Whether your career brought you to Singapore, or you came here as a so-called βtrailing spouseβ, you may be feeling lost or uninspired. Here are women shaking things up by taking a completely new direction in their lives.
Given that her sister lived here and that she loved the idea of travelling around Southeast Asia, AMY BOWLER knew that Β working in Singapore would be the right fit for her, both personally and professionally. βIreland was in the throes of a recession, so it wasnβt the most positive of environments for a 28-year-old with big plans!β β so she moved here in 2013 with her job at a global American investment bank. Recently, seeking out a new challenge apart from her highly stressful desk job, she trained to take part in an IPP White Collar Boxing competition and won her fight.
When I hit my thirties, I wondered what more I could do with my life. I already played football for the Singapore Gaelic Lions in a large squad of more than 60 women. But I was drawn to boxing because itβs an individual sport that really tests your personal fitness limits. When I tried out for the competition, which is sanctioned by the World White Collar Boxing Association (WWCBA), I honestly didnβt expect to be picked for a squad of only 20 people from over a hundred. I became dedicated to a life of zero alcohol, 6am classes five times a week and getting in the ring every night and weekend to spar, along with my football commitments.
I think some people expected me not to last through the 12-week training course, especially considering how unhealthy my diet and lifestyle had been beforehand! The charity factor behind the event was a big motivation for me. Knowing that all the donations and ticket sales would go towards fundraising for the Childrenβs Surgical Centre (CSC) in Cambodia spurred me on.
I also signed up to the White Collar boxing to improve my self-confidence. Iβd recently broken up with my boyfriend, which had knocked my self-confidence a lot. I wanted to accomplish this challenge so as to feel not only physically but also mentally stronger. Punching Goals Winning was truly surreal. Everything was a blur, but I do remember praying that Iβd done enough to win. When I realised it was all over and that Iβd won, I couldnβt believe it. As a squad, we all trained together and we knew how hard it was to go through the experience. Iβm good pals with Amelia, my opponent on the night, and have made a lovely bunch of new friends from the sport.
There is something very humbling about getting punched in the face voluntarily. It takes away your ego and self-vanity, and makes you razor-focused on your goal: survival. During the 12 weeks of training for the event, I found myself approaching other aspects of my personal life in a much more open-minded and relaxed way, because boxing took the stress out of my day and helped me unwind. I was mentally stronger, more positive and totally determined to see the challenge through to the end. Now, when I set personal goals, I try to remember the fear and nerves I felt going into the ring the night of the fight, and use that to help me overcome the fear and do it anyway. Itβs working so far.
She Saysβ¦
Choose what truly makes you happy. Donβt feel under pressure to do something because everyone else is doing it. Surprise yourself β pick that random hobby that youβve been mulling over and go for it on your own terms. You might turn out to really love it.
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This article first appeared in the August 2017 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
