Hello 2021 Janice

I wished I did not stop blogging since 2016 so I can have more moments to reminisce. Anyway, many things happened during these five years. I am now a final year undergraduate in SMU and am going to start my internship with GSK in a few days' time. To be honest, I think life has been pretty great. Let's talk about how my perspective in life has changed.

Recently, I've learnt how to be more appreciative of life. Nope, I did not achieve something great or struck the lottery (I wished tho HAHAHA) but I just learnt how to be thankful that I get to wake up in a safe home daily and to even be chancing upon my old blog and typing away here now. I've also learnt how to be more kind and easy on myself. This summer break, I refuse to follow my old routine which would consist of me either working/actively learning new skills etc just to validate myself and be productive. This summer break, I chose to just r e s t. I did nothing much honestly. I just slept, ate, exercised, talked to my friends and watched dramas. Sometimes, I would feel guilty but that's okay. I deserve this break and yes, I will take it. With the pandemic, I've learnt how to cherish everything I have more - family, friends, government, healthcare and just many other things. I think it's our nature to make an upward comparison which is good because it will encourage us to improve ourselves but it can also be detrimental. We tend to also become more selfish, overly ambitious and hard on ourselves. We start to become less appreciative too.  And that's the purpose of this post. 

Janice, when you come back to view this post again, don't forget about what you have in life. You might be struggling again when you read this post but always remember, there are so many things in life that you still have and should be thankful for. You have a roof over your head.  You have a supportive and loving family. You have great and caring friends. You have yourself, your strongest cheerleader! You are more privileged than so many other people. You got this. 

Janice, if you're struggling now, don't forget you once: 

• Went from the last in PSLE to being a Dean Lister 
• Lost an overseas internship you fought for (5r of interviews) but still managed to secure a job afterwards 
• Went from dreaming to work in GOVT Pte Ltd to being selected as one of the best interns & even did a speech on it to the entire cohort 
• Lost 30kg and MAINTAINED it 
• Worked as a promoter in the supermarket selling mobs and also did door-to-door ice-cream sales since you were 14 hahaha (eh not bad ok) 

No matter what you are going through now, you got this. You can handle it. You are Janice Neo. There is literally nothing in this world that you cannot do as long as you do your best. I trust ya. 

If you ain't struggling but feel lost: 

• That's absolutely...NORMAL. What do you expect? To have life figured out? Dream on bitch hahaha. It's completely normal to not know what you want to do or feel lost. Just keep trying. Try new things so you can make a comparison and also find out what you like/dislike and what you are good/not good at. 
• Just keep moving forward. That's what life is. There will be ups & downs. You will feel emotional but nothing is forever. You'll be fine. Keep going! Keep trying new things! 

Anyway, I'm sian of typing already. Just know that I love you, myself. There are so many things to love about you so if you feel sad, remember that 2021 Janice really love you and so keep loving me/you okay. You can get through whatever you are going through. Go get it woman!!