A not-so-quiet weekend in Penang: New Deck Soft Launch
We recently packed up our stuff, crossed the water from Kuching, and flew all the way to the beautiful space at Ghim Ghim in Penang. The mission was simple but incredibly close to our hearts: the official soft launch of the But Honestly Reflection Deck.
We didn't want a loud, overwhelming release. We wanted a space that felt safe, warm, and intentional. And honestly, Penang delivered exactly that.
Reflection Deck in Action
We started the event by giving everyone a moment to simply breathe. Attendees sat down with the new deck and their journals, finding quiet corners to unpack their thoughts. In a world that is constantly rushing, it was beautiful to watch a room full of people give themselves permission to just sit, write, and reflect without rushing to the next thing.
The Gameplay: Gentle and Intentional
To make sure the reflection didn't feel heavy or intimidating, we introduced our simple gameplay. Instead of tackling a whole deck of heavy questions at once, the rule is just three cards. By pulling exactly one card from each of the three levels, the deck naturally guided everyone from lighter, grounding thoughts into deeper vulnerability. It’s designed to be a gentle slope, not a sudden drop.
Moving into Group Reflection
Once we settled in, we transitioned from solo journaling to group reflection and this is where the magic really happened. We watched as people who had just met skipped the usual surface-level small talk entirely. Instead, they leaned in, shared perspectives, and explored the deeper questions together. The room was filled with the kind of genuine connection you usually only find at 2AM with your closest friends.
Leaving Space for More
As the hours passed and the event came to a close, there was a lingering reluctance to pack up. People wanted to pull just one more card, share just one more story, and keep the conversation going. It was the absolute best kind of finish: an event that ended, but a desire for connection that was just getting started.
Thank you to everyone at Ghim Ghim who joined us, held space for each other, and proved that we are all just looking for a safe place to be honest.
