Welcome back to Just The Tip of an Iceberg!
It has been quite a while since my last check-in back in June. If there is one thing life teaches us, it is that what we see on the surface is only a fraction of the story - and the months since June have been a profound exercise in navigating everything happening beneath the waterline.
From major professional life shifts and exciting transitions to managing new health plot twists, my world has been a whirlwind of growth, adaptation, and quiet resilience. Today, I am pulling back the layers to share a glimpse of what has been going on behind the scenes.
1. Major Transitions: Closing Chapters and New Beginnings
Back in June, a major chapter of my professional and personal life came to a close as I concluded my service at my previous school - I didn't renew my contract as I wanted to have a peaceful, more stressfree environment. Leaving a community where I spent time as a school counselor, Designated Safeguarding Lead, and teacher of Psychology and PSHE was bittersweet. It marked the end of a deeply rewarding season of student advocacy, well-being campaigns, and child protection initiatives.
But life moves forward, and new horizons call! In August, I stepped into an exciting new role at my new school, taking on a multifaceted journey as a Grade 5 teacher, school counselor, Designated Safeguarding Lead, and WASC Coordinator. Diving into curriculum planning, student counseling, and guiding our school accreditation self-study has kept me thoroughly energized, purposeful, and deeply engaged in education.
2. Health Plot Twists: Tracking the Numbers and Finding Balance
As we juggle professional responsibilities, taking care of our physical well-being has to remain front and center - even when it throws a few surprises our way.
Following my recent clinic visit and lab work, I’ve been keeping a close eye on my health metrics:
The Scale & Vitals: There is some fantastic news on the physical front! Through sustained lifestyle mindfulness, my weight has dropped from 95.0 kg back in late May down to 85.0 kg - a steady and encouraging 10 kg milestone
. My blood pressure and vital signs, however, serve as daily reminders to stay vigilant, particularly as I monitor cardiovascular health alongside my trusted physician from Bangkok. The Lab Work: My recent lab results brought a mix of reassuring numbers and areas needing attention. While my fasting blood sugar (83 mg/dL)
, total cholesterol (93 mg/dL) , triglycerides (70 mg/dL) , and liver enzymes (ALT at 18 U/L) are looking great, my HbA1c came in slightly elevated at 5.8% (placing it in the prediabetes range) , my HDL ("good" cholesterol) is running low at 32 mg/dL , and my creatinine/eGFR results point to a mild decrease in filtration that requires careful medical oversight .
Navigating diabetes, hypertension, and a heart stent means learning to listen closely to your body, making smarter daily choices, and working hand-in-hand with medical professionals.
3. Creative Kitchen Adventures: Reinventing Comfort Food
Taking care of your health doesn't mean giving up the joy of eating - it just means getting resourceful! Behind the scenes, I've been heavily into recreating favorite foods using healthy ingredients that fit my specific requirements for a low potassium, low sodium, low sugar, and low carbohydrate diet. Finding that sweet spot where mindful nutrition meets delicious flavor has become one of my favorite culinary challenges. In the previous months, I simply didn't like eating, now, as much as I can, I work my way to sensible heart-healthy eating..
Looking Ahead
Life truly is like an iceberg. What people see on the surface is only a tiny fraction of the deep work, emotional transitions, health adjustments, and daily micro-victories happening underneath.
Whether you are navigating a career shift, a cross-country move, or reshaping your wellness habits to protect your heart and energy, remember that every small, intentional step matters.
Thank you for staying tuned in as I continue to explore what lies beneath the surface. Here's to growth, healing, and unearthing the deeper adventures of life!
How have your past few months been? Drop a comment below and let me know what you've been navigating beneath the surface!
