“Every Ending is a New Beginning”

This marks the end of Series 1: Finding the Self with each episode sharing an important aspect to help us in the process of looking within to find our authentic self. I hope you enjoyed the journey I’ve taken you on throughout the last three months- where I shared about finding the self  through encouraging vulnerabilities, looking into our emotions for signs, embracing our imperfections through the concept of Wabi-Sabi and learning  to put ourselves first sometimes through self-care. We also discussed the importance of conscious alignment towards the self in our everyday life with my sharing of the 3R [Rest, Reflect, Release] approach and Nette’s 3-Step Framework I’ve developed to help us navigate this fulfilling yet challenging journey of finding our greater life purpose.

Most importantly, we discussed the concept of safe spaces which forms the foundation platform for us to perform all the above in the pursuit of finding the self. “Safe spaces” allow our inner voices to be heard, authentic emotions to be validated and seen. The presence of a safe space enables us to feel confident in revealing our true self. Safe spaces are essential because the journey is often a challenging one- it requires tremendous work, and non-stop experimentation just like any other projects. If you are lacking a healthy support system around currently, do know that you can always seek help from various sources around you.

As a further recap on the other lessons in this journey, I have also learnt that we can always strive towards being a safe space for ourselves as well and that is, to act with “more kindness and less judgement”. It is the first but most overlooked step. In the later part of the series, we’ve also learnt that self-discovery is a never-ending process. As much as I am sharing more about finding the self, I am also finding myself in this process as well. As part of the journey, there are times we may feel lost along the way but with each difficulties faced, we are able to find strength and also discover new sides of ourselves which makes the journey a fulfilling one. Through this journey, we will not only gain a better understanding of ourselves but as we’ve learnt,  happiness and fulfilment can also be found in the process of self- discovery as evident in my “3 Lessons of Happiness”.  

It has also reminded us to not overlook the small wins and celebrate our progress at every step of the way — no matter how small a process is, it truly matters. When we are having our challenging moments, it is important to give ourselves the space to feel our emotions and practice healthy coping mechanisms.

In summary, this series is about seeing your inner self from within to build and cultivate a better relationship with the self through more introspection and less judgement. It is an important conversation to have because all fulfilling relationships starts from a relationship with the self. It starts with self-awareness and understanding yourself like a VIP! 🙂 

Expressing My Gratitude

As much as you are learning more about me, I am also discovering a lot more about myself throughout this journey. It has never been more fulfilling for me. Every step of the way gives me a clearer sense of who I am, my purpose, my gifts, and my self-worth. I have also gotten some of the answers which I’ve been searching for before the start of this journey I’ve decided to embark on. I hope you did find yours too.

I personally felt that I am now able to cultivate better relationships with my loved ones around me through a strengthened relationship with the self. This feels powerful and liberating. 

I am really thankful to have you on-board this [New Beginning] with me.  As I started the series by saying: “We will always have each other as we embark on our new journey together.” The closing of this chapter of mine with 15 heartfelt episodes inspired by my real-life encounters, marks another significant milestone in my personal development & growth journey. I hope that wherever you are at in your journey right now I would like to encourage you to focus on the process, live in the the present moment, take more breaks, and slow down for yourself. Fruitful things will eventually come with patience and dedication. There’s no need to rush, as long as we are consistent and we are progressing towards what we have consciously set out to achieve. The very last thing we want is to rush through our lives. Time may not heal everything, but through the process, we may find new sources of strength as a human being and there is beauty in that. A lot of beauty.

Moving Forward

I genuinely hope this first series of Chill By Nette has helped you to be more confident in finding you own path and gave you the courage and motivation to move in the right direction even if that means starting all over again. Life is sometimes about beginning again and again as it is a never-ending journey of self-discovery and re-discovering the self. 

I will be working on the next series of Chill By Nette as I embark on yet another new beginning. I would appreciate your help to spread and share to more people who need to hear it. Thank you for the support and we will chill again very soon!

“You are your own context. There’s no right or wrong path, there’s just your path. So be bold, be courageous, and be you.” –Jeannette Qhek

Written By:
Jeannette Qhek
BSc in Psychology & Human Resources (Singapore Management University)
Voice of Chill By Nette