Here's the imperfect me trying to be better.
<aside> 🥺 I used to feel guilty for not finishing reading a book that I started, and so sometimes I would force myself to read until the end of a book that I was not enjoying just so I could mark it as "read."
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<aside> 🌿 This is a waste of time. There are many good books out there that are waiting to be read. So instead of trying to read a book that I already realized halfway was not worth reading, treat it as a blog post, appreciate what I have learned so far, and move on to read a better thing.
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<aside> 🥺 I used to think that the main purpose of college is to get a job after graduation. This puts pressure and stress on me and makes me sometimes lose the ability to just enjoy learning when I knew that "this class has nothing to do with my major."
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<aside> 🌿 The purpose of higher education is to prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to be a citizen in a democratic society. Even if you don't end up making a career out of your college degree, what you learned in college (critical thinking, analytical skills, communication skills, etc.) will still be valuable in making you a better person overall.
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<aside> 🥺 I did not spend enough time with my family (my parents and brother) before leaving home to study abroad. At the time, it seemed like the only people I spent my time with were friends in my class and acquaintances in school clubs.
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<aside> 🌿 It's been 3.5 years since I started studying abroad. I'm missing out on my brother's teenage years and all my family's important occasions. I wish I got to know them more when I got the chance. Now when I get to visit home, I treasure all the moments we have together. (I gotta call my Mom after this.)
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I spent a few months trying to be someone's perfect friend. I would be the one taking initiative to plan for all of our meetups, and I often found myself brushing aside anything that would normally make me uncomfortable just so we could keep the experience positive.
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<aside> 🌿 I learned that it is more important how I am treated by someone than how much I like them. I also learned to match the energy of those around me, both to not make them feel invaded and to help me avoid being burnt out or disappointed. I still like taking initiative with those I care about but now with the knowledge of what is actually sustainable. And more importantly, I learned to respect my own boundaries and my true self before expecting others to respect them.
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<aside> 🥺 I used to think that saying "yes" to every opportunity or invitation was the best way to grow personally and professionally. As a result, I overcommitted myself constantly, leaving little room for rest or reflection.
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<aside> 🌿 Saying "no" is not a failure—it’s an act of self-respect and prioritization. By protecting my time and energy, I can focus on what truly matters and show up fully for the commitments I do take on. Growth doesn’t come from spreading yourself too thin; it comes from intentional choices.
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<aside> 🥺 For years, I equated my worth with my productivity. If I wasn’t checking off tasks on my to-do list or achieving something tangible every day, I felt like I hadn’t earned the right to relax or feel proud of myself.
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<aside> 🌿 Productivity is important, but it shouldn’t define my value as a person. Rest, creativity, and simply existing are just as valid. My worth isn’t tied to output—it’s inherent, no matter how much or little I accomplish in a day. This is something that I keep telling my burnout friends, and I truly believe in what I say. I just need to extend that same sentiment towards myself from time to time.
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<aside> 🥺 I used to believe that being busy all the time meant I was successful or important. Filling every moment of my schedule became a badge of honor, even though it left me exhausted and disconnected from what really mattered.
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<aside> 🌿 I realized that success isn’t measured by how full my calendar is—it’s measured by how meaningful my days feel. Creating space for stillness, reflection, and connection brings balance to my life in a way I didn’t appreciate before.
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<aside> 🥺 I avoided trying new hobbies or activities because I was afraid of being bad at them. Whether it was painting, dancing, or cooking, I convinced myself that if I couldn’t excel immediately, it wasn’t worth pursuing.
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<aside> 🌿 It took me years to learn that enjoyment doesn’t require perfection. The joy comes from the process of learning and exploring, not the end result. Trying something new is about discovery, not mastery—and that mindset has opened doors to experiences I never thought I’d love, like aerial yoga, for instance.
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<aside> 🥺 I used to think that traveling was only worthwhile if I visited famous landmarks or exotic destinations. If a trip didn’t involve Instagram-worthy photos or a packed itinerary, I felt like it was a waste of time.
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<aside> 🌿 I’ve come to love the random moments on my trips. Some of my most cherished memories come from unplanned, ordinary moments that felt extraordinary because I was fully present.
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