Blog - March Overview

Dear Chat,

There was a season in my life where affirmation felt necessary. I realised I often longed to be seen, acknowledged, and told that I was doing well. At the same time, I also told myself I shouldn’t need it — that I should be strong enough to validate myself. Through these reflections, I began to see that this wasn’t a weakness, but a pattern shaped by my past.

What I discovered: Affirmation is not the problem. Dependence on it is.

I learned that it is human to appreciate encouragement. But I also learned that my worth cannot fluctuate based on whether someone notices me. I can affirm myself. I can recognise my own effort. I can quietly acknowledge my own growth.

1st Mar 2026 - One of my ex-students, YZ, wanted to meet me before he started his work life. Funny that, previously I was using an iPhone, and my photo backup notification reminded me of the days I backed up my 2010 photos... And his photo appeared. What a nostalgic moment! It was great to catch up and update one another on our past experiences. I hope we can still keep in contact.

2nd Mar 2026 - It’s been raining a lot, so no jogging or swimming for me… just feeling a bit meh. Might take a quick power nap before going out again...

3rd Mar 2026 - Raining... Cool weather is the best, but only if I can swim or jog for a while. :'( I understand the world doesn't revolve around me. I guess I will just adjust to this. I hope for less misfortune for others, though the news says otherwise.

4th Mar 2026 - Swimming Theme #21
(Click here to read more)

5th Mar 2026 - I thought I could go for a swim today, but the moment I stepped out of school, Mr. Sun let angry Miss Cloud take over the sky. I know I’m not in the best shape, but I just want to get some kind of workout in somehow.

6th Mar 2026 - I was really looking forward to going for a swim this week without any surprises. However, when the lightning alert sounded, I had to clean up the tree artwork. At least I was able to check something off my to-do list. Goodbye, Tree.

7th Mar 2026 - Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
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7th Mar 2026 - 3G Park
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7th Mar 2026 - N8 Park
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8th Mar 2026 - Finally! It has arrived! I've been waiting for this for a year! Why? Well, M has a brother in the USA who is coming back soon, so I ordered these polo shirts from eBay to save 75% on delivery costs, but the only downside is the wait... I didn't realise I would have to wait a year... It's really testing my patience and trying not to appear pushy... Although I couldn’t get a few more shirts, I am still satisfied.

9th Mar 2026 (part 1) - Happy birthday to HD! I've known him since I moved to a new school in 2016, so it's been almost ten years. He will be turning 40 soon. His love life resembles mine, but he has continued to put himself out there and make an effort, which is quite different from my experience. I just hope he finds a good partner and settles down.

9th Mar 2026 (part 2) - Aww... Today was blessed with beautiful weather. I finally had the chance to swim after a week of rainy disruptions. While it didn't have a significant positive impact on my ugly bod, I definitely noticed some improvements in my mood. It even motivated HS to swim; he got more and more tanned because he swam for hours! Hahaha. At least today, I managed to take a photo that I loved, with the sun shining brightly. It captured just how much I missed the sun.

Today, affirmation from others feels like a bonus — not a requirement. And even when no one claps, I will still continue walking.

Jeff

Park - N8 Park

Hi Blog,

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Park - 3G Park

Hi Blog,

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Park - Lower Seletar Reservoir Park

Hi Blog,

(Drafting my blog post so it will be just images) I decided to overcome my break and lack of motivation to explore. To be honest, it was not a pleasant feeling. I often wish I lived in a larger country where I could explore more places or had a special way to easily access different locations.

But I know that's a fanciful and unrealistic thought. So, I need to find a way to motivate myself.

I have decided to visit all the parks in Singapore and provide reviews and ratings for each one. I developed a scoring system for this purpose, just for fun, and I am also taking this opportunity to practice my photography and observation skills. I will focus on the larger, well-known parks as the title and include some smaller nearby parks in my reviews. To begin, I'll start with Yishun.

Personal - Swimming Theme #21

Hi Blog,

I’ve realised something else too — when someone compliments me, I don’t feel lifted. I feel cornered. It’s almost like a trap. I start wondering what they really see, what expectations come after that praise, and whether I can keep up with whatever image they think I have.

I know it’s not logical. Most people give compliments with a good heart. But for me, praise feels like borrowing clothes that don’t fit. Too loose in some places, too tight in others. I don’t know how to wear them naturally.

A simple “You look good today” can make me suddenly aware of every flaw on my body. A “You’re fit already” makes me feel like I need to prove it. Even “You’re improving” sounds like pressure.