2021 Reflection
Written on December 30, 2021 at 10:10pm
When I think of 2021, it’s hard to recall everything, to be honest; in such a fast-paced and busy chapter in life, sometimes everything feels like a blur.
2021 has definitely differentiated itself as one of the only years that I’ve stuck to my New Years’ Resolution. In previous years, I would harbor lists of goals and forget my New Years’ Resolution by the end of the year. However, this year was different. Why? I made a resolution based on life philosophy / decision-making principles rather than harrowing it into one activity.
In 2021, I was able to achieve specific goals from previous years by focusing on a general, high-level goal: to take more risks and do what I’m afraid of. This resolution had stemmed from a reflection of 2020, during which I took many bird courses to keep my GPA afloat. However, I realized that, by staying in my comfort zone, I was not growing to my full potential. I observed that my favourite courses were the technical ones, such as Information Systems or Coding Essentials (Python), because they gave me tangible skills that I could apply in the real-world. I was in university to learn, and I wasn’t going to grow as a person by taking the “easy” path.
Off the top of my head, I can recall some of the biggest risks I’ve taken this year: declined Ivey; carved out a gap year to work an extra 4 months and bet on exchange; took a Java course that gave me so much anxiety I could barely breathe sometimes; took 2 essay courses while working this term (I ironically consider writing to be my weakness); and travelled across the country during COVID.
Throughout it all, I documented what made me happy each day to remind myself that happiness stems from appreciating the present — not chasing after the future nor ruminating in the past. I believe that happiness truly lies in the accumulation of the small things.
Highlights from the Year:
appreciating the beauty of otters, the Pacific Ocean, and mountains during a jetskiing tour in Vancouver
convincing strangers to lend me their paddleboards on random beaches (@ Rouge Beach & @ Grand Bend Beach)
buying a vlog camera (DJI Pocket 2) and experimenting with it
trying film cameras of all types and developing my first roll of film
#koreavibes with karaoke and pocha bars in North York, Toronto, and London
my izakaya phase during the summer (s/o to grilled butter squids, flavoured sake, and beef tataki)
exploring various speakeasys in London and Vancouver
performing with great teammates on Western’s UC Hill for Orientation Week
getting accepted to go on exchange and receiving my visa
going to the gym 3 times/week for 3 weeks in a row (something I never thought possible in the past)
taking the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) for the first time
re-discovering my artistry through painting and pottery workshops
getting my G drivers’ license
returning to old dance studio (VYbE) to teach and take classes
maxing out my TFSA
going skating near Harbourfront with pretty lights and throwback music
working up the courage to share my dancing on Instagram Reels
playing We’re Not Really Strangers with various friends
Key Emotions Experienced:
Anxiety (fear of failing courses, fear of abadonment, fear of not getting an internship, fear of Western cancelling exchange)
Curiousity (psychology, leadership, sci-fi, just about anything tbh)
Awe (the world is so big yet so small, especially if you’re on Clubhouse)
Excited Nervousness (before performing, before first dates, before trying new hobbies)
Wistful (reflecting on the world and its inner workings)
Lethargy (sitting down too much during work)
Spontaneous (exploring a Japanese store before dance class, drawing random items, stopping to smell flowers)
Doubtful (career paths, countries, courses)
Courage (to take risks, to confront problems, to communicate feelings)
Determination (to grow as a person, to re-center energy, to fulfill my goals)
Foods Discovered or Loved Further:
Bone Marrow (best one @ Craft Farmacy in London)
Oysters (best ones @ Nome Izakaya in North York)
Beef Tataki (best one @ Mikaku Izakaya in North York)
Fried Seaweed Rolls dipped in Spicy Pork Sauce (best one @ Ozen in London)
Torched Sushi (best ones @ Kiu Restaurant in Markham)
SPINACH DIP (best one @ Crabby Joe’s in London)
Injeolmi Toast (best one @ Cafe Daily in North York)
Lobster Bisque (best one @ Waldo’s Bistro in London)
Hobbies Attempted:
jetskiing
paddleboarding
kayaking
gym
axe-throwing
bartending
pottery designing
rock climbing
biking
hair dyeing
painting
poetry
photography
vlogging
skiing
skating
poker !
hiking
dancing
basketball
2021’s documentation log was named “2021년 청춘기록,” which translates to “Record of Youth in 2021” in Korean. While this chapter of life is yet to be over, I would name this chapter “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life” because of how beautiful our fleeting youth is.
It hasn’t been a wild year, but it’s been a focused one, filled with mini-rollercoasters and growth over time. I was able to challenge, embrace, and re-define various notions of myself. I will continue to take risks, and I will continue to drive my life with the philosophy that you can make money back but you can’t make back time. So here’s to 2022, a year in which I will focus on letting go of people, things, thoughts and patterns that no longer serve me.