@riverj Thank you for sharing. I hope it's been cathartic and uplifting for you, being published, and knowing that many can empathise with you and feel a bit better that they are not alone.

You've picked a most relatable show (at least the first 3 quarters). I was aghast at the difficult situation that Ji Ho found herself in, not through any fault of her own, and felt for her as she walked through that long, dark tunnel. Although you have not reached a resolution of sorts like Ji Ho, I'm glad that you're able to look back calmly on your year, and hope you can look forward to your next years with a degree of joy, hope and peace. Bravo to you on living your life boldly without buckling under the opinions of others. 😄

Thanks for sharing this! Big hugs. I'm in a tunnel myself now, and your essay reminded me on a very bad day to live boldly and bravely!

I love this drama to bits. Especially what Ji Ho's mom said in the last episode: look for the moments that sparkle and put them in your star pocket. ❤

Hope every day gives you something to put in your star pocket.

Aww I love this 🥰🥰🥰 So full of hope!! Thank you for the write up, @riverj
Such encouraging words on this drab Monday morning

Thank you for sharing this, @riverj.

I was in that dark tunnel myself not that long ago, where everything seemed bleak and I thought I'd never find my way out. It was tough and I struggled a lot but I can proudly say that it's all behind me now!

I just want to say it's okay, it's okay to fall, to hurt, to cry but always remind yourself that everything passes, even the darkest days! I used to think the phrase "This too shall pass" was cringe-worthy and cliche but honestly it's the truest of them all!

Aw, I love this drama. I found Ji-Ho very relatable as well, but I didn't think it was all that popular based on what I'd read from other people who watched it. I guess it's more well-liked then I thought though seeing as it's been referenced in three of this 'months' theme posts, lol.

Also, this whole last bit here is honestly goals for my own life. "But just as she has seen the light at the end of the tunnel, I started to learn how to appreciate life as it is, not as what I want it to be. I learned to appreciate living in the moment, and the little things life can present to indulge and surprise me, such as a good Korean drama (Be Melodramatic – I’m talking to you), or a delicious dose of instant noodle and kimchi that I can eat and not worry about my weight...….And just like Ji-ho, I’ll continue to write the next chapter of my life, to live boldly and not to worry about the opinions of others. Because everything in this life is still our first."

Thank you for your thoughts and hang in there. It is tough for young people these days. My son went to a world class engineering school and still had to work as a contractor for years before he finally got a true permanent position. And he too had some very bad bosses. It was hard one him- and on his parents too.

I have said before that BECAUSE THIS IS OUR FIRST LIFE is one of the greatest drama's ever, fully equal to the best of Shakespeare, because it had so much truth in it about people living life and the things that we go through in life. Your piece shows us all why this is so.

In writing this you have shown us why great drama should be appreciated for being something more than entertainment. It can give perspective to our lives, show us that we are not alone in our struggles and help us to see ourselves and our lives more clearly. By doing these things great drama helps us to live our lives with greater joy and understanding.

It takes time and real thought to write a piece like this. Thank you for doing this.

I relate so heavily. like, i knew adulting would be hard but why didn't anyone warn me it'd be this hard... thanks for sharing and stay strong @riverj! let's rely on the little things to get us through this dark tunnel of post-grad adulthood ><