Tea Talk Topic What makes your childhood hobby special? Summary of the Topic During childhood, one’s life revolved around playing and doing the things that one loved without hesitation. Playing is central not only to a child’s development but also to an adult’s well-being. However, as we grow up and are bombarded with responsibilities, life challenges and happenings, our childhood hobbies are either forgotten or tucked away. On the other hand, other people still find the time to do the things that they have enjoyed since childhood. Whether you are the first or the latter person, let us talk about what makes your childhood hobby special. General guide Group rules 1. Only share what you personally feel comfortable sharing. 2. Don’t share personal information about others discussed within the group without permission. Except for circumstances where there is a risk of harm to yourself and/or others. 3. Allow everyone to have their say. 4. Respect. 5. Take time out if you need it- you can turn off your video/ or you can leave any time you have to 6. It would be great to see each other’s faces, turning on your camera is encouraged. 7. Inappropriate behaviour will result in being removed from the event. Play and hobbies are integral in a person’s life. As we are all different, our hobbies as well as our childhood experiences are also diverse. As a facilitator, you may ask questions, gently challenge, and be curious about each other’s perspectives. Furthermore, as difficult and/or sensitive information might be brought up, reminding the participants of the group rules is vital. Some common things that may be brought up include: · Childhood experiences (good and bad) · Mental health · Relaxation · Self-care · Hobbies Everyone may openly share their views about what makes their childhood hobby special. Remember, the point is not to correct the participant’s experience but to engage in a meaningful discussion about their experience (at the same time, sharing your personal experiences). The following questions include some that can be used to start the conversation, while some may help you when you are feeling stuck: · What is your childhood hobby? Do you still do it? How come? · Can you tell me more about that? · How do you feel about it? · How is it affecting you? · What can you do about it? Conclusions/ Ending Summarise everyone’s input into the discussion and validate their contributions. Wrap up some conclusions on the significance of the topic to reflect what was discussed at the talk. Provide details on Soapbox activities if they would like to participate and be notified. *For anyone that would like to download a copy of this guide as a word document, click on the download below:

Tea Talk Topic What makes a relationship genuine? Summary of the Topic Human connection is critical in one’s life. Even though there are different kinds of relationships that people form throughout their lifetime, it is the genuine ones that help us thrive and overcome struggles the most. As the saying goes, “no man is an island”. However, finding that genuine relationship can be challenging, especially now that we live in a society where there are so many distractions and barriers to human connection. Let us hear your thoughts on what makes a relationship genuine and explore different people’s perspectives. General guide Group rules 1. Only share what you personally feel comfortable sharing. 2. Don’t share personal information about others discussed within the group without permission. Except for circumstances where there is a risk of harm to yourself and/or others. 3. Allow everyone to have their say. 4. Respect. 5. Take time out if you need it- you can turn off your video/ or you can leave any time you have to 6. It would be great to see each other’s faces, turning on your camera is encouraged. 7. Inappropriate behaviour will result in being removed from the event. There are different kinds of relationships that people form throughout their lifetime whether at home, workplace, school, church etc. However, having authentic relationships even with a few people is critical for the well-being of a person. As a facilitator, you may ask questions, gently challenge, and be curious about each other’s perspectives. Furthermore, as difficult and/or sensitive information might be brought up, reminding the participants of the group rules is vital. Some common things that may be brought up include: · Relationship issues (abusive, toxic, unhealthy) · Healthy relationship · Mental health issues · How to form genuine relationships · How to identify relationship issues Everyone may openly share their views about what makes a relationship genuine. Remember, the point is not to correct the participant’s experience but to engage in a meaningful discussion about their experience (at the same time, sharing your personal experiences). The following questions include some that can be used to start the conversation, while some may help you when you are feeling stuck: · Can you tell me more about that? · How do you feel about it? · How is it affecting you? · What can you do about it? Conclusions/ Ending Summarise everyone’s input into the discussion and validate their contributions. Wrap up some conclusions on the significance of the topic to reflect what was discussed at the talk. Provide details on Soapbox activities if they would like to participate and be notified. *For anyone that would like to download a copy of this guide as a word document, click on the download below:

Tea Talk Topic The meaning of success Summary of the Topic You checked your social media, saw your former classmate’s post on his yet again job promotion or you were at a family gathering and your mother announced how successful your childhood friend is because he just bought a gigantic house in an exclusive suburb; and you feel something (whatever that is). Sounds familiar? The mainstream definition of success is all about money, fame and social status- nothing wrong with that. However, people might be forgetting that there are other definitions too. There is no single meaning of success because one’s definition of it might be different from others. Whatever success means to you, let us hear and explore it. General guide Group rules 1. Only share what you personally feel comfortable sharing. 2. Don’t share personal information about others discussed within the group without permission 3. Allow everyone to have their say. 4. Respect. 5. Take time out if you need it- you can turn off your video/ or you can leave any time you have to 6. It would be great to see each other’s faces, turning on your camera is encouraged. 7. Inappropriate behaviour will result in being removed from the event. Society’s definition of success focuses on wealth, fame and status. Even though there is nothing wrong with it, many people are driven into achieving this kind of success and feel bad whenever they fail. Forgetting that success can be anything they want it to be. As a facilitator, you may ask questions, gently challenge, and be curious about each other’s perspectives on what being successful means to them. Furthermore, as difficult and/or sensitive information might be brought up, reminding the participants of the housekeeping rules about confidentiality is vital. Some common things that may be brought up include: · There is only one meaning of success: money, fame and social status · Success is achieved only when you decide it · The meaning of success changes every time · I can’t define success · Obstacles to being successful · Tips on how to be successful Everyone may share their definitions of success. Remember, the point is not to correct the participant’s experience but to engage in a meaningful discussion about their experience (at the same time, sharing your personal experiences). The following questions include some that can be used to start the conversation, while some may help you when you are feeling stuck: · Can you tell me more about that? · How do you feel about it? · How is it affecting you? · What can you do about it? · Would you call others a failure if they don’t meet your definition of success? Why? Conclusions/ Ending Summarise everyone’s input into the discussion and validate their contributions. Wrap up some conclusions on the significance of the topic to reflect what was discussed at the talk. Provide details on Soapbox activities if they would like to participate and be notified. *For anyone that would like to download a copy of this guide as a word document, click on the download below:

Tea Talk Topic How do you live your life? Summary of the Topic How do you live your life? Ah, one of the most frequently asked questions next to "What’s your purpose?" The answers to this question can be similar but different in limitless ways because we are all unique human beings. We have diverse stories and perspectives that make this world interesting. This talk will explore life stories and lessons learned so far in one’s life journey. Whatever your answer is, let us hear it. General guide Group rules 1. Only share what you personally feel comfortable sharing. 2. Don’t share personal information about others discussed within the group without permission 3. Allow everyone to have their say. 4. Respect. 5. Take time out if you need it- you can turn off your video/ or you can leave any time you have to 6. It would be great to see each other’s faces, turning on your camera is encouraged. 7. Inappropriate behaviour will result to being removed from the event. People have different ways of living, influenced by many factors such as upbringing, environment and life experiences. As a facilitator, you may ask questions, gently challenge, and be curious about each other’s perspectives. Furthermore, as difficult and/or sensitive information might be brought up, reminding the participants of the housekeeping rules about confidentiality is vital. Some common things that may be brought up include: · Living life according to their plan · Taking life as it comes (accepting and embracing changes in life as they come) · I don’t know how to live my life · Health and mental health issues · Social issues · Life lessons · Life challenges Everyone may openly share their ways of living their lives. Remember, the point is not to correct the participant’s experience but to engage in a meaningful discussion about their experience (at the same time, sharing your personal experiences). The following questions include some that can be used to start the conversation, while some may help you when you are feeling stuck: · Can you tell me more about that? · How do you feel about it? · How is it affecting you? · What can you do about it? · What life lesson/s you wished you knew earlier? Conclusions/ Ending Summarise everyone’s input into the discussion and validate their contributions. Wrap up some conclusions on the significance of the topic to reflect what was discussed at the talk. *For anyone that would like to download a copy of this guide as a word document, click on the download below:

Tea Talk Topic The meaning of home Summary of the Topic "Home" is commonly defined as a place where you live or come from. And throughout your life, you might have lived in a few or many homes, depending on circumstances. However, to some, it can be more than that. It can be a feeling, a person, or anything. Even though "home" can have different meanings to everyone, there is this question that goes, "What makes a house a home?" that has been of scientific interest for many years now. So, in this talk, we will try to answer and share thoughts on each of our meanings of home. General guide Group rules 1. Only share what you personally feel comfortable sharing. 2. Don’t share personal information about others discussed within the group without permission 3. Allow everyone to have their say. 4. Respect. 5. Take time out if you need it- you can turn off your video/ or you can leave any time you have to 6. It would be great to see each other’s faces, turning on your camera is encouraged. 7. Inappropriate behaviour will result to being removed from the event. Home is not only a physical place, but it can also be anything a person wants it to be. It can be a reflection of oneself, being with someone or a feeling of being safe and secure. As a facilitator, you may ask questions, gently challenge, and be curious about each other’s perspectives. Furthermore, as difficult and/or sensitive information might be brought up, reminding the participants of the housekeeping rules about confidentiality is vital. Some common things that may be brought up include: · Changing meanings of home · Family, relationship and social issues · Life purpose · Finding one’s home Everyone may openly share their meanings or thoughts of what is home for them. Remember, the point is not to correct the participant’s experience but to engage in a meaningful discussion about their experience (at the same time, sharing your personal experiences). The following questions include some that can be used to start the conversation, while some may help you when you are feeling stuck: · Can you tell me more about that? · How do you feel about it? · What makes it your home? · What’s your ideal home? · Is it possible to have many homes? · What’s your favourite spot in your home? (If person- quality) Conclusions/ Ending Summarise everyone’s input into the discussion and validate their contributions. Wrap up some conclusions on the significance of the topic to reflect what was discussed at the talk. *For anyone that would like to download a copy of this guide as a word document, click on the download below:

Tea Talk Topic Do you prefer a hard or easy path? Summary of the Topic What’s a hard and easy path can mean different things to each person. Nevertheless, how you choose which path to take can be influenced by various factors such as your upbringing, personality, and life experiences. The purpose of this event is to explore your perspectives and lived experiences of which path you prefer and why. General guide Group rules 1. Only share what you personally feel comfortable sharing. 2. Don’t share personal information about others discussed within the group without permission 3. Allow everyone to have their say. 4. Respect. 5. Take time out if you need it- you can turn off your video/ or you can leave any time you have to 6. It would be great to see each other’s faces, turning on your camera is encouraged. 7. Inappropriate behaviour will result to being removed from the event. Life is composed of endless decision-making. Be it a simple or a hard decision to make, how people decide will depend on different factors surrounding them. As a facilitator, you may ask questions, gently challenge, and be curious about each other’s perspectives. Furthermore, as difficult and/or sensitive information might be brought up, reminding the participants of the housekeeping rules about confidentiality is vital. Some common things that may be brought up include: · I prefer taking the easy path all the way · I prefer taking the hard path all the way · Choosing which path to go will depend on the situation · I choose both Everyone may openly discuss their experiences with choosing a path or making decisions that they are comfortable sharing with the group. Remember, the point is not to correct the participant’s experience but to engage in a meaningful discussion about their experience (at the same time, sharing your personal experiences). The following questions include some that can be used to start the conversation, while some may help you when you are feeling stuck: · Can you tell me more about that? · Can you share an instance where you had to change to a different path and why? · How do you feel about it? · How is it affecting you? · What can you do about it? · Can you share some tips? Conclusions/ Ending Summarise everyone’s input into the discussion and validate their contributions. Wrap up some conclusions on the significance of the topic to reflect what was discussed at the talk. *For anyone that would like to download a copy of this guide as a word document, click on the download below:

Tea Talk Topic How do you handle stress? Summary of the Topic Let’s admit it, life is tough. It’s not always a bed of roses. There are bad and good days, but others are just the worst. With so many things to juggle in our everyday life, managing stress is important for longevity. Dealing with stress differs from one person to another and can have various effects too. In this talk, we will be exploring how people handle stress. Not to judge, but to share ideas and lived experiences. General guide Group rules 1. Only share what you personally feel comfortable sharing. 2. Don’t share personal information about others discussed within the group without permission 3. Allow everyone to have their say. 4. Respect. 5. Take time out if you need it- you can turn off your video/ or you can leave any time you have to 6. It would be great to see each other’s faces, turning on your camera is encouraged. Stress is a part of human life. Everyone experiences it, and a small amount of stress helps with motivation. However, it is when there is too much of it that different issues like physical, mental, emotional, and social can arise. The purpose of this discussion is to explore people’s ways of dealing with stress and there could be unhealthy and healthy ways of coping. As a facilitator, you may ask questions, gently challenge, and be curious about each other’s perspectives. Furthermore, as difficult and/or sensitive information might be brought up, reminding the participants of the housekeeping rules about confidentiality is vital. Some common things that may be brought up include: · Mental health · Self- care · Healthy living · Doing what you love · Unhealthy ways: substance abuse, unhelpful thinking Everyone may openly discuss how they handle stress that they are comfortable sharing with the group. Remember, the point is not to correct the participant’s experience but to engage in a meaningful discussion about their experience (at the same time, sharing your personal experiences). The following questions include some that can be used to start the conversation, while some may help you when you are feeling stuck: · Can you tell me more about that? · What are your stressors? · How do you feel about it? · How is it affecting you? · What can you do about it? · Can you share some tips? Conclusions/ Ending Summarise everyone’s input into the discussion and validate their contributions. Wrap up some conclusions on the significance of the topic to reflect what was discussed at the talk. *For anyone that would like to download a copy of this guide as a word document, click on the download below:

Tea Talk Topic What keeps you busy? Summary of the Topic There are many things that preoccupy one’s everyday life. It can be work, family, school, or a mix of other things and everything. Being busy can have different meanings for everyone. However, it can also have various impacts, be it negative or positive. It might be worthwhile to reflect on the things that you are doing and what they really mean to you. Their importance to your values, goals, and life. Life is too short, but how you spend it will depend on you. You are the captain of your ship. So, what keeps you busy? General guide Group rules 1. Only share what you personally feel comfortable sharing. 2. Don’t share personal information about others discussed within the group without permission 3. Allow everyone to have their say. 4. Respect. 5. Take time out if you need it- you can turn off your video/ or you can leave any time you have to 6. It would be great to see each other’s faces, turning on your camera is encouraged. People search for their purpose or aim to achieve their goals throughout their lifetime, and these determine the things people do. It is interesting to explore the different things that keep people busy and how they can affect people’s lives. The purpose of this discussion is not to judge people for how they live their lives and what they do, but rather to encourage reflection on the things that are most important to them. Thus, prioritising those instead of being consumed by less meaningful things. As a facilitator, you may ask questions, gently challenge, and be curious about each other’s perspectives. Furthermore, as difficult and/or sensitive information might be brought up, reminding the participants of the housekeeping rules about confidentiality is vital. Some common things that may be brought up include: · Work, family, school · Illnesses · Hobbies · Social media/ phones or other devices Everyone may openly discuss the things that keep them busy that they are comfortable sharing with the group. Remember, the point is not to correct the participant’s experience but to engage in a meaningful discussion about their experience (at the same time, sharing your personal experiences). The following questions include some that can be used to start the conversation, while some may help you when you are feeling stuck: · Can you tell me more about that? · How do you feel about it? · How is it affecting you? · What can you do about it? · Can you share some tips? Conclusions/ Ending Summarise everyone’s input into the discussion and validate their contributions. Wrap up some conclusions on the significance of the topic to reflect what was discussed at the talk. *For anyone that would like to download a copy of this guide as a word document, click on the download below:

Tea Talk Topic What’s your ideal world? Summary of the Topic How do you feel about living in the present world? Whatever your answer is, let me give you an opportunity to daydream about your perfect world. Imagine this. You are given the chance to design and create the world. You can think of limitless questions like: What would it look like? Who are you in that world? What/who would be living there? Would there be laws or none? Because when you daydream, everything is possible. So, what’s your ideal world? Let us hear your thoughts. General guide Group rules: 1. Only share what you personally feel comfortable sharing. 2. Don’t share personal information about others discussed within the group without permission 3. Allow everyone to have their say. 4. Respect. 5. Take time out if you need it- you can turn off your video/ or you can leave any time you have to 6. It would be great to see each other’s faces, turning on your camera is encouraged. The current world that we live in might not be according to one’s ideal. It would be interesting to explore the ideal world people have if they were given the chance to visualise it. Then, this follow-up question is asked: What are the things that exist in your ideal world that can be done in the real world? How and why? The purpose of this topic is to help participants identify and reflect on the things that are important to them, their values, and goals in life. As a facilitator, you may ask questions, gently challenge, and be curious about each other’s perspectives. Furthermore, as difficult and/or sensitive information might be brought up, reminding the participants of the housekeeping rules about confidentiality is vital. Some common things that may be brought up include: · Types of society · Presence/absence of laws (and punishment) · Social issues like poverty, homelessness, different forms of abuse, mental health issues · Balance between competition and creating meaningful life Everyone may openly discuss things about their perfect world that they are comfortable sharing with the group. Remember, the point is not to correct the participant’s experience but to engage in a meaningful discussion about their experience (at the same time, sharing your personal experiences). The following questions include some that can be used to start the conversation, while some may help you when you are feeling stuck: · Can you tell me more about that? · How do you feel about it? · What can you do about it? · Can you share some tips? Conclusions/ Ending Summarise everyone’s input into the discussion and validate their contributions. Wrap up some conclusions on the significance of the topic to reflect what was discussed at the talk. *For anyone that would like to download a copy of this guide as a word document, click on the download below:

Tea Talk Topic What stops you from being you? Summary of the Topic We are shaped by many things around and within us. Therefore, we are all different people. Each of us has strengths as well as weaknesses. But are we even realising our strengths and using them to our advantage? Can we accept our weaknesses while improving them? At the same time, it can be easy to compare one’s life to others, to the extent that we try to be someone else that we are not. Now the question is, what stops you from being you? Because whether we like it or not, one’s life will end, and no one knows exactly when. General guide Group rules: 1. Only share what you personally feel comfortable sharing. 2. Don’t share personal information about others discussed within the group without permission 3. Allow everyone to have their say. 4. Respect. 5. Take time out if you need it- you can turn off your video/ or you can leave any time you have to 6. It would be great to see each other’s faces, turning on your camera is encouraged. There are different factors that affect one’s perspective towards self. Additionally, it could be caused by certain experiences throughout one’s life. The purpose of this topic is to help participants identify and reflect on what stop/s them from being themselves. As a facilitator, you may ask questions, gently challenge, and be curious about each other’s perspectives. Furthermore, as difficult and/ or sensitive information might be brought up, reminding the participants of the housekeeping rules about confidentiality is vital. Some common things that may be brought up include: · Self- awareness · Mental health issues · Nature (example is personality etc.) and nurture (environment, how one is raised, society etc.) · Accessibility to tools or being equipped in finding oneself Everyone may openly discuss things about themselves that they are comfortable sharing with the group. Remember, the point is not to correct the participant’s experience but to engage in a meaningful discussion about their experience (at the same time, sharing your personal experiences). The following questions include some that can be used to start the conversation, while some may help you when you are feeling stuck: · What are your strengths/weaknesses? · What’s important to you/ What are your values/What motivates you? · Can you tell me more about that? · How do you feel about it? · What can you do about it? · Can you share some tips? Conclusions/ Ending Summarise everyone’s input into the discussion and validate their contributions. Wrap up some conclusions on the significance of the topic to reflect what was discussed at the talk. *For anyone that would like to download a copy of this guide as a word document, click on the download below:

Tea Talk Topic Journey or destination, which matters more? Summary of the Topic Do you know where you are going? What do you want in life? Are you where you want to be? Is everything going according to plan? Some people might know the answers while others struggle to find them. What lies ahead in one’s future is a mystery that no one can exactly answer. However, one thing is for sure: humans strive for genuine happiness. Although the meaning of happiness can be different for everyone, some people believe that it can be achieved throughout one’s journey, while others believe that reaching one’s destination is the key to achieving happiness. Whether you believe the first or the latter, let us hear your thoughts on which matters more. General guide Group rules (Note: Offer participants the chance to add something to the rules if they want to) 1. Only share what you personally feel comfortable sharing. 2. Don’t share personal information about others discussed within the group without permission 3. Allow everyone to have their say. 4. Respect. 5. Take a break if necessary. You can turn off your camera or you can leave at any time you have to for online setting. For face-to-face set up, allow people to leave the group. 6. For online, turning on the camera is encouraged. Everyone has their own unique journey and destination, shaped by the different layers of environment surrounding them. Additionally, each person might have their own meaning of the words "journey" and "destination." The purpose of this topic is not to enter into a debate on who is right or wrong. As a facilitator, you may ask questions, gently challenge, and be curious about each other’s perspectives. Some common things that may be brought up include: · Journey matters more/ destination matters more · Both matters equally/they are interrelated · Journey determines the destination · It depends to what kind of journey/destination a person has Everyone may openly discuss their perspectives on their life's journey and goals. Remember, the point is not to correct the participant’s experience but to engage in a meaningful discussion about their experience (at the same time, sharing your personal experiences). The following questions include some that can be used to start the conversation, while some may help you when you are feeling stuck: · What does each word mean to you? · Which one is more important to you? · Can you tell me more about that? · What can you get from your journey? · What can you get from your goals? · How do you feel about it? · Can you share some tips? Conclusions/ Ending Summarise everyone’s input into the discussion and validate their contributions. Wrap up some conclusions on the significance of the topic to reflect what was discussed at the talk. *For anyone that would like to download a copy of this guide as a word document, click on the download below:

Tea Talk Topic Your Childhood Dream Job Summary of the Topic It could be in front of the mirror, during gatherings or lunch breaks, or even during those random moments where you have talked or thought about what you would like to be when you grow up. This dream job that you want to have could have been influenced by different things, such as family or friends, experiences, hobbies, or values, etc. However, the dream job that you had during childhood might be different (or the same or similar) to what you have now. Nevertheless, the importance of having a job differs individually as well as the career path taken as years go by. General guide Group rules (Note: Offer participants the chance to add something to the rules if they want to) 1. Only share what you personally feel comfortable sharing. 2. Don’t share personal information about others discussed within the group without permission 3. Allow everyone to have their say. 4. Respect. 5. Take a break if necessary. You can turn off your camera or you can leave at any time you have to for online setting. For face-to-face set up, allow people to leave the group. 6. For online, turning on the camera is encouraged. Starting conversations with an icebreaker Icebreakers can be implemented to initiate talks within the group. An example of an icebreaker that can be used is: Introducing your childhood dream job Participants will each have their turn to share their childhood dream job. The participant will give 2-3 words that can describe their dream job but without mentioning words from the job title. Then the other participants will guess the job. Afterwards, a short story behind their childhood dream job will be shared. This icebreaker is best used when the group is small. As children or young people grow up, there are different factors that can influence their choice of job or career path. However, it is interesting to discover the implications of fulfilling (or not) one’s childhood dream job in one’s life. The purpose of this topic is not to enter a debate on who is right or wrong. As a facilitator, you may ask questions, gently challenge, and be curious about each other’s perspective. Some common things that may be brought up include: · My current job is different from my childhood dream, but they are related in some ways · Being practical and realistic is important · I regret having a different job (I wish I could fulfill my childhood dream job) · As I grow, my job preference changes · I struggle to find a job/ I do not have a job · I am doing a different job, but I have plans to fulfill my childhood dream job. Everyone may openly discuss their perspectives around jobs or working. Remember, the point is not to correct the participant’s experience but to engage in a meaningful discussion about their experience (at the same time, sharing your personal experiences). The following questions include some that can be used to start the conversation while some may help you when you are feeling stuck: · Is it the job you have now (related, similar, or in between?) How do you feel about it? · Can you tell me more? · What can you do about it? · Can you share some tips? Conclusions/ Ending Summarise everyone’s input into the discussion and validate their contributions. Wrap up some conclusion on the significance of the topic to reflect what was discussed at the talk. *For anyone that would like to download a copy of this guide as a word document, click on the download below: