The Book That's Always "Almost Finished" and pearls of wisdom from my audience!
Confessions, truth bombs and kind reminders
Okay, let's get real for a minute. Confession time: I've been telling everyone for what feels like forever that I'm writing a book. A whole book! Except... well, let's just say my progress has been more "research rabbit hole" than "literary masterpiece." This Substack started in Feb 2024 is my commitment to writing.
The truth? My "research" was a graveyard of self-help books and endless internet browsing. The book remained a phantom, a figment of my future self's ambition. Until last week when I felt strongly about two topics. Two ideas emerged, fuelled by my two greatest strengths: reflection and observation.
Idea 1: Senses and Sensibilities – A Hong Kong Memoir
This one delves into the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions of my life in Hong Kong. A city that's as vibrant as it is complex.
Idea 2: Lessons Learned: Notes to my younger self, packed with wisdom gleaned from experience (sometimes the hard way!).
Wanting to see which concept resonated most, I threw the question out to you, my amazing audience. And let me tell you, the responses were a treasure trove of self-discovery and self-love.
A Chorus of "Been There, Done That"
"Work hard, party hard" - This one made me re-evaluate my relationship with productivity. Did I define "work hard" so strictly that it choked the joy out of everything?
"Always have a plan B" - This resonated deeply. I've always been a "multiple plans" kind of person, a natural consequence of a sometimes uncertain environment. But what about embracing Plan A with full faith, while keeping backups for unexpected turns?
"Give yourself credit" - A beautiful reminder in the constant race to the next milestone. Second-guessing myself became a bad habit, but this year, I've begun celebrating small victories and embracing a "fake it 'til you make it" mentality (surprisingly effective!).
Beyond the Clichés
"Don't give up yet, someday you will shine" - A simple yet powerful reminder that success often hinges on unwavering persistence.
"Don't let anyone disrespect you" - Respect is a tricky one for me. As a sensitive soul, I get easily offended. But overthinking things only clouds judgment. Now, I address disrespect head-on with those close to me, and simply ignore it from casual encounters.
"You are allowed to make mistakes" - This used to sting. I was a perfectionist, tying my self-worth to every error. Now, I understand mistakes are inevitable, and sometimes even lead to hilarious typos (not proud, but hey, we all make them!)
Pearls of Wisdom from Unexpected Places
"Have no regrets, live, smile. You are capable of so much more" - This message, from someone who's overcome immense challenges, is a testament to the human spirit's resilience.
"Leave that toxic relationship ASAP" - Easier said than done, right? But it applies to all kinds of unhealthy dynamics, not just romantic ones. Letting go of a draining job, for instance, can be incredibly liberating.
"Don't rush through things. It's about the journey" - This one's a constant work in progress. Finding the balance between slowing down and avoiding guilt is a lifelong struggle.
"You will meet the most beautiful and loving woman who matches your frequency" - Love in the digital age can feel elusive, but this message reminds us that genuine connection is possible. And love has different shades and there is no one size fits all.
"Let's make life colorful and joyful" - A simple yet powerful reminder to embrace joy and creativity in all its forms.
So, the book may be in progress, but this experiment has sparked something unexpected: a community of voices, sharing stories and experiences. Maybe that's just as valuable, maybe even more.I hope these messages encourage you to take it easy this Monday and as we wrap up 2024. I hope it gives you the much required perspective on what is more important in life and what gives it the meaning to live it to the fullest.
P.S. Who knows, soon the book will still see the light of day. Until then, this Substack will be my creative playground. I hope you will be there for both!
