The Truth About 30s

Nobody tells you how complicated your thirties can feel. How the ground shifts beneath you in ways you never expected.

Some friends are climbing the ladder at work, while others are walking away from careers that drained them. Some are traveling the world, while others are knee-deep in diapers and sleepless nights. Some are finally finding their voice, while others are grieving friendships that quietly faded away.

There is no one version of this decade and yet the pressure whispers that you’re behind. That you should be further along. That you’re running late to a life you were promised. But maybe you’re not late at all.

Maybe you’re exactly on time for the life that’s meant for you. Because your 30s aren’t about keeping up. They’re about shedding what doesn’t fit, rebuilding with what does, and creating a life that finally feels like yours different, imperfect, beautiful, and true.

Entering the Third Decade

On 16 Dec morning, I became emotional. Responding to birthday wishes individually led me to reflect on how these individuals have significantly impacted my life. My family, close friends and colleagues — those who provide strength during challenging times.

Turning 30 is surreal, much like celebrating my 25th birthday yesterday. But I am confident that I can move forward with assurance, knowing these compassionate individuals will continue to support me. ❤️

I am grateful for all the treats and cakes (8 cakes in total), feeling exceptionally loved. The celebration unfolds over the week with varied groups, in an intimate setting. Love it!

This year’s marked by numerous accomplishments i.e completing certification, volunteering as alumni, being social committee, traveling to Switzerland, nurturing a 26-year friendship that includes 13 years of LDR, and fostering connections with new team. 🥂

Thank you everyone who has witnessed my growth. Let’s anticipate 2025, with more successes and social events. I can’t wait 😊✨

Journal Prompts for 2025

1. What are 10 great things that happened or that you accomplished in 2024?

  • 5D4N trip in Penang, Kedah & Perak, on bridesmaid duty
  • Disney On Ice with le housemates
  • Hanbok, live octopus experience
  • Attended University of Manchester Southeast Asia Bicentenary Celebration
  • Family Photoshoot & retake corporate photo (after a decade)
  • USS Family Day/ Sentosa/ Movie by the beach with jies
  • Being a Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
  • Tried new sports- tennis & pickleball
  • Kulnari golf & JB outing with colleagues
  • Been to Disneyland for the first time in my life (princess at heart)
  • Travelled to dream country- Switzerland with le bestie, experiencing snow
  • Had awesome connections with my Blackpink girls and SOCCOM folks ❤️

I have more to write actually, but let’s keep it to myself.

2. What do you want to celebrate?

  • Entering the third decade!

3. How do you want to approach 2025?

  • Trust the process, everything happens for a reason.

4. What qualities do you want to cultivate?

  • Emotional maturity, patience and compassion.

5. What good habits do you want to continue adopting?

  • Being assertive, continue thriving & never give up.

6. How will commit to yourself?

  • To remember how hard it gets, I will always trust & choose myself unapologetically.

7. Where will you pour your attention?

  • Myself and connections

8. What habits or practices nourish you?

  • Workouts, read books, writing journals & listening to music

9. What do you want more of in 2025?

  • More sports, more books and more travels (sound like a plan!)

10. One small thing you do everyday to be yourself?

  • I will continue to remain genuine to others, true to myself.

Mid Year Review: Bullet Journal

What I’m Proud Of:

  • Organized 2 IBG Group COO townhalls, conduct site visit for SOCCOM event
  • Witnessed & helped out in South East Asia Bicentenary Reception of UoM
  • Completed 200km cumulatively with fellow alumni for UoM 200th Birthday
  • Being appointed as IBG Group COO Social Committee (out of ~400 people) & Fun Committee
  • Officially Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) Nailed it!

Favorite Memories:

  • Went USS for company’s family day
  • Took family portrait photoshoot
  • Bridesmaid duties- 5D4N in Penang + Kedah + Perlis
  • Disney on Ice 100 with le housemates
  • Seoul + Busan trip
  • ILight/ Gastrobeats with Jies (slurp)

Things I Could Improve:

  • Cooking!
  • Catch up with some readings
  • Emotional intelligence & empathy
  • Compliment people in words

Experience to Look Forward:

  • Volunteer with Singapore Red Cross
  • Karaoke with mis copines
  • Paragliding at Interlaken
  • Hong Kong Disneyland
  • JB/ Bintan/ Batam trip with colleagues
  • Fort Canning Walk
  • Playing Tennis
  • Celebrating 30s! Birthday bash maybe?

Last Homebound in 2023

Managed to go home one last time before year ends. Everything happens for a reason. Never meant to take long leaves to go home initially, however, there were few occasions happening. Fulfilling duty of a daughter, a niece, a granddaughter and a good friend.


Paternal Grandma’s 86th Birthday

Grandma never wanted a birthday celebration. Some myth saying life span would get shorter whenever we blow off candles. A simple dinner would do, she said. It was supposed to be on Sunday, but I will be away by then. I initiated another dinner, to be held earlier. Not to mention, le uncle and aunt are flying back to UK coming Tuesday. A good timing for all, I guess. The food was nice, another uncle brought plenty of red wine for sharing. After dinner, grandma started giving out red packets. She reiterated not to have anything fancy, so this was unexpected. I gave her red packet in return. She rejected me in the first place, asking why am I giving her that. I explained to her, it was meant for her birthday. As much as I wanted to spend time with her, I needed to leave early for work. I work hard to provide, and she is one of my biggest motivations, I said. She gradually accepted and proudly told everyone it’s from her dear granddaughter, me!

Maternal Grandpa’s House Visit

Went home few weeks ago, and noted grandpa’s listening is getting worse. We need to speak loud in the room so that he could hear us clearly. Sometimes, he got confused with different language of similar slang. We bought his favorite food before paying him visit. He gobbled soy bean curd despite just had his breakfast not long ago. I crashed into his room to watch badminton live together. It has been awhile I get to spend time with him like that. I vaguely remember when grandma was still around, we often watched games together with cousins. Precious time. I miss grandma, and her lost recipes- steamed egg with minced meat & rice dumplings. None in the family could recreate same taste as hers. My mom ever said she regretted not to learn them, now that we want to eat, nobody knows how. Before leaving, I told him I will be back during Chinese New Year, asking him to take care and stay safe. I must say, bidding goodbyes is never easy.

Witnessing 12 Years Relationship Turning Into Marriage

We are a bunch of high school buddies, relocating in UK, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore. It is very hard for us to gather for an occasion, but we made it! Beginning of the year, we attended le BFF’s wedding; before year ends, we got to reunite. God knows when’s our next meet up, but we treasure every moment together. BFF helped me with my hairdo as I always hurt myself with the curler. Got traumatized, so I stopped doing it. I was chosen as team bride for some little games on stage. My friend (the groom) mixed up all the answers, despite knowing all the answers, emcee said we were wrong. I was so embarrassed on stage as if I don’t know them well. My friend (the bride) later clarified we got the answers right, just that the answers emcee had on hand was opposite. Took plenty of pictures, updated each other of what had happened lately. I didn’t cry, instead looking forward to see everyone in future. Such a big girl. We hugged each other goodbyes.

Welcoming Last Twenties With A Big Heart

How are you celebrating your birthday, people asked. Not much, having brunch with parents, flying back SG, lastly dinner treat from le bro. That’s all I need, simple and full (my belly). I am grateful for what I have, and look forward for what I can achieve in 2024. Didn’t get to spend my birthdays with parents for many years (blame the Covid). I am thankful for my friends’ wedding, I got to come home and extended stay. I can’t thank everyone enough for all the birthday wishes and words of wisdom. Managed to visit temple, did prayers and donations before flying home, my bi-annual ritual. I feel contented and abundant, to be able to support my team, friends and family. It’s festive season now, so I am trying to meet as many people as possible before year ends. I was caught up with work and alumni commitment earlier, but I hate the idea of me just focusing career. Taking these opportunities i.e. Christmas, New Year etc. to celebrate milestones with my loved ones.

I am defo one lucky girl. 🙂

Bustling January

Kickstart 2023 with healthy sports activity with le troop, followed by Chinese cuisine buffet at night. Flew back hometown few days later to attend BFF weddings held on weekends.

Finally attended BFF weddings (church wedding & wedding banquet), blame the Covid! First time attending church wedding, I don’t really know what to expect honestly, but it was a meaningful event that’s for sure! I cried seeing her walking down the aisle, looking at how beautiful she was on her wedding day. We took pictures together in front of St Peter’s Church, the oldest functioning Roman Catholic Church in Malaysia. Enjoyed traditional Portuguese dance and got to meet BFF in-laws too. So happy for her seeing so many people adore and shower her with love. I can totally feel it from speeches of the in-laws, parents and husband. *pass me tissue please* They must be so proud of her, me too!

Attended wedding banquet the next day, and saw a few long lost high school friends and their partners. Didn’t really get to speak to a few but I will definitely make it up for that. I was asked to give a 5 min speech, so I scribbled something beforehand. I suck at table topics especially I was emotional. I rehearsed many times to prep myself not to cry when I deliver. But I failed. I cried when I hugged her, after the speech. Oh yeah I got my birthday presents too hehe, a handmade knit top and a bottle of Chardonnay. BFF was still able to squeeze time to knit a top amid havoc wedding planning, she is a superwoman. Not to mention, she did most of the planning for her wedding.

Flew back Singapore for work and also to pack stuff from existing locker, current floor will be under renovation for couple of months, that explains. Went back office to meet fellow colleagues, honestly I enjoy working in office to meet people, to dress up nicely in OL attire etc. Hmm… Attended few meetings, didn’t really get to meet some of the new team members. So Feb would make that up. Was back to Malaysia for Lunar New Year after a little road trip with the family. Had reunion with extended family, received red packets, lo-hei, some ka-ching session with cousins.

Watched CNY movies with family. Popcorns with so much laughter.

Tried out new dishes with le dad and mom, my dad is definitely my savior.

Visited secondary school’s principal and had scrumptious lunch together.

Very satisfied with my CNY #OOTD lol.

Brought parents for some KTV session, now they are obsessed.

Morning dim sum rush, thanks to my not-so-little brother.

Drove car for 900 meter, a little milestone yay! Without any scolding 🙂

Cousins gathering with BBQ + steamboat. Hoping to meet more cousins next time.

House crashing session at my cousin’s place hehe, and his chubby cat.

Holding my grandma’s hand while strolling a walk. It’s not a big deal, but #iykyk

A friend of 23 years is flying off to UK, glad to meet up with him and the fiancée.

Getting really forgetful nowadays, that explains why I like taking pictures or writing journals. I hope when I look back someday, I could recall and feel it all over again. I had a lot in my mind, which also explains my eyebags lately. The more we grow, our life priorities change gradually. I get to slowly understand, not being forceful and respect other’s decisions. But at least for myself, I hope I did my best at the very moment, so that I don’t regret like how I never spend time with my late grandpa last time.

Signing off January’23.

The 5-Minute Journal #7

I am grateful for:

  • Loving family
  • Kind landlady & housemate
  • Helpful colleagues
  • Supportive bosses

Today’s affirmation:

  • Always choose kindness
  • You attract what you are
  • Good working environment > high salary
  • If someone had a positive impact on you, be thankful that your paths crossed
  • People come and go, and it’s okay

Amazing things happened recently:

  • One of my colleagues got pregnant! So happy for her!
  • Having big boss to back me up in one important meeting
  • Got recognized by boss on my effort and good work
  • Being invited to a wedding in Sentosa
  • Handmade food from le dad and landlady
  • Timeless Jar Workshop- aspired to become florist when I retire
  • Le brother got promoted and pay raise
  • Chosen to be part of coffee & tea session with senior management
  • First Omakase experience

I can sense September is gonna be a great month! I am darn looking forward to it ! 😀

Who Do You See Yourself Compare With

He asked: who do you see yourself compare with?

Myself, I said. Just saying everyone has their own path and I don’t wanna compare myself with anybody else. So long I am doing better than my old self.

This week I closed case- a group account that I couldn’t manage 5 months ago.

Yesterday I cycled 18KM bike ride that I couldn’t complete 6 months ago.

Today I managed to do a difficult yoga posture that I couldn’t make it 3 months ago.

There goes second quarter of year 2022. I think my progress has been satisfactory up to now. Scored merit for one of my certificates yesterday before went out for cycling. 2 more to go! Cannot wait for them to end already by end May!

Can I just say I feel much happier than previous year. Not sure why though, prolly I know myself better, I see things differently, and mostly I prioritize myself than anything else. This year is a good year, so I really want to make every moment worth it and memorable.

Recently, I got a lot of compliments that I am getting better and slimmer. Some said it is inspiring to see me for being who I want myself to be. It made me feel proud of myself. Guess we all just have to never stop dreaming and work for it! At least, I tried. No regrets.

My parents are coming down next week which I am glad. I have done all them itinerary. Can’t wait to bring them around, a place I called home for a decade. Looking forward the new week already! Not to mention, it is a 4 day work week woohoo!

The 5-Minute Journal #3

Today I am grateful for:

  • Getting new work laptop ✨
  • Receiving Christmas gift ✨
  • Retrieving my lost spectacles ✨
  • Fixing my I-thought-it-spoilt shoes ✨
  • Having lunch with colleagues at Sanook Kitchen ✨
  • Be punctual at work ✨
  • Getting popular at work HAHA ✨

Today’s affirmation:

  • I am thankful for what I have, for what I receive 💖
  • Feeling so good to receive good energy. Law of attraction indeed 💖
  • I always do my best, for myself, for others 💖

Here are few amazing things that happened today:

  • As I will be flying overseas soon, my colleague actually prioritized my queue in getting new laptop so that I can fly at peace 😊
  • Gotten a sling bag as Christmas gift, something I have been wanting to buy for my phone 😊
  • Lost my spectacles 2 weeks ago. So lucky that someone actually helped to keep and return me! Not to mention, I just changed them this year! 😊
  • Wore one of my favorite heels to work today. I thought it spoil, but I managed to fix 😊
  • It has been awhile since I had lunch with bunch of colleagues at work. The food was good 😊
  • More and more people knew me at work, not sure why. Maybe I have more authority since I am working in office. But sure, since I love helping people 😊
  • Managed to call for Grab early and reached office on time today, was difficult to call for Grab for the past few weeks 😊

Birthday Diary

Waking up to plenty birthday wishes in the morning. I still woke up as if I am going to work since I am heading temple for prayers in the morning. I think I have been through a lot these days, especially in November. It was indeed rocky. Finally, able to get some well-deserved rest after hectic work weeks. Though I might occasionally on my laptop to check emails, but still… Yay!

I received a lot of personal messages, some even texted me in the middle of night when I already knocked off in bed. One of my toxic traits is I know how to love but I don’t know how to believe I am loved… Or rather I forgot I am loved by so many people sometimes.

I replied texts by texts while prepping myself. These days, I started a new habit by meditating, praying before sleeping and after waking up. For well-being of my family, friends and myself etc. (let’s keep it as secret hehe)

Did simple make up, wore birthday dress pairing with le favorite pink little bag. I always go to the same temple whenever I am lost, I need a listener. I hate worrying people but desperately need someone to talk to, that’s the place I always go to. For many years. Somewhere I can find peace. As usual, I cried while talking to God. Saying how thankful I am, to be able to hold on and surviving strong.

To be honest, I wish I am not strong or over independent sometimes. Wrong impression on me mostly as I think I am quite soft hearted that easily cried lol. If you know, you know. But then again, who can I rely on when I am not mentally strong. Career change, completed advanced certificate, met really nice people at work, few good months of dating (though we did not proceed further). I believe everything happened for a reason.

Went for Japanese buffet fully sponsored by dad. My brother was complaining he didn’t get anything from le dad on his birthday. Oh wells, he should know I am dad’s little princess. Whoops. I don’t really eat a lot nowadays, so I am doing just fine, but my brother was complaining (again) that he barely eat any staple food. It’s surprising to see so many people on weekdays. We went for movie later on. Spiderman, like finally! No spoiler alert, just saying, despite not being a Marvel fan, it is a great movie!

We had western cuisine together. I am really thankful for him that he actually took leave to keep me accompany the whole day, especially when he has limited paid leaves. Though he still judge me for not able to remember some Marvel scenes, I am glad I am able to stick with him whenever I need.

Also, I have been receiving gifts like food and beverages, spa treat, skincare, cosmetics etc. Oh, I bought myself a bouquet of flowers too! I rarely receive flowers, prolly people think I might not like it idk. But actually, I really love sensual gifts which are visually nice or smell lovely. Like flowers, scented candles, nice hand cream, aromatherapy etc.

Guess my birthday has really come to an end. Officially, 26+1 now. I never liked the idea where my age is an odd number. This year was indeed rough like what I expected but somehow it turned out better than I thought. I don’t wish everything is smooth in life as I know that’s not possible.

Instead, I pray for strength to conquer challenges when times are bad. Always reminding myself to be thankful- appreciate for what I receive, for what I have. I really love how people wish me to stay safe, pretty, healthy and happy. Guess that’s all I need.

Last but not least, I thank everyone for their well wishes! Wishing them good luck, and keeping them in my prayers. Happy Birthday Alison! 🎂