Updated November 22, 2024, from my home in Thailand
Two years, not two months.
The visible progress you’re hoping for usually comes slower than you’d like. Even with consistent effort it can take a long time before progress feels significant. It might be a year of writing and editing before the book really starts to come together. You may need two years of recovery from a major injury before you notice just how far you’ve come. It may take two years of yoga before you realize how flexible you have become.
Take a deep breath, stop worrying about immediate results, and settle into a nice routine.
– James Clear
Learning Thai in school
After almost a year of living in Thailand and sporadic Thai learning, my wife and I finally enrolled in a local language school. Learning in a group has its benefits. It’s refreshing to be a student again and adopt a different mindset. You know those students in class who talk a lot, bombard the teacher with questions, and always have an answer ready? That’s us!
Our experience learning Chinese at university has brought back not just good memories but also practical skills for studying and memorizing vocabulary. The structured environment and group dynamics have made the process more engaging and fun. If you’re curious about how I’m learning Thai, check out my approach here.
Back to my reading habit
At the start of the year, I set a goal to read 50 books. I started strong and made great progress, but then life happened—and my reading paused for a few months. Thankfully, I’m back on track and just finished book #25!
Some books have been incredible and inspiring, while others… not so much. But that’s part of the process. The gems make it worth the effort, and there’s nothing like the feeling of finishing a great book.
You can find the list of books I’ve read recently here and some of my book notes here.
Excited about my mom visiting
It’s been more than five years since I last saw my mother. The pandemic, closed borders, and the war didn’t make things any easier. That’s why I’m so excited about her visit to Thailand this month.
She’s staying with us for a whole month, and I plan to cherish every moment. Life is too short to hold onto old grudges or let differences get in the way of connection.
Enjoying meaningful work
“Learn to work harder on yourself than you do on your job. If you work hard on your job, you can make a living, but if you work hard on yourself, you’ll make a fortune.”
– Jim Rohn
I’m genuinely enjoying my current role, working on a global e-commerce project. It’s a space where I can bring my passion and expertise while facing new challenges and learning every day.
At the same time, the books I’ve been reading and the people I’ve been learning from are giving me fresh ideas for personal projects. It’s an exciting time, both professionally and personally.
That’s what my life looks like right now!