The reason I started Our Core Things

Last week, I posted a note that unexpected resonated with over 1000 people on Substack:

“The older I get, the less I’m impressed by people with many achievements, and the more I’m impressed by people with genuine, pure intentions.’

A big part of why I launched Our Core Things, is because I saw that despite all the things that make us vastly different as humans, there are also certain things that connect us.

As we move into July, I’ve thinking about how to realign myself for the reminder of 2025. I’ll be hosting a small live session on July 6th for those craving a reset — more on this below.

Alignment over achievement

I wrote it right after attending magazine's annual event celebrating successful women. I loved how they were empowering so many others, yet I felt a little disconnected from them. Everybody introduced themselves through accolades… and the networking felt a bit performative.

A few years ago, I would've wanted to be one of the award recipients, yet that night I didn't feel that desire. Perhaps it is going deeper into my spiritual journey, and reconnecting with my authentic self that changed the way I see things.

I understand that all of us are designed in different ways, and when we follow our energy, what lights us up, we can give to the world in a way that aligns with us.

Coming back to our essence

I’ve always loved connecting people from all walks of life; hence I'm uniquely drawn to street and portrait photography. I come alive in those moments where someone lights up talking about what they love, or when they trust me enough to drop their guard and be vulnerable.

Though my work in sustainability is impactful, these are the moments when I feel I am most on purpose.

Have you experienced moments that gave you goosebumps, not because it's exuberant but because you felt connected to something bigger? I believe that when most of us say we want 'success', most often, this is the feeling we're looking for.

Finding our light helps others to find theirs

After years of photographing and interviewing people, I’ve noticed that everyone has something that makes them come alive. And equally, everyone has faced struggle and self-doubt.

As the world seems to become divided, what we can do for ourselves and others is have a little more empathy. What we can do is remember that there are things we have in common, and at our core, we are more similar than different. This is the reason that I launched this newsletter and podcast.

ALSO - if you are craving a mid-year reset to realign with your essence, I’m holding a live mid-year reset webinar on July 6th, 8pm HKT. You can register HERE.

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PODCAST

I spoke to Sofie Fella (German-Chinese Rugby Player and founder of Girls Lift Girls & The Da Collection) on identity and wellness practices amidst a busy schedule.
🎧 Listen to the full-episode below.

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INSPIRATION

And the older I get
The truer it is
It's the people you love, not the money and stuff
That makes you rich

— ‘The Older I Get’, Alan Jackson (2021)

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