Chapter Ten: Proud Moments

Whether you are exactly where you want to be or are still seeking for guidance, congratulate yourself for coming this far!

Let's do another memory jogger and look back at the things you are most proud of. This doesn't necessarily have to be something you accomplished, it can be an experience.

Write down your proudest moments (small or big moments) and how you felt.  Focus on that feeling when you need it the most to find strength, motivation and guidance. Occasionally, we must reflect on our proudest moments because we fail to see our own progress and fail to give ourselves due credit.

Here are some of my proud moments:

First Solo Adventure

Traveling alone to a foreign nation when I was sixteen was one of my first proud moments. I was flying for the first time, and going somewhere on the other side of the planet — Taiwan. Was I scared? YES! I knew nothing about the country despite doing my own research and binge watching so many Taiwanese dramas. I was homesick, but more excited to experience and be exposed to a new culture. Within a few months, I was able to learn the language and adapt to the culture & country. After 14 years, I'm due to visit this beautiful island again!

Passed on the First Tries

Driving is a no brainer, just a lot of common senses. For some reason, I did not envision myself driving or thought it was necessary. It could've been my luck, but I happened to go to the DMV with my brother and sister in law (his girlfriend at the time) to take her permit test. At this point, my brother was tired of being my chauffeur so he pressured me to take the permit test too. Trust me when I say I barely knew the minimum, however, I passed the test on my first try! On top of that, I passed my road test on my first try too!

I bought my very first car!

We all dream of our very first car in a specific color with specific details — sometimes we add in some unrealistic features, but we let the curiosity take us away. At this point of my life, I had a decent paying job and was ready to be an adult. I was on the hunt for my next responsibility — my very first car. I didn't know what I want — I mean heck I barely knew anything about cars! Lol. I was super close to commit to a Toyota Corolla until my dad saw this sage colored 2005 Cadillac and he said "Get it." so.... I did. I have to say it was pretty loaded for the year it was built; heated AND cooling seats, navigation, sunroof, driver seat memory setup and the best part... THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE THEIR OWN SPRAYS TO CLEAN THEM. I know it's hard to picture it until you see it for yourself. Lol.

I became a mom TWICE!

Motherhood is a beautiful journey that puts a woman through a revolution of herself. Twenty years on this Earth didn't prepare me enough for the moment when I found out that I was going to be a mom. I learned so much as a first time mommy and I embraced every moment from the growing belly to the baby kicks. We welcomed him a little too early at 33 weeks, but extremely blessed to have one healthy baby boy who we named Ethan. In 2017, we welcomed our second baby boy, Deian. From there on, motherhood has been a wild ride full of emotions but I wouldn't have done it any other way.

Entrepreneur Mindset Activated

Growing up, I watched my dad build his own landscaping business. He took pride in his work and would take us to go see the properties he did outdoor maintenance. I didn't understand the pride, hard work and sacrifices until I became a business owner in 2019. This was another journey that I was unsure what is waiting for me on the other side. Regardless, I went for it and it has been five years strong! Along the way, I met amazing individuals, developed relationships that will last a lifetime, heard inspiring success stories and experienced personal and professional growth.

My Healing Journey

Saving the best for last, I am proud that I allow myself to fall apart and heal. I learn from my mistakes and seek solutions to the things I have control of. Journaling has helped me with my mental health, which open my eyes to new ideas. With each healing journey, I am embracing every moment, the growth, discovery of self-love and self-worth.

Thank you for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed the read and you or someone you know can relate. Please leave any respectful feedback. Have a blessed day!

Xoxo,