An Introspection: Looking Back at My 2023 Journey

2023 was a remarkable year for me as it marked my transition from a student to a young adult. I still vividly remember the uncomfortable feeling of waking up at 6 AM, getting ready for an 8-hour shift straight at a bubble tea shop. This is how my year started - cold, lonely, and frustrated. I could have never imagined the year ending with my official job at a more comfortable place. Nevertheless, I managed to survive through the year, and now I look forward to another one with cheer.

With writing this down, I'm not whining about how hard life could get, but share it as a personal lesson. You will all survive through crisis because that is what we do: striving for the best.

On finding a job:

- Don’t limit yourself to learning in a specific area just because of your background: Majoring in Psychology does not mean restricting yourself to one field. All aspects of life and work are interconnected, and my major has significantly contributed to my position in Marketing.

- Be open to doing any work outside your expertise: Every experience, whether big or small, eventually contributes to your current position.

- Don’t burn bridges: Every person you meet holds great potential, regardless of your feelings about them. They may lead you to places you never imagined.

On finding love:

Of all the philosophies that people share online right now, it is a crazy time to find true love. Yet, we are still human. You can bring up so many reasons why every person should be independent of each other, but we do live in a world of cooperation. Here is what I have learned from current relationships:

• Interdependence is better than dependence or independence. Too much dependence can make you insecure and closed, while independence can make your love grow cold. There's nothing wrong with admitting that we need each other, even though relationships are risky right now.

• Understand that, even in a relationship, each person is on their journey of self-improvement. Your boyfriend/girlfriend can help with the process or hinder it.

• Sometimes, the red flag is you.

On finding myself

• Self-pity is not a virtue: it can make you fall into a deep slip. Rather always remember that everyone has their seasons. There is season of crying and season of smiling.

• Understand that looking at what others had as a motivation will not help you that much. God gave each of us different talents & gifts to find purpose and contribute in life, and he will make sure that he provides enough to make that happen.

Have you thought about what happened to you in 2023 and before? Take a moment to reflect. It can help you learn from the past, understand what you've been through, and appreciate your strength. Don't let it bring you down for too long. Focus on the present because soon, you'll move past this date and place.

We'll see what 2024 will bring.