What does it mean to savour life, and how do we go about doing it?
Dr. Tam Wai Jia, a medical doctor and Youth Expedition Projectparticipant from 10 years ago, reached out to many of our hearts on 22nd January as she shared her heartfelt journey.
Unraveling the meaning behind the pages of her newly launched book, Savour, Wai Jia gave us a few tips on how to pursue our own dreams.
1. STARS AND DAISIES
Wai Jia sharing at her book launch on 22nd Jan
“What is the world telling you, and what does your heart say?”
One of the first steps to savouring life is recognizing the difference between the world’s expectations and our heart’s song.
Using the symbols of stars and daisies in her book, Wai Jia expresses her journey of being lost in the rat race of “chasing stars” to climb the ladder of success. Her own dreams to serve the poor had been enshrouded by the need to attain more “stars” in her life.
As she shared her struggles, she challenged us to redefine our ideals of success. Is success defined by the number of awards we achieve in life, or by the impact we make on the world around us?
One of the pages from the book, Savour
2. LESSONS FROM THE PAST
Wai Jia in Uganda
“Don’t let your struggles confine you. Instead, choose how they define you.”
Wai Jia’s journey took a sharp twist as she struggled with depression in the past. As she grappled with these challenges, they helped her develop compassion and commitment to help those in need.
She believes in bouncing back stronger and using the biggest setbacks as our launching pads to help others.
3. THE LITTLE THINGS MATTER
“We have the power to make a difference”
During Wai Jia’s one year stint in Uganda, she shared about her encounter with Eve, a struggling single mother whose dream was to empower other women by teaching them how to make crafts.
Wai Jia using her long hair to attract other women to come for the crafts workshop
What started as a simple friendship with Eve, blossomed into a socio-economic project in the heart of a village, where women gathered week after week to learn a new skill. This not only restored the dignity of many single women, but changed the lives of their struggling children.
Wai Jia shares – it is not what we can offer, but the simplicity and authenticity of our love that will make a difference.
The smallest things, done with great love, can change the world.
4. TAKE THE LEAP OF FAITH
Savour at the book launch on 22nd January 2016
“A leap of faith can make a huge difference”
Often, there are many things to worry about when it comes to pursuing our dreams. It’s usually easier to remain where we are – in the comfort of stability, with a stable home and income. This was no exception for Wai Jia. The excruciating journey of letting go of what she had so strongly tied her identity to, turned out to be most liberating.
She asked herself, “If I only had 5 years to live, how would I live?”
What about us? If we only had a short time to live, would we be willing to take the leap of faith to live our lives differently?
5. “ARE YOU PREPARED TO COUNT THE COST?”
The call of pursuing our dreams sounds very romantic, but behind this comes sacrifices that have to be made.
Before heading to Uganda, both Wai Jia and her husband, Cliff, counted the cost of their decision. With Cliff’s medical history of having had a liver transplant, and the various health risks they would be exposed to, they came face-to-face with the realities of serving out of their comfort zones. In spite of this, they took the leap of faith.
Wai Jia quotes her husband, Cliff, a great source of inspiration to her, as he had asked her before, “Would you rather die for what you believed in, or live comfortably, without a sense purpose?”
If you have a heart to serve the needy or
a buried dream you’ve been longing to fulfil,
why not do something today?
Life is short. Make every moment count.
~Edited by Dr. Tam Wai Jia
Looking for avenues to volunteer? Try Youth Corps Singapore.
There’re many opportunities for you to make a difference to society.
Head to kitesong.sg to find out more about Dr. Tam Wai Jia,
