"Do not bring people in your life who weigh you down. And trust your instincts ... good relationships feel good. They feel right. They don't hurt. They're not painful. That's not just with somebody you want to marry, but it's with the friends that you choose. It's with the people you surround yourselves with."
--Michelle Obama
I heard another colleague at similar age as me passed away recently. Three people since 2023, younger or around my age. I feel shallow spending time thinking about money and career advancement (it's been on my mind a lot lately).
I know in the end none of this matters. What means most to me is to know that some people's lives got better because of me, that I made some people smile and laugh even just momentarily, and that people know I am grateful for their kindness.
Meaningful connection with people, this is what makes me happy and fulfilled deeply.
So why am I chasing vanity? This is something I need to work on.
Life is short. Nothing is constant. Take every day as your last day. Cliché but still rings true. Accept that I am ordinary and just trying to make sense of my life journey.
Enjoy rainstorm as well as sunny days, embrace defeat as well as success. Nothing is supposed to be. This too shall pass.
And here it is, year 2024. I started the year feeling incredibly lucky to receive many happy new year wishes from my old and new friends, some not been in contact for a while, a student who spent two months with me, and my ex mentors.
I wish you good health and ability to do what makes you happy.
Have a good year.
