Rebuilding: The art of starting over

It’s been a few months since I returned to Singapore, and I’ll admit—the journey has been real. Starting over, in many ways, can feel daunting, especially after three years of change. But here’s the thing about rebuilding: it’s not about picking up exactly where you left off. It’s about embracing where you are now and creating from that space.

If you’ve ever had to rebuild a project from scratch after stepping away, whether by choice or circumstance, here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1. Embrace the present as it is, not as it was.

There are moments when I wonder if I made the right choice. What if I had stayed in Singapore in 2022? Maybe I wouldn’t have to rebuild Wiy Yoga from the ground up. Maybe I’d be further along, enjoying the rewards of years of steady growth. But then I pause and remind myself: if I hadn’t taken that leap to Toulouse, I wouldn’t have experienced the challenges that shaped me, the lessons that refined me, and the renewed passion that now drives me to offer better, more meaningful classes to my community.

The past served its purpose, but the present holds new opportunities—if we allow ourselves to see them.

2. Be authentically you.

Let me let you in on a little secret: I’m an introvert. (I know, it doesn’t always seem that way.) When I first started teaching, I thought I had to be ‘high energy’ all the time to attract interest in my classes. But here’s what I learned the hard way: staying ‘high energy’ all the time is not sustainable, especially for someone whose role is to hold space for others.

I also used to hide my worries and anxieties, thinking they had no place in my teaching. But the truth is, authenticity resonates. Now, I am more mindful of how I show up. Just as I remind my students to check in with themselves, I do the same before stepping onto the mat. I honor how I feel while remaining present as a guide.

Being authentically you means embracing every facet of yourself and showing up with confidence. This is who I am now, and I am not sorry for being me.

3. Reconnect with your community.

Like all relationships, time apart brings change. As you reintroduce yourself to your community, it’s just as important to rediscover them. They’ve grown, adapted, and evolved—just as you have. Taking the time to understand their journey fosters deeper connections and a more meaningful reunion.

Some people may have moved on, and that’s okay. Others have remained, and they deserve your time and appreciation. And then there are those who are just discovering your work, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy. Rebuilding isn’t just about your return—it’s about cherishing old connections, nurturing present ones, and embracing the opportunities that the future holds.

4. Take your time.

As cliché as it sounds, there’s no rush when you’re building something from the heart. When creating a long-term project, remember: success isn’t measured by how fast you move but by the depth of effort you put in. Time will simply reveal the results of that effort.

To my regulars who have continued to believe in me despite the distance, your unwavering support means the world to me. Thank you for standing by me. And to those who have just joined me on this journey, I’m grateful for our paths crossing. I look forward to growing, evolving, and flowing together.

5. Continue to build on your dreams.

Even when the process is slow and doesn’t always make sense, keep showing up and taking the next step. Rebuilding isn’t about getting it perfect—it’s about willingness to begin again, rooted in purpose and trust.

My dream has always been to share yoga for what it truly is beyond the fast-paced, business-oriented, profit-driven, image-focused world we live in today. Yoga is timeless. It transcends generations, seasons, and trends. At its heart, yoga is about connection—within ourselves, with others, and with the present moment. As a yoga teacher, it’s about guiding others to move with their breath, to feel safe and grounded in their bodies, and to show up just as we are.

This dream continues to evolve with me. And as long as I stay aligned with that deeper intention, I know I’m right where I need to be.

Here’s to rebuilding—not just what was, but what’s meant to be.