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Acknowledging your accomplishments: How to welcome the new year

December 30, 2020 by Ivy Chan

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Someone asked me recently: “What were the highlights of 2020 for you?”

It has been such a trying year for most of us, that I really could not think of anything at first.

I have been blessed with health, with being able to protect myself and my little one in our little bubble, in nature. I have been reading tons of work on spirituality, continuing my studies on Ayurvedic nutrition, Chinese Medicine, and yoga therapy- but, I have to admit that I have frequently felt bored, lacking inspiration, motivation, some kind of emptiness, as if I was not doing enough. I even sometimes felt depressed, almost as if my previous life was gone, pre-motherhood, pre-Covid, pre-lockdowns.

Lao Tzu quote: What the Caterpillar calls the end the rest of the world calls a butterfly

Then you know what I realized? I realized that my condition has been similar to the pupal stage, which might last for years, but it will be worth the wait! In this stage, it looks like nothing is going on inside the larva, but, in fact, cells are forming- when the time is right, these cells will become the beautiful wings of the butterfly, the eyes, and the legs. 

Appreciate what you have achieved, one by one

So, I made a promise to myself: Before even making any new year’s resolution, I am going to appreciate, acknowledge all the things I have achieved this year. I SO hope you do the same: Have you been raising kids? Check. Have you managed to exercise, move your body at all? Check. Have you been able to get out of your bed when you felt depressed? Check. Have you forgiven someone who had wronged you? Omg totally check. Have you helped someone in any way? Check. Have you been there for your partner, your kids, your friends? Check. Have you loved? Check. Have you shown weakness – which is a HUGE deal in our “western” societies? Check. Made your bed, made coffee, made breakfast for your kids, tied their shoes, apologies to them when you raised your voice, have you had to teach them math, for goodness sakes; have you protected your boundaries, have you supported a cause dear to you, have you voted, have you sheltered an animal, been kind towards your neighbours, respected someone younger than you- ANYTHING you have done, including to continue to live, against all odds-think about them all. I will. Appreciate them all. 

Below is the cover of my book which I got published, and which I completely forgot about when I heard the question: “What were the highlights of 2020 for you?”. I completely ignored my book which I wrote during sleepless nights when the baby was asleep. I completely ignored my blog, my Instagram posts where I share recipes, Ayurvedic tips, and so on; I did not think about how hard it is to raise a child. I had to actually think for a while to realize, to recognize, to acknowledge all of these highlights in this unbelievably trying year that is coming to an end.

If you have been feeling as if you have not done enough: You have. You ARE. And I see you. I respect you. I love you.

I want to end with a quote from Eckhart Tolle:

“Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at this moment.”

Happy New Year <3

author's book, screen shot. Titled "Acts of Belonging in Modern Societies"

Books can be expensive, and libraries will need our support post-Covid. Why don’t you request the book for your local library? Win-win.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for considering to support my blog. The best way to show support is by sharing, liking, commenting. You can also follow Shakingmytofu on Instagram and Facebook. However you support me, please know I am truly grateful.

 

 

 

 

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Welcome! My name is Ivy. I am an academic by training and a foodie at heart, in a small but mighty body. Classical with a twist, married to the love of my life, a proud mum of two little lions, and one little human. We have recently moved to the gorgeous state of Washington. I am back to a 4-year school to study Ayurvedic nutrition and Traditional Chinese Medicine. When I have time from school and our two-year-old, I like to read, write, bake, and consume more Medjool dates and dried figs than anyone I know.

Shakingmytofu aims to make plant-based life convenient, affordable, and adaptable for everyone. I will be happy if I can bring a little more light, health, and peace to the daily life. Feel free to spend time, have a look at the recipes, lists of plant-based sources (from snacks to clothing), images and articles. Contact me anytime with queries, suggestions, and collaboration ideas at shakingmytofu@gmail.com or simply by filling out the form below. Look forward to hearing from you!

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I am an academic by training and a foodie at heart, in a small but mighty body. I am married to the love of my life, and a proud “furry-mum” of two little lions. Want to collaborate? Contact me→

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