The second round of Instagram visual conversation with Abby Ho dedicated to our birthdays, reflecting and responding to what we’ve been given, accepting how we felt, and questioning where we are going. This was originally an Instagram series, which you can view here.
Digital illustrations by Mirae x Ink watercolour by Abby
what was the most memorable of past year?
mirae: challenging myself to take new steps. the open landscape of bare starkness provides clarity on how to move forward. the rich greenery of my new stage draws me closer — 지나간 한 해는 정말 대단했다. “젊음”이라는 핑계로 큰 도전을 하게 되었다. 그 도전을 향해 나아가며 느꼈던 혼자의 힘과 외로움이 가장 기억에 남는다.
re: changing sentiments to match new landscapes. what did you decide to carry with you and what was left behind?
abby: an abundance of ginkgos and mum flowers. they carried me through the hard and the soft seasons, revisiting again and again.
re: we all carry a petal or two hidden within the winds or the currents of water we are told to follow. i hope the offerings from mother nature will continue to hold you; embrace and give strength to your next steps.
what is something someone told or did in the past year that you still hold onto?
mirae: words that acknowledged, that saw and understood; a warm hand on my shoulder, holding my hands with tears — 마치 나를 본 것 같다. 메기 처럼 지켜보며 내가 믿음을 잃는 순간 필요한 말을 해줬다.
re: affirmations in not only words but in actions. reminding us it’s not a solitary walk – we are never fully alone in our intentions.
abby: 1. hold onto joy 2. you are becoming, weighted with seeds
re: we lay down the seeds without knowing they are waiting — waiting to be heard, touched, held — waiting to grow into something fuller; we are learning.
do you share the same or different feeling about being lost as last year?
mirae: uncertainty of the unknown. 어디로 향하는지 모른다는 것은 흥미롭고 동시에 두려운 일입니다.
re: sitting in the process, acknowledging it’s continual shifting nature. i tried to think of a response but only came up with more questions. how hopeful. how daunting.
abby: carrying new uncertainties of a changing environment. learning and adjusting to bear its weight.
re: like you told me, it’s continually shifting, and i guess we can only accept and recognize how we feel. but i hope during your journey of seeking solace, you will remember the hands and ears that will always be by your side.
what do you love about yourself?
mirae: strength within myself. 잘 싸워가고 있는 모습. wishing to grow to have the courage of the 14-year old eunhee. #벌새
re: unabashedly knowing and taking comfort in the outlines of yourself is a kind of courage too.
abby: overflow that my capacity and abilities are always more than what I think I have.
re: recognizing yourself. appreciating yourself. an everlasting strength to uncover you to you.
what is your childhood self reminding you of this year?
mirae: this is a reminder to recognize and appreciate the immense love i have received, and to give back to those currently around me. 그 때의 나를 생각 하면 참 부끄럽고 마음이 무겁다.
re: what can we do in return but live our lives fully. i think bb mirae would be proud of you.
abby: reminding me to love my hands and their work in all forms, even if that work has now changed.
re: remembering and now towards blooming.
what are your intentions moving forward?
mirae: to take kinder care. 가장 힘들지만 가장 중요한 일은 자신을 잘 돌보는 것입니다.
re: i’ve always admired your tenacity and quiet strength. may all the seeds you hold tenderly bloom and come into fruition.
abby: to bear witness to abundance
re: time to nurture your garden.
where are you going? where do you want to go?
mirae: somewhere i believe. 내가 원하는 곳으로 어떻게 가는 중.
re: an attitude of contentment in ambiguous, indefinite spaces
abby: who knows…letting go and trusting the possibilities
re: multitudes which become uncertainties. letting go is courage, to find calmness within yourself to flow, that you will navigate and find your light.
what is something you want to do this year?
mirae: developing more calmness. more acceptance with myself. more ease with unnecessary reactive emotions.
re: remember to breathe and unravel
abby: maintain a malleable form
re: i admire your courage to reflect and recognize. your strength to carry forward. your heart to offer presence. we are still growing, thus we are still learning. and i am glad to have a friend along this journey.
Lee Mirae 