Surround yourself w what makes your heart Grow❣️ dating, japan haul, lessons | Jan + Feb notes

[@lenasrunway]

does anyone else ever feel it in the bridge of your nose when you start tearing up? well that was literally me when she quoted her friend about punishing yourself for not already becoming the person you want to become. we all go through this, right? but geez i really needed to hear that since i feel like lately i keep rushing my own growth and feeling disappointed in my own work when i know years ago i would have been praying to be where i am now. and i feel like it's why i'm so grateful for annabelle's videos. she has so much valuable insight herself that, without fail, helps me out each time. but i'm so happy that she has these friends who can help _her_ out too.

[@prontoananas7247]

Me too! It really struck a chord to me, I find myself in the same position. Sometimes it’s hard not to be hard on yourself, but it’s nice to just pause everything for a moment, to be gentle with yourself and to look at the way you’ve already been through. Annabelle’s videos make me feel this way, it’s like a warm hug and a sigh of relief ❤

[@misaceline]

the last part about 'not punishing yourself for not already being the person you want to become' released a pent up pressure in me, and opened up the floodgates both literally (in the form of uncontrollable tears, as someone who only cries a few times a year) and figuratively. at 27, in many ways i feel like i've regressed. in my relationships, in my career, in my journey of self-love, etc. and i've spent the past 3 years hating myself for it. but your words reminded me that the person that i am now is the result of what i've had to do in order to survive. what matters is that i'm now able to see how i want to change. Annabelle, you are wise beyond your years, and i am so happy that you have surrounded yourself with people who enrich your life the way you enrich ours. Thank you.

[@fallinginfiction]

The part where you mentioned living in fear/letting it hold you back really struck a chord with me, especially as someone who does the same. I’ve lived in fear/let it hold me back for so long that it feels impossible to break out of. I don’t know how much of this comment makes sense (if at all), but I just felt so ‘seen’ when you were talking about your relationship with fear. I felt so validated. Thank you for sharing that in this video. I absolutely love your channel, by the way. Although I usually don’t comment, I felt compelled to after watching this because what you said really resonated with me, and I just thought you should know. :)

[@zeebee74]

Off topic - but that pothos is THRIVING 🤩

[@spammusubi1607]

I love to watch your videos while doing artwork or any other work that doesn’t require super concentrated focus also while being cozy in bed before I sleep or while just chilling

[@mint-ew9lc]

what I'm doing right know: im doing some face maintenance (i don't know what to call it), I'm plucking my brows and cleaning up my make up bag i adore this video, thank you so much for sharing, when you were talking about how you thought you were talking hopefully about yourself and your attachment issues, i really resonated with that, I often believe i am speaking kindly of myself but will have friends tell me that I'm too hard on myself, it always startles me because I feel that I am not hard enough but striving for compassion for others has to come from within, thank you for sharing Annabelle

[@jj2517]

Haha! I love how you walked out in those baggy pants! The confidence and joy in them 👏

[@RadhiaRahman]

Feb was a very intense month for me in terms of work, and one of the nicer moments was when I got to see/spend time with friends! Thank u again for thinking of me (and Julian) during your trip to Japan and making time to see me, even for a short while ♡ I was doing my makeup while watching this bc I'm doing a guest lecture today! I audibly laughed at your Animal Crossing analogy, and thinking of it now you look like a cute lil ac character in this video!! I also love collecting the "perfect" items that match my vision when making a home, that's how I felt when we found those pink flyswatters!! ☁ Loved the quote you shared about making deep connections rather than attractions, it made me shift my perspective quite a bit. I hope this month is a bit gentler, you've taught me the art of slowing down ♡ Can't wait 2 get steamy at the spa again ;-0

[@thisistotalbaguette]

It’s so reassuring watching these monthly notes and hearing your stories. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be a certain way sometimes and I think it’s important to remind myself that I’m constantly growing and changing and messing up and failing is all apart of that. Your videos make me feel less alone :) I deeply appreciate what you share with us and I hope your March is filled with so much love ❤️

[@thatoneartist]

Thank you for sharing so vulnerably! It’s something you don’t have to do, but it’s something that is appreciated. I’m similar in age to you, and it’s validating and comforting to see you go through the same (or just similar) stages that I am. Made me cry at the end too, because fear of failure is HUGE in my life right now.

[@katja8559]

i literally love you so much annabelle. you make me feel warm, fuzzy and inspired i luv uuuuuh

[@samridhkharbat]

Hey Annabelle! can't thank you enough. Me and my gf have been watching you since 2018 summer. And my mom also watches your videos. Your channel is our comfort spot. Keep doing what you're doing and wish you the best wishes for your future❤

[@channel2n3ws]

This was so sweet to watch, I started reflecting on things I did in the past 2-3 months as well and started to jot down my own notes! I hope this year brings you more joy Annabelle 💞

[@honeypurply]

To answer the question at the start of the video I usually watch long videos while journaling I like having some entertainment while I think about what goes on in my mind, other things I do while watching videos could be cleaning or filling in some paperwork but more often it is journaling as for dishes and vacuuming I listen to music usually. I love being alone but weirdly enough I hate silence.

[@lizzieblades]

I just realized I’ve been watching your videos since you were a freshman in your dorm. My own life has cycled through so many chapters during this time, as well. Thank you for being such a wonderful presence 💙

[@emilygustin1324]

thank you thank you for sharing these little moments with us. I have been dealing with fear of failure and intense anxiety, especially in my career recently. I've taken on more responsibility and I'm doing some new things for the first time and it's SCARY. I'm very hard on myself and needed the reminder - don't punish yourself for not yet being who you want to become. that is so powerful, so thank you. sending love.

[@nikkil6486]

hi annabelle!! i’m watching this while designing a card for my dad’s birthday. btw you look beautiful! i love the green and pink. my first long term relationship ended last month and i’m now learning how to be truly happy and comfortable on my own. your reflections and insight have been incredibly helpful to me (been watching your videos since before i started high school, i’m in university now) and it comforts me to see you cultivate so much joy and gratitude in your life. i am wishing you well!! (side note - have you read How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis? i don’t know if you personally struggle with cleaning but it’s a great read regarding mental health and self care anyway.)

[@BoysAreDorks1]

I appreciate your long form content so much! I watch it while doing anything and I often rewatch videos LOL. Today I'm journaling and listening 🫶

[@jadonstronge7278]

I also love long form media like this because I’m watching this right now as I’m getting ready for class! 💕

[@Li2na]

I really appreciate your sincerity in sharing your personal life and relationships in this video. Thank you for trusting your audience :)

[@sheridan6589]

hi Annabelle, right now it’s 7am in Australia and I’m sitting outside on my patio having coffee while my 6 month old puppy sits beside me and looks out onto the garden - he loves to watch the world go by. This is our little morning routine 🥞

[@spdiso]

to answer your question at the beginning of the video - im doing my makeup and getting ready for work this morning!!! 🫶

[@kalliniki_]

usually on long videos i like to do some chores on the side but currently i’m enjoying ur video laying in bed after a nice shower 😊

[@tammydinh]

sculpting my polymer clay orders

[@spammusubi1607]

I’m definitely fearful of failure or at mostly just fearing letting others down and I’m definitely a perfectionist. I really relate to what you said towards the end

[@christinenuh]

To answer your first question (wyd): I am microwaving leftovers - just came back from celebrating a family birthday and thought it’d be just perfect to put your video on in the background 😌

[@aminaminaXD]

i so appreciate you speaking openly and freely about your personal goals, it is so comforting, especially what you said about not feeling shame for wanting to change. I don't think I've faced my fear of failure either! Thank you!

[@hearttune98]

I was watching this while waiting for some part of dinner to get ready!

[@kammythecreative]

wish I had the words to explain how I feel but I don't. I have a lot of reflecting to do but I do know that I genuinely enjoyed this video. thank you Annabelle💕

[@alyssai4517]

ahh i need this in a podcast thank you for sharing

[@sophiaisabelle01]

We hope you’re doing well, Annabelle. May God bless you.

[@Bamgeutcutiepie]

i'm so happy for you 😭 you seem to be doing SO good. really happy for you💕

[@leoguthrie7676]

Annabelle hello !! I put your video on before working on my self portrait painting, and i mixed the colours and started on the shadows while hearing your reflections :)) So so much of what you said resonated with me ; I feel like we're on such a similar journey of prioritising growth but still feeling guilt and shame for not being the most perfect versions of ourselves. I find it so beautiful and tragic that so much of us watching this cried when you quoted your friend about punishing the current self for not being perfect. Thank you so much for sharing these aspects of your life

[@eglantine4031]

hi annabelle ! it is always a pleasure to watch this kind of videos , thank you so much for sharing these thoughts and emotions with us. I was doing crochet while listening to you, it brought me a lot of comfort and felt like a safe place ✨

[@gayatoro2332]

Hi Annabelle :-) Im having one of those difficult days... and I just made myself a cup of tea, came by your channel and I know Im going to feel better after watching your video, especially if Bambi and Prairie appear :-) I love your videos - in good times, bad times, any time. I genuinely appreciate your, true, open, honest and "friendly" way of sharing your life with us and you have become a part of my life. Now off to this video ;-)

[@fenslater]

i’m watching this while eating at work 🥹

[@JennTro]

I have so much love for you 😭💕 Your videos are so comforting and I love that ur sharing all the small happy things from the last couple months 🥺 I want to be more conscious of my self and live more with purpose.

[@amyloucanning]

alwayss watch your videos whilst doing my makeup in the morning :) really enjoying the calm and loving atmosphere you and your videos emit recently!!

[@oououee6528]

I've been watching you since when you were in art school, and now im finishing a BA in arts and it's been so lovely growing up with your videos and presence.. you really have helped me so much with motivation and feeling like i have a place in life, and now here i am, years later in a foreign country finishing my dream degree and watching this on the bus. Something i was so afraid to do. Such a comfort watch, and whenever im working in the studios i have your videos in the background, just to have a nice company and inspiration

[@kitcat510]

i love your monthly notes videos! that part of the conversation with you and your friend in the car is really beautiful and i feel really grateful that you shared that ❤️

[@jakublukas4994]

I just love this video, it makes me so comfortable and I needed that. It's a pleasure to listen to you. I am really happy that I've decided to watch it bc I rarely watch any chill yt videos, because I'm like "I cannot waste my time on that, I have to do smth productive" but it actually makes me grow as a person, and I always thought that I have to study study study to be better but maybe that's not it.. This week was really life-changing for me, I learned so much about myself even tho it was hard to accept it, but now I am ready to turn this into a great opportunity, and this video motivated me to do this with hope (:

[@lizzieblades]

I relate to this so much… I have gradually become obsessive with policing myself about what I will/won’t watch. (I still think it’s good to be aware of social media consumption, though, so it’s a tricky balance!) Sometimes I get super anxious while watching people’s productivity videos, and I realize that I’m just comparing myself to them instead of gaining inspiration. - Anyway, I wish you the best in figuring out what works for you!

[@jakublukas4994]

@@lizzieblades Thank you!! I also have a huge problem with comparing myself to others and it's not helpful at all, it brings me a lot of unnecessary stress... Hope you find your way but don't be too hard on yourself!

[@matildefogh]

always so happy to watch your videos. you are my biggest inspiration to start sharing vlogs on youtube!! thanks and hugs

[@amipalmstudio]

These vids are so nice to process my own life along with you- reflecting and learning how I view failure + a bunch more Also big yes to meaningful relationships💗

[@yamsonthepan]

Hi Annabelle! I was ironing my clothes when i opened up your vid, but then in the end I had to come sit down and watch attentively because I really wanted to be present and hear what you were sharing with us :-) Thank you for all your lovely thoughts! It's been a while since I've watched your videos, but I'm thankful that you remain honest as much as you can be, so lovely to catch up with you again through this! Have a great rest of March

[@SylwiaBArt]

I love this video so much. This is gonna be rewatched again and again and again

[@theghostegg]

Thank you for sharing so much of yourself. This video was very comforting for me. I did some email/administrative work while listening and it was a lovely coworking time.

[@mariaap286]

Helloo Anabelle! Lately I've been scared of the future, of it's uncertainty. Fear of moving away from my girlfriend and not being able to stay in this relationship that makes me happy and safe. Very scared of not knowing if i can find a part time job and do a master's degree or post grad degree. Really liked listenning to you. So happy for you! Have a nice weekend :)))

[@mimipipi120]

I highly reccomend you watch "The Great Pottery Throw Down", it's like a fun goofy pottery version of Masterchef ahahaha

[@vanessapimentel]

I'm listening to this while folding laundry, thank you for everything you do Annabelle☺

[@madelinepeck]

Omggg Annabelle! I hope you have the most amazing time at King Spa! I went there with my girlfriend and two of her childhood friends around the New Year and it was so enjoyable. Getting to go in the different saunas, playing games and also in the hot tubs 😍 It was the first time I’d gone in the no clothes area, and I was like if this is what I have to do to get in the hot water, then this is what I have to do. But once I was in there … I felt so free. Being surrounded by all these female presenting people who were with their friends as well it made me love female friendship even more in that moment. It felt really good for my heart and it was nice to try it with some of my partner’s oldest friends and bond. Glad 2023 is being kind to you and you are giving grace to yourself as you change and grow!😊

[@erinr8566]

Usually when you have a long style vid like this I’m just drinking coffee and petting my cat hehe. Sometimes after a while I will get up and start washing face & getting ready for work!

[@anaghaacharya562]

i'm at work!!! you always make me weirdly productive haha

[@spammusubi1607]

Would also love a dating video!! In my first serious relationship and I’m definitely figuring it out as I go

[@estrelaconfusa]

Sometimes I'll multitask while listening but other times I just chill and watched as well ❤

[@pinkgirl394051]

I'm preparing my grocery list while watching this 🥹

[@erinr8566]

Yay good morning Annabelle have a good weekend!!!

[@ilawithlove748]

one of the most "you" thumbnails i have ever seen i saw it i was like IT BE HER, THE LOVABLE

[@chumphmonster]

watching this while prepping for a music fest here in the Philippines! :)

[@alahere]

I was checking my mails, linkedin, having tea and journaling 😄 As always, I enjoy seeing you grow more and more. I’m looking forward to a dating-related vlog 😻

[@jennnideee]

annabelle, as always and to echo most of the people who've commented so far, i just wanted to thank you so much for being vulnerable with us! i've been watching your videos since 2018 and watching you grow into who you're becoming has been both so comforting and inspiring. i've been sitting with a lot more grief from the past few years than i've been willing to acknowledge, even though i like to think that i've made grand strides in my emotional intelligence. so the conversation you had with your friend in the car really resonated so deeply with me. it's okay that we're not yet the people we want to be, and we have all the time in the world to take the baby steps and truly live in the various life experiences yet to come to get there. i'm always rooting for you, myself, and everyone in this community. it's already march but i'm wishing all of us a happy new year full of growth and healing

[@senseisam9485]

love you annabelle ❤

[@charberrymilk]

your style!!!!!!

[@manlihmanlih]

OMG! I relate to this episode so so much ❤

[@KurtesolWafelosi]

Im making some tea and then doodleing ^^ I made myself one of those reversed coloring book pages with watercolor. I really like just adding the lines without a plan

[@fuukaron]

The items you got from Japan are so cute! 😍 I’m currently laying in bed with my cat and just ate dinner before I watched this. 🐱☺️

[@allykim2015]

hi annabelle!! i always look forward to your notes videos

[@caporalemamandine643]

I’m getting ready to go have lunch with my bestie. We’re trying a new Korean restaurant then wandering/shopping ❤

[@apple.cheeks]

hahaha! the animal crossing part is so accurate

[@beepea]

Edan’s words are so necessary for me to hear right now. I definitely feel like i’m too hard on myself/ I try to rush the process of becoming who I want to be. Thank you for always being so honest and open about your thoughts and feelings, it’s so nice to hear your perspective on things.

[@sierracanada775]

I'm eating a yummy warm breakfast and enjoying a chai tea late while catching up with you :)

[@tsbrausch]

Im watching from my dressing room on the broadway national tour of My Fair Lady! I’ve been watching your blogs since your RISD days and i love listening and feeling like i’m chatting with a friend haha. 🫶✨ Best!!

[@abbyelisw]

Hi Annabelle! I love what you said about cravings and relationships/connections. This is a big thing I've been learning about recently. Can you link the podcast you mentioned? I would love to check it out, but I can't find it :)

[@sparklesparklerainbow]

Ohwhiiiiii! This was such a nice and fun watch! Btw i was just chilling on my couch and eating some sandwiches🙃 It’s so lovely to hear that you had these nice moments with your friends🫶 I always knew you are funny!!!! Haha the scene you painted with the garbage and your pants made me laugh out loud😄 I would love to watch you go over your dating history more☺️ it’s really something isn’t it… Have a lovely friday still! xoxo

[@erniesunny2]

I'm listening to your video while waiting for my husband to pick me up at the airport :) thanks as always for sharing your thoughts

[@josephinel2824]

Like always, love your videos ❤ whilewatching vlog/lifestyle videos like yours, I tend to do something elso except for yours I like to fully experience your videos I feel like listening and watching a friend :)

[@BeanieBB333.]

I am catching up with my watch later while doing my makeup 🐒✨

[@majokkor4121]

Lol I’m cleaning while listening 🧹🧽

[@fauxcommander]

that cat mug could cure my depression

[@alxxndram]

Finishing up my photography assignment as I'm watching this, thank you for keeping us company annabelle ❤

[@healthylivingstudent2778]

working on a lab report at 8.35pm on a sunday, so trying to be comfy while working on a task i dont really enjoy but needs to be done, oh and i am finishing my dinner 🙃

[@artistlovepeace]

Annabelle Gao, you make a lot of sense.

[@NarlyNarwhale]

wow that purple mug is amazing, what wash it that?! and what cone do you usually fire your pieces at? i’m super new to pottery so always loving to learn new things :)

[@katelynvictorino8364]

Playing stardew valley and watching!!🥰

[@DesignGuy17]

I’m at a cafe in sydney australia, eating eggs on toast and watching this video 😊

[@marloesk9753]

Hey Annabelle, I often watch your notes with, almost, full attention. As in, I don't do any activities other than listening and watching and reflecting on my own life along with you. I really like your sweater combination a LOT, it so cool, comfortable fashion. I would be interested in a dating video. Also I would be quite interested if you want to share a bit on your spirituality. This is the first time I noticed you mentioning you don't identify as a Christian, I have wondered for a while if you were 'off' it 'cause I remember there was a time where you would frequent church. I'm not here to judge. I'm spiritual as well but i'm also close to an atheist but i have christian friends, I just think the whole concept of faith/religion is so interesting in general. I know it's not always the easiest topic to talk about or if it's too personal I also understand that you wouldn't want to share. But just to let you know I am interested in that journey. I really loved what you friend said to you, the " you don't have to punish yourself for not yet being the person you want to become." Pff that's some good stuff, i've been working on that now as well for a little bit but I hadn't as of yet heard it put like that. It's a wonderful reminder and I'm going to carry that sentence with me for a while :) Have a lovely day!

[@adharasinagtala]

im currently washing our dishes :)

[@joanaaguiar8024]

You are just so sweet, thank you ❤

[@lunastefanieroy]

I'm currently making a small pencil holder tray out of polymer clay! Thank you for the company.

[@ga75]

watching this while studying lol,felt called out

[@jj2517]

ahhh where is that toast pillow with pink jam on the floor from? so cute!

[@madi5170]

I’m walking around my dorms defunct dining hall trying to get my steps in rn

[@katrinaamistad2896]

I'm about to journal (:

[@anikae.1528]

Wonderful sentiments to start my day with❤️

[@yvesflores2537]

im making perfume and doing other olfactory based art!

[@esholee]

William seems like such a cutie. Lowkey shipping

[@jj2517]

I bought a hairdryer in Japan before realizing that it's not easy to find an adapter for the different voltage in the US. If you have bought an appliance from Japan to use in the US, what adapter did you use and where did you buy it?

[@milikoshki]

Idk if this is u but I feel like there's a trap set up for women in their 20s that makes them believe they need to be the most emotionally evolved person on the planet, unphased by anything, ready to let everyone go without bad feelings, to just enjoy the present without expectations...etc. I just hope u know that u don't only deserve love by transcending negative, messy, or confusing emotions. A lot of times, those reactions are because someone treated you like shit... they're warranted. But somehow it's so easy to blame yourself instead. I wish I could time travel and make my past self believe this, but I can't so this is my PSA instead 😅

[@tatiannatownsend1531]

This is bad but I’m reading a self book while I’m listening haha I was listening to lofi before I got the notification

[@hallemonsta]

west side hideway 😇😇

[@jeevithapatel94]

Hello! I hope you're doing well. ❤️