There have been days, rough and smooth, days with both nice and not-so-nice moments – yet, I embrace it all. Today, I write to you not to complain, but to reflect, to remember, and to appreciate the journey that brought me here today – to this version of myself. And, I couldn’t be more grateful!
Do you recall the heavy mornings when the world seemed too daunting, and the nights when darkness enveloped my mind, body and soul?
Looking back, it’s beautiful how dots connect – thank you for the giving me this gift of resilience. I never would have discovered a reservoir full of strength within me, if it weren’t for those challenges. Each one was a stepping stone, each setback a lesson in disguise. You showed me that strength is not the absence of fear but the courage to face it. There were also days bathed in sunlight, love, laughter and magic. Those memories are treasures I hold close to my heart. You gave me friends who became family, love that warmed my soul, and experiences that painted my world in vibrant colours.
In times of sorrow, you were a silent companion, reminding me that even in the darkest hours, there is a sliver of hope. You whispered that it’s okay to cry, to feel lost, to stumble and fall. And when I did, you were there, urging me to rise again, to move forward with a heart made stronger by every tear shed. You’ve witnessed my dreams, my aspirations, and my failures. You were there when I dared to reach for the stars, and when I fell back to the earth. Each fall taught me to dream anew, to strive harder, to believe in myself more fiercely.
Dear Past, you are a mosaic of moments that have shaped who I am today. The good and the bad, the joyous and the painful – every piece has its place, creating a picture that is uniquely mine.
You are my story, written in the ink of time and sealed with the stamp of experience.
As I pen this letter, I feel a sense of peace. I understand now that every moment, every experience was a necessary thread in the fabric of my life.
You are a part of me, and I am grateful for every second of our journey together.
Here’s to you, my past, for making me who I am today.
With love and gratitude, I embrace you fully, looking forward to the future with hope and an open heart.
Forever with love,
S.
From To-do’s to Ta-Da’s – What’s in my List?
Oh my god, I can’t begin to tell you how much I love making lists.
But why am I telling you this? I want to spill some beans. The more things you add to your list, the more you will accomplish anyway. And by accomplishing, I don’t mean just your goals. I mean experiencing life in many beautiful and different ways. Lists, for me, are like tiny adventures waiting to happen. They encourage me to step out of my comfort zone and seize the day. When I look back at my diaries or journals filled with lists, I see a tapestry of incredible experiences and unforgettable moments.
If I pull out any of my diaries or journals, which have my lists, I can go on and on about them. There are so many amazing, crazy experiences I’ve had in the last ten years of my life in Korea. I jumped into the ocean without knowing how to swim, quite literally. I have climbed some crazy mountains, which I still hate. But thanks to the people who took me and helped me come back safely, I have experienced a crazy number of things. Lists have pushed me to do things I never thought I would or could do. They act as a constant reminder to live life fully.
Wait, I need to open my list to check what I want to write further. But I’ve been to unknown places, travelled solo, written books, been on television, written articles in the press, met some amazing people, and made a lot of memories. None of that would have been possible if I did not make lists. Lists are my way of making sure I don’t let life pass me by.
“Lists turn ordinary days into extraordinary ones and keep the spirit of adventure alive.”
Making lists isn’t just about organization for me; it’s about intention. It’s about making a conscious effort to fill my life with diverse and rich experiences. It’s about setting little challenges and achieving them, one by one. Every item crossed off my list is a proof to living boldly and authentically. So, if you haven’t already, I encourage you to start making your own lists.
Who knows where they might lead you?
Remember, lists are not just about ticking off tasks—they’re about making your journey through life as colourful and fulfilling as possible. So, go ahead, jot down your dreams, your plans, your little whims. You might just find yourself living a life you never imagined.
How Lists Have Changed My Life?
Lists are more than just a productivity tool for me; they are a way to curate a life filled with purpose and excitement.
Here’s how lists have specifically enriched my life:
1. Cultivating New Habits
By listing new habits, I want to adopt, I’ve been able to integrate positive changes into my daily routine. From practicing gratitude to maintaining a consistent dance routine, lists have helped me stay accountable and track my progress.
2. Fuelling Creativity
Lists have sparked my creativity in unexpected ways. By jotting down random ideas, potential projects, or even books I want to write, I’ve found a wellspring of inspiration that keeps my creative juices flowing.
3. Building Relationships
Believe it or not, lists have also helped me build and strengthen relationships. I make lists of people I want to reconnect with, friends I need to check in on, and even new acquaintances I want to get to know better. This intentionality has enriched my social life and fostered deeper connections. And, ofc, not to forget the list of people I love sending out letters every year!
4. Exploring New Places
Whether it’s a list of vegan places to try (Thanks to Gwen for organizing this for me.), hiking trails to explore, or countries to visit, my lists have turned me into an adventurer. They’ve pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown, leading to countless memorable experiences.
5. Achieving Personal Goals
From professional aspirations to personal dreams, lists have been my roadmap to all what I have achieved so far. By breaking down big goals into manageable steps, I’ve been able to make steady progress and celebrate small victories along the way.
Here are few tips for you to start organizing your life in a better way:
Be Specific: The more detailed your list, the easier it will be to take action. Instead of writing “exercise more,” try “Pole dance every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.”
Prioritize: Not all items on your list will have the same level of importance. Highlight or mark the top three priorities for the day, week, or month to ensure you focus on what matters most. For example, my three top-most priorities today are:
- Publish this blog
- Restart Yoga
- Take a walk in the nature
- Restart Reading!
Keep it Visible: Place your lists where you can see them regularly. Whether it’s on your desk, your phone, or your bathroom mirror, keeping your lists in sight will remind you of your intentions. I KEEP MINE ON NOTION, always!
Review and Reflect: At the end of each day, week, or month, review your lists. Reflect on what you’ve accomplished, what you’ve learned, and what you still want to achieve. This practice will keep you motivated and help you adjust your goals as needed. I do my monthly self-reflections, religiously and I love this the most!
Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable, and it’s okay if you don’t complete everything on your list. Take it easy and never be too rough on yourself! Add more “Do-Nothing” days and moments to your lists once in a while and see the magic in recharging your mind and soul.
Finally, lists are not just about ticking off tasks—they’re about making your journey through life as colourful and fulfilling as possible.
So, go ahead, jot down your dreams, your plans, your little whims. You might just find yourself living a life you never imagined.
It’s never too late..
It’s never too late to start what has been going on in your mind or some list you have made or the dreams you had when you were a child. Let me tell you from my experience and journey that it’s never too late to start.
I remember that I wanted to pen my thoughts since past ten years. I wanted to write my blogs, but I was always concerned. Oh, how do I let my emotions out? What are readers gonna think of me? Are there any readers? What are people around me gonna think of me? Oops, I’m vulnerable. Oops, I’m scared today. Oops, I’m afraid of all these things. But yeah, finally, one of my goals before turning 30 was to launch my blog.
And finally, here I am..
So, if I can do it, here’s your reminder not to wait too long. Don’t wait as long as I did. Make memories, take risks, do things you wanted to do. Don’t think too much about the what-ifs and what are people gonna say. Just follow your heart sometimes, if not always. Life is not too long. It’s very, very short. Just do it today. There might not be as many tomorrows as you think.
Starting something new will be scary for sure, but remember, every expert was once a beginner like you and me.
The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most important.
Think about the dreams and goals you have had as a child. Maybe you wanted to become an artist, a writer, or a dancer. Maybe you dreamed of traveling the world or starting your own business. Luckily, these dreams don’t come with an expiration date. They are still within your reach, waiting for you to take that first step.
I’ve learned that it’s okay to be afraid – we all are.
It’s okay to feel vulnerable, too.
These emotions are part of the journey. They make the achievements even more rewarding. And guess what? People are more supportive than you think. Real friends will admire your courage and authenticity.
So, take that first step today. Write that first sentence, take that first lesson, plan that first trip, or whatever it is that calls you. As they say, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Don’t let fear hold you back. Embrace the uncertainty and take the leap. You might surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.
The best thing I heard during a lecture was – “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago; the second-best time is now.”
So go ahead and make your mark. Your future self will thank you for starting today.
Because it’s never too late.