Have to pause what I’m doing and remind myself there’s only a couple days left in 2023. This year has been on the go, physically and mentally, which flushes away the track of time.
Just reread the blog from a year ago, felt pretty calming, but it was long… Trying not to write as many words this time, but good luck to myself.
I’d say this year has been fulfilled with more positives than glooms. The top new year resolution for this year was to be healthy because last year I experienced pretty annoying neck and back pain. I know, getting old sucks… Plus the lack of motivation made it worse. So this year I decided to change up a bit and try something new.
A list of what I did this year:
- Workout (Started with running only from Feb a few times a week, then added weight lifting mid-year)
- Joined weekly running club from work in October
- Joined a Thanksgiving 5K run event and got 68th rank out of 400 runners
- Started drinking more hot water (don’t ask me why, cuz idk, it’s an Asian thing..)
- Visited China for the first time after 11 years
- Visited a teacher from primary school (one of my dreams to achieve)
- Joined a mentorship program and took myself out of comfort zone on socialization
- Signed up as an ERG group Co-chair at work
- Reading books (not doing as well, need to be more consistent)
I can feel the workout has definitely helped shape my mind and body a bit, though the stomach is still pretty stubborn to shrink down, which will probably be my focus next year. Running hasn’t been my favorite after growing up, so the beginning of the running journey was indeed miserable, and it took another level of willpower to stay consistent. After quite a few months, I started to get used to mindset that it’s not that bad and difficult. Still, I wouldn’t say I like running now, but probably with a lot less reluctance. Wanted to share some tips that I found helpful to those who are embracing the workout routine like me: For running, starting slow can go a long way. Sit-ups isn’t for all abs, but only the top parts. Push-ups may not always strengthen the chests, but the shoulder instead depends on the position. Also open to any advice from you.
In September, spent a few weeks overseas: from Japan to China, followed by Singapore and Malaysia. It was a lot flying, pretty tired but it was worth it. Too much to cover in this trip, but here’re some highlights:
- Loved the entire experience in Japan, from the polite manner in the restaurant and shopping mall to the peaceful feeling on the countryside. Will definitely visit again with longer stay…
- One week in China was pretty overwhelming too. Cousin took me around trying all kinds of hometown foods, brought us to the places in hometown that I could barely remember of. Still can’t believe I could visit one of my primary school teachers, though he’s not in a good condition and had to rely on a wheelchair. We talked even though he couldn’t remember my face, which was reasonable since I was just a kid. But his look and voice didn’t change at all and it was exactly like the ways from my memory, kind and loving, I could picture it vividly. Wish I could turn my memory of him into a video and show him so he remembers me as much as how I remembered him, but I was grateful enough to being able to visit him again. Besides, I also reunited with some college friends, they didn’t change much except most of them are parents now. After talking with them about jobs and careers, I realized how lucky the employees here are.
In retrospect, this year has taught me a lot, whether it’s from work, relationship or reading. Learned to listen to the inner voice, learned to judge things more rational than emotional, learned more about who I am in general. One of my favorite quotes from the book I read, “Only if you make yourself happy and positive first, then you can spread more lights and positivities to the people around you.” I encourage you to think the same way when things are not going as planned, and listen to your inner voice, “How are you feeling right now? What’s the fundamental thing that you are hoping to get?”
Goal for 2024:
- Be patient when turbulent; be passionate when still
- Continue working out: running and weight lifting
- Try soaking in an ice bath
- Read more books
- Go all the way at work
- Complete a project (not limited to AI)
- Drink more hot water…
Sharing some pictures from the workout. And cheers from Voldemort!🥂🎇
Junshuai Feng 