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

Growing up Asian Australian Tag

Inspired by the "Growing up Asian American Tag" on YouTube, I've decided to have my input in my perspective growing up as an Asian Australian. 

So, here it is; 

Which ethnicity are you? 

Vietnamese 

Which generation are you? 

I was born in Australia but my mum was born in Vietnam. So, I'm guessing my mum is first generation Vietnamese Australian and I'm second-generation. If I'm wrong, please feel free to correct me.

What is the first experience where you felt that demarcation of being a minority/different? 

I grew up in a very immigrant heavy community so I guess I didn't really feel indifferent. It's only when I reflect on the past and see in some instances where I could've felt that way but didn't affect me much at all. 

For example, I spent about a year of my childhood residing in an area which was dominantly Anglo-Saxon, where my family was the only Asian family living in my street.  A year after, I moved to a community where I had more access and had a closer connection with the Asian community. I didn't really notice it then, but looking back at my early primary school photos, there was a good balance between Asians and non-Asians. Growing up having Asian neighbours and Asian friends throughout primary and highschool meant I didn't feel to much of an outcast at all. 

However, I guess I can recall the first time I felt like a minority was my first highschool camp at the end of year 8. The camp was based down the south coast, 2-3 hrs away from Sydney. That was when I began to notice that us Asians were the minority Australians. 

Were you always proud of your heritage or was there a time you rejected it?

I was very proud of my Vietnamese heritage, and still am to this day. I don't think I ever rejected it growing up. 

What are some stereotypes that you struggle with? 

The stereotype that "all Asians are smart at maths" was probably what I struggled with the most. I guess I was pretty average growing up. I was a little slower than most of my Asian peers during primary school, whilst I was just average throughout highschool. I was never in any of the advanced maths classes, nor did I study 2 unit maths for my HSC. And I was always the slowest in my tutor classes. 

Can you speak your language?

Very brokenly. I attended Saturday Vietnamese school for a few years, and was fortunate to have extra Vietnamese language classes that was made available during the week at my primary school. Hence, I am able to read and my writing isn't too bad, but my speaking skills are pretty poor. I won't be able to have a full conversation in Vietnamese without throwing English terms along the way. And, I would struggle badly when it comes to interpreting. 

How has being Asian Australian affected your relationship with your parents? 

Even though I went to Vietnamese school and could speak and write basic Vietnamese, the language barrier was (and still is) the biggest setback that has affected my relationship with not only my mum, but also my aunties and uncles. My mum speaks very little English so it's hard to have a conversation about anything really. It's hard for my mum to understand me because of my inability to communicate any concerns or have any discussion about my thoughts and the events in my life. So, more often than not, there is some misunderstanding between the two of us. I'm pretty sure it would be a very different and a much stronger relationship if we could just both communicate in the same language. 

I also feel like a huge disappointment to my family because of this. 

How do you feel about your heritage now? Do you identify with it?

I love my Vietnamese heritage. And yes, I identity myself as Vietnamese but more specifically Vietnamese Australian. However, I still get conflicted between the two. Sometimes, I am made to feel like an outcast in Australia only because of my Asian image despite being born and bred in Australia. Meanwhile, I would also feel indifferent in the motherland Vietnam, because of my lack of speaking skills and different upbringing. 

What is your favourite thing about being Asian Australian/your heritage? 

Other than my appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine, and the fact that a lot of Vietnamese have common surnames (despite being unrelated - hello Tran and Nguyen!), I also deeply appreciate the Vietnamese history. 

The Vietnam War and the ultimate outcome of it played a huge effect on my mum's life experience. I have a big appreciation for my mum's refugee journey. And, have an even bigger appreciation for the former late Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser for implementing a refugee policy that allowed my mum as well as many other Vietnamese refugees to settle into Australia. I have a huge appreciation for the former South Vietnam flag because not only does it represent my mum's former homeland that doesn't exist anymore, it represents the Vietnamese refugee community. 

Being born to a former Vietnamese refugee who started afresh in Australia gained me more awareness and have more empathy for the current asylum seekers and refugee crisis that we are currently facing. 

It's safe to say that I hit that ultimate jackpot the moment I was born here in Australia. It definitely is a privilege to be Australian and having the childhood that I had will always be my treasured memories.

And, I can't finish this without a special mention to Cabramatta. Although notorious for being the heroin epidemic ghetto in the 90's and blaming the Asian community for its social issues, I'm proud how far Cabramattta has come since those days. 

I will never be ashamed of being Vietnamese-Australian.

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Anzac Day 2018

Australian War Memorial x Westfield Sydney exhibition 

Today, we commemorate all of our soldiers. Not only do we honour the original ANZACs who were involved in the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War, but also all of our service personnel involved in the wars thereafter. This also includes our Indigenous, women, ethnic minorities and our four-legged heroes such as horses and dogs. We will always remember them. 

LEST WE FORGET 

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Who Made My Clothes

It's been five years since the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh with the death toll of 1134 people and approximately 2500 injured. 

That man-made disaster really was an eye-opening moment that made not just myself as a consumer, but fashion brands as well, to re-evaluate about our decision-making processes when it comes to the garment and fashion industry. 

Somewhat far removed from the reality of the working conditions behind each garment, because all I see is the end product sitting nicely in the shopping mall waiting to take place in my wardrobe. 

However, as a daughter of a (former) refugee, I'm quite aware of the sweatshop conditions with long hours for little pay, that a lot of Asian refugees in Australia have taken on as work because of their lack of English speaking skills but have strengths in sewing apparel. I'm sure this case is pretty much the same in other parts of the world. So, I can't begin to imagine what the possible factory working conditions are like overseas in a third-world country where most of my clothing pieces were made in. 

Being brutally honest (and disappointed at that), I've failed to become more conscious and make more responsible shopping decisions. I told myself I will no longer buy from fast-fashion shopping chains and have completely failed. It's actually not a good feeling, even though I have slowed down a little over the last 12 months. I guess it all really comes to down to discipline. 

The "Who Made My Clothes" campaign as a part of Fashion Revolution Week (23-29 April) is a refreshing reminder of sending out the message; to really consider the working conditions and supporting the well-being of those hard-working people who physically made your clothes. 

Whilst completely avoiding fast-fashion items or items made in a third world country is almost an impossible action to take, it's worth noting that you can make more ethical decisions based on the Ethical Fashion Guide published by Baptist World Australia. 

Click here to download.  

Alternatively, you can check out global brands in the Fashion Transparency Index 2018. 

I aim to buy less and choose better from now on. 

Lots o' Love, Linda

Mama's Great Escape

As a daughter of an immigrant (or more specifically, a refugee) and being far removed from my mum's life experiences, anything to understand her life, heritage and journey is important to me. 

All kinds of feels when I visited this very spot where my mum, aunty and cousin began their refugee boat journey to escape Vietnam's Communist regime during the 1980s. 

So, this would have to be one of the most significant and memorable experiences during my previous trip to the motherland, Vietnam.

It takes another level of courage to put your life at risk to jump on a fishing boat at night with no certainty that you will make it alive on the other side. I understand that many Vietnamese didn't make it through their journey to freedom. So, I can't begin to fathom on what they had to endure during the whole ordeal. 

It always make me wonder how different my life could've been if it wasn't for my mum's bravery. Who knows, aye? Would I even be here at all? 

My mum, aunty and cousin landed in Malaysia where they stayed in a refugee camp before they were accepted into Australia. So, thank you to the late former Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser, whom at the time implemented a refugee policy that accepted them and resettled them (along with thousands of other Vietnamese refugees) into Australia. 

For that, I am grateful. 

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Decluttering...

It's been three years since my last post about cleaning out my closet. I have found myself back at square one, where I have accumulated even more stuff since then as I developed unhealthy and irresponsible shopping habits over the years, which then meant more clutter and stress. 

I'm actually very disappointed that I let myself to relapse like this but this time, it's easier to let things go. It took me a while but I had to be brutally honest with myself and asked "am I really gonna wear this again?", and when the answer was no, it had to go. 

So, I asked myself the following questions;  

• Does it suit my style?

As I've grown a little older and a little bit more wiser (and a little wider), I've realised that my style has definitely changed. I am no longer into patterned prints, bright colours or excessive florals that used to overflow my wardroble. Those fleeting trends that seem to be on trend one minute then completely forgotten the next minute don't appeal to me (eg: ruffles, gingham print, peplum, platform pumps). 

I'm trying my best to steer away from fast fashion in the attempt of being more socially aware of its impact. I'd rather stick to core, solid, staple and classic pieces that I know that I'd still be rocking years down the track. 

Classic pieces over fleeting trends, always. 

• Does it fit properly? 

My body weight and figure had fluctuated over the previous years, which is why I end up having so many different sized clothing. I had accumulated clothing that ranged from AU size 4 to AU size 10. I even had the bad habit of buying clothes that weren't my size, just for the sake of having it (which was probably just an ego thing - irresponsible shopping). 

Now, that I'm a little older, I'm seeing changes in my body. And, instead of beating myself up about it, I have come to acceptance that I just can't fit into some of my clothes anymore.

So, there you have it. I ended up donating my pre-loved items to my local thrift store, which I really hope they get more love. Some of these are items I've been hoarding for 10 years. It's still an ongoing process though, cause I still have too many things.

Nevertheless, it's a small but proud moment to finally let these go.  

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Press for Progress

Image via Instagram: @LangLeav

Happy International Women's Day! 

This year the theme for this significant day is #PressforProgress. 

It is not about "hating men" or believing that women are superior to men, it's about putting the spotlight on gender parity. The discrimination, limitations and lack of representation of women that prevents us to reach our full potential still exists around the world today, both economically and socially.

Instead of competing and putting each other down, women from all over should be celebrating women's progress and contribution to the world, as well as empowering all types of women. 

Shout-out to the strong women past and present, who paved the way for us and those who continue to fight for (and with) us. 

Here's an illustration that I like: 

Ramya Sriram 

Lots o' Love, Linda