Does Belonging Start With Self-Acceptance?

Posted on 20 April 2024 by Mabel Kwong

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Finding a sense of belonging is not always easy. Belonging might seem elusive when you struggle with conflicting intercultural identities. Or when you feel like an outsider among groups.

Perhaps belonging starts with self-acceptance. Look within to accept yourself as you are. When you accept your cultural traits that you like and dislike as part of your core, you might feel closer to the experience of belonging.

The concept of belonging is complex and interpreted differently across cultures. Emotional bonding, shared values and spiritual connection are some things encapsulating belonging. It is a subjective experience within tangible places, family, society and more.

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3 Differences Between Family Values in Eastern and Western Cultures

Posted on 15 February 2024 by Mabel Kwong

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Family is a complex thing. Our concept of family is shaped by many factors such as our cultural background, personalities and experiences. In particular, family values tend to be very different in Eastern and Western cultures.

Having my family and close friends across Asia and Australia, diverse dynamics are enriching yet also chaotic in my life. Sometimes I resonate with my Chinese family values, other times western values resonate with me more.

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Where Do You Really Feel At Home?

Posted on 20 April 2023 by Mabel Kwong

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Home may be a place that you know well. Or a space that resonates with you. Or something that seems elusive. The feeling of being most at home is a multi-layered, complex construct, and it can be hard to explain.

As someone who is often caught in between Eastern and Western cultures and has lived in different countries surrounded by different languages, no place has ever felt like home to me. About a year ago, an evening stroll inspired me to think a bit more about this thing called home.

Striding down the Princes Bridge, the crisp autumn air picks up. Pulling the zipper up my puffer jacket, it is just another routine evening of sunset photography in Melbourne CBD. The cold is always a familiar part of it at this time of the year in May, no surprises.

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5 Differences Between Eastern and Western Learning Styles

Posted on 2 February 2023 by Mabel Kwong

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There are different styles of learning in Eastern and Western cultures, often very distinct approaches towards learning and education.

Though Eastern and Western countries have contrasting educational systems, it’s not to say one is superior over the other. There is much to be reflected on within both systems, in turn understanding the cultures, beliefs and philosophies that underpin approaches in classrooms and universities.

I went to school in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia, and my learning experience in South-East Asia was vastly different compared to Down Under. My classmates, teachers and face-to-face learning in these countries were like chalk and cheese. More recently, this year I am doing an online writing course which is a whole other learning experience altogether.

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5 Reasons Introverts Dislike Phone Calls

Posted on 10 October 2022 by Mabel Kwong

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If you’re an introvert, maybe you don’t like talking on the phone. Maybe you hate making or receiving calls most of the time.

Maybe you feel anxious hearing the ring or buzz of your phone. Or your heart pounds when you’re dialing someone, scattered mind feverishly wondering what’s to come. Or you go out of your way to avoid making phone calls.

Talking on the phone can be a difficult experience for many introverts. Introverts or those with a reserved personality may feel phone calls are performative experiences as opposed to engaging moments. In general, introverts gain energy through reflective activities and time alone while the ones who are extroverted or outgoing thrive on interactions and chattiness.

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Ways I Disappoint My Asian Parents Again and Again

Posted on 14 July 2022 by Mabel Kwong

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When you come from an Asian family, there are usually strict cultural norms to live up to. On the occasions you don’t, chances are you probably disappoint your Asian parents.

Different Asian parents, and parents in general, have different expectations of their children. But the benchmark tends to be high in Asian households.

Growing up Asian in Australia, my migrant Chinese parents were strict with a traditional Chinese mindset. They wanted me to be top of the class, work a high paying job and be a smiling demure Chinese girl well-liked for her polite mannerisms. For most part I never lived up to these expectations, much to their disappointment.

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