Making The New Normal Work
BY: Siti Nurfarhana Bte Mazlan, Diploma in Mass Communication, Republic Polytechnic
Helen Sim, 61, uncovers her own secret to leading a purposeful life while heading towards the New Normal.
Helen is definitely acing the work-life balance lifestyle that we all dream of. From U Live to National Day Parade (NDP) to Chingay - she is doing it all. Evident from her bubbly and positive persona, Helen is someone who enjoys participating and engaging in activities that allow her to be there physically, having face-to-face interactions with instructors and friends.
Discovering Her Purpose
As a Health and Wellness Ambassador at U Live, Helen often finds herself participating in the “Wellness” category of activities that they have lined up. One main activity that she does is Zumba - where professionals come and teach them for a bit before bringing them on stage as co-facilitators. Zumba has since then become a significant part of Helen’s life.
During the Circuit Breaker (CB) period, she finds herself wishing for it to be over quickly so that she will be able to pick herself back up quickly, and has even initiated online exercise sessions with her friends to compensate for lost time.
“It started as the usual chit-chatting (Zoom) calls where we catch-up; talk and play games,” she explained. Helen also added that despite the small technical hiccups that she has been facing, she enjoys herself and is glad they actually took on the idea (of having online catch-up session).
Despite U Live having to temporarily halt their activities due to the COVID-19 situation, Helen still took her time to relentlessly help in the “NUH Care pack”, an event organised by Young NTUC, where volunteers help make care packs for the frontliners.
When asked what drives her to actively participate in such events, she said: “(Through U Live), I was able to make new friends, and (it) has allowed me to be more occupied. Otherwise, (I feel like) life has no meaning or purpose.”
Small Happiness
Helen, alongside her peers, were given the opportunity to showcase the Zumba skills they picked up with U Live when they had the opportunity to perform on stage a few years ago. Smiling, bright and bubbly, Helen highlighted this moment as one of the most fond memories that she has managed to forge as a U Live Ambassador: “I feel very happy and honoured to be given the chance to perform. I feel very proud of myself.”
With a shy giggle, she also recollected her memory of being involved in one of U Live’s annual signature events, the U Live Walk For Wellness promotional video that they did in collaboration with Team Strong Silver last year.
FOND MEMORIES: Helen Sim exercising on the set of the Walk for Wellness 2019 promotional video filming at Bishan Park.
(Photo: U Live)
“I still look at the video from time to time,” said Helen.
Helen is a recipient of U Live’s medallion; a token of appreciation from U Live and presented by NTUC Secretary General Ng Chee Meng at last year’s Community Awards for her dedication and hard work, together with other active community leaders.
She is currently hoping for things to go back to “normal” soon, so she will be able to continue filling her life with meaningful activities that U Live have in store for her.
