💗 The Quiet Power of “Love” 💗 – June 4, 2025

There’s something profoundly mysterious about the word love—not the kind you buy or barter, but the kind every human is born with, quietly nestled in their heart. It’s in the gentle kiss from grandparents. In the warm gaze of a mother. In the calloused hands of a father resting firmly on your shoulder every time you stumble. It’s in a friend’s reassuring pat on the back. Or in a stranger’s smile as they ask, “Are you okay?”, “How’s your day going?”, “I hope today treats you kindly.”

This kind of love asks for nothing in return. It needs no reason, no reward, no poetic language. As children, we gave love so freely, so innocently—without fear, without hesitation. But as we grow older, it somehow becomes harder to show. Harder to offer a soft glance, a kind gesture, or a hug given not for a purpose but out of pure compassion.

When we were small, loving was easy. If a friend fell, we helped them up. If someone was sad, we held them close. If Mom looked tired, we whispered, “I love you.” But as we aged, we started to calculate, even in matters of the heart. Before we offer love, we weigh if someone deserves it. Before we help, we worry if we’ll be taken advantage of. We fear being misunderstood. We fear loss. We fear giving our kindness to the wrong person.

And yet—love doesn’t keep score. The more you give, the more you have.

Sometimes, in a crowd, I catch glimpses of hollow eyes. People brushing past each other as if we’re all closed worlds unto ourselves. Everyone busy, everyone with a reason to look away. But deep down, I believe no one is immune to love. No matter how strong we appear, we all grow weary, we all feel alone at times. And in those moments, we all need someone—just one person—to stop, to notice, to ask if we’re okay.

I once heard a saying: “No one ever became poor by giving kindness. But many have become impoverished by not receiving love.” That made me pause. It reminded me that it’s not material poverty that drains us—it’s the absence of genuine emotion.

So if you can, I hope you’ll never hold back your love. Learn to listen with your heart. Practice asking simple, sincere questions: “Are you tired?”, “How was your day?”, “I’m here if you need me.” You don’t have to do something grand—sometimes, the greatest gift is letting someone feel seen.

Love isn’t some lofty ideal. It’s a choice. A decision to open your heart. To be kind. To believe that there’s still space in this world for softness and connection.

And if today, you find yourself weary—tired of life’s push and pull—please remember: someone out there, even in silence, is holding space for you with love. No embellishment. No conditions. Just because you are human—and to be human is to be worthy of love.

My own story with love began with my grandfather. As children, he used to say, “Sincere love can solve anything—especially within the family. Remember that.” At the time, I didn’t grasp its depth, but I felt it in his warm voice. That message has lived quietly in my heart, growing stronger with time.

Every time life knocked me down or didn’t go as I hoped, I’d take a step back, close my eyes, and hear his words again. I wanted to test their truth. And, dear reader, through the years—I’ve found they hold. Of course, there were moments I had to try again and again in the same situation. Times when I wanted to give up, when my love wasn’t received or was misunderstood. But still, my grandfather’s words never failed me. In the end, I believe with all my heart: Love—true, sincere love—always wins.

And now, from deep within, I share this with you. I hope you’ll walk with me in love. Let’s carry it together and spread it generously in this world.

💗 Written for those who feel lost among the city lights. A reminder that we can still love one another—no reason needed.

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💗 𝟓𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 💗 – January 14, 2025

With a heart full of gratitude and love, I reflect on the extraordinary journey of my 50 years—a journey of trials, triumphs, and the enduring power of faith, love, and perseverance. As I stand here today, a woman shaped by the challenges of the past, I feel compelled to share the story that has led me to this moment.

Fifty years ago, I was born in a small village, barefoot with dreams as vast as the sky, during the tumult of April 1975. Growing up, I faced countless hardships as my father spent years in a re-education camp, and I lived in a society divided by conflicting beliefs. Yet, I rose like a wildflower, resilient and unbreakable. I never gave up and learned to do everything a village girl was expected to do—from household chores, farming, buy/sell to studying—while holding onto my pride in my humble roots and impoverished family. Throughout my school years, I was the class president since 1st grade and a student leader who inspired my peers and always strived to lift others up. That spirit of leadership and service became the foundation of my life.

My true journey began when I immigrated to the United States. It was a leap of faith driven by the courage & love of my family —and the dreams they planted in my heart. We arrived with just one suitcase but carried a treasure trove of aspirations. I faced language barriers, cultural shocks, and moments of self-doubt. The first time I walked into an American classroom, I was both terrified and exhilarated. I was the girl who stuttered in English, who cleaned houses after school, delivered newspapers after school or the dawn on weekends of feet of snow in Buffalo NY, and studied with a tiny dictionary gifted by a kind teacher in my first couple years in U.S; tutor/grader at school, worked at supermarkets from 9pm-2am, and fast food restaurants during the weekends during college years.

Those early years taught me the value of hard work. I refused to let my circumstances define my destiny. Teachers became my guides, and their encouragement ignited a fierce determination within me. I began to dream not just of surviving but of rising. I imagined a life where my success could become a bridge for others to follow.

Education became my refuge. Through perseverance, scholarships, and unwavering family support, I earned my degree—a milestone that opened doors I had only dared to dream about. I started in humble roles, working tirelessly and learning from every challenge. Over decades, I rose to become a leader in my field—a woman of influence in rooms where I often stood out as the only one who looked like me (petite, confident, humble, simple, and always wear smile on my face .. people knew me can add more here …) But I never forgot my roots. Every step of my journey has been a reminder of my family’s sacrifices, the kindness of strangers, and the friendships that carried me.

As success grew, so did my desire to give back. On my 45th birthday, I co-founded Perspective Charity with a dear friend (Happy 5th Birthday, Perspective Charity). We established programs to support education for thousands of underprivileged children overseas, providing a broader experience for fortunate children and adults who joined our mission trips, and devoted my time and resources to causes close to my heart.

Today, as I celebrate my 50th birthday, I am profoundly grateful for all the experiences—whether joyful or painful—that have shaped my life. I know my story does not belong to me alone. It belongs to everyone who believed in me, who lent me a hand, and who walked beside me—through moments of despair and triumph.

I want to thank my family for enduring so much and never losing faith, especially my parents – brothers – husband – and kids, I thank the teachers who opened doors I could not see, the friends who offered their unwavering support, and the countless people whose kindness smoothed my path. I am deeply grateful to my community, my colleagues, and the generations of dreamers who inspire me daily. You have taught me that success is not measured by what we accumulate, but by the lives we touch and the hearts we lift.

As I look to the future, I do so with renewed purpose. My journey is far from over, and my mission to serve others continues. To every young girl who sees herself in my story: know this—your dreams are valid, your voice matters, and your future is boundless. Believe in your worth, cherish the power of education, and never let your circumstances define your destiny.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. The road has been long, but it has also been beautiful. I have no regret, but appreciation for 50 years.