Hi, I’m Mabel.

I’m a writer, astrologer and cross-cultural consultant. I’m also an introvert and find inspiration through photography. Currently I’m based in Melbourne, Australia.

My mission is to get us talking about the times we belong and don’t belong in a culturally complex world. I guide others in the in-between to find connection through creativity – because belonging and embracing intercultural identities makes life meaningful.

Many of us are used to conforming to certain traditions, belief systems and relationships. While they may offer wisdom and comfort, they don’t always align with our diverse affiliations and our authentic selves. So we have a cultural identity crisis: feeling stuck, ashamed of so-called where we come from and confused about where we fit in.

We are in a time questioning much more about racism, social hierarchies and marginalisation. But also much more receptive towards inclusiveness, healing practices and personal development.

I aim to create spaces to redefine both limiting cultural beliefs and connecting with others in the in-between, increasing self-acceptance for the experience of belonging.

By balancing your cultural stereotypes and non-stereotypes within your core through positive mindsets and habits, you find strength in your (conflicting) identities and unique abilities.

On Belonging: belonging is complex. It is a human need, a subjective experience influenced by many factors. I see belonging as not always a place, space or our dependable relationships but in the fleeting moments and experiences which we find ourselves in. Feeling content in your different identities and place among diverse groups is what I like to call Intercultural Belonging.

On this blog, I share my thoughts about what it means to be Asian in Australia, intercultural identities and my passion for writing. Here I explore this multi-layered concept of belonging and cultivate positive attitudes towards cultural differences.

My story

I was born in Melbourne, Australia to Chinese-Malaysian immigrant parents. For a decade, I lived in Malaysia and Singapore, going to school in Asia. Then I traveled and returned to Melbourne.

For years I chased a dream of becoming a journalist and working in Australia’s mainstream media. One day I decided that a media career wasn’t for me. I worked in the non-profit sector and corporate world, and later became a freelance writer and consultant.

My journey as a writer is gratifying along with its challenges. Growing up and into my adult years, I was conditioned to be a model-minority Asian stereotype. My Chinese parents frowned at writing as a career and a thing to do in my spare time. I felt discouraged given that some Chinese values are important to me – yet other (Western) values resonate with me as well. I always feel too Asian or not-Asian-enough on countless occasions.

As an introvert, I’ve been constantly labelled as ‘too quiet’, ‘so sensitive’ and ‘so shy’ by family, friends and strangers. It added to my challenges as a writer and confusion about where I belonged being Asian Australian, and simply as a person. It can be hard to put yourself out there when you’re Asian and a creative introvert – and also living within systems of oppression and in a world challenged to live alongside each other’s differences.

It took a long time to feel free and content in my intercultural identities and introversion. That saw me confronting my fears as a cultural disappointment, transcending cultural boundaries by acknowledging my needs and spending time in solitude reflecting on what is meaningful.

Writing

I write primarily non-fiction. As a wordsmith, my written work explores narratives on the diversity of the human experience, connection and cultural nuances. I have an affinity with storytelling through the creative non-fiction genre.

Through my writing, I guide others to see how enriching embracing different identities and accepting each other’s differences can be. I participate in courses from the Australian Writer’s Centre and elsewhere as part of my continuing education as a writer.

As a cross-cultural consultant, I work with clients to tailor their content towards targeted cultural demographics. I bring in a Positive Psychology perspective, namely positive emotions and gratitude, in different areas of my work.

I have a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Cultural Studies and Applied Mathematics. My Master of Arts specialises in Audience Reception theory, with a focus on media as a means for migrants to connect with their homelands and beyond. I hold a Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology where I explore gratitude writing in organisational settings.

Astrology

I attended the Faculty of Astrological Studies of London and the London School of Astrology. I also attended the School of Traditional Astrology and completed their Horary Practitioners Level Certificate.

I see astrology as a language: a symbolic language offering insight into understanding who you are, your patterns and authentic self – self-awareness and perspectives on ‘Who am I?’. My approach to astrology incorporates modern and traditional techniques with a psychological foundation, exploring meaning in belonging and becoming as part of cycles.

I am currently writing my first book Where Do I Really Belong, a book on the complexities of belonging as an Asian Australian.