Mai Sunshine 25

Ettika

necklace and earrings c/o // Zara dress

1. I, unapologetically, wear my heart on my sleeves. My energy is synonymous with my heart.

2. I feel everything fully, deeply, and sometimes, too personally.

3. I care so much for the people I hold dear to my heart and I want them all to be happy, so much so that I forget to leave any for myself and I'm left with some of the darkest times in my life.

4. When I get involved in something I feel strongly about, I'm a full force fire of determination. I won't stop until it's fulfilled and seen through.

5. I'm not afraid to address my personal demons, but more importantly, I'm not afraid to share them anymore. They've become a huge part of me that I've learned to accept and love.

6. I'm learning to learn myself new everyday. And I fall in love more and more with who I'm becoming.

7. My time spent alone has been more appreciated, sometimes even craved, now that I'm more comfortable with my own company.

8. I. AM. NOT. CRAZY. And I will say it from now until forever to remind myself.

9. I know that I don't have to be afraid to be judged in the wrong light. The people closest to me have seen it all and have accepted all parts of me and still stand by my side.

10. People show their care and love in different ways. It might not be the same ways I give, but the small details show the true colors of friendship. 

11. Mindfulness is beautiful thing. It makes the world beautiful and it's made my world beautiful.

12. I've been through wars and I've drowned in my own blood, but now my skin is made of steel and my legacy inspires strength. 

13. I'm understanding the difference between self-care and selfish. And rest isn't counterproductive, it is active leisure. 

14. I carry empathy deeply with a heavy heart.

15. I spread myself too thinly trying to involve myself in so much, but it's part of articulating my craft, whether people understand it or not. 

16. Not everyone is going to understand my art, but if I can spill my heart and soul into my work, it doesn't matter how many people will sip from the same cup of tea. 

17. Time has taught me again and again that everything happens for a reason, things will always find its way. I can trust in the process.

18. Expectations cause unnecessary stress. I've always held this need to control everything, including outcomes and circumstances, but sometimes, allowing leaves to fall where they may can actually result in even better perspectives. 

19. I can say no, and still be a good person.

20. I have found a purpose in aiding others through the experiences I've been through. It's making me realize that my affinity towards helping others comes with the price of getting hurt sometimes. BUT I am okay with that.

21. People aren't always doing things intentionally with me in mind. In fact, we're all simply looking out for ourselves, but it doesn't mean it equates to each other's care for one another. 

22. I can forgive. But I will never forget. Because that's how I learn to thicken my skin.

23. I take in everything to its fullest. The trees, the sky, the sea, the sights, the sounds. They all hold a greater meaning from within and a deeper attachment to my being.

24. I'm stronger than I give myself credit for because I'm always thinking 5 steps ahead. But I'm learning to sit with my present and revel in its destiny.

25. I am constantly aware of my mental health and it's become a daily work in process, some days I feel like I won't make it, but other days I'm battling what once took over my mind with a positive outlook.

Photography by

Steven Chen