My reflections on 2019

As the years go by, I feel like life gets less about the milestones, and more about the personal journey. It sounds cheesy as hell but it’s true. Less of big personal events like graduation, my first job, an anniversary, or whatever, and more of how I’m progressing through life, be it mentally, physically, whatever. So I thought instead of naming this ‘my highlight reel’ or ‘why I loved 2019′, I decided to make this a reflective piece. Here goes:

My first half and full marathon

I’ve hated running for as long as I remember. Hell, I think I still don’t enjoy it as much as most people. By letting Yibo talk me into signing up for not just a half-marathon, but a full-ass marathon (!!!) is proof that the mind is stronger than we think. I’ve probably overcome about a million negative thoughts and mental barriers to be able to complete both those races, in April and November respectively. The months of training were so draining and I was so scared I’d fade out during the marathon but ultimately, those worries were for nothing! I’m so proud of myself, and Yibo, for keeping to our training commitments, and achieved this milestone together. Next up, we’ll be doing the 2XU half-marathon again!

New job with a brand new scope

Last year, after being unhappy for a really long time (more than I let on), I decided to take the leap of faith and quit my job. It was weeks and months of mental torture before I decided to do that. Then, I got to spend a full month living in the fantasy of no deadlines, no office routine, and no early mornings.

Thanks to Faye, my unemployment stint didn’t stick for too long. She recommended me to join her team and I’m now working in a role that I’ve come to enjoy so much more than what I was doing previously in advertising. I also feel like I’ve come out more from my shell and grown into this role in ways that I didn’t know was possible previously too. I’m not taking this personal and professional growth for granted, and I shan’t let myself talk little about this progress. In 2020, I only look forward to see what more I can do.

Grew my photography business

If anything, last year was only the beginning of my journey as a freelance photographer. I created a separate Instagram account (@jtwonggg.photography) just for my photography work, and I’ve used it to post my favourite shots. I’ve met so many different clients this year – from travel bloggers, passionate Instagrammers, to hype influencers – and I’ve enjoyed having the privilege to capture them through my lens. I love photographing people and it won’t change in this new year too. Check out my work here, and hit me up if you’d like to book a shoot with me!!

First time to Iceland

Iceland was so great! I’ve only ever seen photos of the place on social media, but it was so amazing to see just how breathtaking the sights were in person. We did a glacier hike, visited lava caves, ice caves, and took so many photos. It was also the first time in a long while that we didn’t have to drive on our own, so everything was worry-free and we could just nap or really take in all the sights while we were on the road.

Feeling a lot closer to Yibo

Damn I’ve had my share of good and bad days this entire year. Thankful that Yibo was there for the good ones, and more so for the bad ones. I think we’re both trying to understand where my mood swings and bouts of negativity come from, and learning how to deal with them better. Especially Yibo actually, he’s been amazing trying to support me. I’m not saying everything is great or perfect now, but I think trying is all that matters for now. Actually making sure things get better will be the next direction for 2020.

Read also: Maybe that’s why we work (Part II)

Learning more about myself

The point above brings me to this one. I’ve taken a lot more time and effort this year to reflect on myself and how far I’ve come. I recently made sense of some of my behaviour and since awareness is only the next step, I have a lot more to catch up on in the new year.

Read also: We’re all a work-in-progress

It feels so surreal that we’re concluding a whole decade as we welcome 2020. It’s crazy to think about how I was 10 years ago. I was a young teenager, not sure what life past high school would hold for me. In all that time, I’ve found Yibo, lost and rekindled my love for badminton, completed A levels and university, went through a few part-time jobs and stepped into my first, and second full-time role, and so much more. I’ve also travelled so much, both with the family, and with friends or Yibo. While it’s scary to think about how quickly all that time has passed, I’m equally excited to start taking my life in my own hands and MAKE THINGS HAPPEN.

What are you excited to accomplish this year? What are you looking forward to this year? What are the negative thoughts and emotional baggage you’re intending to leave behind? What kind of positive vibes are you going to start 2020 with?

ALL THE QUESTIONS. I hope I have the answers to them, and same for you too.

Here’s to an awesome 2020 ahead.

Read also: Why 2018 is special to me