Reflections of 2018

It has been a while since I last blogged.

And part of the reason was because I haven’t manage to find the time to do so.

You see, I had ended my sabbatical and have returned to the workplace, albeit in a different organisation, and a different capacity, details of which I shall spare you at this time, although I might share them in a different blogpost in future on the various decisions and circumstances that led it as such.

And it has been pretty hectic and frentic back at work. In fact, I thought I would take a longer time to readjust to it but surprisingly, I find myself getting back to work mode before I realised.

And of course, there’s the family front to manage as well.

Ashton has been growing leaps and bounds and all those little milestones of his, it was such a joy to witness.

Ally is also older and more aware, and sometimes converses like a “little adult”, which amuses us quite often.

Dave and I have less pockets of time together as a couple, but we are embracing these changes collectively as we are transitioning into a new phase altogether, with many more to come.

I have been busy.

On both fronts, work and family.

It has been tiring.

Both physically and mentally.

But for some reason, I find that I am at peace with myself.

Perhaps it’s an extra year of wisdom that I have gained.

Or perhaps the sabbatical works wonder. And in fact, that is something that I would highly encourage everyone to go for at some point in your lives.

But when I look back at 2018, I am grateful.

I am grateful for the time that I can spend with Ashton, which was something that I never had with Ally.

I am grateful that I had more time with my parents as well, which was something that was pretty much lacking in recent years.

I am grateful that I lived everyday like a weekend, for those days that I did not have to be at the workplace.

And I am grateful for the help that I have received from everyone.

On a separate note, we did not travel anywhere last year.

And if they say that you have to travel to gain the most out of life, I can tell you firmly  – THAT IS NOT TRUE.

A fulfilled life comes not from all the “experiences” that has been promoted by publications, wellness gurus, minimalists etc.

It comes from finding inner peace, understanding yourself, seeking awareness of where you are at each point in life, and also most importantly, the time and energy to contemplate about them.

When you are leading a busy life, having empty pockets of time is a luxury. And we probably fill that up by scrolling through the phone, playing games, watching dramas, in a nutshell, engaging in some of the most unproductive activities.

Over the course of last year, I had the opportunity to consume a lot of content. As part of the Friday reads series, I had combed through at least 20 articles a week, across all topics. In addition, I also had the opportunity to read quite a few books – one of my favourite hobbies through my school days but forgotten at some point in time during adulthood.

These are simple activities. And the reading bit does help a lot. As the old adage goes – books widen your horizon, seek thy knowledge.

On the financial front, we have been affected by the market recently but having said that, it’s not a huge concern for me.

And that is not because we are rich or wealthy.

But a new awareness that we are gaining, that aside from financial independence, living a good life is as equally important.

Of course, the definition would differ among individuals.

So much has been discussed about seeking FIRE that have we stopped to ask ourselves if we are living a “good life”?

In fact, a similar question was posed in one of the local facebook group pages and it generated quite a lively discussion.

Personally I don’t see them to be mutually exclusive. In fact, I think that they can reinforce each other.

But the key to it is the mentality and attitude towards it.

But as of now, I am thankful for 2018 and what it has given me.

And with that, it has given me the strength to embrace 2019.

Rather than just waiting for the next big thing happening, be it a bonus payout, that Hokkaido ski trip or a upcoming birthday gathering, be indulged in the present.

We have been living for the “future” but the now is very much still alive.

For today is a gift, that’s why we call it present.

Happy 2019 everyone!