Starting a vulnerable conversation is not an easy task, especially with people who come from high-context culture countries like Singapore or Japan. Within these cultures, it might not feel appropriate to express feelings or discuss emotions with someone other than close friends or family. That said, here are a few tips to start a vulnerable conversation with someone.

As the only constant thing in life is change, it will be inevitable that our colleagues (or us!) leave the organisation that we are at. This will happen numerous times over the course of our careers. Perhaps to pursue a career at another company, to take a break to care for a newborn or an ailing family member, or perhaps because of retrenchment. Regardless of the reasons, this event may cause us to feel a variety of emotions.

You might have heard of gratitude journaling and wondered what it’s all about. I first came across gratitude journaling in 2018 and decided to give it a try. Mostly because I was attracted by the pretty journal layouts that people were sharing on Pinterest. However, as I started jotting down what I was grateful for each day, I discovered that it was so much more.

Activism is truly a noble and important act. It involves exerting a great deal of effort to challenge the status quo for the betterment of humanity. While these activities may sound exemplary and inspirational, it requires a lot of brain power and energy. Ironically, being an activist may actually be bad for your mental health. Thus, it is important for mental health activists to take care of their own mental health at all times.

Tough love is a prime example of the philosophy ‘the ends justify the means’. As Michael Scott says in the hit TV show, The Office, “Tough love is when you have to be mean to somebody because you love them. And the more you love a person, the meaner you have to get.”

“I’m scared that life will pass me by,” a close friend confided in me recently over a cup of coffee. “I’m afraid that I’ll wake up one day, realise I’m 50 years old, and wonder where all the time has gone.” It is a valid worry, and one I personally relate to. Deep down, I am also worried that I’ll #hustle and #girlboss my way through life without stopping to smell the flowers.