Dropping out of HKUST in 2016 created a condition where I had to figure out what I want for my life next on. Because there’re no guidelines for a person in my position, I’d to be open-minded. In other words, I explore intensively, reading articles and books, talking to people and exposing myself to new ideas. Looking back, it led to a myriad of amazing moments. Some of the amazing experiences I had in 2017:
1. I’m not here to achieve any goals but to live myself out
The grandest goal I can achieve is not getting into Harvard or making my first 1 million by 30 but living my own life. My purpose of existence is to actualize my potential. That’s the biggest service I can offer the world around me. In the terms of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, it’s self-actualization. What does it mean to live my own life? It means I choose to show up in life with compassion and sincerity. How others would receive it is not my choice to fret over. As I do so, I feel the universe conspires to help me. As I go about with my life, I’m assigned people and resources that help me to grow and evolve.
2. Kinship and friendship are my greatest wealth in life
In capitalism, capital denotes wealth. Because capital enables accumulation of wealth which in turn, enables economic growth and prosperity. However, if a better life is the end goal of wealth accumulation, our personal growth should be one that matters the most. Imagine a plant, which item contributes to the growth of the plant - ornaments or sunlight? In our personal growth, possessions and fame are the ornaments. They make us look really good but they don’t matter. The sunlight is my family members and friends. They are free, hence, easy to take for granted. But it is through exchanging thoughts and showing care for each other, I get the nutrients and sow the seeds of wisdom leading to fulfilment and happiness. Every single interaction rewires my mind and I am never the same person at the end of the day. That’s how evolution happens. Once I’m aware that sunlight is what matters the most, I focus my attention and energy on optimizing it. That’s how I reap the most out of nature and universe.
3. Every moment is unique
Not only happy moments are precious but also the down times. Because each of them is unique and plays a role in our personal evolution. The rainy, sunny, chilly days collectively contribute to the thriving growth of a plant. Likewise, the Monday blue, boring, disheartening and uplifting days all contribute to our growth. The key is learning how to be caught in the moment and not try to beautify it (a side effect of Instagram filters). Lean into the readily available flow and be open to the nutrients every unique moment has to offer. This certainly requires vulnerability. But the thing is, I came here naked and will leave naked. That means I never own anything. Why do I live as if I have something to lose?
4. Being emotionally masterful
Negative emotions - fear, regret, sorrows, anger, apathy, angst and jealousy - when seen objectively, aren’t actually life-negating. They exist inside me for a reason. I believe they’re meant to trigger some choices, hence, leading me to the path I’m meant for. Emotions are actually my ally. It’s when I see them as an enemy I give them power. It’s just like how I threw tantrums as a kid. The tantrums I threw were unreasonable and a nuisance but all I wanted was just a forgiving and understanding hug. Similarly, when I’m hit by certain emotions, I first stop whatever I’m doing or thinking. Then, I forgive myself for the feelings I have and be at peace with the feelings. It’s just part of me being a human. I just need to learn to embrace it and be kind to myself. The mastery of emotions is instrumental to move beyond the stage of inner security toward self-actualization.
Moving on to 2018, it’s a unique year on its own, just as every day is. I look forward to exploring more of the world around me, learn more about myself and reality. I’m grateful for this life I have. To all my friends who are reading this, I am grateful that we cross path with each other. You’re my greatest wealth. I wish you to be blessed. The more you’re blessed, the wealthier I am~
- Interning as a copywriter at Tripviss.com
- Working with SuperCamp Bali at Green School
- Taking part and winning awards at Toastmasters International area speech contests
- Initiating a social enterprise project under Youth Leadership Academy (by McKinsey & Co.)
- Attending Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) 2017 in Sydney
- Forming a team to bid to host HPAIR 2018 in Kuala Lumpur and successfully making HPAIR 2018 Kuala Lumpur a reality
1. I’m not here to achieve any goals but to live myself out
The grandest goal I can achieve is not getting into Harvard or making my first 1 million by 30 but living my own life. My purpose of existence is to actualize my potential. That’s the biggest service I can offer the world around me. In the terms of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, it’s self-actualization. What does it mean to live my own life? It means I choose to show up in life with compassion and sincerity. How others would receive it is not my choice to fret over. As I do so, I feel the universe conspires to help me. As I go about with my life, I’m assigned people and resources that help me to grow and evolve.
2. Kinship and friendship are my greatest wealth in life
In capitalism, capital denotes wealth. Because capital enables accumulation of wealth which in turn, enables economic growth and prosperity. However, if a better life is the end goal of wealth accumulation, our personal growth should be one that matters the most. Imagine a plant, which item contributes to the growth of the plant - ornaments or sunlight? In our personal growth, possessions and fame are the ornaments. They make us look really good but they don’t matter. The sunlight is my family members and friends. They are free, hence, easy to take for granted. But it is through exchanging thoughts and showing care for each other, I get the nutrients and sow the seeds of wisdom leading to fulfilment and happiness. Every single interaction rewires my mind and I am never the same person at the end of the day. That’s how evolution happens. Once I’m aware that sunlight is what matters the most, I focus my attention and energy on optimizing it. That’s how I reap the most out of nature and universe.
3. Every moment is unique
Not only happy moments are precious but also the down times. Because each of them is unique and plays a role in our personal evolution. The rainy, sunny, chilly days collectively contribute to the thriving growth of a plant. Likewise, the Monday blue, boring, disheartening and uplifting days all contribute to our growth. The key is learning how to be caught in the moment and not try to beautify it (a side effect of Instagram filters). Lean into the readily available flow and be open to the nutrients every unique moment has to offer. This certainly requires vulnerability. But the thing is, I came here naked and will leave naked. That means I never own anything. Why do I live as if I have something to lose?
4. Being emotionally masterful
Negative emotions - fear, regret, sorrows, anger, apathy, angst and jealousy - when seen objectively, aren’t actually life-negating. They exist inside me for a reason. I believe they’re meant to trigger some choices, hence, leading me to the path I’m meant for. Emotions are actually my ally. It’s when I see them as an enemy I give them power. It’s just like how I threw tantrums as a kid. The tantrums I threw were unreasonable and a nuisance but all I wanted was just a forgiving and understanding hug. Similarly, when I’m hit by certain emotions, I first stop whatever I’m doing or thinking. Then, I forgive myself for the feelings I have and be at peace with the feelings. It’s just part of me being a human. I just need to learn to embrace it and be kind to myself. The mastery of emotions is instrumental to move beyond the stage of inner security toward self-actualization.
Moving on to 2018, it’s a unique year on its own, just as every day is. I look forward to exploring more of the world around me, learn more about myself and reality. I’m grateful for this life I have. To all my friends who are reading this, I am grateful that we cross path with each other. You’re my greatest wealth. I wish you to be blessed. The more you’re blessed, the wealthier I am~