Growing The Garden (+ Reader Survey)

It seemed unimaginable that I just spent the last couple of months in university - the institute of 'thriving talent, desire and opportunity'. I suppose time flies while we're bustling through the avid, networking community and endless friends-of-friends introductions. While orientating myself in the fresh atmosphere and joining the pursuit of self-exploration with thousands of others, it was no surprise that some anxiety was involved.

We find ourselves clinging on to the safety of our comfort zones as we commence the year with new beginnings, whether moving to different neighbourhoods, starting in a new school or a new job. It's natural to be intimidated; everyone has reservations to new experiences. It's only important that this doesn't prolong, for each time we turn down the audacity to make new decisions and overcome challenges, we evade the tugging at our sleeves to grow as a person.

The beauty of a garden lies in its cultivation. This especially rings true in self development while experiencing new challenges. There are gardens are in our hearts, filled with various botanical elements, depending on how we develop as a person. It only takes some water and heart to nurture it.

Never mind weeds and setbacks. Adversities build character. Procrastinating to subdue them or avoiding them completely harbours apathy. One should be able to tell the difference between hanging in there, and constantly asking time to hang on. And as much as I'd like to take heart from what is mentioned, admittedly, I've yet to instill this upon myself, so this has been dutifully placed as one of the resolutions for this year. 

What then, would be the grand plan to achieve this? For a start, know and acknowledge that we're not alone - soak ourselves in the relief that these challenges are not only unique to us, then, go through them together. The world is a much brighter with family and friends. I can never be more grateful to God for giving me such supportive and encouraging people who care; we're all given so much to be thankful for.

Hopefully by understanding this, instead of chastising ourselves or surrendering to these challenges, we'll not only have compassion for others who are struggling, but also learn how resilient we really are.

Until next time ♥

_______________________

+ It's refreshing to be finally back from my near-three-month break. I'd love to hear updates from readers of how things have been and catch up with everyone. Some might have also noticed that I've put up a little link to a short reader survey. I've received some feedback since - all of which bear the sweetest and most helpful responses. If you haven't attempted it, feel free to do so. All feedback mentioned will undoubtedly be taken into consideration to make The Happy Candle a more creative and inspiring place for all. Your response and time taken to review is greatly appreciated.

This semester is going to be much busier, but several posts have already been planned out for the future, in which we can all look forward to. There are several projects I've been busy with last winter which have yet to debut, so it's going to be a very exciting year. I do realise it's been more than three months since I last posted in this space - winter break was more packed than I'd expected - so much so that I took no notice that The Happy Candle blog actually turned one back last December. (This calls for a short belated celebratory applause!) Here's a jog down memory lane with it's first post.