Seriously Calm

2023 Past Year Review

Annual Reflections // Life Ledger

01 / Positive Developments

  • Go running and joined the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon.
  • Took up skateboarding as a personal hobby and mindful practice.
  • Maintained an active routine of writing a personal journal regularly.
  • Delved into philosophical explorations, specifically learning about Existentialism.
  • Established a routine for self-care, getting a good haircut and using styling pomade.
  • Focused on relationships by mindfully reconnecting with family and old friends.
  • Engaged in recreational sports, playing badminton consistently with colleagues.
  • Embraced seasonal sightseeing and winter journeys through personal travel.

02 / Media & Cultural Discoveries

A collection of films, performances, and audio narratives that shaped my perspective and offered moments of calm reflection throughout the year.

Cinematic & Dramatic Works

Featured screenings and theater attendances: Hamilton, Fight Club, Spider-man: Across the Spider-Verse, 帝女花 (Princess Changping), Blue Giant, Oppenheimer, The Bear, Past Lives, 花樣年華 (In the Mood for Love), Interstellar, 年少日記 (Time Still Turns the Pages), 下一站, 天國 (After Life), and 旺角卡門 (As Tears Go By).

Audio & Podcast Narratives

Consistent listening lists and conversational audio series: Todd McFarlane, David Eagleman, Arthur Brooks, and J. K. Rowling.

03 / The Annual Questionnaire

What was the best book you read?

Excellent Advice for Living by Kevin Kelly

Greatest musical discovery?

Mellow by BBFFMF and Mindspot

Favorite film of the year?

Past Lives

Favorite meal?

Sharing a meal with the whole family during Chinese New Year

What did you want and get?

Running the 10k race within 1 hour

What did you want and not get?

Getting rid of the acne problem once and for all

What did you do on your birthday?

Experienced a relatively normal day with a birthday cake, except I brainstormed a creative story about two people going on a sail with a stranger

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Losing my belly

Describe your personal fashion this year:

Focusing more on the pure function and utility of the clothes

What kept you sane?

Knowing with absolute clarity that there are people out there who need me

Public figure you admired the most?

Froggy Chiu

What political issue stirred you the most?

National Security

Who did you miss?

My close friend currently based in Scotland

Who was the best new person you met?

My new colleagues

Valuable life lesson learned?

Realizing fully that I can make significant decisions and that I completely own my decisions