Set Yourselves Up for Surprises
They say our brains are wired to be lazy. Trained to expect patterns, we live our lives almost in auto-pilot mode. Of course, till something disrupts. The recent Real World Campus’s Life Hack Workshop was an example of anything but expected.
From conceptualisation to execution, it was made possible because of surprises after surprises. How hard would something as cute as a paddle-pop arigurumi be? After all, we had people in the room who conquered ‘mountains’ and scaled heights!
But ‘shook’ we were by this cute little thing and along with that also many life lessons learnt. Here’s one perspective from our very own Life Hack Coordinator - Jin Xuan and Campus Teacher- Joyce, as they share their thoughts of how it all came about.
We heard the inspiration to coordinate this class happened post Carouselland fair. What went on there that spurred you to action?
Jin Xuan: I frequent fairs quite a fair bit (pun intended) especially those with handmade items. I just love to see how intricate some handmade items can really be, and most of the times I wonder how anyone could think and create these items.
@Beebeecraftycat was the only stall that caught my eyes that day (apart from food!), and the first thing I saw was her cute little Ang Ku Kueh brooch with two tiny black eyes staring back at me!
Typically, I would be asking for the price, but I surprised myself as I asked, “Do you teach this?” That struck my conversation with Joyce, who enthusiastically shared with me the places where she learnt crochet and the amount of work behind each kueh kueh amigurumi that she designed.
Amusingly, it was not at that moment that I decided to coordinate the lesson with Joyce until much later, when the idea was generated in the toilet.
One more addition to my toilet bowl ideas!
What were your thoughts when Jin Xuan whom you haven't met came up to you and propositioned coordinating a workshop for you?
Joyce (@beebeecraftycat): It was a very pleasant surprise to receive Jin Xuan's message, and I was delighted that she had me in mind. In fact, I had met her at a popup about a week before, and I remembered having a really nice time chatting with her. So we met up for a meal to discuss the idea (I always say when people share a meal together, they become friends!). Once I was quite sure the dates were going to work out, it was pretty much "Yes! Let's do this!" I had also been wanting to hold workshops so this was a wonderful opportunity, and even better that it was going to be in collaboration with Bold At Work, which I'd been following for awhile now :)
Amigurumi seems like a craft that requires a lot of patience/skill to create the eventual cute stuffed creature. How do you think this parallels work/life?
Joyce (@beebeecraftycat): There are times, when I am simply rushing to complete a toy, and the result is seldom satisfactory. For me, the process/journey is as important as the end point, sometimes, even more so. Because taking time to appreciate the moment, stopping to take a deep breath, looking around to see what's right there in front of you, stepping back for a fresh perspective, these can make all the difference. Like how I sometimes end up with a plushie that isn't exactly what I started out to make, maybe due to new ideas and inspiration, life can turn out a little differently from expectations. But hey, that's OK, keep an open mind! Life is an adventure!
Jin Xuan: This is a question I find it’s the hardest to answer. Apart from patience, there stands grit. Patience sits together with us on many things in life, and grit is what holds you on this journey of life.
What are some of the little twists and knots you have encountered in your own experiences doing something new/different? What is your source of hope as you navigate them?
Joyce (@beebeecraftycat): Skepticism, doubt, uncertainty, a lack of resources, not fitting into the crowd... these are a few things that come to mind. I've always been rather free-spirited (very thankful for family and an environment that allowed me to grow unfettered in my own way), so this perhaps has helped me get around these "twists" and "knots" that can come from both external sources and from within. I think it's important to acknowledge and, respect that not everyone is going to understand the path we choose. Make peace, and go on. I would encourage folks to hold onto, protect and keep our eyes on these values and dreams that are dearest to us. I am still journeying myself, with still a long way ahead, but I deeply believe that these are what will help us navigate through life even when the way ahead is unfamiliar.
Jin Xuan: Self-doubt. The thoughts of being ‘not good enough’ are like plaque on my teeth, I brush and floss, but they return the very next day! It is a constant mental battle and sometimes I bash myself up in my head when I don’t meet my own expectations.
I don’t think there is any source of hope when I navigate through these thoughts but reading up self-help books and talking to people with different perspectives helped me to accept my reality a little bit better each time.
Songs have its magic too – Mayday’s 顽固 (Tough) reminds me to piece myself back each time I fall.
The Life Hack Workshop Series is an initiative set to inspire what the future of learning could be. Following the lead of learners, reigniting the curiosities of many and bring learning to surprising places and uncover unexpected teachers. If you feel moved to coordinate a class or simply find out more of how you could be part of this moment, drop us a note at hello@boldatwork.sg .