The year that I stepped into with zero resolutions made.
Instead, I set small achievable goals along the way and accomplished them one by one.

Looking back, how was 2016 for me?



With the coming of January 2016 also meant the start of another school semester, Y1S2. I wasn't exactly ready but here I went in with hopes that everything would fall into place eventually. People often say that planning is akin to winning half of the battle. Maybe that's where I fell. Diving straight into the year with minimal planning, holding on to more responsibilities that I thought I could handle. It ended up to be a semester where I mainly did my readings during my travelling time, took quick naps on the way, with the endless late nights to churn out work. Throughout the semester, I constantly thought I was going to snap. It was also the very first time when I broke into tears just staring into blank space.

That was clearly a sign that I had to let go of some things.

The First Goodbye

Decided to stop my part time job at the tuition centre. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but all the circumstances then pointed for me to let it go. I really loved the kids there, especially the favourites I have as blogged about previously. So I let go of that, and said goodbye to the kids that I've worked with for a year.

Goodbyes that followed

Taking on Alpha course meant that I had to forgo CF BS in sem 2, which was also the last semester I had with them. It was a rather sudden and unplanned goodbye, but I had to know my priorities at that point in time.

Dropping some of my students, especially one of them. It was really a joy to teach this particular student. He wasn't the smartest, but he really had the heart to learn and was a hardworking kid. Thought about it so much before making the decision.. which eventually I decided to drop due to our clashes in schedule. Hope he's doing fine now. :-)

One of the toughest - leaving Phileo CCK. This goodbye with them really left me in pieces. Although I already knew of the change since the start of the year, I couldn't believe that it was really going to happen (then). It was really painful to leave the group that I've journeyed alongside for the past (almost) 2 years. Just so thankful for all the laughter, tears and memories shared. Really hoping that everyone is still able to grow as one even though we may be apart.


The First Growth

Making the decision to go for alpha course to realign myself back with God properly. It wasn't easy to commit to the 12-week long course with school and work commitments, but thank God that He constantly provided along the way.

Growth that followed

Actually this is a rather broad category. There were just too many things that led to growth - alpha course, CF commitments, JAP, church, school etc.

On the whole, I guess I grew to be more disciplined in various aspects of my life, and have a more outward-looking perspective to life. Through the different experiences, I realized the importance of many things - i.e having the end in mind before embarking on anything, to have a plan and be willing to adapt to changes even with issues cropping up, to not get into the mode of self-pity, always look for solutions and not problems, and above all, seek God before all things.

Seeking God at all times had helped me to have a clearer mind and make better decisions. Many times I told myself I wouldn't be able to take up or handle certain positions or responsibilities, but seeking God through prayer and His Word had helped and guided me out of that state of self-doubt. Those major decisions made in 2016 will only (properly) begin to bring about growth this year. Hoping that all will be well and may God be the leader and my motivation as I take on these positions and serve Him with abounding joy and love this 2017.

God-given friendships

The year that I drew closer to many more church friends. Certain decisions made along the way had led to this. It wasn't easy to step out of my own comfort zone and my self-created bubble, but thank God He led me through and I've gained many valuable God-centered friendships. Thankful to the Lord for these blessings, and may He lead and guide us through this year on how to serve Him best.

Good memories

The year that I traveled the most - to Bangkok, Sydney and Hanoi!

Beyond blessed and privileged to be able to step foot on those three beautiful countries which left me wanting to explore more areas within those countries. Seen quite a bit, experienced a whole lot, and all these really left me in amazement and wonder of the Lord's boundless power and might.

Apart from the travels, there were many good memories made along the way - with my old friends, the newer ones, my family and even by myself.






With this, a belated and a proper goodbye to 2016!

May the experiences in 2016 be lessons and a source of guidance for me in 2017. Things may not get easier, but I really hope that it'll be a year of lots of growth and good memories! May the Lord be the leader of my life even in this coming new year. :-)