Gentle Reminders

This season of transition and building Studio Chan has cracked me open in quiet, unseen ways. Not the glossy kind of growth, but the gritty, messy, not-so-glamorous kind. The kind where you jolt awake in the middle of the night wondering what the hell you’re doing, questioning all the decisions that led you here. It was a season of self doubt, imposter syndrome, staring down long to-do lists with a tired heart, and questioning myself more than once. 

Like all seasons (and all things) in life, this one held a duality. A blend of challenges and lessons. Growth born from mistakes. Long days spent in creative pursuit, sometimes with nothing to show for aside from the quiet act of showing up. I guess you could say I felt lost more times than not. But I’ve learned that feeling lost is part of the process when you’re in a transition period. Life (yet again) cracked my heart open, only to let more light in. To introduce me to a version of myself I didn’t know existed.

Through all of it, the noise and fear and lessons, I kept reaching for something small and steady: words. Little phrases. Quiet mantras. Loving affirmations. Reminders found in peaceful pockets of the internet, on the page of a book, or on tea sachets. They didn’t fix everything, but they softened the sharp edges. 

These words have been lanterns, gentle light when the path felt dim. I’d turn them into my phone wallpapers, write them down, or tape them to my bathroom mirror. No, they didn’t magically erase the doubt or make the hard days disappear, but they softened the edges. They made me giggle, warmed my heart, and brought me joy.

If you’re in a season of building, becoming, doubting, daring (or just trying to find your way in this wild, unpredictable world) I hope these remind you that you’re not alone. That the messiness is part of the magic. That your voice, your work, your presence matters. Even when it feels wobbly. Even when it’s hard.

And if nothing else… here’s a gentle reminder to believe in and love yourself a little more tenderly today.

You’ve got this!!

Sending hugs,

♡ Chan