Toggling between duties at work and duties at home, and taking on new-found responsibilities within short periods of time, is challenging on the body, mind and spirit for women in the modern age.

Multiple roles & responsibilities in line with the roles :

• Daughter

• Sister

• Wife

• Daughter-in-law

• Mother

• Employee

• Leader of small team/s

• Caregiver at home & at work

Physically, the body goes through multiple changes, including pre-during-post pregnancy & childbirth and then later on with aging and menopause. The hormonal changes in itself, comes in waves.

In addition, mentally and emotionally, these women are learning to navigate expectations of self and others, and within larger systems.

The need for time and space to process their experiences in each of the wellbeing domains, allows for them to become aware, and start paying attention in the areas that are important to them, now, and perhaps in the near future.

Through awareness, the path unfolds, in the approach towards wellbeing, to take care of self, and to take care of others.

We are dedicating a lot of our work, in supporting these pillars in community, to be well, as we are highly aware, when these women are well, we will have a healthier society/communities.

Our youth, through the course of education and expectations, place a lot of responsibilities upon themselves. Some of which might not be supportive of their overall wellbeing.

Youth leaders might find themselves being “burdened” with ”should”, “could” and “would”, and do not live their lives in the present.

These “should”, “could” and “would” prompts the youth leaders to avoid appreciating what they currently have, and tend to exaggerate and make up for what they might seem to be lacking, and potentially pendulating between “not good enough” and an inflated ego.

Time and space to just be themselves, and hear & acknowledge their own voice, is important for their development and growth, and for their wellbeing.

By noticing their journey in the domains of wellbeing, helps to anchor them in the present, pause and just be.

Similar to the youth leaders, in a different context, youth who take on caregiving duties did not ask for the responsibilities to be placed on them. Circumstances presented itself, and they are now responsible for the caregiving duties, especially for members of the family.

So similarly, they need the time and space to just be themselves, and be seen and heard for who they are as individuals.

The time and space to acknowledge that they are their own human, and not just valued for their responsibilities towards caregiving.

They need to have a safe space to acknowledge and know that they have their own needs and wants too. And that it is ok to need and want.

Taking these two groups of youth into consideration, and all the youth in-between, youth wellbeing is a crucial and important aspect of community wellbeing that we need to take note and care for.

"Men allow blood to flow, but not allow tears to flow." - This is a very common chinese saying, that has been imposed on our men for years! And it has been a way to demonstrate strength and power and masculinity.

It has also caused many men to hide and bottle up their feelings and emotions, for fear of being judged and shamed. It has not been helpful, in allowing us as a community/society to be able to develop a stronger ability in our language to express ourselves and our needs.

In our work, we have encountered many men, who need the help and support, to be able to emote and articulate their needs and wants, in a manner that is gentle and firm, and not demanding and aggressive.

This is another pillar on our community, that we see an importance to support more of, so that we can emerge healthier, not just in physical strength, and also in mental and emotional strength.

Community leaders & volunteers take on their roles, perhaps without a deeper understanding and clarity of why they made the decision to serve.

On one hand, it is about giving back to community, and wanting to serve; On the other hand, they need to take time to acknowledge what they are receiving, and want to receive, in return.

The burnout from community leaders and volunteers, come from the perspective of always giving and not receiving what they want/need in return. Because it is seen as “bad” or ”not appropriate” to want anything in return.

So we create a safe space, to acknowledge the “darker side” of volunteering and being in community.

For the light to shine brighter, it will cast a deeper, darker shadow.

So while we would appreciate more community leaders and volunteers, let’s also notice and take care of the needs and wants of these individuals.

Relieving your body of physical stress, such as muscle tension, headaches, and a lack of sleep.

Spending time with people, who don’t need anything from you, where you just enjoy each other’s company.

Giving your brain a break from ”inner chatter” or from thinking or focusing too hard.

Connecting with something larger than yourself.

Authentically expressing your feelings and eliminating people-pleasing behaviours.

Exposing yourself to inspiring environments, without feeling a need to produce a creation.

The opportunity to give your senses a break (eg. From technology, bright lights and loud noises).