August Reflection - When life gives you tangerines

August has been a really CRAZY MONTH full of submissions, assignments, meeting amazing people, staying in school at 12 to finish our work (though we should not do that anymore ) Had tons of fun memories like celebrating my birthday with amazing people being an emcee for the first time in front of an entire cohort, getting director's roll and also facilitating my first workshop with RVI and Friday Fries Night!!!😍🤩

My month in August has been full of ups and with downs such as the stress of not completing assignments on time, managing projects, having to navigate managing conflicts with relationships with family and love ones that I hold closely to in my heart leading to moments where I felt bombarded by all sorts of emotions.

Whilst being at the state of "I don't know what I'm doing" constantly, knowing to still move on regardless.

I read an article on substack saying how all of us has 24 hours equally but is time really equally fair to all? Time isn't always on our side constantly and it will fly by when we face different circumstances in our lives whether the good or bad moments...

Which can seem unfair sometimes that time doesn't stop for anyone and that eventually we do have to move on with our lives but the real question is how do I use my time effectively yet take time to process my emotions and all the chaos happening in the back.

I found the answer that resonated with me the most came from the show "When lives gives you tangerines" that I have been binge watching. (LOVE IT SO MUCH I CRIED TOO MUCH 😭💖)

The meaning of the title directly translates from korean jeju dialect "Here's to all that you've been through" which ABSOLUTELY struck me.

The importance to recognize how far we have come.

To recognize the different setbacks we face or the moments of joy even if it's the smallest ones.

Most important I learnt this month:
The quote "Here's to all that you've been through" made me learn to accept that there are different seasons in our lives that we face which may look different from everyone.

And it is important to acknowledge that it is okay, to not succumb to comparison to others (which I honestly found it challenging as I always thought okay if I had the energy I would just CONSTANTLY HUSTLE AND GRIND) So that I'm "ahead" if I want to reach the level of "success" I envision and want to achieve.

But what I didn't realise honestly even throughout my entire 3 years in school was that I didn't accept that there were seasons in my life. I just wanted to do everything I could (which I realise is impossible) to make my school life seem as fufilling as possible.

But throughout the times of my lows this month, I learnt to recognize how far I have come (my wins)

Instead of dwelling on my emotions and struggles in the past, it is okay to be in a season where I may be "slower" and to pace myself for rest in order for me to focus on my energy on the important things in life.

I also realised I struggled with having a lack of clarity and focus which surprinsngly wasn't because I was procastinating or I was feeling lazy but realising that I have been constantly "doing" but not asking myself "why am I doing this???"

I have been constantly chasing things and wanting to do more but I lack clarity to put my energy and time (that is so valuable and important) into the important things which is what this platform has helped me!!!!!! and also IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DO EVERYTHING (I constantly have a bad habit of over-estimating especially time and my money..)

Summary
So this month, I want to reflect on my small wins captured in the photos but also acknowledge that there were moments of struggles and disappointment as well but to recognize how far I have become previously.

And to then focus on the key areas in my life that I want to improve upon such as managing my emotions or having the habit of being early is something that I'm actively working on to become 1% better everyday and to work to be the best version of myself for future me :)

Coming into September I hope that I can grow out of my comfort zone and to look back to embrace the moments of joy and struggles I face, and to be grateful to all the opportunities, family, friends and loved ones who have been so amazing and supportive in my journey.

To embrace imperfections and the chaos and recognize how far I have come :) While figuring out my plans yet I would like to hold onto one constant thing throughout which is "To grow to be an inspiring person to others" - and be the ideal version of myself I want to become :)

(Tried my best to fit all the images into the best of my ability ! )