November ‘23

Hello my lovely humans! 🌟

Welcome to my November recap, and let me tell you, it's been kind of crazy. With the holidays coming up and my recent Taiwan adventures, there's so much to unpack.

Get ready for a mix of travel stories, self-discovery, and all the good vibes. This month has been a journey of learning, growing, and stepping into my confidence. 🚀

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The Highlights

tempur-pedic movie experience with parents

Going to a Tempur-pedic movie theater with my parents was probably one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever done so far.

Here's the funny part: it wasn't planned at all. Gabriel and I wanted to enjoy it together. Unfortunately, our busy schedule in Taiwan meant missing out the movie experience. But, I managed to have this experience with my parents and it was pure luxury!

Stay tuned for a dedicated blog post! 🍿🎬

Hoshinoya Hot Springs with Sunny

I’m going to be honest, it was a bit of a splurge, but so worth it.

Located in the mountains about an hour and 50 minutes drive from Taichung City — the experience was beyond words.

I'll be spilling all the details in my upcoming blog post, but here's a sneak peek: We spent a night, checked out around noon the next day, left our luggage at the counter, and explored the surroundings, capturing some jaw-dropping photos.

Frankly, spending one day in those hot springs was enough to just let go. It was all about relaxation and being comfortable.

READ MORE: Hoshinoya Guguan

spending time with parents

One of the things I'm truly grateful for this November is the precious time I shared with my parents after Gabriel headed back to New York.

Being able to spend quality time together was the highlight. It's those simple moments. Whether it's my mom sewing or knitting on the couch, my dad dozing off to the TV's background noise, just being there with them, soaking in the presence, made me happy.

No need for constant chatter. Just being present made them happy.

friendsgiving

This year, Gabriel decided to take on the challenge of preparing all the meals. We pre-ordered Harry & David's Lobster Pot Pie and Apple Pie, complemented by our local supermarket rotisserie chicken.

Gabriel whipped up the mashed potatoes, Olivia took care of the beans, Brian brought both red and white wine, and Justin contributed white wine along with some entertaining board games.

The vibe was just amazing. Spending quality time, sharing laughter over games, and deepening our connections. 🦃🍂

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What Did I Learn

As a person who worked in sales for a decade, I've learned to always ask open-ended questions — a key tactic in connecting with others.

However, a recent conversation with Gabriel made me realize that sometimes, it's okay to step back and give others the chance to ask about me. I don't always have to carry the conversation. It's alright if there's a moment of awkwardness.

Patience is a virtue, and sometimes, allowing others to take the lead can lead to more meaningful connections.

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What Drained My Energy

Always being there for people and not being there for myself.

Self-doubt & constant worry.

In the past, I might have brushed these feelings aside, but as I've focused on personal growth this year, I've learned the importance of prioritizing myself.

Acknowledging these struggles isn't pointing out flaws. It's a step toward self-awareness. 🌿

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What I CanImprove

To enhance my well-being in December, I want to focus on two key areas:

ONE: Letting go of the little things that tend to bother me. A valuable lesson from a taxi uncle who has emphasized holding onto feelings only affects me, not others.

TWO: I'll prioritize self-care and find more time to nurture my own needs. After all, self-care = self-love! 💖

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Intentions in December

For December, my mindset will be centered on gratitude.

I want to embrace positivity, continuously learn, foster personal growth, live in the moment, express love, practice forgiveness, and remain thankful for the diverse experiences life unfolds before me! 🌟💖

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Goals for December

I have two goals for December!

ONE: Tweaking my workout schedule by adding 5 more minutes to my workout routine!

It might not sound like much, but it's a significant step for someone like me who isn't a hardcore gym enthusiast.

I've been working on this habit for almost a year, and I've seen noticeable changes.

TWO: Reflecting on my reading journey, I've noticed a dip in October and a hiatus in November.

In December, I'm committing myself to picking up the pace again. My goal is to read at least one book per month.

To challenge myself further, I'll be delving into more Chinese literature to improve my language skills. It might take time, but I'm up for the challenge! 📚💪

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Watch Me Cook HelloFresh!

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