Blossoms
May 2021
Inspired by "Sakura" season and the book "At The End Of The Matinee"
Times like these
Sharing a read which I love
"For the first time in my life, I am grateful that time moves second by second in a progression that is even, silent, and straight. Until now, that progression seemed pitiless, but it would be intolerable if time were overly considerate of my feelings. Now I am glad to let time carry me forward as it will."
From "At The End Of The Matinee"
In both good and bad times, I'm thankful that time is moving in this steady progression (tik-a-tok, tik-a-tok). In good times, I'm allowing time to have its reign and work its own magic. We simply ride along with it and enjoy the moment we are in. In bad times, I'm thankful that time is not slowing down or stopping in its track which prolongs the agony. We'll eventually come out of bad times at the end.
Season Of New Beginnings
It has been an incredibly busy season due to other initiatives at work, and also a journey of growth various aspects of life in the past few months. I felt overwhelmed/stretched by the sheer amount of work. Perhaps, an additional straw may break the camel's back. I love the company that I work in, especially the people I work alongside with. In the midst of all these business, I'm particularly thankful for the seniors who are taking the time out to reaching out and showing guidance to the juniors. Through these interactions, I feel very much more appreciated, yet at the same time, I am more mindful of my flaws and will be weeding them in the next few months. Through the continuous process of sowing and ploughing, I am breaking ground for sweeter fruits to come.
Yet
Sometimes, life isn't fair and is full of twists and turns. Even if we put in 100% of our effort, things may not go according to plan and not turn out the way we wanted it to be.
A case in point. Manchester United wants to improve their squad to contest for championships but only has £100-150 million to spend in the transfer season. Even if we want a top-tier striker, there are a few challenges such as high asking price / top-rated players not wanting to join a football club short of its former glory. This often leaves us with no choice but to find look at second-tier players and still paying a hefty sum for it. Sometimes, we settle. We try to make the best of the squad and keep the dreams alive, even though the quality of the players is not where we want it to be.
“People think that only the future can be changed, but in fact, the future is continually changing the past. The past can and does change. It’s exquisitely sensitive and delicately balanced.”
From "At The End Of The Matinee"
We can only do the best that we have now and create a better future.
Run past the future. (We got this!)
Planting Trees
I will be also be setting aside SGD 7,000 / annum to be deposited into the CPF SA over next 30 years to earn 4% / annum. This is equivalent to planting a tree which will bear approximately SGD400,000 in 30 years, providing additional comfort for retirement. I’ve been considering this for a while now and now I’m pretty much decided.
Benefits: Guaranteed 4% return & a tax-deduction based on the contribution amount.
Cons: Illiquid, once done, this is irreversible
Considerations: I’m amassing more cash reverses instead of investing aggressively. If there is a huge market correction, then the cash reserves will be deployed into the market. Otherwise, they will be deployed to the CPF SA.
New Things / Looking Forward to
(1) Singapore is going back to Phase 2 for Covid (2 steps forward, 3 steps back)
(2) Starting on acrylic painting. Did quite an ambitious painting of a lily and went okay.
(3) Multiple interaction with various seniors and recognition as well
(4) Revelation of how truly amazed by how much “<insert your name>” is all captured in this body that we have - how can such a small volume/finite shape hold so much goodness, so much uniqueness, and so much individuality 🤍💙❤️ If only we allow ourselves to break free and let the inner “you” shine through
Looking Forward To
(1) Ordered a Steelcase chair
It’s rather expensive, costing around SGD 650 (all-inclusive, after discount). My back has been aching and as “Work From Home” seems semi-permanent/default mode these days, hence I’ve decided to take the plunge. Considering the depreciation over 5-6 years (warranty is 12 years, but considering half-life to be conservative), this would mean SGD 10 - 12 per month, essentially the price of a Netflix/Disney/Spotify subscription. For health/safety reasons and a work-desk upgrade, it’s an investment for next few years to come.
(2) Working through my flaws: Inaction, Communication, and Oversensitivity to what others may think
Drive across the point and story in the most concise manner. Start and start with a clear opinion, then support with reasons for case. Drop “filler” words (guilty of “valley talk”: like, as in, right).
References
At the End of the Matinee
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55156106-at-the-end-of-the-matinee
The Future Changes The Past (from At The End of The Matinee)
The Future Changes The Past - At The End Of Matinee/マチネの終わりに - Alhambra Mengual & Margarit NT
