Introduction

Welcome to “Finding Sanctuary,” a podcast series where we explore the depths of our thoughts and emotions, seeking peace and comfort in our daily lives. As the year comes to a close, it’s natural for us to reflect on our experiences and set resolutions for the new year. In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Derrick Yeoh, our production manager, who usually works behind the scenes. Derrick shares his wisdom and experiences with us, shedding light on the pressures we often put on ourselves when making resolutions. Through his journey, we learn the importance of celebrating our achievements and embracing our true selves.

Key Takeaways

  • New Year’s resolutions often come with high expectations, leading to feelings of failure and disappointment if we don’t meet them.
  • It’s crucial to recognise and celebrate our accomplishments, both big and small, instead of constantly striving for more.
  • Embracing our true selves and finding contentment in who we are can bring us peace and happiness.

Embracing Our True Selves

Derrick, a Malaysian Chinese who grew up in a Christian family, shares his experiences of feeling the pressure to live up to certain expectations. Whether it was striving for academic success or trying to fit in by purchasing brand-name items, Derrick always felt the need to be more. This pressure to be perfect and meet societal standards took a toll on his mental health. He realised that he was constantly setting unrealistic goals for himself, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Derrick’s journey of self-discovery took him from studying electrical engineering to pursuing his passion for sound engineering. Along the way, he noticed the cultural differences in how people approach success and self-improvement. Despite his accomplishments, Derrick still found himself questioning whether he had done enough. It was only through the guidance of a counselor that he began to understand the importance of self-acceptance and embracing his true self.

The Pitfalls of New Year’s Resolutions

As the new year approaches, many of us feel compelled to make resolutions to improve ourselves or our lives. However, these resolutions often come with high expectations and a sense of pressure to achieve them. Derrick shares his struggle with setting resolutions and the negative impact it had on his mental health. He would create long lists of things he wanted to accomplish, only to feel like a failure when he couldn’t check off every item.

Derrick’s experience is not uncommon. Many people set resolutions with the best intentions but end up feeling disappointed and discouraged when they can’t meet their own expectations. This cycle of setting unrealistic goals and feeling like a failure can be detrimental to our mental well-being. It’s important to remember that resolutions should be a celebration of our achievements and an opportunity for growth, rather than a source of stress and self-criticism.

Celebrating Our Achievements

In our society, there is often a focus on constantly striving for more. We are bombarded with messages that tell us we need to be better, do more, and achieve greater success. However, this mindset can lead to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction and self-doubt. Derrick’s journey taught him the importance of celebrating his achievements and finding contentment in who he is.

Instead of fixating on what we haven’t accomplished or what we need to improve, it’s essential to take a step back and recognise all that we have achieved. Whether it’s big milestones or small victories, each accomplishment is worth celebrating. By shifting our focus to gratitude and self-acceptance, we can find peace and happiness in the present moment.

Embracing the New Year with Gratitude

As we approach the new year, let’s reframe our perspective on resolutions. Instead of setting goals based on what we lack or what we think we should be, let’s celebrate our achievements and embrace our true selves. By acknowledging our strengths and the positive impact we have on others, we can approach the new year with gratitude and contentment.

In conclusion, the end of the year is a time for reflection and celebration. Let’s remember that we are enough just as we are, and our worth is not determined by our achievements or resolutions. By embracing our true selves and finding contentment in who we are, we can create a sense of sanctuary in our lives. So, as we bid farewell to this year and welcome the new one, let’s celebrate our accomplishments and approach the future with gratitude and self-acceptance.

 

Listen to this episode here