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I love sappy year-end entries, so chances are, I've probably read yours hehe. I read them in full, wherever it's posted on social media. In fact, I have a lot of thoughts running around my head these past few days as we prepare for the coming new year. I can say that the weather helped too, since it's been raining for the whole week now. It's the kind of cold weather that makes you want to do nothing and just sleep all day. But then it's also the kind of weather that gives you ample time to think and reflect, and that's just the way I like it. 

I'm kind of hoping that it keeps raining so that there won't be much fireworks tonight. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I hate fireworks, but I hope to see less of it because the earth is already polluted as it is. But then there's that itch in me again, of wanting to be productive despite being on leave. So I think this is one of the ways I can be productive: sitting straight on a chair and typing away all my thoughts. 

I did intend to write a lot for this break. It's not because I wanted to make up for all the weeks that I didn't update this space, but simply because I want to write. Isn't that why I have this blog in the first place? 

Those few weeks of not writing though gave me the drive to look forward to the time that I'll be able to sit down and type type away. I just had to get everything done, the parties, the gatherings, reunions, gift shopping, and what-not. I have to say though, it was quite enjoyable. To be in the moment and not worrying about the next blog post. I think I should evaluate my motives if I were to come to the point. 

The Blog

I guess I'll start with this blog. I finally started sharing my blog entries across social media. I also found that writing was the best way for me to cope after a long day at work, or to keep my weekend productive. I like to reflect a lot and put it all down in writing after all. 

But more than a personal thing, I see this as a way to connect with others. After all, our thoughts and experiences when put into words have power to encourage, to inspire, and to motivate others. I saw how it was possible to create a positive impact through words, and I've committed myself to do just exactly that for the coming year. 

All in all, I can say that it's a great year for the blog. Much of my time was spent writing and challenging myself to be more creative despite the demands of daily life, and I wouldn't have done it any other way. I look forward to writing more and stretching myself creatively for the coming year. 

The Life

This was the year I realized what was important and essential. And while figuring out what those were, that's how I was able to set priorities. As I've mentioned in a previous blog entry, being in my twenties feel a lot like time flies too fast. I feel like I'm just two sleeps away from turning 25 when in fact I'm only 23 now. It's overwhelming, but I have to keep reminding myself that there's no one else I need to please; only God alone. 

I overthink a lot. It's something I struggled with this year, and I don't really know where this stemmed from. It's affected me in many aspects, but at the end of the day, what's the use of worrying? Like the birds in the sky, don't they have enough to eat? I've always wondered where they stay. I mean, we all know they have nests, but often times we don't actually see their nests or where they rest. But all we know is that their chirping is what wakes us up for the next day. They're alive, well, and cheerful. I focus so much on my situation, my thoughts, but in the end they're just that: mere thoughts, small thinking. Often times I forget, I have a big God who's in control. 

Matthew 6: 33 -34

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

The more I reflect on Matthew 6: 25 - 34, the more it becomes real to me that surely God knows all these crazy things running inside my head. So I let go of things I know I have no control over. I surrender my distressing thoughts. I say No when needed and focus on what God wants me to prioritize. This in turn helped me in how to deal with life better. I'm not saying I've mastered this; I'll forever be a work in progress, but I need God more than ever. Just as the hymn goes: 

I need thee ev’ry hour,

Most gracious Lord.

No tender voice like thine

Can peace afford.

This year my family was blessed to be complete twice. We got to see my sister on February, then we had our family trip in Taiwan to celebrate her 30th birthday. A few months passed and we received great news concerning her career, and so my parents decided it was about time to visit her in the UK in June. 

I learned that when everything is well with your family, it overflows in other aspects of life. These past years, especially when I lived away in college, it was reflex for me to confide in friends, thinking that they knew better and I can relate with them more. All the while not knowing that my parents were growing older. I unknowingly spent more time with other things: school, friends, and church, thinking that my parents would be there whenever I needed them. It was during our family trips I realized to value them more and to always seek their advice and blessing on decisions I need to make, especially now with adulting.

I learned this much from my sister. Living away from home has taught her so many things, and I've seen how she's matured in so many, many ways. I've witnessed both the lows and the highs. I always praise God for the work He's done in her life, and for His continuing work in the coming year. Even though we don't always talk, whenever my Whatsapp indicates an incoming call from her, it's like no ocean, no land has ever separated us.

I've also experienced a full cycle of work this year. It was great to learn more, to organize events, to undergo my first work somethings (e.g. annual physical exam, ), and the like.


How could I forget the friends? (I'll add a photo collage within this week hehe). Shoutout to the amazing people I was able to spend time with. I appreciate you all, especially because I can be a very lowkey, low maintenance friend most of the time, but please know that I love you the same. 

I've learned as well to be comfortable with myself. To be my own person. 

The Coming Year

I'm not done yet with setting personal goals for the year, though I've written it all down, sort of like a word dump of anything and everything inside my head; it's helpful. Nothing is for certain; only God knows what the future holds, but I know I'm in good hands. Just like in every year, there was much to learn, and I can only hope to learn even more. I look forward to challenging myself even more for the coming year and to earn more life experiences! 

Dear reader, thank you for being with me. May you have a wonderful and blessed New Year. ♡♡♡

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