Sketching My Way Back to the Light

Over the past few months, I felt stuck in a long, dark tunnel.

I was working hard, carrying responsibilities, and spending too much energy on situations beyond my control. By June, after many sleepless nights, I finally crashed and admitted that I needed a real break.

Difficult times can make us doubt ourselves. Sometimes, what others say may be partly true, or we may not be as strong as we thought. We may try too hard to prove ourselves to those who have already made up their minds.

Then a simple thought came to me: My friends, you do not need another person to define who you are.

It is your choice to let go and protect your energy. You are the one who has the final say: That’s it. I will find a place where I can grow.

You have to trust that you are the light.

So I took one month off. I am now in my third week.

During my leave, I returned to the yoga studio where I used to practise and teach. After a week of regular practice, I felt my body and mind reconnecting. It felt like coming home.

Yoga gave me stillness. Solitude gave me space. Creativity gave me joy again.

And here is some encouraging news: this week, my application to enter the Registered Planning Professional certification process was approved.

Since April, I have spent almost every evening after work preparing a lengthy portfolio. It was a decision I made during a difficult time. I needed an anchor to pull me in the right direction. I am now one step closer to becoming an RPP.

This reminded me that growth is not always visible while it is happening. My Ph.D., caregiving responsibilities, job changes, and many smaller struggles have all helped build my resilience. Looking back, I can now see that every difficult period has strengthened my character.

I am also deeply grateful, my friends. No one is an island. We all need kind voices to remind us of our value when we temporarily forget it ourselves.

And now, I am returning to graphic journaling.

I have been carrying my sketchbook to cafés, parks, wharves, street corners, and small places that catch my eye. Drawing helps me slow down, notice more, and reconnect with the world around me. I am grateful to be creating again.

I am learning to trust myself again. Even the people I have found difficult have taught me something: stop judging, stop comparing, and stop explaining.

Save your energy. Find the right environment. Stay close to the people and practices that help you return to yourself. Let go of what diminishes you.

Embrace hope.

You are not waiting for the light.

You are the light.