New Space

A new space for creative projects....


http://bearphilosophies.blogspot.hk

Good bye, I bid you adieu

After much deliberation, I have decided to stop writing my blog. This will be my final entry. I will still write and upload photos, but on a much more ad hoc basis.

July flew by. I blinked and it was August. This has prompted me to come to the conclusion that I am too busy to keep up my blog regularly.

I have been busy with work and TQPQ (https://www.facebook.com/tqpq.hk), which is evolving into a boutique PR agency. I have projects coming in and I hope by early 2014, to make TQPQ my only job. My full time work has improved since speaking with my managers about my issues and worries. I have a new manager, who is looking after me, and I am keeping on top of things at a nice pace. I leave for Australia in 10 days, and I can't wait to see the family and visit my beloved Melbourne, where so much of my story truly began.

I have a band album launch in September, a wedding that I am coordinating, the PhatRice (http://phatrice.com) launch and 2 Euromoney events in November. Mum is coming back to see me in October and I am planning on taking December off to reflect and recharge my batteries, including a trip to New York, England and Dubai.

I have big plans for 2014.

2013, has been a tough year. Things haven't always gone the way I thought they would. I have learnt a huge amount, which is preparing me for next year. I have gained some valuable life lessons and reaching my one year anniversary of arriving in Hong Kong was a real milestone for me.

For a girl who had never lived away form home, to have moved to the other side of the world, find a job, a community, and start a new life makes me feel blessed. Reaching my year anniversary has had a profound impact on me. To mark the occasion, I got a new tattoo. On my left wrist, I have written 'I Believe' to sum up my year in Hong Kong. I asked mum to write this, so it is written in her handwriting. I had it done on July 25, the exact day I boarded my one way flight to Hong Kong.

When I boarded that flight I had no idea what was going to happen. I couldn't imagine what surprises were ahead. I left with a heart full of faith and all I could rely on right there and then, was my belief. I truly believed moving to Hong Kong was right for me. And it turns out, one year on, it was the best decision of my life.

Living in Hong Kong, on the opposite side of the world to my friends and family hasn't been easy. I have experienced some of the lowest points in my life. I have struggled with my identity, commitment, relationships and health. I have felt more lonely here than I have ever felt in my life. BUT, and it is a big but, I have also found myself. I have found strength, inspiration and support. I have learnt how to time manage, commit, and pick myself up when I fall down. I have learnt how to believe, have faith and how to keep going when you feel like giving up.

I have overcome some hurdles about myself that I was convinced were unchangeable. I have managed to face some harsh truths about myself, and build genuine friendships. Living in Hong Kong means I have had to turn to people for help when I have been desperately in need. This is one of my greatest achievements.

The ability to ask for help has been a life long challenge for me. It has absorbed me, stalled me and stood in the way of progress for years, possibly for my whole life. But when you have no one to turn to, you have to reach out to someone, anyone and take the risk of appearing vulnerable and weak. This I feel is the most important lesson to learn in life, and I don't think I could have learnt it staying in my comfort zone in Hampshire. The power of vulnerability.

My mum used to tell me that when she found God, the burdens of life dropped off her shoulders, as she believed that God had a plan and if God had it covered, and he wanted you to feel loved and comforted, then everything will always turn out alright. Leaning on a higher being, believing in the unknown and believing with all your heart that good things will happen, and if you have unquestionable faith, then the light in your heart will always shine.

The communities I have built over the past year have changed my life. The friends I have made, the visitors who have travelled across the world to see me, and the strangers that have changed my life. I am thankful for the life I have, for everyone in it, everyone who has crossed my path and for every beautiful thing I have seen and done.

So what adventures are around the corner? What surprises are yet to come my way? Who will I meet? Where will the next chapter take me?

The best is yet to come. And I truly believe that.

Thank you to everyone that has supported me, offered advice, cared, loved and helped me through. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the people who have shown me such kindness. I am eternally grateful for everyone that has been a part of my journey. I used to wonder why I struggled so much, but now I know every struggle is a lesson, and the more lessons you learn, the further you will go.

Typhoon season is here in Hong Kong and the rain is coming down hard. Everyone I know and love in  England is enjoying the best summer in years. I am glad.

As I head back out into this mad metropolis I call home, I bid you adieu...............

Much love :D x


You can see my home here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1049055  

Colour's of the Wind

I have had an unbelievable few weeks. It feels like time has stood still. 

Where do I begin? 

I went to a supper Sunday a few weeks ago after toying with the idea of going home straight after church. I met with 7 individuals, 5 of whom had recently launched their own company, or were just about to. I was inspired. 

I bumped into one of the dinner party in Wan Chai market and told him my dilemma I wasn't happy at work and I didn't know what to do. We arranged to meet for lunch. 

I woke up on the morning of the meeting and decided that I was going to show my vibrancy and put on the most colourful outfit I owned. Bright pink and turquoise. I felt fabulous. I meet with Anthony and his business partner, Matt and talked about their brilliant business plan. I was delighted to hear they were looking for a female representative. I had recently had new business cards printed with my new business information, which I proudly handed over. 

I bought a watch that I had been eyeing up for almost a year. Matt commented, and it turns out my new purchase was the core of their business. We talked through ideas and they explained their plan. It was remarkable, unique and I was excited to get started on a new project. I have realised that when I have a non-work related project, adjacent to my job, work becomes easier and less stressful. Suddenly work becomes a side-project and has more meaning as it contributes to the out-side of work projects. 

It was the 4th July and I headed to a BBQ in the building next door to my office on Queens Road East. My new business partners, both of whom are American invited me to join their family and friends to celebrate. I thought it was only us Brits that drank that much. Buckets of punch were produced and we drank late into the night. It was a chance for me to meet with the team properly and find out about their plans for the business. 

The following Sunday I headed to the early 9:15am church service and then hopped in a taxi to Aberdeen and to join some friends at the Jumbo, floating restaurant for brunch. I had been once before, almost a year ago. Brunch in Hong Kong is 'the done thing'. Everyone gathers to enjoy food and champagne on a Sunday. It was a chance for me to get better acquainted with some new friends.  

I have recently been studying chromotherapy, colour therapy. Reading everything I could find online. Last Saturday I made my way to Lamma island to meet with a friend, go for a run, relax on the beach and have some lunch. It was a glorious day, if not a little too hot for a run. I bought some fresh cherries and mango at the market stall and sat talking with my friends drinking tea and enjoying the fruit. I left and ran to Lo So Shing beach, roughly a 30 minute run over the island. It was mid-day and over 35c. I actually thought I was going to perish but I arrived at the beach, throw my bags down and instantly jumped into the sea. After a swim I settled down to read all about chromotherapy and enjoy the afternoon of timeless nothingness. Recently I have been making the effort to eat colourful food, bought fresh from the markets, and wear bright colours. Reading all the studies and psychology experiments on the beach established that colour has a dramatic effect on your health, well-being and emotions. It is fascinating to hear the power of colour and it has certainly lifted my mood recently. After soaking up the sun for a few hours I made my way to the Rainbow Seafood restaurant at Sok Kwu Wan, and ordered scallops and prawns. I sat and watched the world go by and thanked God for how luck I was to be so happy and content. I left Lamma and headed for Wan Chai. I wanted to buy a few things and run a few errands. I walked form Central to Wan Chai via Hong Kong park, one of my favourite walks. 

I met with a friend for coffee and when he had to leave, sat and read my papers on chromotherapy. I made my way home to prepare for the day ahead. 

It was a glorious day but sadly I had only achieved 3 hours sleep following a night of excitement. I was like a child waiting to go to Disney. I had known of TED talks for years, but over the past few years had really began to seek inspiration from them. As an event manager, I was inspired by the global events that spread innovation and ideas. There has been many an occasion I would be recharging my batteries, and watching an entire day of Ted talks. The boys at PhatRice (http://phatrice.com) had invited me to join them and help out on PR. I was more than excited to accept the invitation. 

I went to the 9:15am church service and met the team at the Flying Pan to have breakfast before heading down to spread the news of PhatRice. 

The day was divided into sections with a chance of networking during coffee breaks. Networking is THE core of Hong Kong.  Everyone is linked to everyone in this city. The 7 degrees of separation reduces to 2 maybe even 1 in this city. We got down to business. I talked openly with all my heart. From 11am-8pm we talked, shared, complimented, smiled, listened, and shared our hearts. People poured out their stories, struggles and journeys. 

I could hear my negative voice creeping in 'you shouldn't have done that, you should have done this', 'you shouldn't have said that', 'you could have done more'. I blocked it out and focused on the positives. 

People said 'love your outfit', 'fabulous', 'I love how you shine', 'let's meet up', 'lets talk', 'can you help with our project', 'stay in touch'. Not once was I standing alone, and not once did I feel like I wanted to hide. I smiled all day as I talked to people from charities, blogs, social responsible companies, environmentally friendly businesses and churches. Companies that has distributed solar lights to 4.1million people in third world countries, giving them the chance to be more productive and support their own communities, musicians who had fought all the odds and started charities to help the homeless play the piano. It was an inspirational day, and a dream come true. 

With my sense of achievement and feeling happy I began another week. I went over to a colleagues apartment in Soho after work one evening and enjoyed some wine and nibbles. On Thursday I met with a friend and we talked about our experiences in Hong Kong. How the challenges can improve our lives and how the highs and lows are much higher and lower than we could have expected. In one weeks time, marks the anniversary of one year living in Hong Kong. This is a momentous achievement for me. I, who had never lived away from home, never lived outside of Hampshire, never lived in a city, never been truly independent, has managed to move to a huge city, on the other side of the world, find a job, build a home and build a community. I have such a lot to be thankful for. 

On Friday I left work a little early to go to the Open Forum at the Hong Kong Book Fair. Jung Chang, the author of Wild Swans was talking about her book and I couldn’t miss this opportunity.  David Tang, and William Shawcross were also on the panel.

I was very lucky to meet her and have my book signed. 

In a few weeks time I fly back to Australia. In October, my inspiring mum comes back to Hong Kong and then I return home for Christmas. There is so much to look forward to, and that's not even considering the surprises that are around every corner. 

Much love to you all. I have decided I'd like to buy my apartment. Hong Kong real estate is the 4th most expensive in the world. I'll need a cool HK$4 million!!!!!!!! I'm going to do some investigation..........Maybe I'll find an eccentric billionaire who wants to buy it for me :D