A Little Reflection Exercise

I came across this post from @tarazkp which had some questions for one to do a reflection exercise, so I thought it might be interesting to challenge myself and ask myself these questions... And see if it leads to some form of a self-discovery for myself.

So here's the seven questions! Let's go!

1. How do you tend to sabotage yourself?

Hmm, I actually don't quite understand the context of the question. But if I am interpreting correctly, I think it's about exposing my weaknesses (for others to take advantage of me). The first thing that comes to my mind is that I am a straightforward and a honest person. If I am happy, my face lights up. If I am unhappy, my face turns black. If I don't like someone, I won't pretend to like them. Many people in the workplace are not like that - there are people who dislike that colleagues or bosses but will still pretend to sing praises about them or pretend that they like them. I get it that it's the norm these days, because it's office politics, but even at the risk of "sabotaging" myself, I chose not to be a person that I am not.

2. How do you regularly take care of yourself?

I felt a tinge of guilt when I read this question. I definitely can do better in this area, be it getting more exercise, improving my diet, getting more sleep, etc. That said, I do take care of myself. I actively block out periods for my personal time, and pamper myself well, be it getting aromatherapy stuff like reed diffusers or occasionally scheduling a massage session to relax. In short, I think I am doing fine, but definitely room for improvement. Haha.

3. What things have you given up on in your life? (e.g., "I'll never be fit.")

Hahaha I wanted to say I have given up growing tall! But of course, we all know height is something that cannot be changed when we enter adulthood. I am not tall even by Asian standards, but I guess that's something I already accepted. On a more serious note, I have given up fitting into the norm of the society. Over time, I realise most of my thoughts are very different from most of my friends and people around me, and sometimes I have a hard time struggling to explain why I think this way. So over time, I have given up explaining. One example would be the whole concept of cryptos - most people just brush off cryptos as "bubbles", "scams", you get what I mean. Another example would be the concept of retiring early instead of working all the way to the stipulated retirement age - most people would give me that judging look and say "what's there to do if you don't work"? Oh well.

4. When have you been happiest? Why?

From a macro perspective, I think my current stage of life is probably the happiest stage. I have my shelter, a stable job, my finances are healthy, my health is ok (apart from minor issues), good people around me, and that's something to be happy about. If it's on a single instance... I actually thought very hard about it but I can't really think of one moment that stood out. Hmm. I think I find joy in my life generally and there are just too many happy moments, be it enjoying my favourite dessert, travelling to interesting places, or spending time with family and loved ones. I probably am contented too easily. Lol!

5. When have you been the most unhappy? Why?

Hmm, interestingly, this wasn't a difficult question. There was one period when I was very unhappy. It happened to me when I was 14, but I think it's something that I prefer to keep it confidential. That said, there were good people around so for that I am thankful till this day.

6. If you could have anything, what would it be?

This is easy - but I suspect it might not be the popular answer. I wish I could have good health. Simple as that.

7. What kind of life would you like to have for the rest of your life?

A happy life! A life with good health, good wealth (at least sufficient), surrounded by a happy and healthy family, loved ones and friends. On a daily basis, I hope I can wake up each day and engage in my hobbies and interests, and do something purposeful and meaningful for myself.

So that's all I have!

P.S. The cover image was taken in Nikko, Japan. It's a pretty zen place due to the abundance of nature and shrines, so I thought it's quite an apt photo for this reflection post.