In the Mood of a New Change

The start of the new year stirs up thoughts of reflection and the desire for a new change. Even global leaders. The beginning of the year is a great time to reflect on what's happened and speculate on what may be coming up next. Let's take everything as new again, from business, work, health, to lifestyle. This includes reflecting on the realities of the modern workplace in their many forms- from images of remote working and new entrepreneurial start-ups to shots of designers, architects, engineers, educators, corporate leaders, healthcare to medical professionals, image stylists to artists, and influencers.

Don't follow your dreams, chase them

This year may require some special thought and cautious planning on how to make a meaningful resolution work within the parameter of your new habits, as this is the season where I believe everyone is 'In the Mood of a New Change.'

So many are asking the question, 'How you should live life?'

As we enter the lunar Chinese New Year, its tradition holds true that wearing spanking new outfits, especially in 'RED', symbolises a new start and fresh hopes for the brand new year. According to the Lunar Calendar, this Chinese New Year ushers in the Year of Tiger, where the symbol of 'Tiger' is known for its strength, and bravery. To know how to manage the life you want, we recommend topping these 'tiger traits symbolism' by having a 'Solid Plan with razor-sharp FOCUS.'  From there, you take one day at a time and do your best. Don't worry about what anybody else is doing. Just give every day your best shot. 

Every human life contains potential. If that potential is not fulfilled, that life is wasted.

- Carl Jung

Carl Jung, the legendary founder of analytical psychology, received a letter asking how she should live life. Carl Jung advised, 

"Your questions are unanswerable because you want to know how one ought to live. One lives as one can. There is no single, definite way for the individual which is prescribed for him or would be the proper one. You always do the next thing that needs to be done, you will go most safely along the path prescribed by your subconscious. But if you do with conviction the next and most necessary thing, you are always doing something meaningful and intended by fate." 

So to meet yourself where you are now is like writing a book in the midst of your busy daily routine life, with a busy job, and family to look after. You write one sentence at a time and build from there. It is completely OK to be feeling a bit stuck, a bit of insecurity or low esteem from time to time, and not always have the answers you're looking for. To stay motivated, reboot and revisit your 'WHY' for the new change in order to stay focused. Whenever you are faced with obstacles or barriers, now or future, this refreshed 'WHY' of yours becomes your navigating shining star, which will help to steer you towards your new vision and goal direction. 

Sharing your refreshed goals with your team and partners, or potential investors helps build renewed CONFIDENCE. For each achievement of the small steps towards your renewed goals, have a celebration for continued motivations. Sharing your goals with others is a great way to gain support, accountability, and external confidence to continue. 

A way to stay focused required upskilling of our ability to express ourselves and hear others. To be in the mood for a new change is about kinder to yourself and others through expressing yourselves with honesty and clarity, while simultaneously paying others with respectful and empathetic attention. In any conversation or a new relationship, be attentive to your own needs and those of others. Learn to identify and clearly articulate what you are concretely wanting in a given situation. It is a simple change, yet powerfully transformative. It navigates our old habits of defending, withdrawing, or reactive in the face of critical situations, as well as your intentions and relations, in a new light. The emphasis here is deep listening - to yourself as well as others. It is an ongoing reminder to keep your attention focused on a place where you are more likely to get what you are seeking. 

How to live your life in the new year, does not consist of a set formula., but adapts to situations as well as your personal and cultural styles. Just taking the first step to observe what is actually happening in your life right now is key to a positive new year. What better way to usher in the year of Tiger in style and add some flair to your wardrobe come these festive seasons. Inspired by the fashion traditions through the rich heritage of the lunar new year, this time is centered around change and shedding off your life of 'old' energies, it is the key highlight of the festive season to wear primarily new clothing on New Year's Day.

Photo courtesy: MMK  pageant model in pink Cheongsam. 

The Cheongsam (also known as Qipao or Chipao), a quintessential dress code for the lunar new year, is a traditional Chinese form-fitting garment, high necked, closely fitted, and often short-sleeved dress for women. with skirt portion slit up the side. Today, Cheongsam is a similar garment to a suit and for decades, it has upheld its social-historical status. It is a versatile dress that can fit many occasions and is extremely diverse with many styles and fabrics being worn by women of all body types and cultures all over the world. 

Photo Image Credit: Author Teresa in soft floral Cheongsam ( also known as Qipao or Chipao). 

The modern cheongsam may also be worn long (as the one worn by author, Teresa- second from left), or have a bell flared style as worn by the MMK pageant model (the far right in the photo).

 

Are you seeking further Refinement in 2022?

If you are someone who is seeking a life of fulfillment, reach your optimal potential, loving what you do, love to dress well, believing in Style over Trends, aspired trailblazer to 'look good, feel good (physically and mentally), ready to a journey of life-long continuous learning for self-growth, and appreciate being elevated to a 'Life Well Lived', focusing on what is necessary over essentials, this is the place for you.  

Or if you feel the need to rediscover your Colour and Style Personality, or your Personal Positioning, do reach out to Refinement Society to discuss your personal and life goal. 

Leave a comment below and share with us your broad experiences where you feel the message that Refinement is affecting your life and success.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very safe and Happy Lunar New Year 2022. 

Image Credit: Unsplash