Day 8: January Journal Challenge

 Challenge you overcame last year

Last year has been a steep learning curve for me! I was very new to my role and was relying heavily on my friend and colleague to train me and show me everything there is to know - and just a few months later she moved on to a new job! When she announced she was leaving, I really felt a rug had been pulled out from under me as I just wasn't ready at all. I felt so anxious as I didn't have what it took to stand on my own. I felt I needed her badly and couldn't function at work without her.

It was the wake up call that I needed to speed up my training. It was the wake up call that I needed to tell myself that I can actually do this.

And I did! And I still can ☺ Sometimes I forget that I work with an amazing team and that I am not alone. I worried a lot in the beginning but really, there is so much to be grateful for as I have the help that I need through my managers and team.

A few months later, I found myself delegating tasks, organising the work week, taking the lead in processes and just being overall comfortable with what I do. And the best part of it all is that I enjoy it. Yes, work is hard and it can be exhausting, but I genuinely feel I am part of something big and important.

Just recently another friend and colleague has moved on to a new job and this time I felt differently. Yes, I was sad to see them go, however I didn't feel anxious or worried like I was the first time. This time I had the confidence in myself that I - that we - can still do this even though we're one person down.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for giving me a sense of purpose. I am very grateful for all the learning opportunities. Thank You for all the people that you bless me with to help me along the way. May I always pay it forward.

Love,

R

Day 7: January Journal Challenge

 What are you looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to exploring more cities, trying out new restaurants, cooking food that I've never made before, and enjoying what I do at work. I am hoping to do as much of these as possible with my family ❤

Love,

R

Day 6: January Journal Challenge

 One thing you learned about yourself last year:

I'm a good leader! ☺ And I know this because my husband said so!

All my life, I feel that I have been a good follower - always the little sister who gets dragged along after her siblings, always the quiet girl who doesn't speak unless spoken to, always the introvert friend who enjoys cancelled get-togethers if it involves extrovert people or meeting with more than one person at a time.

I used to think of this trait as weakness as dictated by society but over the years I have learned that this is my strength and I am happy with who I am.

As I get older, I feel I am coming out of my shell more and more and I learned to be brave enough to stand up for myself and to voice my opinions. Last year, my husband went on a Leadership Skills course at work and my friend was on that course, too. She told me that when the instructor asked the delegates who they thought of as a good leader, my husband gave me as an example! ☺ It makes me feel so happy that he thought of me because I sometimes feel I am the nagging wife and I really don't want to be thought of as that!

Also, in my new job (funny how I still think of it as my new job even though I've been here for over a year now), I am happy to give directions as well as being the receiver of instruction. I think a good leader should also be a good follower.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the many opportunities to lead and to follow. May we always follow You.

Love,

R

Day 5: January Journal Challenge

 Three moments from the holidays you want to remember.

1. Successful bao bun making! I had such a blast at my first attempt at making bao buns. They turned out soooo good! I shall be making more. Thank you, Marion's Kitchen for the recipe!

2. Yummy churros at the Christmas markets in Newcastle! My husband and I shared a cozy plate of churros while standing next to the stall near the Monument metro station. It was freeeezing cold but we thoroughly enjoyed the sweet treat.

3. I spent a lot of time at home with my parents over the Christmas holidays. In those two weeks, I only worked two days! I loved being at home and enjoying their company. It was nice being able to cook and clean for them, and also to eat their home-made food! I am truly grateful to be near my parents. I am so happy that my husband has a very good relationship with them and I can only hope that I'll get to develop a good relationship with his family too when I meet them in the future.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for all of your blessings! You are the reason for the season. Thank You for our quality time together. I have so many memories to keep in my heart.

Love,

R

Day 4: January Journal Challenge

Where do you hope to see yourself in 365 days?

I hope to be at a point where I am confident to start applying for a Band 7 post. In a year's time, I hope to have already started my Specialist Certificate course. 

I hope to be pregnant with child and I hope to be in good health together with my husband, parents and siblings, and their families.

In Jesus name I pray, with the intercession of our Blessed Virgin Mary. Amen.

Love,

R