No Mud, No Lotus: Rising above life’s murkiest waters

Shortly after landing in a foreign country, a mere four days into my stay, I found myself in a predicament that would redefine the course of my journey: slipping and breaking my wrist! The security guard at my apartment building dragged me up and it dawned on me that I couldn't move my wrist. I hopped into a taxi to the nearest hospital and navigated the hospital unaided, determinedly searching for the orthopaedics floor. All I could think about was how my untimely clumsiness was making me late for scheduled meetings!

Imagine my utter disbelief (and annoyance) when the diagnosis revealed more than just the need for a cast – immediate surgery was imperative.? Insurance hurdles resulted in an eight-hour wait before admission, and another six-hour wait before surgery, with nothing but?sheer adrenaline keeping me going. The nurse said she’d never met anyone so cheerful! And that was the easy part. The hell truly began when I woke up and discovered the curse of morphine - I quickly realized I'd never make it as a druggie. Gratefully, my sister and bestie flew in to offer much-needed support. My first post-hospital outing led me to a busy grocery store, accompanied by my two capable "foreign helpers" who carted all the groceries I needed to survive on my own. My sister insisted I accompany her home to recover but I refused due to work commitments.

Against medical advice, I hastily returned to the office for crucial business meetings, downplaying my injury to the extent that my boss believed I could hop on a plane just a week later – a decision I later recognised as insane!? The journey spiralled with more setbacks. Key producers departed leading to a loss of business during ambitious growth targets. Global restructuring forced us to part ways with underwriters, and the remaining team members chose to move on. Turning to Feng Shui for guidance, I adorned my office table with every charm available.

There were days when I'd wonder, 'Will I ever get back to normal?' Painful physiotherapy sessions stretched over a year, culminating in another surgery. The journey to recovery felt like an endless marathon, mirroring our business's path to recovery. With a new team in place, we launched numerous innovative initiatives to resuscitate the business. Just when things were finally looking up, another restructuring shattered the progress, forcing me to bid farewell to my team and return to Singapore.

But here's what I've learned: every challenge, big or small, has its lessons. Whenever things get tough, I remind myself, there are people facing even greater struggles. It's my source of strength, that inner voice that says, ‘Get back up girl, you’ve got this.’ Life's challenges keep coming, and yes, some days it feels like they're kicking my ass, but on other days, I kick right back, even harder. I allow myself to fall apart, to feel vulnerable, but then I pick up the pieces and move forward.

I find myself pushing my own boundaries, be it 80 culinary classes, pole-dancing, bachata performance crew, a home-baking business, fight song competition or fundraising for suicide prevention. Don't get me wrong; there are days filled with self-doubt when you wonder why life isn't easier, kinder, smoother. However, two things keep me moving forward: a deep belief that things happen for a reason, and an unwavering fighting spirit that refuses to let me stay down for too long.

Despite a broken wrist, a collapsing team, a faltering business, I remained unbroken.

This journey taught me valuable lessons:

• My mental fortitude surpassed my expectations.
• I can lean on the unwavering support of loved ones and friends, the unsung heroes who've stood by me through thick and thin. True natures emerge when power diminishes.
• The good times never last but nor do the bad times. Surrounding oneself with a strong support system and remaining positive of the future can help navigate the tough days.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to steadfast colleagues turned friends like Susan Ong , Nikhom Swangsri , Khuanchai Tasanasakorn who've been with me through the years. Without many of you, these trials would have been far more arduous.

Post covid, a new season unfolds, one where I explore my identity and purpose beyond the corporate realm. No longer tethered to a fancy title or a cushy salary, I embrace the challenge of becoming a multi-hyphenate: caregiver, chef, baker, singer, dancer, performer, volunteer, fundraiser, mentor and advocate for mental health and women's rights. In a surprising twist, I now enthusiastically assume the role of a board member.

In my darkest hour, a wise Vietnamese therapist told me, "no mud, no lotus." The lotus flower grows in the mud, and its beauty emerges from the murkiest waters. Similarly, our strength and resilience grows when we face life's toughest moments. If I can overcome these challenges, so can you. Embrace your journey, face adversity with courage, and unleash the strength within to rise above life's murkiest waters. #You've got this!