As successful as she is today, Samantha Tan, general manager of South Beach Consortium pens a letter to her younger self as a reminder that success isn’t measured by money, but by relationships with those closest to her

Dear younger Samantha,

I write this letter to you as I look out of my living room window, watching the leaves gently rustle in the breeze on a Sunday afternoon.

The longer we are here in this world, the more we feel that there is so much more to explore and learn. Here are a few things I wish I had known in my earlier stages of life and I hope you will learn from them.

Growing up, our yardstick of success was always defined as material wealth and status in society, such as buying the newest cars or our neighbour, the Koh family, moving to a much bigger house down the road. While these are important, life is not just about material possessions.

There are other significant elements such as a peace of mind, being able to sleep soundly for a good solid seven hours at night and doing things that you truly enjoy, something that would spark joy and speak to our heart. So choose wisely and do not be tempted unnecessarily.

Always stay humble and kind. The world does not revolve around you. It is much bigger than all of us. The people whom you respect most, like mum and dad, are some of the most humble people.

Spending time with mum in her last seven years of life as her primary caregiver, you’ll realise that life is so incredibly fragile. In all our mortality and self-importance, we are only just passing through. Value relationships and not things. Everything is temporal and will come to pass one day.

No matter how busy you get, choose to have a healthy diet. Make time to exercise daily. As the saying goes, health is wealth, and with good health, all other things will just fall in place. Go out and enjoy nature whenever possible. The phytoncides from the plants and trees can reduce the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in our body and improve our sense of well-being.

Currently, women have been increasingly coming forth to give a voice to personal causes such as the #MeToo movement, and to contribute to diversity in the corporate world. We are just starting to hear her voice. Push your own buttons and inspire yourself. Be unique and be true to yourself.

And above all, love yourself.