I’m the kind of person who believes in the signs the universe sends me, and today was one of those moments. During my morning stroll, I came across two sisters walking their dogs.

One of the dogs was handicapped, and its owner had done everything possible to give it a full and vibrant life. The dog seemed healthy and energetic, and I couldn’t help but think about how difficult it must have been for its owner to adopt and care for a handicapped pet. What immense love and patience it must take to care for a broken creature—and how love has the power to purify and transform everything.

As I watched the scene, I couldn’t hold back my tears. For the past couple of years, since both my parents were diagnosed with aggressive cancers, my perspective on life has completely shifted. When I stopped focusing on myself and my ego, life became better. Choosing a career that may outwardly seem like it places me in the spotlight, but whose true essence lies in serving others, brought meaning to my existence.

This change gave me room to grow in wisdom. My public persona became nothing more than a mask to hide my timidity while allowing me to serve others. It's given me immense strength to love, to be patient, to care and to tolerate in a way that I never thought possible. It calmed my naturally impatient and impulsive nature, transforming my passionate and idealistic tendencies into resilience and acceptance.

Acceptance and resilience toward situations, behaviors, and comments I once thought I lacked the confidence or calmness to handle with dignity have now become second nature.

This scene will stay with me throughout the upcoming year. Happy New Year to everyone. Remember: lovingly serving others gives meaning to our existence. Serve others, be kind, and life will become better.

Happy New Year to all!