his balance bike, I’m also getting out and about more in the fresh air for brisk walks and runs alongside my Son.
We are lucky living in Surrey, a National Landscape designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and love exploring our neighbourhood and all the beautiful parks and woodlands around us.
Goal 3. I will book vacations and staycations
We all know that booking holidays and breaks away are exhilarating. It gives us something fun and exciting to look forward to. Something to indulge in and reward ourselves with having worked hard all year round.
Booking breaks releases feel-good endorphins to boost happiness and a sense of well-being – and I have started making headway!
For my visit to see friends this weekend, I have booked myself and my Son a lovely Airbnb for 1 night as a treat. In the coming days, I’ll be booking our family’s first all-inclusive summer holiday! And perhaps a long weekend staycation for the end of August to early September before the start of the school term.
Such an achievable goal.
Goal 4. I will maintain balance and a healthy rhythm in my personal and work diaries
Starting my own business last year while raising a toddler and running a household has been a lot. A lot of excitement, creative energy, rewards, and laughter – but not without its challenges, stresses, anxiety, and many nights of blood, sweat & tears.
In recent months, things have settled into a rhythm – and I am finding that balancing a good mix of personal and professional activities in the diary works well to boost my happiness.
Over the coming months, I will keep delivering contracts, coaching & mentoring my community, pitching for new business, and volunteering with my charities for young people.
Most importantly, I will continue to block out time in my diary for my young family, friends and relatives, eating & drinking well, exercising indoors and in nature, and booking and going on holidays!
