How’s your year so far?
Our team tried to answer this question by reflecting on and writing down our feelings and realizations during the past half-year. Find out the lessons we’ve learned, achievements we’ve accomplished, and things that keep us motivated for the rest of the year in this blog post!
Lara
2021 has continued to be a challenge as it’s been more than a year of being in quarantine, but I’ve learned to stay positive and make the most of it. I’ve managed to keep working out, which helps give myself a break at times, makes me feel motivated, and keeps my mind healthy. I still stick to taking each day a step at a time, focusing on what I have at the present moment, celebrating little wins, and rewarding myself with little online purchases which have helped me deal with life in quarantine all this time.
Dianne
The past six months felt slow every time I would long for what I didn’t have, which was, for the most part, the adventures brought about by pre-pandemic normalcy. Going out with friends, trying different restaurants, and the list goes on. I would feel so hopeless and pessimistic every time I would focus on this, so I began to actively train myself to practice a gratitude mindset instead. Focusing on the wonders that I DO have right now made me appreciate even the most mundane of days. Instead of mourning for the loss of what once was, I found myself getting excited and eager to discover the many facets that my present constantly brings. Every new day is an opportunity to get to know my new self—my likes, dislikes, quirks, and emotions—and I think that, in itself, is a pretty great adventure.
Nadine
Hope is still present within me that our country’s situation will get better through collective efforts like the vaccine roll out. I’m still in the constant state of trying to figure things out. Putting effort into things that serve me well and being pickier towards things that do not. Honoring the pace of my life, being grateful over the “smallest” of things, and trying my hardest to not fall under the comparison trap. Life feels like being in constant trial and error, but I choose to embrace it.
Rissa
The start of 2021 brought a lot of changes for me, and looking forward, it seems like that won’t be slowing down any time soon. But I’m taking things one day at a time and hoping for the best as the year quickly progresses. The first half of 2021 was about relearning things about myself, figuring out my next steps, and of course being there for my family and friends as we go through this journey. If there is anything I have learned, it is that life stops for no one and that we are all doing our best, so be kind, especially to yourself.
Kris
I entered 2021 expecting that the situation will still be the same but still hopeful. Waking up everyday healthy and with food on our table is the biggest blessing we could have in this crazy time. As we’re halfway through the year, I’m in the process of allowing myself to make mistakes especially at this point in my life. I’ve also been able to track my mood daily in an attempt to have a better relationship with myself. And probably the biggest lesson our current situation taught me is to always be kind, be generous, and don’t deny food to anyone. Hopefully the next half of the year will get better for all of us, so hang in there.
Kim
The first half of 2021 was not as ideal as I had hoped it would be. I welcomed the year with a lot of goals that I planned to accomplish by June but failed to do so. As I enter the second half of 2021, I just want to keep moving forward with three important reminders for myself. First, recognize your progress, even the small ones. Second, look out for yourself but don’t forget to look out for others too. What you’re capable of might exactly be the kind of help that another person is looking for. Lastly, treat yourself. A bowl of jjajangmyeon, an extra hour of sleep, or a quick chat with friends can make you feel like you’re ready for the world again.
We hope you appreciate the little things and keep a positive mindset. Have a good rest of the year!