A strong family bond is what makes them happy

Family means everything to Lim and Wong. Photo: CT LIM

Happiness, for couple Anne Wong and CT Lim, is “all about family”. And, although the pandemic was a challenging time, it brought them a lot of “happy moments” as being confined at home meant getting to spend a lot more time together as a family more than ever before.

“Before the pandemic, it was so easy to get caught up with the busyness of life, work and studies, so spending time together when there is an opportunity to do so (like during the MCO), can be so valuable,” says Wong, who owns a heritage event space.

“What makes us happy is having quality time together as a family because, at the end of the day, family is what everyone lives and works for, isn’t it?” says Lim, the country manager of a financial planning group.

“It’s possible to be happy even during difficult times because happiness is a choice,” says Wong.

“Being grateful for the little things that we so often take for granted, and being contented with what we have is the first step to being happy. Looking beyond the immediate circumstances that we face, helps us see that there is always a solution,” she says, adding that their faith also helps them see the good in every situation.

Lim (far right) with Wong (left) their children on a family holiday in Japan before the pandemic. Photo: CT Lim

The couple, both in their 50s, have a son and two daughters, aged from 19 to 24.

Lim says that while their event space business was badly impacted by the pandemic, they were fortunate because their financial planning business has been pretty resilient.

During the MCOs, while being busy with work or studies at home, the family did many things together, including housework.

“It was also a time of learning for me,” says Wong. “We learnt more about online stuff such as e-shopping, attending webinars, and how to use Zoom for meetings, as well as other new ways of connecting with people remotely.

Lim adds, with a touch of humour, that he’s grateful their three college-aged children are home during the pandemic to help “tutor” them in the “torturous” area of technology such as using Zoom, online shopping, and more.

“To get through difficult times, we need to keep a positive mindset. Challenges will strengthen us and it’s also a learning experience as we take it step-by-step, one day at a time,” concludes Lim.