HEALING

At some time, many Asian women grow up following a familiar path: studying hard, building a career, getting married, and raising children.

As someone from the 8x generation, I was also shaped by these expectations. I always tried my best — working hard, pushing myself forward — hoping to build a life that others would respect and that would make my parents feel at peace and proud. For a long time, I lived for ideals, achievements, and responsibilities. Work became a priority, and without realizing it, I slowly forgot to take care of myself. Life feels like a sine wave — sometimes rising, sometimes falling. When it goes down, it quietly invites us to pause and look back, to see where the gaps are so we can keep moving forward. But the hardest part is that reflection takes time. Sitting still and honestly looking at ourselves is never easy.

We often regret the past or worry about the future, while forgetting the present moment — what food truly nourishes us, what we should drink, how much sleep our body needs, and how much movement actually helps us feel alive again.

At 38, I just started learning how to live again — beginning with very small things.

Before, I went to bed whenever I felt like it. I almost never had a fixed sleep schedule. Even though I had one small rule — not using my phone after getting into bed — the truth is, I never had a clear bedtime. I slept only when I felt sleepy. The next morning, I still tried to wake up in time for work, but my body felt heavy and my mind was always low on energy.

And I lived like that for nearly 15 years.

Maybe many of us have been the same — busy with work, responsibilities, and daily life, until we forget that our body and our mind also need care. I always thought working hard was enough. And honestly, I gave a lot of my energy to work.

Until one day — on my 38th birthday — I went for a general health check-up. The results showed that my body had started to show some warning signs.Nothing too serious. But enough to make me pause.

I realized that I almost had no healthy daily habits for myself.

Not because I was lazy. But because for many years, I lived according to my work schedule and forgot my own rhythm of life. So I started changing from one very small thing: instead of setting a bedtime, I set a wake-up time.

4:30 a.m.

My mornings now begin very slowly. I prepare oatmeal for breakfast, make a cup of coffee for my husband, and a cup of warm water for myself — sometimes with lemon, sometimes with honey, sometimes with a spoon of turmeric powder. After my morning routine, I drink warm water and spend some time copying Buddhist scriptures. Everyone may choose a different way, but this is how I calm my mind. I say thank you to myself. I meditate for about 15 minutes. Do a few gentle exercises and walk about one kilometer.

Nothing big or dramatic. But I have kept doing this for three months. And today, I finally feel confident enough to share this story. What I realized is this: waking up early is not only about waking up early. It is a way to rebuild a healthier rhythm of life — with more positive energy. When the morning begins with calmness and intention, the whole day feels lighter.

I work more effectively, and most importantly, my body no longer feels exhausted like before. I think at some point in life, many of us suddenly realize that we spent too much time trying for work, but too little time taking care of our own lives.

You may not need to wake up at 4:30 a.m. like me. Everyone has a different rhythm depending on family and work. But if possible, start with one small change — one good habit for your health, your mind, and your life.

Maybe we start a little late. But at least, we can still begin. And for me, this journey has only just begun.