END OF THE YEAR REFLECTION
As this year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a journey filled with challenges, growth, learning, and transformation—both personally and professionally. This year has been a testament to the importance of balance, purpose, and resilience in every aspect of my life.
The Proudest Moments
The Storytelling Theater for Healing project has been especially meaningful. Through art, theater, and narrative, we brought Asian American mental health to the forefront. Witnessing its positive reception reaffirmed the power of storytelling to heal, connect, and inspire.
We delivered a total of 13 performances/workshops in the Los Angeles County area, with a combined attendance of 253 unique participants. Sixty-five percent of attendees identified as first-generation (foreign-born) Asians/Asian Americans. The age range was almost evenly split among Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.
Based on the exit survey data we collected:
- 22% of attendees improved their knowledge of where to find mental health resources.
- 41% of attendees reported feeling more comfortable discussing and seeking mental health support.
- 86% of attendees felt inspired to discuss mental health and combat stigma after attending a workshop/performance.
My proudest moment is knowing that this work has directly influenced and empowered so many people.
I couldn’t have achieved this without eight amazing individuals—six actors, a playwright, and a coordinator—and 16 community-based organizations that believed in the Storytelling Theater vision and took a chance on us. I cannot thank them enough.
Having fulfilled our funding contract with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, we are transitioning to a service-based model. We are tentatively booked for two performances/workshops in spring 2025.
The Most Challenging Moments
The most challenging part of 2024 has been watching Lola, my dog, experience significant health decline. Over the summer, she could still manage 2-mile daily walks, but by November, she could barely make it around the block. Lola has chronic kidney disease, and recently, the vet discovered a “foreign object” in her stomach. In November alone, I took her to the ER twice and dealt with many nights of accidents and emergencies. I thought I might lose her just before Thanksgiving. Fortunately, she has bounced back and back to her crazy self lol.
Lola is the best thing that has ever happened to me. She has been such a big part of my life and identity that I’m deeply afraid of losing her.
Even writing this is incredibly challenging because I’m overwhelmed with pre-grief and sadness.
The Next Steps
Reflecting on the transformative experiences of 2024, I am also excited about the opportunities ahead in 2025. Here are three projects close to my heart that I plan to focus on: men’s mental health, interfaith dialogue and mental health, and the growing field of e-learning.
1. Men and Mental Health: Expanding the Conversation – In 2024, I began reshaping narratives around masculinity by advocating for vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and dismantling stigmas that prevent men from seeking support. In 2025, I aim to elevate this work further, continuing to build a world where every man feels empowered to prioritize his well-being and foster authentic connections.
2. Interfaith and Mental Health for Healthy Communities – My Buddhist training and interfaith collaborations have long inspired my approach to mental health education. With potential funding in 2025, I am eager to deepen these connections by creating resources and workshops tailored to specific faith-based communities, using language and cultural contexts that resonate deeply. I also hope to host an Interfaith Mental Health Summit, bringing together spiritual leaders and mental health professionals to explore how faith and mental well-being intersect.
3. E-Learning: Mental Health Education for a Digital Age – E-learning offers a unique opportunity to scale mental health education while meeting people where they are—whether in their homes, workplaces, or communities. Collaborating with a business partner, I plan to develop interactive online courses focused on mental health first aid, trauma-informed care, and self-care strategies.
Looking Ahead
The projects planned for 2025 mark an exciting new chapter in my mission to empower individuals and communities through mental health education. Building on the lessons of 2024, I am committed to fostering connection, growth, and healing through conversations about masculinity, interfaith collaboration, and digital learning.
Looking back, I am proud of embracing the courage to grow while remaining consistent in my values. Whether it was turning down additional funding for an overwhelming project or crafting speeches that dismantle societal norms around self-care and self-sabotage, I’ve learned the importance of being intentional and steadfast.
With gratitude for the challenges, successes, and moments of rest in 2024, I am ready to step into 2025 with purpose and clarity. The lessons of this year will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for deeper, more impactful initiatives in the year ahead.
Image by Kaskar 537 from Pixabay
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