Since 2022, I’ve been saying, “This is the best year of my life.” Little did I know that the best was yet to come — 2025 has turned out to be so spectacular that it truly is the best year of my life.
For most of us as adults, we have various responsibilities—taking good care of our physical and mental health, earning an income and achieving financial stability, doing chores, having a healthy, balanced diet, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, maintaining a healthy social life, reading books that enhance our well-being and knowledge, etc. We also have to take care of others, such as our loved ones, neighbours, clients, and strangers.
I feel grateful to acknowledge that I have achieved all of these goals.
Fitness
This year, I’ve been persistent in working out five times a week, doing 30 minutes of cardio each time. I’ve also maintained the perseverance to practice yoga three times a week for 20 minutes. Of course, it’s not enough yet, and occasionally, I skip my workout! But overall, it’s a good start. I always encourage my clients to set SMART goals—specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and time-defined. Reaching these goals helps us build confidence to take on more challenging ones. I believe that as health care professionals, we must take care of ourselves both physically and emotionally, as we may serve as role models for our clients. Clients can often tell whether we’re truly living a healthy lifestyle. Our diet, workout routine, meditation practice, and the way we use our thoughts to shape the trajectory of our lives all reflect how intentionally we care for ourselves.
Resilience
I’ve become more resilient over time. Building resilience is slow, and it requires hard work. I’m fortunate to be in a happy, healthy, and stable situation that allows me to grow. As a result, I am more able to enjoy the kindness of others, and I am less bothered if I encounter a situation when someone is unkind.
I encourage all of you to work on cultivating resilience, through self-care, attention to good relationships, affirmations, and through practicing kindness and graciousness yourselves. This is easier when you’re having a good day, but a little bit more challenging if you are tired or stressed.
You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing things with logic. True power is restraint. If words control you that means everyone else can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass. (Warren Buffet)
My Blessings Have Greatly Exceeded My Wishes
For those of us who have survived abuse, it often feels that there is no escape from the emotional injury. But I know that it is possible to work towards recovery, especially when you have good people in your life to help you. And I know that for myself, even during the darkest days, it has always been important to acknowledge my blessings with deep gratitude. This gratitude saved me, and kept my heart strong and open to new, good things which lay ahead for my future.
Life is so generous a giver, but we, judging its gifts by their covering, cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard. Remove the covering and you will find beneath it a living splendour, woven of love, by wisdom, with power. Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the angel’s hand that brings it to you. Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, or a duty, believe me, that angel’s hand is there; the gift is there, and the wonder of an overshadowing presence. (Fra Giovanni)
Work
I feel deeply grateful to all the doctors who have referred clients to me this year. Because of these new referrals, and the trust these doctors have shown in my work, I have had the privilege of meeting more new clients this year than in any other year of my career.
I feel grateful for receiving “thank you” messages from my clients, who have worked hard in therapy to improve their lives. Being able to help other people is one of the most meaningful things in the world.
In order to comfort others, to participate in the life of someone who is in deep grief, we need to know what it feels like to experience loss ourselves. (Amy Hollingsworth)
‘Blessed are they who mourn’… they give gifts to those with whom they choose to be in their mourning. And they also give gifts to themselves. (Fred Rogers)
The Joy of Food
What do you look for when you dine out? Good food and good service?
I value every human interaction and deeply appreciate people—such as waiters—who are friendly, respectful, and kind. What matters most is mutual respect. I don’t hesitate to leave a generous tip when a waiter provides excellent service. I keep returning—not just for the food, but for the people.
Here is a list of my favourite restaurants in Vancouver, BC, wonderful food with extraordinary service:
RedBeef Noodle Kitchen
Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant
Siegel’s Bagels
Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant
Chang’An Restaurant
Gelato Express
Din Tai Fung
Unchai Thai Restaurant
Purdy’s Chocolates
Duso’s Italian Foods
Dong Tai Xiang Shanghai Dim Sum
Pho Viet Lotus Restaurant
iDen & Quan Ju De Beijing Duck House
Noodle Arts
Stuart’s Bakery
Apollonia Greek Restaurant
Murchie’s Fine Tea and Coffee
The Vancouver Fish Company
Jang Mo Jib Korean Restaurant
Keumsan Korean Restaurant
49th Parallel Coffee Roasters
Tru Cafe
Nero Belgian Waffle Bar
Relationships
Good relationships are essential for happiness. Meaningful connections give us support and belonging. These good relationships are built on trust, respect, mutual understanding, and healthy boundaries. When we nurture these bonds, we grow and we help others grow towards a richer, more fulfilling life.
I feel grateful to everyone who has crossed my path, all the kind people who have helped me become who I am today.
Surround yourself with wonderful people. You deserve the best, always.
Affirmations: I am who I am. I am confident because I am loved and cared for. I stand tall and proud, facing the world with people backing me up. I feel grateful for the people who love and support me. I will keep lifting people up for the rest of my life. I am growing stronger and more resilient as a person every day. I enrich my life when I count my blessings.