It's kind of strange to look at 2022 and just try to look back at all the things that happened, because looking back now, I feel like everything happened in a rush and now my memories are a blur of how the year went by. However, as I crammed (😅) to write the remaining year's life logs during the last days of the year, I felt the memories rushing in, and then I realized how transformative the year was.

Here are some important lessons the year has taught me.

I'm still unaware of my full potential. Winning in the Toastmasters Table Topics three times (all first place!) was a huge pleasant surprise for me. It was a great boost of confidence for me, because I have always been intimidated by public speaking. I felt relieved somehow because, hey I still have something to offer to the world. I'm just still navigating on how I could further utilize this capability in a bigger arena. Let's see, life's full of endless possibilities!

Time heals. I know it's cliché, but it's true (in most situations). It took me ~6 years to go back to where things were, and I'm happy to have finally arrived in this place. Looking back, I recognize now that I needed to go through that journey to find myself. It took some time, but I'm so glad to be finally here. ✨

Trust the process. I have always been skeptical of a lot of things. I think it's just correct to lay out some precautions, but once they have proved themselves, it's okay to give them some trust, because they earned it. 

Respect boundaries. This applies for myself and for others. I specifically learned to adhere to my own bonds, especially if I feel that it would do more harm than good.

Integrity is next to godliness. I was reminded of a key element that made it possible for me to get where I am today. I need to remember which methods worked for me in the past, and live by it.

The world is your oyster. Think of endless possibilities. ✨

There is magic in stillness. There are so many distractions in life now (phone being the main culprit), and it's just so refreshing to be able to sit down and listen to the wind and the chirping of the birds, and hear the random rumble of the crowd from the distance. During those moments, time seems to slow down, and it relaxes me. I need more moments like that.

Tune out from the noise. That's how you will filter and see clearly what the most important things are.

Impromptu adventures are stressful, but memorable. As someone who loves control and writes to-do lists everyday, moving without a plan is something I approach with animosity. However, I do realize that those moments are the most memorable. I had a number of those this year, and I learned a lot from those experiences.

Be kind to yourself. I would benefit more from a compassionate inner voice.

Every day is a new beginning. Yesterday's woes are gone and lost, so it's really useless to wallow in them. Take the chance each morning to start with a clean slate.