Hopeful 2021

Here’s the first post of the year, and we are already in the third month of 2021. Usually, my first post would be up by February as I would like to keep my perspective and resolutions as fresh as possible. But well, plans change as I got busy. :p 

Even though it has been more than a year of not being able to pull the passport out of my travel pouch, I’ve been busy. Busy in a fruitful way. 

Before I get into my hopes and resolutions for the year, let me update what has been happening these days. 

Q1 2021

First off, I’m pleased to announce that I’m Covid-19 vaccinated! Woot~ Which means I am a step closer to getting out of the country.

I’ve been toggling between my work as a frontliner and side-hustling as a guide. I also get to spend some quality time with family and friends. Sometimes over food and sometimes over exploration. I am happy that my current routine allows me to enjoy off days on weekdays and weekends. – best of both world!

I’ve been exploring more F&B establishments lately and eyeing on going to more to have a tasting of everything. Food tasting is a form of travelling as I explore different cultures, spices and cuisines with every bite. Besides, it is more enjoyable when I get to do it with friends, catching up over a meal or a drink. The good thing about this pandemic is that it keeps my friends in Singapore; thus, we have more time to meet up! 

I foresee that this will continue all through Q2 and Q3. Perhaps only in Q4 things may start to change (for the better, that is)!

2021 resolutions

I mull over the resolutions I am setting this year for a long time. I want to set realistic targets. Resolution is like KPI (Key Performance Indicator) to have a goal to work towards and also to keep me in check. With travelling out of the equation, the resolution is not about accomplishing items in my bucket list but instead refocusing on myself and set quantitative targets to measure against. 

1. Read 15 books

Be it e-books or physical books. I hope to deviate from my usual genre of travel memoirs, romance and history into other genres. I want to gain some valuable knowledge from them.

2. Keeping fit

I am splitting this into two parts. One, focusing on the cardio workout to burn the calories while the other targets the body.

a. Run/ Brisk Walk 200km

If I keep up with my workout routine, this is an achievable target. 200km is the minimum target that I should be achieving — provided if I do not develop injury, inflammation or anything that can deter me from running. I try to keep my runs under 10km. Typically 4 to 5 km each time, as my problematic legs will start protesting if I work them harder than I should. 

b. 25 hours of static workout

It works out to slightly more than 2 hours per month. The workout includes all the yogas, stretching and strength training that I’ve been doing. Recently I am adding pilates into my workout repertoire. In all honesty, it seems like an easy peasy task to fulfil. However, considering that I am doing them on my own instead of going to classes, each spans between 20 – 45 minutes because this girl has a short attention span! 

3. Find & start a course!

A mid-life career switch is the buzz phrase right now. As we become wiser and gain different life experiences, we start to seek new passions and have new milestones. 

I am ready to ignite that intrinsic motivation, find joy (and often some hatred involve) in learning, gain the knowledge and credential to pave the way for another possible career path. It’s time to search for another pasture. 

At the moment, I am not exactly sure which direction I want to go. I need to start exploring and narrow down from the endless options and possibilities. Once I’ve nailed it down, time to look for a course and embark on the learning journey. 

So just three resolutions. They look pretty well-attainable! 

Feeling Hopeful

The theme for this year is HOPEFUL. I am hopeful about many things. I am confident that I will accomplish my resolutions, optimistic about the covid situation world-wide with the on-going vaccination. I’m feeling positive about everything. 

Recently, there is a handful of mood-lifting travel-related news. Travel plans may be possible by the second half of the year, and air travel bubbles may soon become a reality! I mean, these are AWESOME news! I am so ready to travel, and in fact, I am born to travel!

Although I am hopeful, I also want to be realistic! The covid-situation is so fluid that it can be challenging to make plans. After all, these are beyond my control, so I also need to manage my expectation. Thus, I shall not make plans to travel until things are more concrete. 

That said, I will continue to explore different parts of Singapore, appreciate what we have, and keep learning and growing my wealth of knowledge.

Let’s see what 2021 will bring. I am embracing the year, and for any travel (if it happens), it will be a bonus.