To Be Continued: Let’s Write Our Unfinished Stories Together
Time flies, and without realising it, this blog series, To Be Continued, has reached its final post for January. From the first Friday of January, when the inaugural post was published, to this ninth entry, I am deeply grateful for the support and engagement from each of you. Your encouragement gives my writing purpose and meaning.
As you read this post, I am already in Sri Lanka. Every word here was crafted in my home in Christchurch during early morning writing sessions, with a goal of 1,000 words a day. This month’s writing represents not only a commitment to the new year but also a small celebration of personal achievement.
Amid the chaos of packing and decluttering our belongings, I found myself reflecting: How do the memories and objects from our past shape our future? And how do we write the next chapter of our lives?
Decluttering is like having a conversation with the past. Recently, my family and I embarked on a major clearing-out project. From the storage room to the garage, from the study to the kitchen, everything was sorted and reorganised. Along the way, we unearthed countless small treasures: old photographs, travel souvenirs, gifts from loved ones, and even my son’s childhood schoolwork.
These items evoked a flood of emotions. Some are priceless memories; others represent the baggage we outgrow as we move forward. My husband was resolute—only family photographs, artworks, and essential documents were worth keeping. My son wanted to discard his old schoolwork, but I insisted on keeping it. As a mother, I had never taken the time to properly review the work that marked his growth, and I felt compelled to catch up.
The act of decluttering is much like writing. We sift through a sea of experiences to select the most meaningful parts, organising and presenting them in a way that gives them purpose. This process of curation honours the past while paving the way for the future.
The Future: A Blank Notebook
The future is a blank notebook, waiting for each of us to write our own stories. For me, To Be Continued is more than just the name of this blog—it embodies a belief that guides my life. As I look ahead to the coming year, I hope each post will explore the endless possibilities of life, together with you:
February: Expressions of Love — Exploring how love and care are expressed across different cultures.
March: Turning Points — Reflecting on the small actions or events that change the course of our lives.
April: The Power of Memory — How memories shape our identity and future.
May: Conversations with Mothers — Honouring mothers and female elders, inspired by Mother’s Day.
Each theme is an exploration of life’s meaning and a letter to the future.
Writing Our Unfinished Stories Together
Just as decluttering has allowed me to reevaluate my life, writing has clarified my hopes for the future. But the future is never shaped by one person alone—it is a collective effort. That’s why I invite you to join me:
Look back on your own memories, writings, and possessions. What has brought you warmth or inspiration?
Share your thoughts and dreams about the future. How do you wish to write your own “unfinished story”?
You can leave a comment, send me an email, or even visit me in Sri Lanka. Each interaction is a way for us to co-author the future.
On the last day of 2024, I wrote these words in my journal: “May I record life each day, even if it’s just a fleeting thought.” These words are not just a promise to myself but a bridge that connects me to the world.
The future is an unfinished story, and every person has a page to write. Let’s work together to make this story as rich and inspiring as it can be.
-To Be Continued—EP009
