Creative Families Dare to Be Different
By Mr. Wong Chiu Man, Director of St. James' Settlement Wan Chai Integrated Family Service Centre
What is a family? Some say it’s a safe haven—a place of protection in times of fatigue or crisis. Yet, with social changes and the pressures of modern life, the role of family has weakened. Many find themselves under constant stress, losing sight of dreams and hope. For adults, life often feels reduced to work and earning money; for children, it’s homework and exams, leading to a loss of self. As perspectives narrow and paths seem unclear, people begin to neglect their emotions and preferences, unknowingly exceeding their stress limits. This makes it harder to manage strained, distant, or indifferent family relationships.
What does your ideal family life look like? Let’s work together to bring those dreams to life and spark new energy in every household. This year, our center presents the theme “Creative Families. Daring to Be Different,” with three key goals:
1. Broaden Your Perspective
To truly dare to be different, start by reflecting on yourself and learning from others. In today’s fast-paced world, work and study often feel like survival routines—but real living comes from pursuing personal interests and expressing unique talents. Sometimes, simply watching videos of creative lifestyles and hobbies from around the world can uplift the spirit. Begin at home: explore small changes in areas like eco-friendly habits, home décor, art displays, daily routines, or alternative learning. These small steps can lead to big improvements, bringing vibrancy and joy to your family’s everyday life.
2. Strengthen Relationships
Creating new ways to communicate can bring fresh energy into our relationships. Do you recognize your family members’ expressions of joy, anger, sadness, or worry? Do you understand how they express emotions? Deepening mutual understanding helps resolve conflicts and gradually improves relationships. But how can care and love be effectively shared? Everyone gives and receives love differently. The more we learn and understand, the more happiness we can bring into our homes.
3. Live with Style
Hong Kong may be a shopping paradise, but excessive consumerism and a distorted economy have led to disconnection. To preserve community character and explore life beyond the mainstream, try discovering local shops and embracing unique neighborhood culture. At the same time, fast-paced living and high stress affect both physical and mental health. We encourage exploring the growing “slow living” movement—finding your own rhythm and style.
What defines success? Wealth, property, status? Rigid social standards often replicate lives without meaning. Let’s add creativity—from individuals to families to society—and boldly pursue our own unique visions.
