Hey! I'm Meghan, the creator behind Mindful Sudoku. This is the story of how my passion project came to life.

Growing up as a third-generation Korean American, I often felt trapped in my own mind,

battling negative thoughts I didn’t know how to handle. Mental health, self love, and emotional wellness were concepts that remained absent from my vocabulary for much of my life—not due to any particular failing, but simply as blank spaces in my personal understanding that I've only recently begun to explore.

I didn't learn how to process my emotions in a healthy way. Instead, I turned to unhealthy escapes and coping mechanisms that destroyed my mental health and ultimately led me further astray.

It wasn't until the end of my college years that I realized the importance of addressing my mental wellbeing, and I embarked on a journey of of healing and unlearning.

My pivotal moment of transformation appeared after stumbling upon the wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh,

the renowned Vietnamese Buddhist monk and social activist who introduced mindfulness to the Western world.

His simple, yet powerful practices resonated deeply with me, and applying his teachings of mindfulness, compassion, and present-moment living had a profound impact on my wellbeing.

I finally found joy and liberation in the here and now instead of being imprisoned by overthinking, past regrets, and future worries.

My mental health improved. I started to have a more positive outlook on life. And I finally felt at home in my own skin.

Embracing mindfulness gave me the tools to transform my life.

Interestingly, I discovered another unexpected path to mindfulness: Sudoku!

My grandma was an avid Sudoku player, and inspired by her, I started playing for my cognitive health.

Each Sudoku session became a calming, almost meditative practice. I didn't fully understand why solving puzzles made me feel this way, but I kept returning for the simple pleasure and enjoyment each grid brought me.

And then, it clicked!! The reason Sudoku brought me so much peace is because it inherently cultivates a state of mindfulness. Just like conscious breathing or walking meditation, the singular focus required for Sudoku pulls you into the present. When I'm absorbed in a puzzle, my worries and negative thoughts completely vanish.

This realization sparked an idea: what if I could combine the mindfulness-inducing flow of Sudoku with the reflective aspect of journaling?

And so in September 2024 the concept for my book was born—a simple yet powerful tool combining daily Sudoku puzzles with mindfulness exercises, designed for anyone craving moments of calm and clarity in the midst of hectic modern life.

Today, my mission is to help anyone seeking greater peace, purpose, and presence.

Whether you're struggling with stress, feeling disconnected, or simply yearning to live more intentionally, I want to offer an accessible mindfulness tool. By immersing yourself in each Sudoku puzzle, you'll cultivate focus, curiosity, and calm.

Regardless of your experience with mindfulness, Mindful Sudoku is designed to support your journey towards a more joyful, present, and fulfilling life...

one puzzle at a time.❤️🧩 

With Love,

Meghan