Global Climate Strike

The Domain, Sydney 

Never underestimate the power of the youth.

A little over a year ago, at the age of 15, Greta Thunberg went on a school climate strike all by herself and began the Fridays For Future movement. This year, the movement went global, mostly organised and led by highschool students. 

It was also great to witness the rally last Friday (20 September) supported and joined by many businesses, community groups and people of all ages. As many as 2,845 businesses and organisations pledged to allow their staff to also strike as a part of the Not Business As Usual campaign by Future Super. The turnout and energy in Sydney alone was unreal.

These students can't vote at elections yet but they do want their voices heard and to advocate for things that matter about their future, i.e. demanding the government for greater action on climate change. In Australia, strikers demanded: 

• No new coal, oil and gas projects, including Adani's mine. 
• 100% renewable energy generation and exports by 2030.
• A just transition and job creation for all fossil-fuel workers and communities. 

Afterall, the consequences of climate change such as warming temperatures, extreme weather events and rising sea levels are going to be copped mostly by future generations.

So grateful that I live in a democratic society that I'm able to exercise my freedom of assembly and human right to protest. Some may argue and suggest students to strike on weekends. However, the whole point of a strike is to make a strong point by disrupting normal working hours. Striking on weekends is pointless.

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Vietnam Veterans Day

Vietnam Forces National Memorial, Canberra 

Today is Vietnam Veterans Day and also marks 53 years since the Battle of Long Tan. 

The Battle of Long Tan: 105 Australians and 3 New Zealanders vs. 1500-2500 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. This remains as one of the most significant battles during the Vietnam War in Australian military history.

I understand the controversies around the Vietnam War and am fully aware of the poor treatment our Vietnam Veterans received after it.

I will always honour those who served and the 521 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for fighting for my family's freedom.

Lest We Forget.

Lots o' Love, Linda

Weak Ties Matter

It's powerful to surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Maintain your most nearest and dearest of friendships. Be selective of who's in your inner circle of friends.

However, I do think acquaintances are seriously undervalued. Acquaintances & casual friendships are valuable too! And have great impact on your well-being. Whether you realise it or not, your weak connections actually have some significance.

It's also necessary to be around people who have different perspectives and diversity of thoughts and experiences to help you become more open-minded and to look at the world through a different lens.

"Observe your environment, at work, at school, at home. I'm asking you to look at people around you purposefully and intentionally. Invite people into your life who don't look like you, don't think like you, don't act like you, don't come from where you come from and you might find that they will challenge your assumptions and make you grow as a person." - Mellody Hobson

Lots o' Love, Linda

Sometimes, Listening is the Answer

Instagram: @RUOKDay 

Shoutout to my former self for not admitting that I wasn't happy when only two of my friends asked me if I was. Damn, I was foolish back then. I really tried to convince myself that I was but couldn't bring myself to be honest.

However over the years, I have made attempts to a few people to tell them I was struggling. Some responses were straight up invalidation and dismissed my struggles (even before giving me a chance to speak).

But what really upsetted me the most was when a few other people I tried to reach out to simply suggested to "just go get a boyfriend", "get a rich husband and you won't have to worry about anything" or "get a boyfriend so you can stand there and look pretty." I kid you not, people have said that to me. It's an absolute cop out!

I know love makes the world go round but I can assure you, this is NOT the solution to your struggles. Even for someone like me who wasn't in a healthy mind space knew that.

It's been ingrained in us since at a young age that having a romantic partner is the ultimate goal and is a success indicator. Seeking a relationship to validate your worthiness while you have low self-esteem and no sense of self awareness is not the way to go. Giving someone else the responsibility to make you feel happy and secure cause you're insecure by yourself and fear being alone is pretty selfish. Defining yourself via your relationship status will lead to unnecessary problems.

Love yourself first. Self awareness is most important. We weren't taught this growing up. It's no wonder people become co-dependent and fall into toxic relationships. This applies to both genders. It's time to unlearn the whole romantic fantasy idea of being in love and empower more self love and emotional intelligence. It's absolutely crucial regardless of being in a relationship or not.

Anyways, if someone is reaching out and admitting they're struggling, most of the time, they just want you to give them a safe space for them to talk and for you to listen without judgement. No need to find a solution right away. It really is that simple.

If you or anyone you know needs help. The following support services are available. Contact: 

• Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14
• Kids Help Line on 1800 551 800
• Mens Line Australia on 1300 789 978
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• Reachout Australia at au.reachout.com

IF IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, DIAL 000

Lots o' Love, Linda

Tired of being strong, please let me be weak for a minute

Instagram: @beyondblueofficial 

When I recently opened up to two separate key people in my life about my depression, both never saw it coming nor had any suspicions. For some reason, I didn't think I was disguising it THAT well. I guess it was cause for the most part, I continued to get dressed, go to work, put on makeup, eat regularly, leave the house, go to places, keep in touch with loved ones but at the same time, my mind was deadass disordered. Most of my symptoms appeared behind closed doors away from the world to see.

And then it starts showing up externally. My performance was slipping but it was mistaken as laziness. My lack of communication and socialising was mistaken for being busy. Just goes to show how prevalent high functioning depression is and how easily it is to overlook possible warning signs, cause for the most part, it's harder to detect.

Those who are dealing with high functioning depression usually look like they have it all together on the surface. They carry on with work, socialise and get things done but mentally, they're struggling, big time. Eg: celebrities.

Allow this to prompt you to check in with all your loved ones (yourself included)! Don't wait till R U OK? Day 12 September 2019 to start a conversation! And most importantly, listen. 

And definitely see your doctor. I've learned more about myself and mental health since the start of my healing journey with a professional than a few YouTube videos from influencers with 1 million followers sharing their experiences and suggestions, cause our life experiences and how we respond to things are all different. And don't forget, depression ain't the only mental health disorder!

If you or anyone you know needs help. The following support services are available. Contact: 

• Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14
• Kids Help Line on 1800 551 800
• Mens Line Australia on 1300 789 978
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• Reachout Australia at au.reachout.com

IF IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, DIAL 000

Lots o' Love, Linda

World Refugee Day 2019

On World Refugee Day, I'm sending thanks to the REAL MVPs.

• Former Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam for abolishing the White Australia Policy and embraced a multicultural Australia.

• Former Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser for respecting international obligations and implemented a refugee policy to resettle Indo-Chinese refugees into Australia. The influx of these refugees post White Australia Policy was the first real test to multiculturalism and since then, Australia has become more diverse than ever.

• My refugee family resettled into Australia under Prime Minister Bob Hawke so thank you for continuing Fraser's legacy in responding to humanitarian crises with commitment and compassion.

• Fraser was a Liberal during his leadership; he however defected in later years and heavily criticised against the Liberal government's inhumane treatment to current asylum seekers and refugees. And damn, our government is despicable.

If it weren't for the significant work from these former leaders, I literally would not be here today, in Australia, enjoying my freedoms and human rights. These are basic and intangible but precious things that I hold dear, especially when so many people around the world are legit risking their lives to fight for their freedom and human rights.

I will continue to watch our government like a hawk and stand in solidarity with all those displaced; asylum seekers and refugees, regardless of their race and beliefs. 

Also importantly, I will treat them with respect as humanitarian migrants, not economic migrants.

Lots o' Love, Linda

Share a Meal, Share a Story

 

When we look back at refugee success stories, we tend to look towards no other than Cabramatta aka "Vietnamatta". Infamous for being the enclave of Indo-Chinese refugees. Also infamous for being a crime zone during the 90s cause refugees were forced to go into survival mode, perhaps due to government policy failure. Very pleased at how much the community here overcame adversity to build a new life for themselves and improved their public image as a refugee community.

Let's not forget that this didn't happen overnight. It took years... decades. I must mention this because I think it's incredibly unfair to expect current asylum seekers and refugees to have English communication skills, be "job ready" and to have a job offer right off the bat upon arrival to their new resettled country (and then have Australians complain about refugees "stealing" their jobs).

I also think it's unfair to expect asylum seekers and refugees to be super smart, super human, super productive and super successful to prove themselves to be "worthy" and valuable to be granted asylum.

Over recent years, I've gotten into discussion with a few first generation immigrant friends, only to find out how much they hate refugees. Refugees get blamed for everything. Little did they know that I'm a daughter of one... and damn proud of it too! No shame!

Hope everyone takes the time to understand what it means to be an asylum seeker and a refugee. No one actually chooses the circumstances to become one.

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Refugee Week 2019

In honour of Refugee Week (#withrefugees), I want to thank this Australian gentlemen pictured in the middle. 🙂

He played a key role in helping my Vietnamese Boat People fam integrate into Australian society. I believe (but could be wrong) that he was a part of Australia's Community Refugee Settlement Scheme (CRSS) which was Australia's first community sponsorship model which ran from 1979-1997.

Community groups and everyday individuals offered to initially support the resettlement and integrate 30,000 refugees from Indo-China (Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos), but later expanded to include all refugees from other parts of the world.

Australia no longer runs this program but is currently running a Community Support Program (CSP) which is much more flawed and in much need of a reform since it prioritises economic factors instead of humanitarian needs.

The government should really consider more options for community involvement and sponsorship to resettle refugees, in addition to its committment and responsibility to the refugee and humanitarian program.

Let's always remember that asylum seekers and refugees are not the same as economic migrants, so shouldn't be treated as such.

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Buy Less, Wear More

Throwback to my teenage years when I wore the same clothes over and over again without feeling self-conscious about it, at all. The same jeans, same jumper (the one in the photo lasted me yeeeeeaaars), same tops and same footwear were always in rotation. I liked my clothes and I was happy about it. Little did I know at the time that my choices were actually sustainable.

Until one day, a friend had the audacity to burst my bubble and said,

"Linda, you're wearing the same thing AGAIN!" 

So naturally, I got a little upset about it, became a little self-conscious and prompted me to buy new clothes, which became a mindless and nasty habit.

Fast forward to my present self as a young adult and I feel absolutely proud about wearing the same thing over and over again. I still only wear a fraction of my wardrobe though. However, I do intend on getting more wear out of my current clothes and being more mindful on the impact of my purchasing power. No longer am I falling for those fleeting fashion trends or caring about being caught in the same outfit. Nor do I need approval from others about my outfits.

Being intentional with my clothing choices and sustainability brings me peace. 

Buy less, choose well. Make it last.

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Who Made My Clothes

Dear: Bec and Bridge, 

I am your customer and I love your clothes. However, I feel not enough positive change has happened in the six years since Rana Plaza collapsed, the tragedy which killed and injured thousands of garment workers in Bangladesh.

It is very important to me that people working in your supply chain are seen, heard, paid properly and working in safe conditions.

Seeing your "F" rating in the Ethical Fashion Guide 2019 by Baptist World Aid does not sit well with me.

So please tell me who made my clothes and where I can find out more information about your supply chain.

Thank you!

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Click for the full Ethical Fashion Report 2019. 

Swallowing My Pride

Mindframe 

So in late Feb/early March, with a little push from my bro, I finally decided to swallow my pride to seek professional help about my mental health. I've been struggling for some time now (4+ yrs) and even though I recognised the signs of mental health risk, I forced myself to suffer in silence and battle my inner demons alone.

I'm very well aware that I'm not the only one who has problems nor do I think I have it the worst, but the stigma around mental illness was and still is very strong. No matter how much my mental health was out of whack, I completely underestimated its effects of leaving it unaddressed or untreated.

My past attempts of reaching out to "friends" about it all backfired cause they trivialised how I felt or what I was going through, even before giving me a chance to speak. Been told things like: 

"you're not the only one who has problems",

"if you think you're the only one who has problems then all the best in life to you", and

"if you hear about my problems or what I've been going through, then you will realise that your problems aren't so bad." 

Even toxic positivity thoughts like "just think positive" is damaging. Because of these responses, I was reluctant to open up and then eventually led myself to a depressive disorder.

I really wish I was one of those mentally stable and strong people who can overcome depression or mental health issues without professional help, but I'm not one of them.

My biggest regret is not seeking help a lot earlier. I also regret not continuing my counselling sessions at the age of 17 when I had a sudden breakdown. When I saw people in my grade literally laughing at the idea of counselling, it prevented me from speaking to the counsellor again. Would've made a huge difference to my first few years post-highschool.

If and when you're struggling, please speak to someone you trust. If you can't, I highly encourage you to speak to your GP. You also don't need a "valid" reason or apparent justification like experiencing a tragic or traumatising event. Nor do you need to be in really bad circumstances. Nor do you need to be at crisis point. It doesn't have to make sense.

Lots o' Love, Linda

Straight Outta Cabra

Friendship Arch / Pai Lau, Freedom Plaza, Cabramatta

After reading and listening to many (and I mean, many) other people's shocking stories about growing up Asian in Australia or America and the bullying they copped on the regular simply for being Asian, I've realised how fortunate I was to have a different experience. Growing up, I thought multiculturalism was everywhere in Australia. Little did I know that I was actually a part of an ethnic minority because I was never made to feel that way. I guess I was sorta in a bubble? I only started realising this well into my teenage years. I also only started feeling the effects of racism towards Asians or minorities after highschool.

Super grateful that I grew up in a diverse community that made up of not only South East Asians but also a good mix of white, Spanish, Serbians, Middle Easterns, Pacific Islanders, Italians and Greeks, just to name a few. I never felt alienated or ashamed of my heritage despite Cabra copping heaps of racism back in the day. In fact, there was plenty of Asian pride (*cough* AzN PriDe). I had classmates of different backgrounds and maintained my Vietnamese roots via Vietnamese school, as well as cultural and community events.

Even though it looks like I grew up in an Asian enclave at first glance, the Fairfield - Cabramatta area felt more diverse than any other area in Sydney. Pretty sure I would've had a completely different (and more marginalised) experience growing up somewhere else. And for that, I will never be ashamed of telling people I grew up in Fairfield - Cabramatta area and will always be proud of my Asian ethnicity.

Lots o' Love, Linda