It has been nine years since my stroke.

Every year, I celebrate this day as the beginning of my renewed life. But lately, I’ve been asking myself: what does a renewed life really mean?

Maybe it simply means making the most of the time I have.

Travelling, which used to happen only once every two years, became once a year. And recently, I’ve been trying to travel twice a year … to see more of the world, while I still can.

It means enjoying peaceful coffee and brunch time with kids and hubby, and family … especially now that we are both retired. Not worrying too much about the price, but simply sitting together, having our food, and enjoying the moment.

It means spending quality time with friends, catching up, laughing together, and even enjoying a cheap Tuesday movie … because maybe one day, one of us won’t be here anymore.

And yes, it also means unapologetically loving Korean culture. Oops, what I really mean are K-dramas and BTS! 😂 I’m not shy about it anymore. If it makes me happy, why not?

Perhaps this is what my renewed life really means.

To enjoy what I love.
To spend time with the people who matter.
To see more of the world.
To laugh more.

And to appreciate the ordinary moments while I still can.

Nine years later, I’m learning that life is truly a gift. We may make plans for tomorrow, but only God knows how long our journey will be. He alone decides whether our life will be short or long.