First of all, let’s acknowledge the end of a year filled with unexpected events. It’s important to reflect on the lessons learned and appreciate the growth that comes from facing challenges. Despite the difficulties of 2020, we have gained valuable insights about ourselves and the world around us. Let’s express gratitude for the experiences that have strengthened us and inspired us to strive for more.
In my experience, it’s not always about the year itself, but rather how we react and adapt to the challenges that come our way. It’s true that 2020 was a difficult year for many, but it’s important to remember that we all face struggles and unexpected events in our lives. I learned this lesson firsthand last year and it has helped me to approach difficult situations with a more positive and resilient mindset.
As we start this new year, I’m excited to see what opportunities and challenges come my way. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s important to be adaptable and open to change. Instead of focusing on specific goals or resolutions, I’m choosing to trust in the journey and have faith that everything will fall into place. Letting go and letting God has brought me a sense of peace and clarity, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this mindset takes me in the year ahead.
I couldn’t agree more with the perspective of focusing on the present moment. While it’s important to have goals and plans, I’ve realized that we can never truly predict what the future holds. Being present and appreciating the current moment can bring a sense of peace and contentment that can’t be found through constantly striving for the future. It’s a valuable lesson I’ve learned and I’m so glad I’ve found joy in living in the moment.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned last year is that we can’t always control what happens in our lives. However, we do have the power to control our reactions and emotions towards these events. It’s important to remember that even in difficult circumstances, we can find strength and comfort through our faith. Seeking God’s help can provide us with the guidance and support we need to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
I believe that a positive mindset can go a long way in helping us navigate this year. Instead of focusing on the negative, let’s try to keep an open mind and heart towards the blessings that may come our way. Even through difficult circumstances, it’s possible to find joy and purpose in the midst of trials. I know that grief and sorrow can be challenging, but they can also deepen our sense of appreciation for life and the people around us. Remember that you have the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacles that come your way. Let’s stay strong and keep pushing forward.
I have decided to take a break from social media. I’m trying to focus on being present at the moment and I think it’s going to be really good for me. I’ve been having some issues with my eyes lately, so I’m hoping that reducing my screen time will help. Life is all about creating meaningful connections with the people around us and enjoying the little moments. I’m excited to see how this break will benefit me.
I’ve had some experience with taking a break from social media in the past, and I’ve found that it’s much more enjoyable to simply be present with my family. There’s something special about sharing moments with loved ones without the need to document them online. It’s more meaningful to be in the moment than to be constantly worrying about capturing it for others. This year, I’m planning to take a longer break than usual. I have a lot of personal things to take care of, and I need to be fully present for those. I’m excited to see what the future brings, and I know that I’ll be better off for it if I can stay focused on the present.
I’m an old soul, and I miss the old days when life was simpler and more uncomplicated. Back then, we didn’t have social media or all the other technologies that we have today, but we still found ways to have fun and connect with each other. We would go out and play, or just hang out at each other’s houses. We didn’t need to post everything we did online, and we didn’t need to be constantly connected.
Nowadays, it seems like everyone is always on their phone. They’re constantly checking their social media feeds, and they’re always connected to the internet. It’s hard to have a real conversation with someone when they’re constantly looking at their phone. And it’s even harder to connect with someone when you’re only interacting with them through a screen.
I miss the days when people would make an effort to see each other in person. I miss the days when people would ask me how I was doing, and actually listen to my answer. I miss the days when conversations were real and meaningful.
I know that social media has its benefits, but I also think that it has its drawbacks. I think that we need to find a way to balance our online and offline lives. We need to make sure that we’re not spending so much time online that we’re neglecting our real relationships. And we need to make sure that we’re not using social media in a way that’s harmful to ourselves or others.
So if you are one of my friends, and you happened to stumble here, hello 🙂👋🏻 to you.
I hope this message finds you well. I know we haven't talked in a while, but I was thinking about you and wanted to reach out. I hope everything is going well for you. If you're going through something tough, just know that I'm here for you. I'm praying for you, and I know that things will get better. I'm also doing well. I'm healthy, both physically and mentally. I've been working hard on my personal projects, and I'm really excited about the progress I've made. I would love to catch up with you sometime soon. Maybe we can meet for coffee or lunch and talk about everything that's been going on in our lives. I'm always here to listen, whether you have happy or sad stories to share.
That’s all for now, I have a few things to do. But before I go, I wanted to thank you for dropping by here. I hope you found what you were looking for, and I hope all is well with you!
Btw, I just wanted to share a J-drama (Japanese drama) that I just watched. It’s called “The Curry Songs”, and it’s one of my favorite Japanese dramas. It’s about a boy who is abandoned by his parents and roams the world alone. He’s also a pretty old soul, he doesn’t own a smartphone. He has a weird fascination with curry, and he meets people and changes their lives by eating curry with them. It sounds shallow, but a lot can happen over a curry, and that’s for you to find out. I highly recommend it!
I hope you have a chance to watch it. Let me know what you think!
Spoiler Alert: My favorite part was when Yōichirō and Nita (one of the strangers he met) went on camping. Nita told Yōichirō that it was the first time he felt alive in a long time. He said that he had been searching for his purpose in life, and he was always worried about the future. I could relate to Nita a bit, and I liked Yōichirō’s answer. He said:
With the five and the three, even an uneducated girl can cook. The “five” is salt, pepper, mustard, cumin, and tamarind. The “three” are water, fire, and fuel. As long as you have those, you don’t need extra thought or effort. But, conversely, it’s rarely possible to have everything you need in your life. (it’s an idiom from India)
Yōichirō – The Curry Songs
This world offers happiness that only costs a few hundred yen like instant curry. A few hundred yen can make you happy, but at times, even millions of yen won’t be enough. You can be happy just eating curry without a care in the world, but at other times, you still suffer no matter how hard you try. Well, I guess mankind…can become happy by just eating curry.
I believe that contentment is the key to happiness. No matter how much we have in life, if we are not content, we will never be truly happy. We will always want more, and we will never be satisfied. But if we can learn to be content with what we have, we will find true happiness.
This is what the Bible teaches us. In the book of Philippians, Paul writes, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether I am well fed or hungry, whether I am living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:11-12)
Paul’s words are a reminder that contentment is not about having everything we want. It’s about being grateful for what we have, and finding joy in the simple things in life. It’s about learning to trust God, and knowing that he will provide for us whatever our needs may be.
If you are struggling with contentment, I encourage you to read the book of Philippians. It is a powerful reminder that true happiness is found in Christ, and that we can find contentment in any and every situation.
As I always do at the end of my blog posts, I leave you with a Bible verse:
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." (1 Timothy 6:6-8)
I hope this verse will help you to find contentment in your life. God bless you!