Meet Em.
My name is Emma, but you can call me Em 🫶🏻
I am a twenty-something year old, second generation Australian-born Chinese just trying my best to navigate the chaos of life.
I live in Sydney with my wonderful husband, whom I met whilst studying at university. Although, the orophile in me is always dreaming of living in New Zealand amongst the mountains.
A while ago, I worked as a physiotherapist in a hospital and private practice, but one day I thought it would be a good idea to obtain a PhD. After a gruelling three years of writing a 600+ page thesis and another two years of working as a full-time academic, a life-changing crisis made me realise that something needed to change. My work habits were unsustainable, my physical and mental health were deteriorating, and my sense of self was dissolving.
Now, I am on a journey of self-discovery and revival. These days, I spend my week days working in the mental health sector. Outside of work, I describe myself as a jack of many trades, but master of none. I have many interests and hobbies — I just happen to be mediocre at most of them (and I’m slowly learning that is perfectly okay!).
Welcome to a glimpse into my curious soul.
What is Em Spills the Tea?
In November 2023, the toll of chronic stress and burnout on my mind and body left me utterly depleted. I had no choice but to take a month off work to recover, and even now, I find myself still grappling with the lingering effects. During this time, I discovered the importance of making space for the things that truly bring me joy in life. Not mere distractions that offer a momentary escape from reality, but pursuits that awaken my spirit and resonate deeply with my values and purpose, and connection with people who understand the language of my soul.
This journey has led me back to the creative pursuits I abandoned in my quest for the impossible. Em Spills the Tea is my creative outlet, a way to reconnect with my inner child who lost her way for a while but is now finding her voice again.
Behind the Name
“Em Spills the Tea” is a tribute to my long-standing ritual of brewing a cup of green tea before diving into my studies or work. In my rush to return to my desk, I often ran up the stairs to my room, only to spill my tea in the process. Em Spills the Tea serves as a personal reminder to slow down and savour life’s simple pleasures, even amidst the chaos.
Emma
Writer & Overthinker