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The Meaning of Shy and Quiet in Asian and Western Cultures
Shy. It’s often experienced as drifting in a state of quietness. A quiver in speaking our truth. Grappled with as stumbles and stumbling in communicating. Then in some cultures, shyness and quietness offer moments of consideration as we engage with others. Such traits aren’t weakness. Both shy and quiet lend a sensitivity around others, guiding…
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To Label Or Not To Label – Cultural Identities
As someone who drifts in between cultures, I’m descriptive of several labels. Chinese. Australian. Asian Australian. South-East Asian. As I go about my days, I’m also descriptive of: Writer. Neurodivergent. Introvert. Astrologer. And more… Our cultural identities are often a source of pride. Yet at times our cultural affiliations can be conflicting and confusing, and…
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Does Belonging Start With Self-Acceptance?
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…
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3 Differences Between Family Values in Eastern and Western Cultures
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…
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Do You Get More Introverted As You Get Older?
There’s the possibility that many of us become more introverted as we get older. Our personalities change with life experiences. We become more self-aware and along with that, perhaps there’s an inclination to be more reserved on different levels. Perhaps for many of us, we become naturally introverted with time and find this meaningful. Susan…
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10 Years of Blogging: Is Blogging Still Relevant?
These days people tend to gravitate towards social media and online video platforms, and it seems the concept of blogging is outdated. It begs the questions: is blogging still relevant today? Is blogging dead? Do people still read blogs? The short answer: no blogging is not dead. It is still relevant depending on how you…
Mabel Kwong 