Explore

As I’m writing this, it’s the first day of the second month of a brand new year. Honestly, I’ve forgotten about this blog. The last time I wrote here is from 2 years back. I finished a huge exam last year again (but its different) and right now, I’m slowly moving to the next phase of my life.

The past year was definitely the worst year of my entire 18 years of life because I had to cope with a loss of a loved one. Someone very dear to my heart; my Mom. She was my best friend, my partner, my caretaker but she will always be my mother. It’s true that life has never been the same without her. I struggled every single day trying to learn things on my own without the help of someone whom I always relied on and it was miserable. At times, I isolated myself from everyone else just to be alone and create some kind of an imaginary scenario in my head thinking what it’d be when she was still around. It gave me the small satisfaction on how I cope with the pain. I often feel gloomy and my mood swings are uncontrollable because I was a huge mess. I may laugh and smile but once I’m homed, looking at the spaces and spots where her presence used to be there, I’d cry and scream. Angry at everything and asking why must she be taken away from me.

Slowly, I learn to stand on my own two feet and get stronger everyday. I developed new hobbies and routines to start taking life more seriously so that I can be better prepared for more challenges coming in the way. It works, a lot. Helps to keep my mind off the sorrows and unhappiness. As time passes, the pain fades. When I think about it, I didn’t really cope with it but I learnt to live with the pain and slowly, it’ll just stop hurting. That’s what time really does to everyone. It passes and passes and it will never stop. Thats when you start to wonder, is this it? Is this how life is suppose to be? To the point where you feel that life is not wonderful and the cycle starts again. The pain and the coping.

However, this year will be different. I will start to spice things up with my life and discover who I really am because I have always been the girl who is always never crossing the white line because mommy says its dangerous. This year will be the year of trying, experimenting and loving. I will explore each and every part of myself and believe that I am what I need in this life to go through the wonders of life. What will you be doing this year?

My Top 3 Favourite Spots

Have you ever wanted to spend time with your friends and save money too? I’ve got you covered. I will tell you the few places where I find most relaxing. Its comfortable and serene because you can just sit back and relax while you’re catching up with your friends.

The first place is Marina Barrage. Why? You can basically put a mat down and have a picnic. Cook a few dishes from home, buy some snacks from NTUC or your nearby convenience store for your food at the picnic. The view at the top of the Marina is breathtakingly satisfying. At daylight, you can read a book, play kite, eat, talk with your friends or play some board games. Just take a few hours off social media and spend time with your loved ones. Other than that, you can also see some runners running around and photographers capturing time lapse. At night, the scenery is super beautiful because not only its more romantic at night but the view of the whole city; Marina Bay Sands, Gardens By The Bay is spectacular. Once in a while, if you’re ever in need of family time or bonding with someone special, Marina Barrage should be in your list.

Next, Macritchie Reservoir Park. I know its common and most probably everyone knows this but yes, this is my favourite spot. I like it because the idea of walking to such a high peak is fun. Generally, I love to take walks because I’m able to do lots of thinking and also to stay healthy. I went there a few times with my friends to just enjoy the nature. The green environment there helps me to relax. Nature also made me realize to just take a pause in life and stop rushing. It gives me the chance to take things slowly and take a step back in life. I know it may seem like an unattractive idea to walk a few kilometres up a hill and another few more down after the tree top walk but hey, if you’re with the right people, its definitely worth it.

Lastly, Botanic Gardens. I didn’t visit the park as often as I remembered because I’ve only went there to eat at my favourite food place, Adam Road Food Centre. There is this food combo stall that sells fried rice or fried noodle and fries with cheese in a plate and that’s basically my paradise on a plate. Other than the food centre, you can visit Botanic Gardens to have a simple walk, a picnic or some peaceful reading. Its very quiet and definitely a place where you want to escape the busy and hectic life.

In essence, these three places that I’ve mentioned above are the places that I find contentment. Sometimes, all you need in life is a break and hopefully, those stated above is part of your list. Don’t forget that it’s also free to enter!

A Start.

I’m Nayli Masturina. 16 years old. I ended one of the major exams in my life a month ago. I made this blog to share my ideas and thoughts on what interests me. I plan to use this platform as a way to express myself and as a journal to document my life. I live in Singapore. I love photography, although I may not be good at it but I’m still learning. I love to venture out and capturing the moments that i wish to relive every now and then. I’m a sucker for chick-lit books. I read to escape the torments of life and enjoy the solitude moments with my books. I hope to explore the world one day and discover the wonders of life out there. At about now, I hope to find and learn more about myself. To sum up, welcome to my blog and stay tune for more! 😀