Let's catch up

I've had my fair share of catch ups during the past week - including both over the phone and over due ones. And a catch up, in my opinion, is usually best accompanied with a warm cup of caffeine or chocolate..or both. I've also been quiet on the blog front during the past week. Not because I have been too busy but because I did not feel the need to report anything. But nevertheless, I thought it was time for a catch up. Over some coffee perhaps? 

The past week was a mixture of things. It consisted of some family visiting from Hong Kong for a few days, completing a headache-inducing assignment, catching up missed lectures and preparing for various church services. But in amongst all the work, I try to stay balanced and grounded by including some work-free time chatting with friends over coffee or breakfast, a few cheeky episodes of TV shows or some quiet reading. 

Recently, I have been reading articles from the Relevant Magazine and a particular one stuck in my mind. It's called 'The Art of Holding Loosely' and it's an article that explains letting go. It explains that too often we have a very strong grip on everything we have because we want full control of our lives. But as often as we want control, change occurs - whether circumstances or people, and we find ourselves having to let go. What she wrote really reminded me of some things that I had to let go during the past 6 months, whether people or 'things' and whether by choice or without choice. And no matter what it is, it is always unsettling and difficult for me to let go without a struggle. But what I liked was the next part:

"...I learned there is an art to letting go. It requires loving deep and opening wide. Holding loosely doesn't mean viewing lightly. It means seeing each person, friendship or opportunity as a gift. If you live by this simple rule and let your hands hold loosely, you’ll learn the secret of living life well."

There are different seasons in life and certain circumstances and relationships, no matter how adamant you are in maintaining them, are bound to change. I have been learning that in these times, bitterness is not the key. But like the article suggests, be thankful for what you had and be excited about the new opportunities that are to come. 

In other news, the end of semester and cold temperatures are fast approaching. Which means it's time to prepare myself for a time when sweaters and sweatpants will be my best friends (closely followed by snacks and a warm mug of something) and every minute under warm blankets will be the most precious time ever..

Happy Sunday x

(Featured above: coffee from the Rooftop Terrace on campus. They're pretty photogenic don't you think?)