In an attempt to live a more intentional life, I would like to make it a habit to have monthly/quarterly/annual review of what has been happening in my life and what I’ve been learning in the process. So here’s my 2023 Q1 Life Review:
2023 Q1 Review
What went wrong
I would normally frame this question as “what can be improved” but there are things that you really can’t control.
I had a lot of plans for 2023. Last year, I felt like I got the momentum– my thesis was going quite well, I managed to close multiple design projects, and I delivered. I really felt like 2022 was my redemption arc, and that 2023 will be the year that I will finally be able to tie some loose ends and flourish.
But life threw another curve ball. At the very first week of the year, I lost a loved one– my grandpa. It was heartbreaking of course, I spent my childhood living with my grandparents and I am full of regrets about not being able to spend more time with them as I grew older.
If I were to choose a word that fully encapsulates Q1 of 2023, it will be frustration. Frustration about my Tatay’s passing, that I still have to function and do things even when I’m grieving, and that the plans that I have kept on getting delayed.
In the process of doing this review though and looking at all the things that I managed to do despite the unfortunate circumstances, I honestly think that I can cut myself some slack with all the self-criticisms.
What went well
Quality time with family
The only good consequence out of Tatay’s passing is that we got to spend more time as a family. I honestly don’t have a good relationship with some of my relatives, but I do care about my cousins a lot and I want to get closer and be more of an “ate” to my younger cousins.
Birthday celebration
At first I was ready to bail out on celebrating with friends because I didn’t really felt like it. But I realized that its all the more reason to do so, and I’m glad I did. Meeting with my friends reenergized me and they were the support that I needed at the time.
Japan Fair + Art Fair + More BGC Celebration
My birthday is near the birthdays of two of my closest friend in high school so February celebrations have always been staple.
Game night with Friends
Booked an airbnb for a game night with friends, bought board games (it has started!), played all night, watched VCT, cooked for them, had a blast! It was the highlight of my Q1 for sure.
Some alone time
For my actual birthday, I celebrated alone and treated myself with cheese quesadillas and matcha (yum). Did some heavy reflecting and bought a book as a gift for myself.
Catching up with old friends
I always gets mistaken as an introvert because I’m kind of shy and awkward especially to people I don’t know that well. But I’m actually more of an extrovert and being with people recharges me. Always grateful to have these awesome low-maintenance friends.
Cooking, cooking, cooking
Found myself cooking whenever I feel stressed. Got to expand the things I’m able to cook, and I’m more confident now.
Started running once again
Currently at Week 5 of the None to Run Program. Getting the hang of running and I’m happy that I have been able to run semi-regularly. It helps being tagged every week for accountability. Will do my best to be more consistent so that I can run a 5k race on June!
Thesis
I don’t really know if this should be included in the things that went well because there have been a lot of delays. Still, a bulk of my Q1 was trying to figure out how to solve the problemsssss I have with my undergraduate project.
Conclusion
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
Soren Kierkegaard
Looking back, despite initially thinking that I haven’t been making a lot of progress, I can say that I’ve been managing to get things done. This quarter is me stepping back and taking a hard look on what’s really important to me. I realized that I’ve been too focused on things I wanted to do that I forgot to appreciate what I already have.
Onwards to Q2
Right now, I’m starting to gain momentum once again. At first I said that I don’t want to look forward that much to Q2 (because I learned my lessons haha), but I guess I just have to manage my expectations.
Goals
Personal
- Finish my thesis (at this point idk when I’m gonna finish this skksksks)
- Zen Habits Uncertainty Challenge (will write about this in the future!)
- 5k race (June)
Freelance
- successful website launch for one of my clients (April)
- Launch for my own brand 👀(May)
Habits
I’ve always struggled with consistency in keeping up the habits that I’m trying to build. The most I’ve managed was about 2 months, but it still didn’t stick after my streak was lost (Yes, it doesn’t take 21 days to build a habit).
So I will try again, and this time, I’ll be keeping the lessons of the productivity demigods in mind– by starting reaaaaally small.
Morning routine: Drink one glass of water right after waking up.
That’s it. The goal is to slowly build a habit, not get hydrated.
To keep me accountable, I promised my friend that I will send them a picture of the glass of water every morning (haha). If I fail, I’ll treat them.
Evening routine: Leave my phone at the computer desk before sleeping.
This one’s quite important to me because I’ve been spending hours scrolling through youtube and reddit before sleeping/right after waking up. Hopefully, this frees up some time in the morning, and I will be forced to actually leave my bed.
That’s all for now!
