Tholla Chan

My inner compass

How do I tell my life story that might inspire people who will read it? The first thought which came to mind as I sat down to write was “My Inner Compass.” Therefore, I decided to make it the title.

I remember reading an article about the “Inner Whisper” as early as my second year of primary school. This had awakened in me a deep sense of curiosity. I started observing that “Still Small Voice” within. It has become the most important thing I have ever learned in my life. It has helped guide my life in the right direction especially when it comes to making important decisions. It has become my Inner Compass.

At 13 I refused to get married as my mother had wished because I knew within myself that I was going to have my own career as a high school teacher instead of marrying one who was twelve years older than me. I became a high school teacher at 19 years old - I was lucky enough to have won a Colombo Plan Scholarship to go overseas in 1974. Winning this scholarship saved my life from the horrors of the wars in my home country. For more than three years I had to endure the agony of not knowing what happened to my family and whether they were alive or dead due to the Communist Government closing all the borders. I received the first letter from home in September 1979. I could not believe what I was reading - everyone survived.

In March 1980 I was able to go to work in the refugee camps to try and rescue my family. It took me nearly two years to complete the rescue operations. While working in the danger zone where the fighting could flare up any time during the rescue operations, I had to pay attention to this Still Small Voice to stay safe. I managed to successfully help all my family members to cross the border safely against all odds with the help of so many kind-hearted people. It was an incredible miracle when the impossible became possible.

In 1988 I had a strong urge from within to migrate to Perth with my nuclear family. We had two little pre-school children. It just did not make any sense to me. However, I decided to follow the direction given by my INNER COMPASS. After having been here for the last thirty-three years, I feel that it was the right thing for us to move from New Zealand to Perth at that time, although I had to do it with a heavy heart. Fortunately, everything has worked out extremely well for all of us. In 1990, my parents and some other members of the family decided to join us here which made life a lot more pleasant. My parents loved living here because of the warmer climate.

In Perth, I have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many people in my capacity as a volunteer in the leadership role. I have helped set up two Centres for this particular migrant community. In my case, I find it to be true that one can help oneself by helping other people.

I am pleased to say that my commitment to community development comes from a sense of deep gratitude for all the good things which I received in my life especially the Colombo Plan Scholarship which has opened new doors to wonderful possibilities for me and my whole family.

I feel so blessed to have been able to “take time to do what makes my soul happy.” I do not have many regrets in life because I have my good intentions to do the right things for myself and others.

As a parent, I have allowed my children to sing their “own songs” so to speak. I was there to support and guide where necessary.

I am proud to be who I am today because I have the good fortune of becoming aware of the Inner Compass early on in life. I believe I have lived life to the full and I continue to live boldly thanks to this awakening. Anyone can live with more ease once they have developed trust in this inner knowingness. I believe that everyone has access to this Still Small Voice or Inner Compass. It is a matter of becoming aware of it and having the courage to follow its direction. The Inner Compass can help make life and living more interesting and things can flow a lot better like a river that finds its path naturally to the ocean.