Reflections of 2023
Failures
Ø In 2023, I fell into the scam, the scammer pretended to be the police officers, and I was accused to be involved some money laundering cases, in the process of so called “cooperation for investigation” and I gave out all my bank accounts’ information, by God’s grace, the security setting of 12 hours cooling period, saved me from loss all my cash assets.
I truly thank God for protection, should had I not made police report just in time, I could have lost all my savings.
Ø In 2023, I was also overcharged by slimming treatment. Dorra Slimming claimed to give me the best price for slimming treatment, but in the end, I was charged 4 x of price what I thought they offered. I reported the case to CASE, the company refunded me the unused portion of treatment fees, but I was still overcharged as I had used almost half of total package . It was a very expensive lesson.
Ø In 2023, I also failed my JLPT N1 exam, the first time was an accidental mistake, as during the exam, my phone alarm suddenly rang; the second time, I was 8 marks away from passing mark. That shows that I need to work harder in studying Japanese.
Achievements
Ø We completed the designs of our house and moved to a smaller house while the old house being rebuilt. It took almost 1.5 half year, discussing with architect and various contractors, finally it was moving forward.
Ø Moving and packing took more than 2 months, but finally, it was a nice and comfortable home.
Ø Our company’s anniversary event, that went smoothly, thanks to all my colleagues and organizing committees, that was a memorable event.
Ø We hosted a dinner for VIPs at our new home, I felt not adequately prepared, but it turned out to be very nice time for all of us.
New learning experience
Ø With my Japanese learning friends, we started to hiking training to prepare our next year hiking trip. It has been a fun and great experience for all of us. The hiking has improved my stamina and, I felt more energic and healthy than before.
Ø I started to learn sewing, at first, I struggled with usage of machine, after overcoming the initial difficulties, I enjoyed sewing some simple bags, porches as presents for my colleagues and friends. I made Christmas present using those handmade bags. Learning a new skill is always so much fun.
Memorable moments
Ø I went to Ise, Wakayama with my two sons after their competition in Nagoya. We stayed at Ryokan, visited famous and scared shrines, had lots of fun time together.
Ø I also jointed with my sons for Asian Game in Huangzhou, China. Though both of them didn’t manage to win a medal for Singapore, I think it was a great experience to learn from failure and other competitors. That has motivated them to train harder and prepare for their future competitions.
Summary of 2023
It was a great year filled with ups and downs, full of learning moments and
thanksgiving. I am grown as a
person. I feel that I need to be more
compassionate towards others, more discipline towards myself.
While I was moving house, I went through so many clutters in my house, in
life, I also have so many clutters, with human relationships, with past
experiences etc.
I have decided to cut off some unnecessary ties with people, to give up some habits which have no benefits; and pursue a simple life but Give thanks to God for all things, treasure family time and enjoy every moment of life.
Next Year Goals
Hiking training, 3 times a week to prepare for Mt Fuji
Continue studying Japanese and pass JLPT N1
Learning new sewing skill and garden skill
Improve as a person in the following areas.
六つの精進
1. だれにも負けない努力をする
2. 謙虚にして驕らず
3. 反省ある日々を送る
4. 生きていることに感謝する
5. 善行、利他行を積む
6. 感性的な悩みをしない
Six diligences
1. Strive to work harder than anyone else
2. Be humble and not arrogant
3. Spend days with reflection
4. Be grateful to be alive
5. Accumulate good and altruistic deeds
6. Don't worry emotionally
