Tag: writing

Hope rather than Faith

Published on by wordhuesLeave a comment

What’s a moment when a stranger completely restored your faith in people?

I have never believed that a single act by a stranger could “completely” restore my faith in humanity. To me, that feels naive. Humanity is not a monolith of goodness or evil—it is a mosaic of choices, each person navigating their own sense of what is right. Some choices wound, others heal. And in between, there are the small, fleeting gestures that remind us the world is not entirely indifferent.

I think of the stranger who stood behind me, shielding me from the unwanted closeness of someone pressing in too far. Or the child who paused their play to hold out a hand to a pregnant neighbor, helping her step over a puddle. These moments are not grand or heroic, yet they carry a quiet weight. They whisper that kindness still exists, that even in a world heavy with selfishness and cruelty, there are sparks of care that refuse to be extinguished.

Such acts do not erase the darker truths of human behavior. They do not transform humanity into something it is not. But they ignite hope—hope that life can still surprise us with grace, hope that the burden of hardship can be lightened by compassion. And it is this hope that gives strength. It is what steadies us when exhaustion tempts us to give up, what reminds us that perseverance is not futile.

Faith in humanity, then, is not about sweeping redemption. It is about noticing the lanterns in the dark, however small their glow. It is about carrying those lights within us, so that when the path feels unbearable, we remember: the world is not all bad. And that memory alone can be enough to keep us moving forward.

We made it

Published on by wordhuesLeave a comment

If your future self could send you one sentence, what do you hope it would say?


While most people would account for this to achieving some major milestone in their life. I think for me those three words means that I survived.. Not survival in the dramatic sense of escaping catastrophe, but survival in the quieter, relentless way of enduring the everyday battles that threatened to erode me piece by piece.

There were years when each day felt like poison slowly dripping into my veins. The challenges were not loud or cinematic, but they were persistent, gnawing at my spirit until I wondered if I could endure. And yet, I did. Against odds that seemed endless, I managed the one thing many never get to — the privilege of growing older. To slow down, to look back, to reminisce about the memories created along the way.

Survival did not mean I never failed or broke down. I did, many times. But each breakdown carried a lesson, each failure planted resilience. The fact that I endured long enough to appreciate both the struggles and the fleeting joys is itself a victory I once thought impossible.

When I look at my younger self, I no longer judge. I feel sorrow for the battles endured and gratitude for the strength they forged. My younger self was not weak — they were surviving in the only way they knew how. Every struggle stretched me further. Every year added another layer of resilience. Survival transformed into growth, and growth into compassion.

So when I imagine my future self whispering, “You survived, and that was enough,”. It is the reminder that even in the darkest days I did not succumb to the challenges but I resisted long enough to make it to the next day.

Plates of sushi, grilled vegetables, steak sandwich with fries and a glass of beer on a wooden table

Flavors that Stir the Heart

Published on by wordhuesLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
What’s the best local dish you’ve ever eaten while traveling?
View all responses

Food has always felt complicated to me, almost like my kryptonite. I never thought of myself as someone with a good palate. For the longest time, I believed the purpose of eating was simply to not be hungry, and taste didn’t matter. That mindset made me cautious whenever I traveled — I would search for food I was already comfortable with, rather than risk trying something new and wasting it. It was only recently, when someone asked me how my last meal tasted and all I could say was “not bad,” that I realized how much my attitude toward food reflected something deeper about me.

I’ve started to change that. My first real step was trying Thai food. At the Original Hoy-Ka restaurant, I expected fiery spice, but the waiter recommended gentler dishes: Chicken Satay and Ka Prao with Rice. They turned out to be sweet, comforting, and surprisingly easy for me to enjoy. The portions were large enough to take home, and for once, my taste buds didn’t resist. That experience made me wonder what it would be like to taste these dishes in Thailand itself. Maybe one day, when courage and circumstance align, I’ll add Thailand to my travel list.

Japanese food was another revelation. I tried Miso Soup alongside a rice bowl with crispy seaweed, egg, and sesame-coated chicken. I later learned it might have been Oyakodon or Katsudon. The flavors were explosive, layered, and overwhelming in the best way. Japanese food feels wholesome, like it carries a sense of home even when eaten alone. It evokes warmth, belonging, and joy — emotions I didn’t expect to find in a meal.

I tried a Philly Cheesesteak in Philadelphia. Rich, hearty, and indulgent, it felt like comfort food in its truest form. But it raised a question for me: does eating a dish from another region within the same country count as “traveling through cuisine”? I think it does. Just as Indian food varies different regions American food shifts from Philly cheesesteaks to Tex-Mex. Regional cuisines are worlds within worlds, each worth exploring.

Food is no longer just about filling my stomach. It’s becoming a journey — one that mirrors travel, culture, and even emotion. Cooking these dishes myself may not capture their authenticity, but it allows me to participate in the story of flavors. I’m learning to accept and appreciate tastes from around the world, one dish at a time. And maybe, through this journey, I’ll discover not just new cuisines, but new parts of myself.

Under the Queen’s Umbrella

Published on by wordhuesLeave a comment

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

I personally love historical dramas. I love the imagery they evoke and the references they make to the history and culture they portray.

Under the Queen’s Umbrella follows the story of Queen Im Hwa-ryeong, played by actress Kim Hye-soo. Side note before I continue: her portrayal of the role is phenomenal. Every expression conveys so much emotion — I simply love her performance.

Back to the series: the story centers on a queen who is truly the backbone of her family. It shows how a woman, even within the strict boundaries of earlier times, does everything in her power to protect her loved ones. She works quietly in the background, never demanding recognition, but finding joy in her family’s success.

After losing her firstborn son — the Crown Prince, played by Bae In-hyuk — under suspicious circumstances, the Queen quickly realizes how his death has placed her family in danger. Traditionally, the younger brothers of the Crown Prince were not educated to the same level, so they would not be considered rivals to the throne. This practice was meant to protect them from harm. However, after the Crown Prince’s death, rivalry erupts among his brothers and stepbrothers, each competing for the title. The Queen understands that her sons must adapt quickly and become worthy candidates.

She sets out on a mission to prepare them for the throne, all while learning the true challenges each prince faces and giving them courage and support to overcome those struggles. At the same time, she navigates the schemes of ministers, the other wives of the king, and the King’s mother. Unknown to her, hidden enemies with secret agendas are plotting against her in ways she never expected.

The series portrays the extent of a mother’s love and the lengths she will go to protect those she cherishes. With a strong plot and a wonderful cast who embody their roles and emotions perfectly, Under the Queen’s Umbrella is a drama I would wholeheartedly recommend. It offers a relaxing watch, distinct from the usual K-drama trope of romance. While there is a love story, the series keeps its focus firmly on the politics of the royal household.

Lessons Beyond the Classroom Door

Published on by wordhuesLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
What’s a thing you wish schools actually taught?
View all responses

As a child, I grew up believing that grades defined my worth. Parents and teachers repeated the mantra that success meant high scores, and I absorbed it without question. Being an average student felt like failure, as though my future had already been decided before I even had the chance to explore it.

But adulthood revealed a different truth. Life is not measured by grades but by resilience. Schools never taught me how to face obstacles or recover from setbacks, yet failure became my greatest teacher. Each disappointment carried within it the seed of opportunity, reminding me that life continues after loss. I realized that those who have stumbled often develop the strength to rise again, and that strength matters far more than being first in class.

School also gave me a false perception of my abilities. I loved mathematics but struggled with tests, so I assumed numbers weren’t for me. Choosing a career in accounting was never on my horizon. Yet when I pursued a public accounting diploma, I excelled — achieving the best scores of my life. That experience showed me how misleading school assessments can be, and how real-world practice uncovers strengths hidden beneath doubt. It was liberating to discover that I was capable of thriving in a field I once thought was beyond me.

Another lesson overlooked in classrooms is empathy. As children, we naturally shared in each other’s joys and sorrows. But competition often eroded that instinct. I remember being told not to help classmates because they might score higher. For a time, I even felt conflicted when those I tutored outperformed me. There was sadness in seeing someone else succeed at my expense. Over the years, though, I let go of the need to be the “top performer.” I learned to genuinely celebrate others’ success, realizing that my own achievements are not diminished when someone else shines. That shift restored a sense of humanity that competition had dulled.

Perhaps the most practical gap is financial literacy. Schools rarely teach us how to manage money, yet it is essential for independence. When I first began earning, I was terrified of spending — worried that debt and insecurity would trap me. My sister had to drag me to upgrade my laptop because I was too anxious to spend. I avoided dinners out, and I hesitated to buy anything for myself. Slowly, I learned to balance savings, expenses, and investments. That skill, absent from classrooms, became a cornerstone of my confidence. It taught me that financial responsibility is not about fear, but about balance and trust in oneself.

Looking back, I see that school taught me subjects, but life taught me resilience, empathy, and responsibility. Grades may open doors, but it is the lessons beyond the classroom that help us walk through them with strength and purpose. My failures, my rediscovered strengths, my empathy, and my financial independence — these are the true lessons that shaped me.

Chaos with a Dash of Care

Published on by wordhuesLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
Share a photo of your pet and tell us one thing that makes them uniquely them.
View all responses

When Scooby first came home, he was just a tiny two‑month‑old pup — small, curious, and endlessly playful. He ran all over the place, tugging at ropes, chasing shadows, and demanding games of tug‑of‑war even when I was too exhausted to keep up. His energy was always at level ten, and somehow, he never seemed to tire.

As he grew older, that playful spark never faded. He had this uncanny intuition that I was the youngest at home. Whenever I sat on the ground, worn out from playing, he would dash straight into me, bumping me with his little body before running off again as if nothing had happened. It was his way of saying, “I see you. Let’s keep going.”

But it’s in the quiet moments that Scooby truly surprises me. On days when sadness weighs me down, he seems to know. He doesn’t demand play or attention. Instead, he silently curls into my lap, tucking his head under my chin. His presence feels like a warm hug, a silent promise that I’m not alone. Sometimes I cry, and he gently touches his nose to my tears, almost as if he’s wiping them away. He stays there, small and still, until I’m ready to breathe again.

Of course, Scooby is also wonderfully silly — just like me. I’m accident‑prone, and he seems to mirror that clumsy streak. One night at 2 a.m., I woke to his muted whining and found him with his head stuck in a pot. Once I “rescued” him, instead of being scared, he bounded around the room, pounced on me as if to say “Wanna play?” and even kicked the pot with his back legs like a deer. When I tried to straighten it, he came back just to kick it again, proud of his little rebellion.

That’s the magic of pets. They don’t need grand gestures to make us happy. Their playful chaos, their quiet comfort, their silly antics — all of it slowly heals the broken parts of us. Scooby doesn’t just fill my days with laughter; he gives me strength to keep going.

Because sometimes, healing doesn’t come from words or advice. It comes from a pup who knows when to play, when to sit quietly, and when to remind you that joy is still waiting.

Woman sitting at a small wooden desk by a rain-covered window, looking outside thoughtfully with a book and cup nearby

Too Many to Remember, A Few to Hold Close

Published on by wordhuesLeave a comment

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I have often wondered why advice rarely stays with me. People offer words of guidance when I am in deep trouble, and in those moments I cling to them, using them as lifelines. Yet once the storm passes, the words fade. If asked later what was said, I can barely recall. Perhaps advice is not meant to be stored like a quote in memory, but to be lived in the moment it is needed.

Still, a few pieces of advice have managed to carve themselves into my thoughts. One of them is simple but profound: you are the only person who will truly fight for yourself. No one else can fully understand where I come from. Not because people are shallow, but because it is impossible. Even a mother, who is said to understand everything, struggles at times. Circumstances change, generations shift, and the battles I face are not the same as hers. This advice reminds me that self-advocacy is not selfishness — it is survival.

Another piece of advice I hold close is to keep trying. The point is not to win every time, but to keep the possibility of winning alive. Effort itself is a form of hope. Even if success comes later than I want, it is better to keep the horizon open than to declare defeat too soon. Trying is not about immediate triumph; it is about refusing to close the door on possibility.

Silhouette of person breaking glowing chains with light and sparks swirling

The Perfect Image

Published on by wordhuesLeave a comment

What’s something you used to worry about but don’t anymore?

I have never been a very confident person, largely because I never fit the appearance that society calls “beautiful.” As I grew older, the world seemed to grow meaner. As a child, I did not fully understand the taunts hidden behind sweet smiles and caring words. But with time, I began to hear the malice between the lines. Eventually, the mockery was no longer disguised, and the words broke me. At eleven or twelve, I did not have the emotional strength to look beyond the bad days. I withdrew from everything — from family, from the things I loved, from my dreams and hopes.

Yet growing older brought a realization: I could be perfect in every way, and people would still judge, still comment, still find something to tear down. Many speak without understanding the impact their words can have. Others live with the sole intention of hurting. You can never truly know another person’s motives, but you can choose not to acknowledge them. It is easier said than done, but if you begin today, over time it becomes a habit. Slowly, peace replaces the noise.

Society’s expectations are ever-changing. Just when you think you have done everything right, something shifts, and suddenly you are wrong again. For years, I kept adapting myself, trying to meet those expectations. But the moment I stopped caring about what others thought, I found happiness.

Now I do what I want. If people think I am silly or foolish, I no longer mind. Their judgment is fleeting, but my joy in those moments is lasting. A silly memory can bring back a smile long after the moment has passed. And in this world, happiness is the most precious thing one can have. So I choose to cherish my silliness, to hold onto my happiness, and to live beyond the weight of other people’s opinions.

Montage of Tokyo city with Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji, Santorini with white buildings and blue domes, and Paris with Eiffel Tower and Seine river at dusk

Scenic Wonders in my Dreams

Published on by wordhuesLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
What are your top 10 travel destinations?
View all responses

I am not very keen on traveling. There are a few reasons for this. The first is that I am geographically illiterate. I do not know much about places, and I do not understand directions. I once took an hour to reach a destination only eight minutes away. Not exaggerating — it is a true story. The even more embarrassing part is that I had maps open on my phone the entire time. You would think I would make one wrong turn, realize my mistake, and correct it. But no, I kept ending up at the same starting point after taking multiple wrong turns.

The next thing that deters me is that I am not a calm traveler. My mind keeps inventing scenarios of losing important things, or even losing myself in a place where I do not know anybody. That slowly develops into an abnormal fear.

But setting aside these irrational fears, I do have a list of places I would love to travel. Ironically, most of them are places where you need to walk a lot.

Japan has quickly risen to the top. The stationery industry there is revolutionary, and as a stationery enthusiast it feels like a dream. I have also become a big fan of the anime Demon Slayer. Many gardens in Japan have been drawn into the manga, and they look serene and beautiful. The Wisteria gardens and cherry blossoms especially call to me. I want to see them with my own eyes — the breeze, the sunlight streaming through the trees. It feels magical.

Santorini attracted me mostly because of the images I see online. Unlike Japan, I do not know much about this place, so I would want to research more before deciding what to visit. The architecture in the pictures is what drew me in. I imagine taking photographs and later sketching them into my art book.

Paris may be cliché, but it belongs on the list. The architecture, the food, the ambience — all of it is enough to attract me. Disney World adds its own magic, and I would love to visit all the Disney attractions around the world. Tokyo Disney is also on my list. Beyond that, Paris seems to have beautiful museums where you can sit alone and admire art in silence. That is something I would treasure.

So for now, these three destinations are the ones I am sure of. My list may change, and I may never be a seasoned traveler, but these places live in my imagination. They remind me that travel is not only about movement — sometimes it is about longing, about the beauty we carry within us even if we never set foot there.

Symbolic crown casting long shadow over scarred ground

Words that Move

Published on by wordhuesLeave a comment

What is your favorite quote?

“Show me a Hero, I will write you a tragedy”

There have been many quotes that have resonated with me throughout my life, but one quote has always stayed with me.

There is so much depth and meaning packed into that single line. I have generally been a negative person, but this quote helps me look beyond that negativity. It reminds me that, despite how often I blame myself and feel like a failure, every person I admire has faced challenges of their own. They have failed, stumbled, and experienced moments where everything seemed to fall apart.

We rarely stop to consider the scars they carry or the struggles they endured to reach the heights at which we see them today. This quote shifts my focus from their success to their journey. It reminds me of their setbacks, failures, and perseverance.

It is not the shining crown that motivates me. It is the realization that these successful people are just like me. They are not perfect. They found a way forward despite their imperfections, mistakes, and obstacles.

I have always considered this to be the quote I relate to most. While I may come across many other quotes with profound meaning, this one has carried me through my weakest moments. It has helped me on days when I felt the whole world was against me, and it has given me the strength to keep moving forward.