If I were to summarize 2008 in one word, I wouldn’t be able to, but if I had to, I’d say ‘WOW’. Not wow like, something dramatic or major happened to me – I am still living in the same place, still the same look (aside getting fatter), still have the same hobbies and drive the same car. Bank accounts lower than before and still living in the rain drenched Seattle. But it was Wow because this year has been filled with highs and lows, and kep the year exciting. No wonder 2008 went by lot quicker to me, than any other year so far. I believe this has been the best year so far, and the best is yet to come.
One of the most noteable is of course, taking the leap of faith and jumping out of the corporate cushion of Expedia. Oddly, I had lot of optimism and just felt like something big was going to happen. Not exactly I had a solid plan – I had few business plans and few projects that I was pursuing, but nothing was a for sure bet. So definately I wouldn’t attribute the sense of optimism to my preparation. However, I think it was more or so believing that this was the path I was called to and also, it was very refreshing. Refreshing to be breaking out and over coming the fear of quiting, and surviving that whole experience. I felt free.
Out of no where, an opportunity comes along to work with the bright minds of the Seattle entrepreneurs to revive a dying business. It was cool because it aligned with my own project that I was focusing on. It caught me in surprise, and I didn’t exactly felt it was a good match to begin with. I was pretty overwhelmed. Part of me thought it is too good to be true, and I must have been short changed somewhere. But I went with it anyway. At the time, it was the best choice I could make. This was the begining of a new chapter of my career and a door to new passage of learning journey. It has been exciting.
Working on a start up has been very different than what I had imagined. The highs are very high and the lows are really gut wrenching. Through it all, I learned few things from God. I learned who I was, and who I am not. I learned that the only person I really need to please is Jesus and not anyone else. If my priorities are set straight, then all other things will work out just right. I also learned to truly let go of control and stop worrying about the ‘what ifs’. Bring clarity into everything that I didn’t have clarity to, so that I can assess all situation with the facts, as oppose with fear. I was introduced to many people and broadened my network. I’ve built up confidence not in my own abilities and experiences, but in whose I am.
I also came to realizations about where I put my trust in, when it comes to stability for the future. My worldview was very much money = stability. Through this year, I came to understand and owning that money is not where I need to put my trust, but my trust is on my provider. Job is just a channel for blessing, and job in itself is not the provider. I struggled with my buying power and the outlook looked bleak. I was very much with a view that what’s right now, is going to be what’s forever. I thought about going back to the corporate world, and throw on my safety blanket of 401k, big pay cheque and bonuses. But God spoke to me (and this is probably the first time I can clearly identify) with ‘Do you want to switch job because of the pay cheque and the perceived security it gives you? or because the job itself?’. I learned not to have the scarcity mentality, but rather to have a mentality of abundance and generosity. Now, I don’t feel so attached to what I have or don’t have. Givers gain, and Takers lose. Everything I have is His, and whatever I think I can hoard to myself, I will lose those anyway.
For the first time, I stayed at a cottage this year with bunch of friends. I’ve always wanted to do it, and since I made it a goal this year to do, when the opportunity came, I just grabbed. It was relaxing and fun. I might make this an annual thing. The summer Sunday evening dinners were a success, great food, great fun and great time hanging out with friends.
It’s a blessing to be with group of people who are all in the same situation. Aspiring entrepreneurs helping and sharing experiences with other other to grow. Also became member of the Entrepreneurs Organization, hanging out with bright minds and leaders of the world. People are sharp and lot of wisdom to impart.
With a week left in 2008, I still want to see one thing come to realization. That is my relationship with parents. I don’t know how everyone else does it, but there is just a measure wall. I am not hearing them, and I feel like they are not hearing me. Joy and happiness won’t be found in our household. I feel like part of the reason my outlook in life is bleak, is because this portion of my life has always been a dark spot weighing me down. I’ve prayed and prayed. The situation doesn’t seem to change, so maybe it’s me that have to change.
Few things I’ve gained this year:
- I picked up how to play golf. Still sucks, but I really do enjoy it
- Mina!
- New furniture in the living room
- Car….not! (haha almost)
As for the happenings of the rest of the world. This does it well.
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?cl=11302305
I am looking forward to next year. I believe it will be the best yet and it will be a year of increase, a year of blessing and year of joy.
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