A brighter 2022

In a blink of an eye, we are in the fourth month of 2022. Wow, Q1 flew by just like that. Finally, I am sitting in front of my laptop, ready to pen down the annual ritual piece to set the tone and path for the year. Usually, this yearly post would have been up by Lunar New Year, but it’s almost 2 months late this time. 

Let’s rewind a little to the last bit of 2021. Normally, by the end of the year, I would have a good idea of what I want to work towards the following year; however, I was still clueless until the last day of the year. With all the uncertainties Covid brings, I have learned to manage my expectations and be more fluid with my plans. 

Now, 3 months of 2022 have passed, and I have more clarity moving forward. 

Since we are in April, let’s just touch briefly on what has happened in the past 3 months of my life. 

Q1, 2022

Allow me to describe Q1 of 2022 in 3 words: Festivity, Frustration and Busy. 

Unlike last year when I lost the Chinese New Year festive spirit, this year, I am glad that the celebratory mood is back! I got to spend some time with my extended family and friends. I always appreciate the CNY for it is the best time to take a break and catch up with one another amidst our all year round busy schedule. 

Why frustration? The two years of the pandemic have left me jaded, flat in a way that I am uninspired, going through the motion of living. I was contented with staying put in, exploring pockets of neighbourhoods last year. However, I cannot and do not want to live this way anymore; thus, I feel this way. I find myself getting increasingly impatient, short-tempered and, dare I say, unkind. Unkind, not in the way that I wish death upon people but more like, less empathetic and more irritable. For example, suppose someone accidentally knocks their bag into me, I will have the urge to retaliate, that sort of unkindness. I really dislike this version of me. 

Let’s just say I have turned into a workaholic. I am juggling between the job that pays the bills and other gigs. Undoubtedly, the job that pays the bill is comfortable; it is unchallenging and sometimes even dreary. Despite that, I will continue as long as the organisation renews my contract (for now). Don’t be mistaken; I am not complaining about my work, although my schedule can sometimes get a little cray-cray. Still, I am very thankful for every opportunity that has come my way thus far! 

So, I guess that sums up my first three months of 2022. 

Now, moving on

What’s next? 

This year, I am getting my sight at 2 targets. 

• Walk Camino de Santiago in Spain. 

I have been wanting to do this for the past two years. If nothing goes wrong, I am going ahead with the plan. I have kickstarted the research on the specific route I intend to walk. I am feeling a combination of excitement for nervousness. Excitement because I am going on an adventure to experience new things and sights. I am also nervous because I am worried that my chosen route may be too challenging for me and all the what-ifs and uncertainties. It’s normal to feel this way pre-trip however, I need to prepare myself well and experience it, believe in the good in people, myself and miracles that everything will work itself out.

• Save up.

My flat will be ready between 2024 to 2025, so it means I have 2 years to save up for the renovation. The renovation will be another headache by itself that I don’t even want to think about at the moment. So, I just need to make sure I’ve got enough money by then because I certainly do not want to take up a renovation loan. 

So….. 

Speaking of how I don’t like the current version of myself, the only way I can mend my ways, be less bothered and more empathetic and open, is to go and travel. It’s the power of travel because a friend once said we are the best version of ourselves when we travel, and I cannot agree more. 

So far, most countries are on track to opening up their borders. Please do not let the virus mutate into a serious and deadly one. We have come so far, two years, two years of youth that have been lost. Also, for the love of humankind, stop the war in Ukraine so we can get back to normalcy for once. 

Between now and Camino de Santiago, there is work, sleep, work, socialise, work, and me-time. Yeah, that’s about it. Counting down to the moment, I jet off for a REAL break because I want to find the best version of myself again. So here’s to a brighter 2022.