Aug 2023 Newsletter

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Hi Reader!

How have you been? It's been a while since I last wrote.

Truth be told, I was trying to find my way around doing a blog while managing a family and a full-time job. I was feeling stuck these 3 months when I just couldn't find the energy or motivation to resume blogging. You know how inertia works - the longer you drag, the harder it is to start the engine again.

But I figured that anything worth doing is going to be hard. As US President Teddy Roosevelt said, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty.”

I admit that, over the last 3 months, I was going through a burnout. I didn't want to acknowledge it at first, because, hey, I've written a whole article on it.

The thing is, the kind of burnout I'm going through right now is not exactly a work burnout. At least, not mainly. I'm still able to perform my job fairly O.K.

No, this kind of burnout has to do with the day-to-day stuff that grinds at you. That wears you down.

It pains me to write this even now. But now that I've gotten it out of my chest, it feels cathartic.

If you're going through your own struggles right now, I hope you can find some ways, or someone, to talk it through.

Let's get to the stories, shall we?
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Charting Your Calling Journey with Tony Stoltzfus

Lately, I have been diving into the profound concept of calling as a journey. While this idea was not entirely new to me, my appreciation for it deepened after reading The Calling Journey by Tony Stoltzfus. Tony, a renowned leadership coach, has developed a powerful model based on biblical studies and extensive research. What makes this model truly applicable is its ability to resonate with leaders in diverse fields such as business, ministry, politics, and more. A central aspect of this model is the calling timeline, which illuminates the seasons of our lives and reveals how God shapes us through both favorable and challenging times. Understanding and reflecting on these stages within our own stories can give us invaluable insights into our calling journey today.

​Read on to learn more about the Calling Journey, and how you too can discern God's guidance in your life...​

Teachers' Day is Just Around the Corner!

In Singapore, we celebrate Teachers' Day in September. This year, because of our Polling Day for the Presidential Election taking place on 1 Sep, Teachers' Day has been moved to 11 Sep.

Are you a teacher as well? Or do you have any teacher friends?

If so, you'd probably hear how hectic the work can get. Sometimes it is not only the marking load, but the emotional toil from the day-to-day taking care of students, that can weigh on us. I've shared about my burnout before, and many of my fellow teacher colleagues would also have their own burnout stories.

How about sharing this article to encourage them on their journey?

While you're at it, do check out the other posts I've written about teaching as a calling as a career!

​Why Teach?​ “Start with Why”, says Simon Sinek. Here I am sharing an article I wrote back in 2003 about why I entered teaching, and how that has evolved over the years.

​A Teachers’ Day Special: Why Colleagues Makes Work So Much Fun!​ Calling is seldom an individual endeavor, and good colleagues can bring much joy and fulfillment to our work.

FREE Ebook

If you're looking to create a powerful and meaningful personal vision statement that will help you clarify your purpose and focus your efforts towards achieving your goals, my free ebook for you, "4 Steps to Crafting Your Perfect Personal Vision Statement" is ready for download!

Learn 4 Steps to Crafting Your Perfect Vision Statement and claim greater clarity on your calling! A practical guide to help you create a powerful personal vision statement that is truly your own! YES, SHOW ME HOW!

This guide will walk you through the process of creating a powerful and meaningful personal vision statement that will help you clarify your purpose and focus your efforts towards achieving your goals.

Whether you're looking to make a career change, improve your relationships, or simply live a more fulfilling life, this ebook will provide you with the tools and inspiration you need to get there.
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Go forth and embrace your calling!

Marcus

p.s. I’d love to see you on my social media channels too. Here are the links to connect with me:

​Facebook Page | Instagram | My LinkedIn