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.
Janice has been an expat in Beijing since 2009 and is proud to feel at home in China. She grew up in Scotland, and, after leaving, spent 10 years in Paris followed by three years in Spain before moving to the Middle Kingdom. You may know Janice as a Montessori teacher or as the whisky lady from the Beijing Scottish Society. She also provides Peace Education workshops for educators and parents, and she can often be found dressed as the Queen of England. She gives regular talks about her children’s books and likes to get out and about with her grumble of pugs, Toby and Princess, who have thousands of followers on Instagram. The most important guise she goes under is Lan Lan de Mama.
What’s on your mind?
To be still and take the time to be grateful for what I have now and stay in the moment. This is a constant reminder to focus at the moment. I have many goals and constantly work towards them, but I consciously do not make plans based on these goals. We live in a world where it is more than ever difficult to make a plan and unfold – even getting on a plane that used to be like riding the metro has become a complex expedition. Living in the now and putting one foot in front of the next is something I am thankful for at the moment.
What’s your motivation to get moving?
“We can’t let ourselves be seen if we are terrified of what people might think.” – Brené Brown
This is on one of my pinboards in my study, which is full of paraphernalia from my ongoing projects. I have many quotes pinned on this board, but I always go back to this one. Especially when I am invited to share my books, give a speech at Scottish events, or simply in a meeting, I raise my hand to ask a question.
I spent many years wishing I had a quieter personality, that I didn’t need to say it like it was or that I would be able to tolerate people that were pulling the wool over people’s eyes – including their own. At some point, I shared this with a group of friends, and one of them said, “This is what we like about you – the truth is uncomfortable for some but liberating for most.” This really helped me find peace after years of trying to be quieter, suppress who I really was; I saw a new road to be myself and show up authentically – with consideration.
The following quote is equally crucial in motivating me to show up each day:
“Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said.” – Voltaire
How do you stay sane in all the madness?
I tend to thrive in the madness, a bit like some bamboo in pollution – I suck it up and try to make something good happen with all that is happening around me. This attitude could be because of many factors. My darling pugs, Toby and Princess. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love these little short–snout dogs – to the extent that I have written three books about them, have yoga and tote bags with them on the side, and I am about to release the Toby and Princes 2022 calendar. Nothing is more comforting than coming home to their unconditional love each day and having snuggles on the sofa, and having pug hugs before work. Any pet owner will be able to relate to this, I am sure, and this is probably why we are all a little crazy about our pets, and they help keep us sane.
Mindful meditation has been a massive drive to keep all my thoughts in the correct basket and calm when crazy pops its head up. Joining Masooma’s Tuesday meditation has been a godsend – or gigantic kick up the bottom from the universe. It helps me question my feelings and eliminate the potential reactions. I have been able to look deeper within and connect with so many amazing people.
Another tool in keeping me sane is Jindafit. I have loved taking these afrobeat dance classes twice a week for just over two years. I initially joined to try something new and see what it was all about. This high-intensity dance workout has helped me sweat out any sadness, stress, and frustration and opened me up to a completely different type of music than what I would typically have listened to. I love practicing the moves whilst walking my dogs in the evenings. This does get me some funny looks from passers-by, but this does not make it any less joyful.
What’s your favorite thing about Beijing?
There is so much to love about Beijing. Where to start? The community and general vibe of the city. In the 13 years I have lived in the city, I have become part of many families. Every community is equally as welcoming as the other. I spent many years on the committee for the Beijing Scottish Society, and all the members are still like my family, although I became much less active after the arrival of my daughter.
After having Dylan, I made many great friends in the mommy baby group, notably in Alona Pilates mommy and baby classes. It was great to get together with other moms looking to get fit but not ready to leave their little ones at home. We had a fab time sweating and watching our babies crawl around and occasionally fight over toys. We all remain friends and meet up for rooster baby birthdays often.
Another thing I love, love, love about Beijing is that when you leave the house, you can never entirely be 100 percent sure about what is going to happen, who you will meet, and what adventure awaits you. I feel like this every day, and it fills my heart with absolute joy. This is why I call Beijing my home, and I am very proud to describe myself as a lao Beijing ren.
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!
KEEP READING: Dawn Garretson: “I Don’t Need To Speak the Language To Be Accepted Here”
Images: Courtesy of Janice
