Life Tapestry.

Life Tapestries | Intentional Living, Faith, & Creative Reflection

Tag: wisdom

  • Four best lesson that 2023 taught me!

    The profound lesson that I gleaned from the tumultuous journey of 2023 is one that instills gratitude and a refusal to complain about life’s adversities. Despite encountering myriad highs and lows, including experiences of humiliation, shame, failures, disapproval, downfall, and the painful loss of loved ones, I find solace in acknowledging the transformative power of this challenging year.

    Regrettably, I confess that I struggled to accept myself during this period and, at times, found it difficult to seek divine intervention through prayer. Moments of questioning my very existence clouded my perspective. However, I realize now that my struggles were not eternal, my failures were not permanent, for 2023 granted me the opportunity to power down my internal engines and initiate a rejuvenating restart. Through this process, I’ve managed to re-focus my life and rediscover the capacity to smile once more.

    Expressing gratitude for the individuals who played pivotal roles in my life, teaching me profound lessons through their presence, I have come to appreciate the diversity of these lessons—some being the harshest, others sweet or bitter. Despite the challenges, I harbor no regrets about embracing these experiences. My earnest prayer extends to each of them, hoping they find or continue to experience the best that life has to offer.

    Allow me to share a few lessons from my 2023 odyssey:

    1. Politely refusing someone in a superior position is not an act of disrespect; rather, it signifies a person of integrity and self-respect.
    2. Recognize that the world extends beyond your limited perspective; embracing the diversity it offers can be a source of invaluable life lessons.
    3. Prioritize your well-being and mental health, even if it means disappointing others. In the grand scheme, it’s your life, not theirs.
    4. Life is ephemeral, and harboring resentment towards undeserving individuals is a futile endeavor. Embrace the wisdom of letting go and moving forward.

    These four insights encapsulate my learning from the past year, and I sincerely hope they prove beneficial to you in times of similar challenges. Take courage, stand up for yourself, for the sands of time do not grant us the luxury of reliving the same year. Seize the moment, act promptly, lest it be too late. Wishing everyone a fulfilling and prosperous 2024.

  • What is it takes to be a daughther of a middle class family?

    Navigating life as a daughter of a middle-class family in the Far East, where stable incomes are elusive, and with four siblings, each eager to broaden their horizons and make a meaningful impact, has proven to be a far more challenging journey than I could have anticipated. Adulting, a term I never thought would encompass such complexities, has forced me to confront the stark realities of financial instability.

    In those days, as I yearned to start earning and contribute to my family’s well-being, some elders dismissed my aspirations with laughter, insisting that life is not as straightforward as I believed. Initially, I felt annoyance and anger, vowing to prove them wrong. However, reality unfolded differently, and I learned the hard way that the wisdom of elders, derived from life experiences, is invaluable. Perhaps I should have heeded their warnings and savored my teenagehood more.

    Despite the challenges, my determination to move forward and face the world head-on persisted. As the eldest child, unexpectedly shouldering responsibilities akin to a second mother, I found myself in a role I had not anticipated. While I acknowledge that complaining is futile, understanding that I am entrusted with this role for a higher purpose keeps me focused.

    Observing friends who effortlessly achieve success and prosper in life leaves me both amazed and bewildered. I marvel at those who seemingly do nothing and yet lead comfortable lives with the support of their parents or siblings. It remains a mystery to me how they navigate life with such ease while I toil daily, not only to overcome hurdles but also to manage the debt incurred in pursuit of my education.

    This surreal life, uncharted and unanticipated, has failed to come with a warning. Nevertheless, the challenges I face and the experiences I endure are shaping me into a better human being. Each trial, each hardship, is a precious gem contributing to my unique journey and making me distinctly different.

  • Yay! A GENIE

    If I stumbled upon a three-wish genie, I’d make the following requests:

    1. Wisdom – You know, so I can finally outsmart my cat. haha
    2. A ton of money – Not just for me, but for the sake of my dream of building a mansion… It’s a gouda idea, right?
    3. A long and ridiculously happy life for my near and dear ones – I mean, who else will laugh at my cheesy jokes?

  • Tears of joy?

    Daily writing prompt
    In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled?
    View all responses

    I grew up heeding the wisdom of my elders, absorbing phrases like ‘Walk the extra mile,’ ‘You must burn the midnight oil,’ ‘You are the role model for your younger ones,’ and ‘You must excel,’ among others. During that time, I didn’t truly grasp the significance of putting in extra effort in all my endeavors; it was more about following their sage advice. However, when I eventually achieved remarkable success and witnessed tears of joy in my parents’ eyes, I came to appreciate the profound satisfaction that comes from hard work. Without a doubt, the tears of joy I witnessed were an indescribable feeling of fulfillment through dedication and perseverance.