We have, once again, come to the end of another year. The fact that time just speeds by does not quite faze me anymore. I’d like to think that with age, a person somehow just learns that nothing ever goes as planned – which has since led me to this realisation that I should learn to accept my situation for what it is because some things just cannot be changed no matter how hard I try.
As I look back on 2016, I can see how much I’ve grown and matured as a person. I’ve stepped out to do things that I never dared to do, and I’ve gotten a little braver by living in this crazy world. That said, I still have a lot to learn.
Through most of the year, I was privileged to have worked with an amazing and passionate team at FABSPY. During my time with them, I have learnt so much about fashion, running a magazine and production, but most importantly, about life. They taught me the importance of letting go and how to stand up for what I believe in. While we’ve all taken different paths now, I can honestly say that I’ve been blessed to have met each and every one of them. These days, I get to work with a whole new bunch of people who have been so nice to me from the start. They just welcomed my presence with open arms during my first month in this new company, and for that, I am forever grateful. Really looking forward to working with them in the new year.
For the most part, 2016 has been a difficult year for my family with my dad being sick. It was not easy to have someone you love so much to be so ill but he never gave up. His situation reminds me not to take my health for granted.
This year I also had to adapt to a long distance relationship. All these years, I’ve been quite independent, especially since my time in the UK. However, I’ve come to realise that maybe, just maybe, I have attachment issues. Just kidding. Long distance is hard, but I have a habit of being overly dramatic. What’s new right? Despite everything, Jae has been such a sport, always rooting for me from wherever he is. Although I’ve not been the easiest person to deal with, he’s always so patient and good to me. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier to have this man by my side to do life with. Like I said, LDR is tough but on the bright side, there’s always a good excuse for a holiday. I count my blessings.
Despite the downs of 2016, there has definitely been plenty of ups. I was blessed to be able to see a little bit more of the world with Jae, despite having seas and oceans between us. Plus, he helped me conquer my fear of animals last month in Australia, which is a huge achievement for me because I could barely touch a small puppy for most of my life.
Over the last few months, I’ve also been spending loads of quality time with my family – probably catching up for time lost in the 2 years I was away. This year, the Lee’s have survived quite a major house renovation, which is another one of my mum’s brilliant ideas, and we had a lovely low key Christmas dinner.
On a personal level, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone to start doing lookbooks, and got a lot more comfortable posing in front of the lens. In November, I started THEMISSNISE and the amount of support I’ve been receiving is really touching – thanks to all of you, no doubt!
Though I’m in a period of my life where questions seem to elude me, I am reminded that He still watches over me, and He will continue to watch over me until I get things figured out. After all, I got a job offer the same week I handed in my resignation, which is a miracle in itself because things like this don’t just happen.
Well, 2016, you’ve been all kinds of crazy. Thank you for letting me explore more about life and to grow. The end has been rather bumpy but everything happens for a reason.
Hello, 2017.
I’m ready for you, just be kind to me.
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