Yes siree it’s that time of year again for me to hang up my proverbial quill as I wrap up my sixth year of blogging.
Typically when December comes around, I try to ‘rest’ my blog for a month. Not to stop writing mind you. That would be tantamount to creative suicide. In the past when I tried to take a whole month’s break without writing, I find myself unable to resume writing easily. It’s like my writing muscles have atrophied!
So in order to avoid that, I will be doing some “mini-writing” offline to maintain the momentum til the next brand new year when I restart my blogging. Along the way, I’ll also make a point to ideate so the little grey cells in my head don’t haemorrhage. (While throwing in a poem or two in my usual Monday blog musings just because it sparks joy for me!)
The importance of writing and speaking up
Two days ago, a retiree wrote about how he’s been speaking up on public matters over the past three decades in forum letters the major local daily here publishes. And that this, his latest letter, which advocates for more people to speak up, will likely be his last. (He’s 77, with multiple physical ailments)
I appreciated his participation in the public discourse over the past 30 years and agree wholeheartedly that a society which has citizens who regularly speak up is one that will be the better for it. For healthy, constructive discourses and debates, done with the pure intent of improving the lives of humankind, should always be prioritised.
Even if parties in such conversations end up disagreeing, at the very least each side will have a firmer handle of not just their own convictions, but also why the opposite camp believes what they believe.
As an educator here over the past two decades (and counting), I can tell you that speaking up doesn’t come easy among my students and most of the younger generation. Heck, if I’m being totally truthful, the same can also be said of the adults in my world, especially the oldest among us! What was that saying again? You can’t teach an old dog new tricks?!
I don’t want to live that way, keeping silent. Or worse, stubborn. Thinking that by not publicly speaking up I’m shielded from disagreements and dissensions, and I can continue to live in my own bubble. Secretly harbouring no, hoarding, my own beliefs and values to myself.
I want to keep speaking. To keep writing. Because I believe in the power of words to move mountains. What was that saying again? The pen is mightier than the sword? Or in today’s context, the screen-tapping thumbster or keyboard warrior is mightier than the gamer?
And to speak up more publicly, I can best do so by teaching, blogging, (guest) writing and speaking in open platforms, and hopefully one day, (full) authoring**.
[**I’d previously authored a chapter each in two published books — Salt & Light: Inspirational Stories of Faith in Families; and Genesis of Kindness: Unlock. Relish. Thrive.]
Looking back over the past 11 months, I believe I’ve done more than my fair share of speaking up.
Here’s a rundown. To remind myself what is possible. To encourage you the reader to speak up wherever you are. Because if a nobody like me can do it, you can too!
Speaking up through blogging and more in 2024
In 2024, apart from blogging here, I’ve also been publicly speaking up or writing down my thoughts in the following media platforms:
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The major local daily The Straits Times:
> 12 Feb “Society still views mums, not dads, as playing bigger role in child-raising”
> 6 Mar “Letter of the week: Wrestling with Gaza issue can help students develop multiple perspectives”
> 18 May “Letter of the week: Start retirement planning early and go beyond finances”
Another major daily todayonline
> 13 Jun “Commentary: Connecting with other stay-home dads taught me to draw strength from community instead of struggling alone”
Other writing appearances:
Our Daily Bread’s Biblical Wisdom for Parents
> 1 Apr “Coming To Terms with My Son’s Autism”
regardless.sg
> 15 Apr “No Kidding: Why We’re Terrified of Having Children”
Focus On The Family
> 6 Jun “5 Essential Tips for Dads Preparing for Parenthood”
A radio programme called A Letter To Myself (2 Aug) — all about what ordinary folks like me would say to our younger (and older) self if given a chance.
Ad-hoc speaking engagements/interviews on:
> 12 April at cultivate.sg inaugural breakfast talk — sharing about my community of “ordinary”, stay home dads
> 18 June at a joint HTHT & S.H.E Marriage & Parenting Panel Discussion — talking about marriage & parenting
> 21 Aug on Focus On The Family‘s ParentEd Podcast episode on Special Needs Parenting
> 30 Aug TODAYOnline’s The Big Read article: Family Friendly Work Places And A Competitive Economy? The Balance Is Hard But Can Be Struck — contributed my views on new family-friendly policies announced by the government.
> 7 Oct with Our Common Ground to record an episode on my community of “ordinary”, stay home dads to be released next year
> 21 Oct in an in-depth interview with SG Her Empowerment on gender norms in our society.
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Well, that’s all from me til next time….in the new year 2025!
Happy New Year my dear reader!
Right on & write on, my friend. When your passion aligns with perceived needs, you have a prepared audience. When others do not perceive the need, you need wisdom, patience, and a dash of courage.
Thanks Brian for dropping by!