Creativity for Mental Wellbeing

Growing up in an Asian culture, creativity was never something "extra". It was simply part of daily life. After school, my friends and I went straight into more learning — music lessons, art classes, sports, language tutoring, competitions. Everyone around me was multitalented because that's just how we were raised. We were trained to be disciplined, adaptable, and capable from a very young age. Long school days, piles of homework, endless quizzes and exams, plus extra activities outside school seemed very usual. Then stepping into the workplace, the pace became even faster — efficient, demanding, competitive, with overtime that felt normal. But because of how we grew up, it all felt strangely manageable.

So when I moved to Australia, a more laid-back country, something interesting happened. Suddenly, everything felt easier. The workload felt lighter. People called me "fast", "organised", "talented", "advanced". But really, it was simply the result of years of being shaped by a culture that pushes you to grow in many directions at once.

When I became a mum, that old training showed up again. I found myself doing everything on my own — not just the basics like cooking, washing, school drop-offs and pick-ups. I also handled all the extra things for my daughter: finding her hobbies, scheduling her training and competitions, practising with her, making costumes, organising every detail.

Sometimes I look back and wonder how I managed all of that while working part-time in an office and building my online shop completely by myself.

But the truth is: creativity kept me going.

I used the visual art and photography skills I learned at university. I taught myself how to build a website. I edited every photo one by one using different apps. I designed, wrote, created, and refined — all in the quiet hours after the kids were asleep.

There was a sense of accomplishment every time I saw a finished product — a photo, a design, a handmade item, a new page on my website. Even though my online business is more of a hobby and doesn't earn much, it has become something precious to me.

It is my resting corner. A place where I can forget the noise of life and simply enjoy being in the creative world.

"Do small things with a full heart, and your spirit will become strong."

I understand that more deeply now.