17-Year-Old Ayisha on Physical & Mental Health

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Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at Jingkids, we’re all about our readers, what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. Every Monday, we’re going to feature a prominent member of our expat community and get to know them a little bit better.

As a 17-year-old girl born in Beijing, who moved to Germany and then back to Beijing again, my life has been adventurous. I love travelling, creative arts, music, and being active. I am especially passionate about the physical and mental wellbeing of teenagers. I admire people who truly focus on themselves, being the better version of themselves and bringing positive influence into the world.

What's On Your Mind?

Like every other teenager in my age, I’m thinking of my future after my high school graduation – “What am I going to do for a living? Am I going to love it? Am I going to earn enough to care for my own wellbeing?” My biggest fear would be to be caught in an office and starring on my computer 24/7. I want to be independent and free. I want to be creative and have fun at what I am doing.

But next to these thoughts I also have struggles which I have to confront every single day – body image. This has brought me so much pain and restrictions in the last few years. Fortunately, I have overcome the worst part, my [eating disorder]. But I still have trouble to overcome the last few bits. Every day I stand in front of my mirror and look at myself – “Why am I like this and not like the girls on Instagram? Why am I swollen? Am I eating too much? Am I not working out enough?” I feel disgusting.

Maybe you can relate to the next thought. I have become a sister since 2020! I now have an adorable little sister who I love with all my heart. But it is tough if you’ve been the only child for 15 years. Now, you’ve got to share your parents’ attention. This might sound easy, but I have realized that this has been affecting me indirectly without me noticing.

Last but not least is my knee injury. I love doing sports, but with my knee injury, I have been hindered to do the sports that I love. I can’t run, I can’t jump, I can’t even squat down… My mental and physical health is suffering from that, but I’m working on it!

Let’s just say that I have lots of things going on in my mind which is pretty normal for not only a teenager but also for anyone.

What Motivates You To Get Moving?

My motivation to get moving is my determination to get things done through my own efforts. So basically, I keep telling myself to get things done, so I wouldn’t have to do more in the future. Now you might think that I’d just try to get stuff done quickly, without caring about the quality. But, no! I would consider myself a perfectionist. Not always, but most of the time. So, even though I try to get things done quickly, I still do it to the best of my ability.

“Was du heute kannst besorgen, das verschiebe nicht auf morgen"  is my motto. It means: “Don’t put off work until tomorrow what you could actually do today!”

But to be honest, the reason behind it is actually the free time I’ll have after getting work done.

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What Keeps You Sane In The Madness?

My way of escaping the world is to do sports and painting! I always feel better after moving my body. It could be a normal home-workout, a gym session, or even a long walk.

Sometimes I like doing it alone, but from time to time I really enjoy doing it together with my mom or friends!

Another way of escaping madness is to paint. I don’t do it as often as I do sports, but I’m trying to include it more into my life. It brings me joy to paint with colors and expressing myself and my thoughts through my paintings.

I just start without having a goal in mind and just go with the flow. While I’m doing that, I’m very focused on every single detail and time just flies by. In that moment I feel like there is no such thing like time. I indulge myself into a world that is full of creativity and emotions and I enjoy every second of it.

What's Your Favorite Thing About Beijing?

I like Beijing for its unpredictability and diversity. Unlike my small hometown in Germany, there are always new places to discover and new things to do. I feel like Beijing is a great city to live in as a foreign teenager because you can learn about the Chinese culture, eat Chinese food, and can experience an international life in another city! You get to know different people from different countries.

Personally, I am really interested in ancient Chinese culture, because although I was born in China, I never really got the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture, which is why I really appreciate the fact that we have moved to Beijing, again!

But the most interesting part about Beijing is that you feel like you’re in the middle of something big. There is always something unpredictable around the corner, ready to surprise you!

Personally, I am really interested in ancient Chinese culture, because although I was born in China, I never really got the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture, which is why I really appreciate the fact that we have moved to Beijing, again!

But the most interesting part about Beijing is that you feel like you’re in the middle of something big. There is always something unpredictable around the corner, ready to surprise you!

Have someone you believe deserves some recognition for their outstanding contributions to our community? Nominate them for our weekly spotlight by writing their name in the comments below!

Images: Ayisha Wang Sun

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