Resolution 2023 — Read a book every month, May 2023.

I was gifted this book by my primary school friend. We shared the exact same birthday and she was in my team for three years when I was running a sales team more than 20 years ago.

She’s running a small events company and online business on the side and I roped her in as a partner in my events company after my original partner left after 13 days.

I wanted to reach out after knowing she had recovered from stage three breast cancer but found it too random but I finally did on the first day of this year which eventually led to her stepping in as a partner for my company.

We caught up and she handed me this book.

“No matter what you are facing in your life now, remember there will always be someone out there who is also facing bad times, perhaps worse than you. But when you face the challenges in a positive way, you can change anything.”

Suddenly I felt like my health wasn’t so bad after reading her story. Chemotherapy, radiology and all the treatments. This is something I cannot imagine.

A story that struck a cord most was “Finding Grace”. The author went through rounds of IVF, the feeling of loneliness, being barren and dealing with unsolicited pregnancy advice and depression…

The voice in my head during post natal depression told me to jump too like what the author heard. I can absolutely resonate with being aware of it and fighting it.

Not all bodies are made for child bearing. I’ll probably not try so hard to convince if I can choose again.

On the story, “Dare to get out of the rat race”, I find that it is a constant struggle for women having to choose time with kids and having a career. Why are Singaporean women expected to contribute to the workforce yet still have to take up the bulk of the child rearing responsibilities?

I applaud women who gave it all up for their children. Sad thing is, they will end up with nothing if their children grow up and husband straying.

This brings me to the next story, “The Darkest Moments of an Ordinary Woman”. Expat wife in China and husband having another woman outside. These stories are getting too common.

Why why why do the closest people always ask us to turn a blind eye to a man’s wrong doing? Because you think we are weak and can’t survive without a man?

Women can be strong when needed. Mental strength is what sets us apart.

Almost everyone in this story mentioned an online business. You know lah, selling health supplements. You can click on the online business link to support a fellow woman.

Not only women support women, men must support women too for being the cause of heartaches and disappointments in our lives. 😆