US-based Stomper back in S'pore for holiday, shares powerful reflection about life
Have you made any New Year's resolutions?
Stomper Ann, a Singaporean living in the United States, has been thinking about life in the past year and what it has in store.
The 52-year-old is currently pursuing a teaching credential in California, but recently returned to the Lion City for a holiday.
She penned her reflections on New Year's Eve last year and shared it with Stomp on Jan 7:
"Today is New Year's Eve in Singapore. I wonder what my American friends are doing and how they are preparing for the new year.
"I think I'm just going to keep it simple and reflective, light the flame for new goals and embrace gratitude for memories.
"I am learning a lot about myself as an individual and life in general, all interesting, illuminating and transformative. I feel more connected to myself than I have been in a while, and it feels good. I feel more whole.
"I realise I have grown so much throughout my life, both from being here in Singapore as well as in going to the States. I feel enriched, experienced and evolved finally, but I know there is so much more to learn. As I have heard, we truly never stop evolving, changing and growing.
"It now feels good to savour the moment, to be in it, instead of planning for the future.
"I was tired this morning, too tired to resist growth and realisation, but I am thrilled to say I was also determined to understand those changes and do that evolving.
"The rain clouds are gathering in the sky - I wonder if we will be graced with rain for the new year, but if so, I will take it as a sign of rebirth and subsequent growth as well. A clean wash for a new year. The weather in Singapore is hot and humid mostly, as it is in the tropics, but sometimes the rain refreshes the landscape and cools things down.
"Singapore has changed so much as a city since I've been here, always growing, always striving, always reinventing itself like we all do throughout our lives."
Ann said she likes the "variety of outlets and efficiency of things in Singapore" but dislikes the humid weather.
The Stomper added: "I truly think we are more the same than we are different after all - we are all just beings on this journey called life. Some believe it is a journey towards spiritual fulfilment in death, others towards climbing a material mountain of status.
"I really hope there is more peace and acceptance of diversity in the world, despite how cliche it sounds. Personally, I would like to do more music and writing, besides pursuing teaching.
"Ultimately, I think contentment, satisfaction with self and peace are so important, at least for me... and how could I forget balance. Balance that keeps us centred, focused and at ease on the treadmill of life.
"Whatever your inclination might be, I hope that this new year brings you to pinnacles of joy numerous times, further along towards a feeling of satisfaction, peace and contentment, and always, always, be able to attain self-love, secure in the knowledge that you are loved."
Got something to get off your chest? Write in to stomp@sph.com.sg or WhatsApp us at (+65) 9384 3761.
