Finding Your Color

Late last night, I received a message from M, a mentee I’ve known since last year. We hadn’t connected for a while, so it came as a bit of a surprise. She wrote, “I wanted to thank you for your mentorship and advice through the xxx programme this past academic year, and for the opportunity to work on the Mama on Palette film project! I’ve learnt a lot, and it exposed me to many great opportunities. I couldn’t have done it without your help. I’m currently on exchange in Finland to study this semester. Apologies that I couldn’t meet you before leaving, as my schedule was quite tight while preparing for the exchange. I would love to catch up again with you when I’m back next year, of course, whenever you are free :)”

Reading the message melted my heart. I never realised how much impact my mentoring could have on others. I first met M through her school’s mentoring programme, where her enthusiasm and willingness to learn quickly stood out. Recognising her potential, I involved her in a mental health film project by Mama on Palette, which became a turning point in her journey.

Initially joining as a camera person, M’s proactive nature soon led her to take on more responsibilities. She quickly moved from handling the camera to leading the entire project, showing remarkable growth. Her dedication and leadership earned her the role of Director of the film. Beyond the film project, M also sought my advice on her career, demonstrating determination and persistence by successfully navigating three rounds of interviews to secure a marketing internship at a renowned international retail company. Watching her evolve from a student into a confident leader has been incredibly rewarding.

M’s journey beautifully illustrates the “3Cs” that I shared at Women’s Forum 2024: Courage, Community, and Coaching. She showed Courage by proactively reaching out for help and taking on voluntary duties beyond her studies. She found Community by working with like-minded youth on the mental health project, which provided her with a supportive environment to grow. Finally, she embraced Coaching by seeking mentorship, which helped her navigate her career path and achieve her goals.

The challenges facing young women today are immense, especially in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. From the global climate crisis to economic uncertainties, the pressures are mounting. The Lancet reported that nearly 70% of individuals aged 16-25 across ten countries are either "extremely worried" or "very worried" about climate change (The Lancet, 2021). This widespread anxiety is compounded by the demands of academic performance and the unpredictability of the future.

Women also face additional burdens in this turbulent environment. Research has shown that women are more likely to experience mental health challenges than men. For instance, the World Health Organization reports that women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from depression compared to men (World Health Organization, 2022). This disparity is often linked to the multiple roles women juggle, including work, family responsibilities, and societal expectations, which can lead to higher levels of stress and anxiety.

Despite these challenges, women possess remarkable resilience and creativity, which can help them navigate these pressures. By tapping into their creative potential, women can express themselves, build communities, and address deeply affecting issues. This creativity not only fosters personal growth but also strengthens their sense of identity and purpose.

One of the most recent projects that exemplifies this creative empowerment is a collaboration with a group of Ngee Ann Polytechnic students. The girls, coming from various backgrounds - biological science, creative design, and community development - joined forces to study the issues surrounding postpartum depression, a symptom commonly experienced by women but not often discussed. This study was particularly significant as it addressed a critical yet often overlooked issue. The students didn’t just articulate the quantitative research process through survey design, outreach, and analysis; they also beautifully illustrated the findings in compelling messages, leading to the theme “finding your colours.”

As women navigate societal labels that can sometimes overshadow their true identities, this tagline perfectly aligns with Mama on Palette’s philosophy. It encourages women to boldly pursue their own passions. These passions can extend beyond art, encompassing hobbies and interests that define them outside their roles as daughter, wife, mother, or worker. A woman can be an artist, a singer, an actress, a scientist, or a leader - whatever colour she chooses to embrace.

To enable happier, more fulfilled women, we need support from the entire ecosystem. However, before that, we need an “aha!” moment for ourselves. It was only after I survived postpartum depression, loneliness, and confusion in my early parenthood, along with the pain of losing loved ones and the isolation of COVID, that I realised happiness truly lies within us. From that moment, I began building a community of women who share a similar mindset and passion. Mama on Palette doesn’t just serve as a safe space for us to pursue our dreams; it’s also a healing place, filled with kindness, unity, and collaboration.

As the world places greater emphasis on mental health, especially for women of all ages, finding and embracing your own colour has never been more vital. It’s essential to recognise that life isn’t just black and white; it can be red and green, purple and blue, and many other shades as you discover them.

Colour is one of nature’s most profound gifts, and finding your colour is about uncovering what makes you uniquely vibrant. The leaves are green, the apple is red, the sky is blue, and the snow is white. Even when you feel grey inside, look around and realise there are countless colours within you, waiting to be found. Everyone’s colour is unique, and by finding and embracing yours, you can paint your life with hope and courage, opening the door to endless possibilities and inspiring others to do the same.

#findingyourcolor #womenempowerment #mentalhealthawareness