You tell me, everything has its place, A book on a bookshelf, A couch cushion on a couch, And you, right here, exactly where you are. But right where I am, nobody needs me. Right where I am, nobody loves me. For what purpose have you placed me here?I have eagerly waited for your command,Continue reading “Everything Has Its Place”
Tag Archives: reflections
Se Souvenir
This year, I’ve lived through my first redundancy, moments of debilitating grief, and much more. There have been times that weren’t easy at all, but it is a great joy to look back on the happy moments I thought I had lost to anxious rumination and share that with you. A few years ago, IContinue reading “Se Souvenir”
Ugly Duckling
Do you know what it’s like to grow up in a place where no one is like you? To purposefully be made to feel out of place because of the way you look? Primary school was like being an ugly duckling raised in a flock of ordinary ducklings, and we all know how that storyContinue reading “Ugly Duckling”
Love Letter
What happens when the world tells you you’re too much, not enough, too aggressive, too quiet, too standoffish for having boundaries, or too nosy for caring about people? And when you look inward to commit to changing your behaviour, are they satisfied? At some point along the way, after several complaints about our behaviour, doContinue reading “Love Letter”
Calendars
Calendars are fantastic when you know how to use them. I thrive on keeping my calendar updated because it’s incredibly satisfying to know everything is organised. Before everyone’s lives were uprooted and we were plunged into lockdown, my planners kept me going. I had all events and appointments marked, accurate to the quarter hour. AndContinue reading “Calendars”
Garden of Wonder
Over the past few months, I’ve been thinking about a lot of things. Expectations, joy, vulnerability—if you name something, I’ve probably also thought about that too. And if I’m really honest with myself, for the past year it has been hard to share about my life. No, it’s not because I’ve been having a difficultContinue reading “Garden of Wonder”
Behind the Smile
The first three months of this year have passed, but the season ahead still seems dry and barren. I won’t pretend that this year has been a good one. Even among the Hokkaido snow of the new year, I battled exhaustion and this mixed feeling of loneliness and trepidation that I could not explain. ItContinue reading “Behind the Smile”
Unseen, Unheard
There once was a doll who lived in a toy store display. Many walked by and admired her beauty and sweet smile, but eventually, everyone left. That is until one day, a girl stopped and stayed. She smiled at the doll, looking beyond the smile and seeing the passion hidden behind her lonely eyes. TheContinue reading “Unseen, Unheard”
Growing Old
In a cosy corner of a Thai restaurant, we were seated at a booth in the back during a lunch date a little later than when people usually eat. Between our conversations about the food, there were talks about memories of friendship and war, talks of work and leisure, and of growing old. I wasContinue reading “Growing Old”
Winter Coat
I always find it interesting how people view me. Most of the time, I hear that people have found me scary and intimidating. Other descriptions include: interesting, thoughtful, insane, and “has no chill”. This reminded me of a conversation I had a while ago. I sighed and told my friend that I’m a little insecureContinue reading “Winter Coat”
水 