when i was a child, i always thought that by the time i get 24 i would have already achieved certain things in life, but alas, things didn't worked out the way my innocent mind were dreaming regret is a foe i hold hands with from time to time, and i've long accepted that it will be a frequent visitor, always at the back of my mind. but hope is also a friend that always knocks and share a cup of matcha with me, a companion that pushes me to keep going, that lifts my determination to keep chasing these dreams anyway im leaving 23 with a bit of melancholy and a quiet longingness for what could have been, the hurdles and bumps, wounds, scrapes, heartbreaks, fears, discouragement, disappointments, and tears but also carrying the smiles, laughters, the warmth of the sun, my matcha, whimsy, my brothers, friends, the clouds, the novels i've read, my cats, the breeze, the sunsets, my favorite chips, encouragements一big and small, my favorite songs, silly dances, jokes shared, hope for the future, the sparks i've gain from people i care for, and my faith that kept me going may there be more living than merely surviving. more laughter than tears. more courage than fears. more wonder than worry. more standing firm than indecisiveness and more sunshine and whimsy for 24 "i love you. i'm glad i exist." - 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓸𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮