Hello, Ladies of Hive!
It's been a while, and now feels like the perfect time to reconnect and share with the community.
I've been reflecting on @joanstewart's thoughtful question — "Looking Back — Moving Forward" • We often reflect on what we have accomplished; how will you use this knowledge to keep moving forward?
Life, to me, is a continuous journey — a winding road filled with triumphs and trials, lessons and milestones. As I pause to reflect on the road I've already travelled, I find myself grateful not just for the beautiful moments that brought me joy, but also for the hardships that have moulded me into who I am today.
Looking back is not about dwelling in the past; it's about gathering wisdom to walk forward with greater purpose.
Each chapter of my life holds stories — stories of effort, growth, and courage. Whether it's pursuing my profession with dedication, embracing responsibilities with grace, or simply waking up each day to do better than I did the day before, I realise that grand gestures do not define my accomplishments; still, it is the consistency and strength I bring to even the most minor tasks.
I often reflect on what I have already accomplished: finishing my education despite hardships, staying committed to my job as a teacher, showing up for others, and learning how to show up for myself. There were times when I almost gave up, when the weight of expectations or the exhaustion of daily routines nearly silenced my drive. But I didn't stop. I paused, I breathed, and I kept moving. And that, to me, is already an accomplishment worth honouring.
From all these experiences, one thing is clear — reflection is a powerful compass. It allows me to measure my progress, to celebrate how far I've come, and to identify the areas I still need to work on. More importantly, it teaches me humility — the understanding that life is not a race, but a journey where every step matters.
But the question remains: How will I use this knowledge to move forward?
The answer lies in intention.
I will take everything I've learned — the values of patience, resilience, gratitude, and purpose — and carry them with me as tools into the following chapters of my life. Moving forward, I want to be more mindful of my choices. I want to create a greater impact not only in my personal life, but also in the lives of the students I teach and the people I encounter.
My experiences have taught me that moving forward doesn't always mean chasing something big; it can also mean taking small, yet significant, steps. Sometimes, it's choosing peace over chaos, growth over comfort, and healing over resentment. It's continuing to wake up with hope, showing up even when things are tough, and embracing life with open arms despite its uncertainties.
I also remind myself that moving forward requires courage — the courage to let go of the weight I no longer need, the courage to dream again, and the courage to trust that everything I've been through was preparation for something greater ahead.
Looking back allows me to reflect on and honour my journey. Moving forward gives me the power to shape my future. And in between those two directions lies the present, where I now choose to live with awareness, purpose, and faith.
As I move forward, I may not have all the answers, but I carry with me the lessons of the past, the strength I've earned, and a heart willing to keep growing.