Show Notes
Transcript for Ep18:
Welcome to Be True, Be Happy, Be Yourself show, I'm Yuki Miyaki. In this episode, I will be sharing with you my personal story.
There is a saying, behind every successful man there is a strong woman. Well, I am not a man. I am a female entrepreneur who pays equal attention to career and family. However, I have a important person in my life too. In fact it’s two ! What I want to share with you in this podcast today is the two most important women in my life.
I believe that all of you who have been watching me since beginning probably know that I am the eldest granddaughter of my family. I grew up in a mansion where I lived with several families since I was a child, and after my grandfather passed away, my grandmother became responsible on making decisions on important issues.
As the eldest granddaughter, I naturally took on the responsibility of taking care of the younger generations, so somehow I always felt that I am really close to my grandma. When I was a child, I slept with my her, so I always had the opportunity to hear her sharing her love story with my grandpa. It is often said that a Hakka woman has a hardworking, frugal, strong and straightforward character. I have to say my grandma is the representative. All the virtues of a Hakka woman can be found in her. Every day before dawn, she will be in the kitchen preparing breakfast for her sons, daughters and grandchildren. Whether it was the hot plain porridge, the fragrant of rice or noodles that fill the room, the delicious nasi lemak, these aroma and the view of her silently preparing breakfast for us will always hold a special place in my heart.
My grandmother also sold snacks (junk food) and ice cream nearby schools to earn extra income. So she can help to lessen the burden of the family. I remember once, when I was playing with my brother, I fell and had a big bruise. It was red and swollen. She then made hot rice balls and rubbed it on my bruises. She was rubbing and scolding angrily. However, I knew she was hard on the outside and soft on the inside. I know she loved me deeply. Later, in her late days, she suffered from kidney disease and needed to go to the hospital for dialysis frequently. Because I'm still young, I didnt really understand what the adults say about this disease. I only know that my grandmother’s body had many holes.
Doctors poked it to insert something to the body. However, when a wound is inflamed, she needs to poke another hole. The dialysis lasted for two to three years, but she never complained nor cried. I know that she was actually holding on because she didn't want to worry her children. She was strong and never gave up on her life. I think that is because she knows that as the spiritual pillar of the family, she needs to stay strong and continue to guard the family. Even though she has passed away for many years now whenever there are celebrations, I always think of her.
Her reflection, who was always busy at home back then, the woman who gave her youth and love for the family.
The second most important woman in my life is my mother of course. She was born in a poor family, so she did not have the opportunity to go to school. Because of this, she feels really insecure when it comes to wealth. However, she is lucky to have a husband who loves her and treated her like a princess. My mother had a difficult life. She would always complain and rant, but I often understood as she really sacrificed a lot for the family. Once, I told myself, when I grow up I do not want to be like my mother. But I regretted saying this as when I needed help later in life, my mother became the bravest and strongest person to protect me. She also gave me the greatest support and strength.
She had also fall into depression once. I witnessed how she overcome the demons, and how she had gone through physical transformations and lose control of her emotions. I am very fortunate that I have been by her side. During that time, I deeply felt that being a woman is really tough but she was my role model. My mother was strong. Even though she was facing problems in her marriage, she still faced it bravely. From being a princess, she broke down but she stand up again and turned into a new leaf. This is just like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. Although she is illiterate, she learns to sing songs with friends, started up micro business, and participate in different activities. The transformation of my mom really made me very pleased and proud at the same time.
From my grandmother and mother, I saw that a woman's strength comes from the love for her children. As all they ever want is for their family to live in harmony and peace. A master of body, mind and soul once said that there is no sacrifices and conditions in love. In my opinion, both my mom and grandma had transformed from a “victim” role to living splendidly. They have nourished my life and made me a better me.
From the two most important women in my life, I think what I have learned is:
1. Love is the answer to everything.
It is often said that motherhood is strong. This sentence is so accurate as because of love, all the impossible becomes possible.
2. Life is so precious.
Please cherish every day spent with your parents and elders. I hope my grandmother can live for one more day.
Remember, filial piety will not wait for us.
3. Happiness is when you no longer compare and care about others.
As I said before, there is no sacrifice in love.
4. A woman’s strength and persistence are the most beautiful and precious things in the world.
If you are also strong in life, please remind yourself you are worthy of being loved too.
5. A person’s wealth does not determine the quality of life
As long as you are willing to learn and diligently face the challenges of life, you will be the best version of yourself.
All in all, the most important person in your life may be anyone. Maybe it may be your mother-in law. If there is any unhappiness or mis understanding moments between you and your mother in law, remember what I shared earlier every mother just hope that their child can live in harmony. Maybe It’s just that they have different ways of expressing it but all love are equal.
All of their philosophy of life is worthy for us to learn from.
Thank you to all the mothers in the world, the changes , the sacrifices and improvements you have made.
I hope that by sharing my story, will inspire you have the courage get a change and create abundance life.
Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and the links will be in the show notes.
I look forward to seeing you in my next episode where I will be sharing with you more stories about my life and how you can Be True, Be Happy and Be Yourself!