half a year on.. giving thanks :)

Im pretty sure the last 6 months have perhaps been the most intensive and yet fulfilling half year. I always do a pit stop in the middle of the year – have I taken the time to truly do what I want?

For the 1st time this year, despite being extremely busy, exhausted yet high adrenaline rushing, I think I have! Thank God, and it’s largely due to having a clear mission statement and OGSM (for the non-proctorized – objectives, goals, strategies, measures) in all the key areas in my life (spiritual, physical, social/emotional etc).

[Side point - now I truly believe that in setting goals, specifics are very important so I should say “I want to lose 20kg” instead of “I will go to the gym regularly”. [Btw, I did lose 20kg but put on 1kg in the past 2 weeks as I have been a slob, but rest when one is sick and cheat days are impt so it’s ok]. Because how often is ‘regularly’? How does one track success? Has to be specific and measurable!]

I think my walk with God has stabilized and matured because He allowed me to serve in BASIC. There was a part of me that felt that I had something to give when I started serving in youth, but in the end, I really realized I was merely God’s vessel, and it was a privilege to go through some experiences with the youth. Not because I’m better, but because I have been through similar experiences. Also, God grew me through the whole experience. He gave me more time and energy somehow to serve despite all that crazy amount of work. So yes, all glory to Him

For work, it has been very fulfilling. Looking back, I don’t know how I would have done it without His sustenance. But I have learnt a lot from this new portfolio – both soft and hard skills. Also, with new member on the team, still learning to let go and lead. Not easy days, and harder days always seem to lie ahead, but it’s been good. Hopefully, I can now get more sleep, lose less hair, not grow anymore white hair and actually feel like a normal person – not so high-strung all the time. Yes, especially since I see my 7 month old ‘baby’ on the shelves now :P

Family and friends-wise, I always feel I can do better, but I think I still kept my balance this semester. Met up regularly with the folks who really mattered to me and made 2 new close guy frens who both live around the novena area for some reason. Convenience. Hah! I think I saw my co-workers more often than I saw my family+dog for these 6 months. But yea, still in touch with people – what really matters to God and me :)

Of course it wasn’t ALL good ALL the time. Derek's sudden sickness (but he's well now yay!), Cheryl’s and John’s passing away in the same week was tough emotionally. Yet, both of them were sure where they were headed, so that helped. Had some hard times when relationships take a blow because of formal stuff, or I feel wronged/maligned with intentions taken wrongly.

So yes, very condensed half a year.
I can actually feel the tiredness set in as I fell sick and told myself to slow down and pace better.

Many thanks to all who spent good times with me,
And also those who prayed for me/there for me/checked on me when I was down/moody/talking rubbish bcos too tired
Especially the elect few [yes be honoured :P] who get smses from me at 3-5am in the morning, depending on whether I haven’t slept or woke up from brain overwork…

Thanks sincerely =)
Looking ahead, the best is yet to be………!!