Tag Archive for: reflections

2023 07 10 18 47 51 1

As I greet another year of life, I find it fitting to reserve this day for introspection, gratitude, and projection. This ritual of quiet contemplation serves not just as a moment of pause, but also as an opportunity for recalibration.

In no particular order, here are my areas of focus for the coming years, each one a beacon to guide my journey:

The idea of embracing new experiences, like an artist exploring different mediums, resonates deeply with me. Whether it’s mastering the culinary artistry of cooking, learning a new sport like surfing, losing myself in the rhythm of Salsa (hopefully some day), discovering the nuanced layers of fine wine, or dabbling in traditional and contemporary art forms, these pursuits represent the unquenchable thirst for knowledge that I hold dear.

The desire to nurture my relationships, to tend to the garden of friendship, has never been stronger. In the years to come, I intend to invest not just my time, but my attention, care, and love, into these vital connections. The richness of human connection is not in the number of friends and family we have but in the depth and authenticity of the bonds we cultivate.

In the realm of romantic relationships, I stand at the precipice of hope and commitment. I am learning, growing, and striving to be a better partner every day. It’s a journey of understanding, patience, and unending love that is as much about self-discovery as it is about discovering another soul. In the coming years, I aspire not just to find that extraordinary love but to build and nurture it with all the care and tenderness it deserves.

My journey towards personal growth includes a commitment to understanding the intricacies of the human mind. Diving into realms of psychology, philosophy, and cognitive mental models promises to unlock doors to self-awareness, thereby empowering me to navigate life’s maze with more wisdom and compassion.

A commitment to health, both physical and mental, remains a cornerstone of my life’s priorities. Regular exercise, mindful eating, and mental wellness practices are not mere activities, but a pact with myself to cherish and respect the gift of life.

My aspiration to traverse the globe remains unwavering, with the ambitious goal of experiencing 100 countries before I turn 40. Each journey represents a unique opportunity to broaden my horizons, to learn, to grow, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

As I progress on this journey, I aim to espouse the principles of minimalism further. It is not about denying oneself but about channeling one’s focus, attention, and resources to what truly matters, to what brings joy, peace, and fulfillment.

Mindfulness, empathy, gratitude, and self-esteem are the pillars of my quest for personal growth. My ambition is to evolve continually, to be better at showing love, extending kindness, and celebrating the abundance of life.

My passion for enlightening and inspiring others through my writing, through sharing my thoughts, experiences, and learnings, is a flame that burns brighter each day. In the upcoming years, I plan to enrich my blog and various channels with more diverse and meaningful content.

Lastly, I will continue to seek avenues that allow me to make a positive impact in others’ lives. Whether through my career, volunteer work, or in the simple, everyday acts of kindness, I want my existence to resonate with purpose.

As I conclude this reflection, I extend my deepest gratitude to all those who have stood by me, supported me, and contributed to making my 37th birthday unforgettable. I look forward to the upcoming years with eagerness and optimism, ready to embrace all that life has in store.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Spencer Li (@iamrecneps)

 

thumbnail an unofficial guide to living our best life beyond financial freedom

If you are excited to get more life hacks, also check out: “Beyond Financial Freedom: An Unofficial Guide to Living Your Best Life”

penthouse birthday

Every birthday, I like to take a day off to reflect and give thanks for the previous year, and brainstorm what I would like to focus on in the upcoming years. I like to think of it as constant realignment of my priorities in life.

Here are some things I would like to focus on for the next few years:

  • Continue exercising and eating healthy consistently
  • Spend more time on friendships and relationships
  • Read more about psychology, philosophy, mental models
  • Try some new things like cooking, Salsa, art, wine appreciation, etc
  • Travel more (aim for 100 countries before 40)
  • Embrace minimalism, to focus time and attention on things which are important
  • Becoming better at mindfulness, empathy, gratitude, self-esteem, and showing love & kindness
  • Continue to create more educational and inspiring content on my blog and various channels to help others
  • Find new ways/careers/volunteer work that can make a difference in people’s lives

Once again, a big thanks to everyone who has supported me all these years, and to those who have put in the extra effort to make my 36th birthday a memorable one! ?

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Spencer Li (@iamrecneps)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Spencer Li (@iamrecneps)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Spencer Li (@iamrecneps)

 

thumbnail an unofficial guide to living our best life beyond financial freedom

If you are excited to get more life hacks, also check out: “Beyond Financial Freedom: An Unofficial Guide to Living Your Best Life”

2019 07 11 19.29.49

Reflections on my 33rd Birthday

 

Nowadays, birthdays are one of the best opportunities to catch up with your friends and loved ones, since most people have to work.

Grateful for all the meetups and birthday treats in the last week, and the insightful life conversations with people that I have known for more than 10, and even 25 years.

At a certain age, people start to dread birthdays (hmm.. what did I achieve with my life since last year?), and for me it is the mid-point in the year, so I usually review my goals that I set at the start of the year.

“And in the end it’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years. ”

As I grappled with the arrival fallacy for the last few years and struggled to find purpose in life, I have placed much less emphasis on career and financial success, and focused more on other aspects of life, such as:

  • Growth and contribution (reading, blogging, volunteer work)
  • Relationships (quality time with quality friends, settling down)
  • Healthy living (8 hours of sleep, eat healthy, eat more)
  • Hobbies (trying out new stuff to challenge myself)
  • Travelling (seeing all the safe countries in the world)
  • Spiritual growth (mindfulness, meditation, gardening)

Looking forward to the remaining 60% of my life. ???

 

thumbnail an unofficial guide to living our best life beyond financial freedom

If you are excited to get more life hacks, also check out: “Beyond Financial Freedom: An Unofficial Guide to Living Your Best Life”