Success is not defined by the money we make,
rather by our choices.
~Mikaela Gordan~

Chinese New Year, the year of the snake… I don’t often follow the Chinese zodiacs, but all I know is that some of it actually makes sense… about the same amount of sense Western Astrology makes, if one really studies it in depth, which I have not.

Thus, back into routine again. Studies, work, gym, focus…

They say the key to success is a balanced life: a balance between personal priorities as well as making time for those around us. Although routine and self-discipline is crucial to commitment and progress, when one is consumed by monotony, it seems harder to grow. Perhaps there is a difference between structure and stagnation.

Sometimes, with growth, we motivate ourselves into a drive so as to achieve or excel in the direction of progress. And other times, we allow ourselves a necessary time and space to pause and process, to assess or appreciate our growth.

Occasionally, the two may intertwine and we need to recalibrate to find balance.

Living in a fantasy is nice, and living in Hong Kong all these years, I’m starting to realise is a bit of a fantasy. It’s a bubble of its own. With personal safety taken for granted so easily, because it almost seems like there is little to fear. Yet at some point, we start to realise that greatest fear in this life, is the fear of stagnating, of not moving forward.

This constant striving is consuming. It consumes our thoughts, our actions, our behaviour. It becomes a determinate, and begins to define us.

For one who was once a rebel, refusing to abide by any set of systematic morality, to plunge into a sea of conformity only to achieve a the same dream, but for different reasons.

What is success anyway?
Those who truly know me will find it hard to believe that I follow this principle, but to me,

Success is not defined by the money we make,
rather by our choices. 
~Mikavelli~

We all do dumb things and make mistakes at times at times, as a means of a momentary outlet, a quick and temporary escape from reality. Some of these things are harmless, some are lessons, some are blessings…

We don’t always choose what happens to us, but we can choose our responses and be mindful of our reactions. Sometimes it’s about persistence, and other time it’s about rest.

Nonetheless, may this holiday be a time to rest, reflect, and reset.

Until then, have a great vacation, and may we all return feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Thanks for reading!

Mikavelli

Current music:

I didn’t want to do it but I got too lonely
I had to call you up in the middle of the night
I know it’s awful hard to try to make love long distance
But I really needed stimulation
Though it was only my imagination
~Billy Joel~