Blog - April Overview

Hi Blog,

There was a time when I looked into the mirror, not to see myself, but to measure what I lacked. Height, appearance, presence — somehow, I always felt I fell short. It wasn’t something people said all the time directly, but it was there… in the silence, in comparisons, in the way attention seemed to flow more easily to others.

Maybe it wasn’t the mirror that was harsh… but the way I learned to look at myself.

Growing up, it felt like there was an invisible standard everyone had to meet. The media, the people around me, even casual conversations — they all quietly shaped this idea of what it meant to be “good-looking enough.” And without realising it, I started to believe that being seen, liked, or even loved… had something to do with how I wished to meet that standard.

Personal - Swimming Theme #22

Hi Blog,

Another thing that ties into all these feelings — I’m always afraid of being misunderstood. Whether it’s my white trunk, my quiet nature, or just how I carry myself, I worry people will read the wrong intentions.

I don’t want to attract the wrong attention. I don’t want people to think I’m showing off. I don’t want to be seen as someone I’m not.

That fear makes me shrink sometimes. It makes me avoid situations where people might judge how I look, what I wear, or how I move. I know it’s not fair to myself, but I’m still learning to balance it. To remind myself that misunderstandings happen, and they don’t define me.

Hiking - Kranji Marshes Alone

Hi Blog,

On Saturday, I was scheduled to travel to a farm near Sungei Buloh to collect my plant. As I considered where to go before heading to the farm, I decided to visit Kranji Marshes again.

As usual, the weather is good and very encouraging. My friend RD wanted to join my hike, but it might be intense, which I will explain later.

Looking back on my last visit to Kranji Marshes, I can't believe it's been a long while since I was there. You may read my past posts - Kranji Marshes (Apr 2017) and Short Visit (Jul 2017). I will compare changes from then to now.

Personal - Suits for the Theme #121

Hi Blog,

I started thinking about something I often experience in small, everyday moments — assumptions. Sometimes it comes from what I wear, sometimes from how I present myself. It made me wonder, why do people form impressions so quickly, even when they barely know the person in front of them?

Maybe assumptions are not always about others — but how we make sense of the world.

As I reflected on it, I realised that making assumptions is actually something very human. We tend to categorise people quickly — not because we want to hurt others, but because it helps us process information faster. It’s like our mind is constantly trying to organise the world into simple boxes: this type, that type, safe, unfamiliar.

Culture plays a part too. Growing up, we are surrounded by unspoken rules — what is considered “normal,” what is “acceptable,” and what feels out of place. Over time, these ideas become deeply rooted. So when we see something different, even something as simple as clothing, it can trigger a reaction. Not always a bad intention, but sometimes a lack of understanding.

Trip - Short Getaway to Korea

Hi Blog,

As you know, travelling with a group of friends is one of my wishes, and that also includes travelling with colleagues. Why so? Because, personally, I think being able to travel together is an art; it shows a willingness to bond and to get to know one another.

But sometimes, it has an issue. Is there anyone who wants to do so, especially with me? Haha. When it happens, it is a blessing for me.

But there is a risk when travelling together; it can break the relationship or leave scars during or after the trip. Personally, I take every moment of travelling to get to know a person and determine whether that person is a good travel partner.

Anyway, I will be going to spend four days on a four-day getaway in Korea with my colleagues! I won't divide my four-day trip into four posts and will keep it all in one. By the way, in case you might have missed my previous trips to Korea, if you are keen, you may click My First Korea Trip (2024) & Korea Trip with my Mother (2025)