Patience visited me
And it reminded me
That good things take time to come to fruition
And grow slowly with stability
Peace visited me
And it reminded me
That I may remain calm through the storms
Regardless of the chaos surrounding me
Hope visited me
And it reminded me
That better times lay ahead
And it would always be there to guide and uplift me
Humility visited me
And it reminded me
That I may achieve it
Not by trying to shrink myself and make myself less
But by focusing on serving the world and uplifting those around me
Kindness visited me
And it reminded me
To be more gentle, forgiving and compassionate toward myself
And those surrounding me
Confidence visited me
And it reminded me
To not conceal or suppress my gifts and talents
In order to make others feel more comfortable
But to embrace what makes me me
Focus visited me
And it reminded me
That other people’s insecurities and judgements about me
Are not my problem
And I should redirect my attention
From others back to me
Freedom visited me
And it reminded me
That no one has control over my mindset, thoughts and wellbeing
But me
And love visited me
And it reminded me
That I need not search for it in others
As it lies within me.
-unknown
Artist unknown
The Island of Sea Women: A Review
What if I told you that there is a place where women are the breadwinners, the divers, the leaders, and the healers, while men are the caretakers, the cooks, the weavers, and the followers? What if I told you that this place is not a fantasy, but a reality? A reality that has existed for centuries on a small island off the coast of Korea, where a unique and remarkable culture of female divers, called haenyeo, has thrived and survived through wars, occupations, and modernization.
This is the setting of The Island of Sea Women, a captivating and moving novel by Lisa See, the bestselling author of The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. In this novel, See takes us on an epic journey of friendship, love, betrayal, forgiveness, and resilience, spanning from the 1930s to the 2000s, through the eyes of two haenyeo, Mi-ja and Young-sook.
Mi-ja and Young-sook are best friends who grow up together on the island of Jeju, learning the skills and traditions of the haenyeo from their mothers and grandmothers. They share the joys and sorrows of diving in the sea, harvesting abalone, octopus, and sea urchins, and selling them in the market. They also share the hardships and dangers of living under Japanese colonial rule, witnessing the atrocities and violence inflicted on their people. They vow to stick together, no matter what.
But their friendship is tested by forces beyond their control, such as family secrets, social class, political turmoil, and personal choices. As the world around them changes, so do they. And as they grow older, they drift apart, until a tragic event shatters their bond and their lives forever.
Can they ever reconcile? Can they ever heal? Can they ever forgive?
These are the questions that haunt the reader as they follow the lives of Mi-ja and Young-sook, and the lives of their families and their community. See does a masterful job of weaving historical facts and cultural details into a co
With each rising sun, a chance to start anew, To chase dreams, embrace hope, and let love shine through.A precious gift, bestowed upon me and you.
Let gratitude bloom like flowers in our hearts, For the blessings this day, a fresh chapter starts. In the morning light, may our spirits soar high, With purpose and passion, reaching for the sky.
The journey ahead may hold twists and turns, But we'll embrace them all, as our spirit learns. Embrace the laughter, the tears, and the unknown, For they shape our story, as seeds to be sown.
In this new day's gift, let's spread love far and wide, And be a source of hope, a comforting guide. With open hearts, let's forge connections deep, For in unity and compassion, our souls will keep.
So as the sun arcs across the azure sky, Let's seize this day, as it passes us by. With gratitude in our hearts, let's dance and play, For the gift of a new day, let's make it count in every way.💕