The last day of 2016 is best accompanied by a yearend blog entry. I've been writing one since 2013 because I feel like I am formally bidding goodbye to another year through this.
Reflecting in Nami Island, South Korea (lol) | April 2016
2016 HIGHLIGHTS
Here are the 10 things I'm truly thankful for for the year that was:
- Good health, safety, and security for me, my family and loved onesThis is always the first thing I pray and give thanks for when I wake up every morning -- a blessing I will never take for granted. Thank You, God.
- Comfortable lifestyle
Being able to eat good food, live in a comfortable house, and get enough sleep are everyday things I'm also always thankful for. - Traveling to Japan and South Korea {trips funded by my hardwork, to countries I have always dreamt of visiting, with people close to my heart}Going to Japan and South Korea made me revisit one of my passion in life, which is immersing myself in history and different cultures. Plus points as well because East Asian culture has a special place in my heart! Through these trips, I also managed to cross out some things off my bucket list because I got to experience winter (snow!) and spring (cherry blossoms!).
- Opening a public blogI've been blogging privately since 2005 and I've always wanted to open a public one since 2011. This year, I found the courage to just go and do it! I started blogging because I wanted to preserve my life experiences, no matter how big and small these are. I decided to create a public blog because now, aside from penning down my experiences, I also found the desire to share my thoughts to the world.
- Quitting my previous job...Last June, I encountered a big transition in my life: I quit my first ever job (yes, my job after I graduated from university) aka the job I had for almost 3 years. Quitting reminded me of how human I am, in the sense that it made me feel all sorts of feelings -- regretful, frustrated, confused, aloof, relieved, determined, courageous... loved. :) In quitting my previous job, I left a lot of good things -- great work benefits, my teammates, my colleagues, my previous work routine, my previous lifestyle... my comfort zone. BUT quitting my previous job also opened me to a lot of good things; it gave me the clarity to differentiate what I want vs what I don't want and made me appreciate more the neverending support my family and loved ones are continuously giving me. Then again, I am still very thankful for my previous job and all the people, opportunities, and experiences I've encountered because of it! :D
- ...and Getting a new oneI now have a new job which also means more opportunities to welcome, more skills to enhance and more people to learn from! Of course, not forgetting to contribute and help in any way I can! ;)
- Creating progress with this certain goal
I will not go into specifics with this bullet point but I'm just grateful because I finally did something with this goal after putting it off for more than 2 years now. I know I have a lot of work to do but I am beyond excited for what's to come! - Kpop-inspired lifestyle
3 years after I got sucked into this blackhole and heeeey, I'm still here! GOT7 is still my bias group and Jinyoung is still my ultimate bias. I know I've blogged about this lifestyle before but I just want to reiterate how Kpop has been inspiring me to work hard, learn more things and do something with my goals and dreams. Kpop has really transformed into a passion for me and I don't regret it, not one bit. And yes, I saw GOT7 again! 3 years in a row now! Going to their fanmeeting last Dec. 23 was a great way to celebrate this year's holiday season. I got to meet new friends/fellow Ahgases(IGOT7s) too! - Putting effort to live a minimalist lifestyle
This year, I bought less materialistic things. I'm proud to say that most of my money went to life experiences (e.g. travel and Kpop-related stuff lol) and gifts for other people. I've also been continuously decluttering my stuff and I've been religiously giving away things that don't spark joy in my life anymore (thank you Konmari!). - Maintaining a positive dispositionHonestly, 2016 may not be the best year for me but through all the love I keep on receiving, I continue to believe that I am exactly where I am meant to be and everything that is happening is leading me to what I truly desire. Thank You, I love You :)
2016 LEARNINGS
Top 8 learnings for 2016:
- It's important to know what you want AND what you don't want... especially when making life-changing decisions.
- Take that leap of courage. It may start rocky at first but THINGS WILL ALWAYS GET BETTER.
- There are still lots of things to discover, to learn, to love.
- Always believe in His perfect timing. Be patient.
- Make time for things that matter.
- The world is abundant. There is enough for everyone. Compete with yourself and strive to be a better you.
- Choose to see the good in everything, everyone. Be kind. Always.
- LOVE EVERYTHING.
2016 IN A NUTSHELL
2016 was a year of beginnings and endings, of transition and change, of reawakened passion and dreams. It may have turned out different from what I've expected but at this point in my life, I know that I am exactly where I really am supposed to be :)
This year, I was able to get a clearer grasp of what I want and was able to let go of the inessentials. I believe 2016 also triggered my quarter-life crisis lol. I didn't accomplish all of my goals; I've created progress with some but I also cancelled some. I may still feel confused now but I am still very much excited for what's ahead. :D
Thank you 2016, for all these experiences, for the time, for the progress, for the 366 days of continuous love. To 2017, let's do this! :D More experiences, more progress, more loving! :)
HAPPY NEW YEAR, YOU!! I HOPE YOU'RE HAVING AN AMAZING ONE! I LOVE YOU! CHEERS TO ANOTHER YEAR! :D
