Sharing

hello dear, how are you? miss you 🤍

I finally feel better today from my period. The blood is still flowing and I feel quite tired, but at least I didn’t have to take any painkillers today.

I went out to have brunch with with two friends I made from the Vietnam trip, one is the trip leader and another is the only other local girl. I actually enjoy being with them even though we chat in English cause the trip leader is American), I like that we share and listen to each other on how we are doing lately, instead of just shallow conversations.

I actually wanted to share these deeper thoughts lately but I was already so tired to journal them here, but quite awhile back, I did a mid year reflection during my alone time. One of the questions I reflected on was, what is it that God has shown me in the first half of 2025, and continues to call me to grow in for the rest of the year. And the one word that really stood out in my heart is “community”.

I shared quite a lot of times here about how I just have this tendency to be socially withdrawn because of my personality and also mental state. But I don’t know if you agree, I feel like this year has been the year when I’ve made quite a few first and baby steps in this area. From joining a care group at church to signing up for the Vietnam trip by myself, and also being more engaged with my old friends and colleagues.

These things probably sound really normal for a lot of people, but to me, they really are uneasy but significant steps towards a healthier mental life. And during my reflection, these are some words I noted down as I prayed and asked God to show me what it means for me to be in community:

Community | to be the salt and light of this world

- To be an authentic person who values building deep and genuine relationships with people that God put in my life

- To be a messenger of God’s love and forgiveness in this world

- To grow in wisdom in order to speak Biblical truth over difficult topics

I know that they might seem too deep and broad haha, I guess what it really comes down to is just to be intentional and engage with people with my heart. It sounds simple, but it’s really not easy for someone like me who is so used to shutting down the door to my heart immediately whenever someone tries to get close. And this is one of the things I pray for myself every day before I start my day.

I wanted to journal these here and share with you, because I do also want to take time to appreciate myself for making these steps lately. I am still learning to take a balance because I also am not trying to change my introverted nature, but I know I am proud of the growth I have seen in myself so far this year :)

What about you? what do you think? I miss you at the same time as I write these, I especially want a big hug from you 🤍