Bidding Farewell to 2022

2022 went by just like *blink* that. 

It is once again time for retro. Challenging myself to do this year's retro based on the supposedly 12 areas of life. 

So here goes... ... ... 

1. Health and Fitness

As we continued on a hybrid working arrangement post-covid and only return to the office 1-2 times a week, I've noticed my daily steps have gone down drastically. I've gained a lot of weight and truly lost the motivation/habit to exercise. Binged on junk food a little too frequently at night, in front of the television. 

How satisfied am I in this category? Not at all. But at least I've joined CrossFit. Something new-ish and boy, it was torturous! Having said that, I reckon I should still give myself a bit of credit for signing-up.

In 2023, I'll continue to aim for some sort of 'Move' activities on the weekdays. And hopefully, shred a few kgs. 

2. Personal Development and Growth

Signed up for a 8 weeks hand-building pottery course and reckon that's the only new thing I've picked up this year. Don't feel like I've accomplished much. 

Perhaps getting myself the AEM certification will be this year's goal. Aligned with what's required at work, perfect. 

Feels like I should also get back into the habit of reading, even if it's just a little bit.

And... maybe get back into Piano and try to complete Grade 8? 

3. Emotional Life

For this category, I'm supposed to be asking myself how I feel as I'm living my life. 

I feel like this year (or perhaps, even many years before this) I had just been riding the wave. I don't recall any specific moments that made me feel 'wow! I'm alive.' 

Sometimes, I feel like I'm just a walking dead body. Simply breathing and surviving. 

I know I shouldn't be seeking for spike of happiness but appreciate the simple and joyous moments. I've considered a gratitude journal but never gotten around to it. Maybe it's the year to do it? We'll see... 

4. Character

For this category, I'm supposed to be asking myself do I know my true character; what do I stand for; what values do I want; and what level of integrity would I operate at.

Tough one to crack... don't even know where I to begin my journey of discovery. Let's skip this for now and we'll circle back next year. 

5. Spirituality 

While I do not have a religion that I'll be able to practice 'spirituality', I think learning how to be mindful and being present is something I should strive for. 

Perhaps even learn how not to take criticism to heart; be calm and not easily triggered. Should I practice meditation? 

6. Love Relationship

WE GOT MARRIED. 

Jan - wedding ceremony in Malaysia and sorted out our Australia paperwork.
Feb - dinner date at Aru. 
Mar - high tea at The Windsor.
Apr - hiked Cathedral Range State Park.
Apr - roadtrip to Bright.
Jun - dinner date at Meatmaiden.
Jul - dinner date at Meat & Wine co.
Aug - roadtrip to Mount Hotham.
Sep - roadtrip to Grampians + Mount Gambier. Even went and splurge at Mayura Station! 

And all sorts of croissants and home cooked meals in between. Looking forward to more adventure ahead! 

7. Family 

June - mum and Jolene came to visit. Roadtrip to Albury and winery. Brought mum to Kazuki.
Aug - dayi came to visit. Roadtrip to hanging rock.
Oct - dayi came to visit, again.  
Nov - went to New Zealand to meet mum and co. 
Dec - dayi came to visit, again. This time with Zujin + Uncle SB for Zujin/Zule's graduation ceremony. 

It's weird how I don't seem to recall much of mum's visit in June until I scroll through my photo album. Is it my lack of mindfulness causing such adverse effect? Maybe I should really consider meditation.

Aside from that, had to deal with Ah Keong ahgu's passing EOY. Seeing his remains made me felt, how we humans, can be so fragile/tiny/insignificant. End of day, what's left behind is just ashes and bones, stored away in an urn. And if you're lucky, maybe you'll be remembered for next few decades before being forgotten forever. I'm just glad he no longer need to suffer as he had lived a rather lonely life. 

8. Social Life

I have gotten a bit lazy. A lot of the times I can't be bothered. It's tiring being proactive and it's probably unhealthy to consider interaction with my husband = social life. 

Having said that, this year we've celebrated the union of Yi Lin & Kevin; and Eelynn & Nic. Caught up with some ex-colleagues and celebrated many birthdays. Thinking about it seems to trigger some sort of warm fuzzy sensation so perhaps, I shouldn't give up on this aspect...

9. Financial

Failing on this aspect every single year because it seems like I never know how much I am spending every month. But at least my savings seems to be going on an upward trend. Expecting 2023 to be a lot tougher and we'll need to be stricter with money as we're expecting a mortgage!  

10. Career

I'm finally happy where I am at! I am super grateful that I was able to transition back into the digital space. ONWARDS AND UPWARDS. Promotion, here I come.

11. Quality of Life

Another aspect that I am also looking forward to. Moving to the suburbs means bigger space and finally, a space that I'll be able to call mine (or rather, ours).

12. Life Vision

For this category, I'm supposed to be asking myself the kind of contribution I have done for myself, the people that I have helped and the difference I have made in their lives. Another tough one to crack. Let's circle back next year.

Action items 

  1. 'Move' at least 5 days a week and ideally, lose 5kgs!
  2. Pass the AEM certification. 
  3. Read at least x3 books. This should include 1Q84. 
  4. Learn x1.5 Grade 8 piano pieces. 
  5. To consider - Gratitude journal and hopefully unlock some 'emotions'. 
  6. To consider - Meditate to learn how to be present in the moment. 
  7. Don't give up on social life! 
  8. Aim for promotion. 
  9. Have a place that we can call home and a space I can call mine. 
  10. Self-discovery. Not sure how just yet but next year, I should be able to answer category #4 Character and #12 Life Vision.


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