Travel

Last year on April, I went to Korea carrying a mind that felt heavier than my luggage. The trip ended earlier than I had planned — not because of a change in itinerary, but because of a panic attack that cut the journey short. My anxiety packed itself into my suitcase without permission. I was mentally off, disconnected, and exhausted. I thought distance from home and the excitement of traveling would make me feel better, but I stand corrected.

This year, I returned to Korea — and the difference felt surreal, like meeting a new version of myself. I didn’t go back to “fix” anything. I went back because I wanted to try again in a softer way. I wanted to enjoy life without having to plan out every moment to make sure that it would go well.

Just this quiet promise to myself:

“I’ll try again, but gently this time.”

And somehow, without forcing it, life met me halfway.

This time, the trip felt kind — in the air I breathed, the yellow leaves I saw, the strangers who became friends, the long walks, the unplanned conversations, the wine I drank. I met so many new people, made good friends and even crossed paths with a moment I had once kept safely tucked away in prayer. A simple, unbelievable moment that reminded me that the universe answers quietly too — when you’re not pulling at its sleeves.

Somewhere along this trip, I stumbled upon a quote that said:

“Everything in life is a win if your goal is to experience.”

And that felt like the missing piece of a puzzle I didn’t even know I was solving.

Because when experience becomes the compass instead of outcome, life becomes far less frightening. Every person, place and moment walks into our timeline not to be ranked, but to be felt. To move something in us — stretch the heart, stir emotion, spark wonder, or make us braver simply because we lived it.

I also learned that 'what's yours will never pass you by'.

Plant a seed with gentleness.
If it grows, that’s shared.
If it doesn’t, go on with grace.

That philosophy ended up echoing through every corner of this journey — including the moments that bloomed unexpectedly when I loosened my grip on needing control.

The biggest and most important part of this year's trip was realizing this:

I’m so proud that I’m in a much better place mentally now.

I’m more confident. I’m more open. I’m putting myself out there again, trusting more, fearing less and being present for moments without needing them to prove my survival or success.

What grows isn’t always what we expect.
But the act of planting again with genuine intention is already growth.

So if this blog is a recap of anything, it’s not panic, or heartbreak, or fear.
It’s this:

Returning to a place where you once struggled, and finding that you are different now.
That you can receive joy now.
That healing doesn’t have to loud and big.
It can just walk alongside you, quietly, warmly, uphill or sideways, one gentle moment at a time.

Seoul did change.
But I've also changed. A lot.

And if the goal is to experience life gently, without gripping too tightly —
then this time, Korea was nothing short of grace.

Experiencing Life Gently

November 30, 2025

Istanbul

July 28, 2015

Turkey Photo Diary

June 8, 2015

Today started with The Faceshop's F/W product launching. Because later on we will be following a makeup demo using the new 2013 F/W FACEit Makeup products, all the T.O.P girls were told to come with no make up on (GASP!!!).

The launching starts by Diane, the overseas marketing staff, introducing herself as the MC. And then it was continued by a presentation on the 2013 F/W product launching by Ms. Kim, the head marketing of Faceshop.

I personally really like these fall winter make up range Faceshop have prepared... The F/W FACEit Lesson 3 - Artist Touch make up includes lipstick, lipgloss and eyeshadow. I personally really like eyeshadow. The shades chosen for this season is very elegant; as they have chosen range of color of brow and gold. Simple and yet classy!

There was also an explanation session of Faceshop's new CC cream product range. They explained how it is different from the existing and famous BB cream. And to spoil us even more, they all gave each one of us a CC cream pack and had our names engraved on the CC cream packaging >___< CC cream with my name on it... one and only in the world!!!

T.O.P Korea - Part 2

July 13, 2013

As I've written before, I won the T.O.P Girl 2013 competition held by The Faceshop... By winning I got various prizes, and one of it includes a 3-days-trip to Korea. After the long wait and a lot of preparation, it's finally June 30th... the day to fly to Kimchi land finally came.

I had Mba Inge from The Faceshop and Mba Maria from Cosmo Girl together on the trip with me. I was actually quite nervous the trip would turn into a deadly silent journey due to the age differences, but both of them were very nice and funny, I actually had a great time talking and spending the trip with them :)

T.O.P Korea - Part 1

July 9, 2013

Our class went to Harapan Island (one the island in Kepulauan Seribu area) as a 'goodbye' trip before we graduate. Sadly, not all of our class member could join in the trip. But, it was nonetheless very fun experience! I didn't bring my DSLR, instead I brought my toy camera and I also borrowed my sister's underwater camera. The result just came from the printer today, and it came out pretty good ;) I can't wait to post all of them here later on~

Harapan Island

May 1, 2013

This is the historical day when my iPhone went underwater. and no, i did not 'clumsily' dropped it, neither did it accidentally flew out of the cruise boat into the ocean. I swam with my iPhone on purpose. I guess that vacuum bag I brought was a little more useful than just being a space saver in my bag.

At first, I really didn't want to go out in the sun. I just thought I was tan enough. But, the water was so inviting, I just had to snorkel and swim in it. So I did and I brought my phone along with me. Yes, my phone swam in the ocean. Nothing happened, my phone's all safe and sound!

Problem was once it goes down under the water, the air are all sucked inside the vacuum bag makes it impossible to navigate the touch screen - which means you cannot set the focus underwater. (So please understand why all these photos are out of focus)

Today was beautiful, just as the day before. Fed the fishes, snorkeling in beautiful clear water and another beautiful sunset seeing! I must say, although Bangkok was a little disappointing for me, Phuket on the other hand is b-e-a-u-tiful. Reminds me of my island home, Bali. Laid back, natural and very realxing. A wonderful get-away from all the thesis stress.