Recover, Renew, Thrive

Hello, dear subscribers, 😊

In my last newsletter, I mentioned that I began reading and exercising as a way to escape last year’s burnout. Now that I’m in my middle years, I find that long workouts like those of my youth can be too much, so I’m trying to limit my exercise to about one hour a day.

A Health Setback

About two weeks ago, a past illness I had experienced flared up unexpectedly, leaving me unable to exercise. I had dizzy spells that sent me to the hospital repeatedly for IV drips and medication, and I ended up sleeping almost the entire day for two weeks. I was very disappointed that I couldn’t do the things I love. On the other hand, since I’ve been short on sleep ever since starting my business, I wondered if my health was signaling that it was time to catch up on some much-needed rest. I felt relieved and grateful that it wasn’t a life-or-death situation, despite the discomfort.

Handling Daily Chores and Stress

Yesterday, with piled-up dishes, laundry, and trash waiting to be taken out, I found myself wishing someone would help me out—and I even felt a twinge of irritation. But instead of dwelling on these thoughts, I decided to tackle everything as quickly as possible. When faced with tasks I really don’t want to do, I like to set aside my “thinking brain” and rely solely on my body to get the job done swiftly. You might think that sounds a bit unfeeling, but having experienced firsthand how damaging stress can be, I wanted to share this odd, somewhat embarrassing tip in case it might help you when you’re in an unavoidable situation.

Last year, to ease the neck disc issues caused by long hours at the computer, I received physical therapy at the hospital while also taking part in personal training, yoga, and aerobics at a health club. I used to despise gym class in school, but as I’ve grown older and realized that health is the most important thing, I now opt for exercise that is as light as possible.

Exercise not only improves physical health but also greatly boosts mental well-being. When you feel good about your body, you start taking an interest in fashion. Changing your hairstyle can also lift your mood. Taking care of your appearance can be a competitive edge in social life and bring a new vitality to everyday living.

I plan to resume exercising after this period of rest and will share that journey with you in future newsletters. If you’ve been hesitating, I encourage you to join me in starting a light exercise routine.

When it comes to exercise, setting small goals is key. Of the three types of exercise I mentioned, I enjoy aerobics the most. Exercise experts say that aerobics is more like play than a rigorous workout, but it’s certainly better than doing nothing at all. In my youth, I thought aerobics was a light workout with little benefit, but after several years without exercise and then restarting, I found it to be quite challenging at first. I started at the very back of a 50-minute class, barely following along for about 30 minutes as I struggled to catch my breath. However, with consistent effort, I soon managed to keep pace for the full 50 minutes and, as my confidence grew, I moved to a spot in the middle and then toward the front. A little tip: when starting out, think of it as a small investment in yourself—treat yourself to some bright, attractive workout clothes and sneakers. The energy from those colors really does make a difference.

Before I started working, I often ended up wearing clothes my child or husband wouldn’t choose, or even outgrown sneakers. While that might be economical, neglecting yourself like that can lead you to undervalue your own worth. None of us are perfect, so sometimes a small gift to yourself can bring new life to your days. Instead of wondering why someone else isn’t giving you a gift, remember that you are your own guardian—nourish yourself with good food, light exercise for better health, and the vitality of reading and life to foster a positive mindset.

Exciting Business News and Reflections

As I write this newsletter, it’s just past 3:30 PM here in Korea, and bright sunlight streams through the large office window. I stopped by the hospital briefly this morning, but I’m confident I’ll be better by next week.

Also, a few days ago I received new hair clip samples for 2025, which filled me with excitement. The factory manager, impressed by my hard work, has been providing products to me without the usual minimum order requirement that other wholesalers face—even though I’m a small business. This time, he has developed two exclusive items just for me: one is a women’s barrette, and the other is a snap hair clip for children.

Next week, I have an individual meeting with a Korean export specialist. After several visits to government agencies to promote our company and ask for support, they kindly set aside time to provide me with valuable information on the overseas market. I’m truly delighted and grateful.

Life is made up of interlocking moments—both challenging and joyful. In the hard times, remember that tomorrow will be better; in the happy times, remember those who are having a tougher time and remain humble.

I always wish you good health and hope that luck accompanies you in everything you do.

Sincerely,
Woo Mi 😊
Founder, AURORA PIN 🩷