2022 Birthday Card to The Lights Within


Two years ago, in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, a lost soul just graduated with her psychology degree; freshly gotten out of the IELTS test centre, triumphing she survived and overcame her worst fears at the time.

She thought to herself, what now? But didn't she make a subtle promise to herself in that turmoil? Proclaiming, "it's time to bring back real meanings and enjoyment to life".

She had her heart reset on fire. She was going to fall in love with life again. She needed to feel alive and meaningful, meaning solely defined by herself.

Then there was this spark. She was asked, "Do you wanna build something together?" That timing could not be better.

We took some time to figure out how we should bring this project to life, through what medium, and so on. Gradually, we pieced the puzzle together, reconsidered different alternatives and by all means just tried things out. I was thoroughly excited to see this seed that had been deep-seated in the bottom of my heart was finally greeting the world.

On the 10th of October 2020, we registered The Lights Within. Funny how we endorsed on this name: We've always known we want the concept of "Light", but the name TLW was landed, or should I say, destined, when I tried different combinations that had yet been taken as a website name. I think TLW has a mind of its own, just like its name. The road was pathed, we just strolled down here and executed it with our hands. Everything was untroubled as I remembered, it all naturally fallen into places like it was always supposed to happen this way. 

Little did we know the 10th of October is World Mental Health Day, we, the creator of this mental health blog only realised afterwards. Little did we know where TLW would head towards. Even much of the content we planned initially has yet to make it to the current cut, whereas some of my favourite creations were spontaneous and totally unplanned.

Little did we know how this partnership is maintained online, all until 1.5 years have passed. After all this time, I can't be more proud of how TLW has turned out, and how our partnership has grown. That's why I'm still convinced, it's all destined. 


I feel like the biggest change in this journey is my attitude. At first, I felt missioned to spread positive words to the world. Turn out, we, the content creators, gained a lot through this fruitful experience. We put our hearts into it, and magically we took away more than we could ever imagine.

Little would we know what TLW will look like in the future. I have some visions in my head, but I'm not gonna do it effortfully. Before we establish this teamTLW, we both said we want this project to not become a stressor, instead, something chill that can flexibly tap into our constant life changes. Now, I proudly announce, we are still doing this. Keep it flowing gracefully like some good old stingrays. Yup, must mention stingrays somewhere.

TLW, please continue to shine through these uneasy days. Let this light within everyone guide our steps. 

Happy birthday. Thank you for bringing meaning and memories to our lives.


Wholeheartedly,
Team The Lights Within
(Composed 10 Oct 2022 2am)

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