Who’d have thought that the COVID-19 virus will change the way we live our lives in a span of a few short months. Jilly Wang’s pre-Coronavirus daily routine may have been disrupted, but she still has plenty of things to do to keep her occupied. She tells us what she has been up to during this circuit period and what she appreciates the most now.
Can you describe what a typical week would be like before the virus outbreak?
Normally, I will go to the gym at about 8am for a 45-minute high intensity workout. The kids will be at school by then. After my workout, I will have coffee and breakfast at home or sometimes with my gym buddies.
I will either go for a lunch appointment or run some errands in the afternoon. By 4pm, I make sure that I am home because that’s when my baby girl You Yang comes home from kindergarten — I want to spend more time with her. If I don’t have a dinner appointment, I will make dinner for my family and then help my two sons Wei Chen and Wei Kheng with their homework.
How is a typical day now different?
These days, I work out at home via YouTube videos. The whole family stays in unless we need to replenish our groceries. Because I have more time at home now, I am also making new dishes, cleaning the house, as well as redecorating with the help of my sons and helpers. I’m also reading more now, and spending more time with my mother who is living in Shanghai via FaceTime.
How are you and your family coping with the circuit breaker?
I have to admit, I felt bored at the very beginning, but after a while I realised that this is the best time to bond with my family members. My kids and husband, Kelvin Lim, are indeed happier. Every day, they look forward to what I am going to cook for them. Kelvin and I also spend more time talking to our children. In fact, I told the kids stories about my childhood, my issues as a teenager and they opened up to me about their relationships with their friends, teachers, etc.
There were a lot of things I wanted to do when I was younger, but I was so caught up with the moment and didn’t have time to start any of those projects. I have always been interested in psychology and home interiors so I am reading up on these subjects now that I have time on hand. I almost forgot my dreams and goals that I set for myself. I want to work on meaningful projects, learn new things, spend more time with my kids, or maybe go back to work after the circuit breaker.
Any advice to Prestige readers on how to stay positive at this dire time?
Take this period of time for self care — to rest, think, create and love.
What else keeps you going in a tough time like now?
My family is the the most important thing in my life. Looking at my children, when I look at my children on my bed watching TV, there is a huge sense of achievement and maternal pride. Kelvin used to work more than 12 hours a day but now, I see him everyday in the house. We will have some wine, have conversations and these are all wonderful.
