Day 99 / 108 Challenge

#99

"I bow for a mind that is enlightened and peaceful."

One of the most interesting thoughts I had today was that I wish I had more time. I know I should not rush things, but I have so many things I want to achieve. Some would think that I should have learned to take things slow, one thing at a time, but I cannot escape from these thoughts and pressures.

I have a fear that time is running out, and I am not optimizing how I spend my time in the most productive way. It is not like I am not doing nothing. It is just that I feel pressured to spend my time in the most efficient way possible. And a lot of times I get stressed for no valid reasons. I think I am discovering answers to my issues as I write my thoughts out, though.

Instead of stressing too much about optimizing, I think it is better for me to focus on setting out a plan and sticking to it. And enjoy my self-growth journey.

Also, if I prioritize, meaning, if I find an answer to "What is going to yield me the most result at this given time?" I should focus on those items, and put aside other aspirations as they become mere distractions.

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Challenge Log

Requirements
No Snacks No drinks or desserts exceeding weekly limit	No snacks
Water intake (max 2L)	1.75L
2x Pomodoro flows (read min. 10 pages)	Buddhist teaching
Productive activity (write a journal or a blog; create a product)	Journalling
Physical activity (min. 45 minutes)	LEG DAY 1. Squat 215lb 4x5 2. Front squat 185lb 4x3 3A. Leg curls 140lb 4x3 3B. Front shoulder raises 25lb 4x6 4A. Stationary lunges 35lb 4x6 4B. Side lateral raises 35lb 4x6 5. Leg raises 12.5lb 3x6 6. Hanging leg raises + 5s hold + 30s boat hold 3x10
Wildcard (any 1 of read/produce/exercise above)	(EXERCISE) Outdoor walk

What I am thankful for today

++ I am grateful to have a career that I enjoy and I have a lot of flexibility with during the day.

++ I am grateful to have enough cash flow that enables me to go to the gym that is convenient for me.

++ I am grateful to have a family that supports me.

Drink/Dessert tickets remaining: 2

Day 98 / 108 Challenge

#98

"I bow to hope for peace between human beings and nature."

It was my first day back in the office since I took some time off. Despite my low quality of sleep, the day went fine. I found myself extremely clear-headed, and I was able to think in a very logical way.

Knowing what we want means that we understand our mind better. We can communicate with our mind freely. This not only guides us in life better long term, but also helps us decide easily. Simply because we know what we ultimately want. When we are unsure about our thought process, it hinders us from making decisions, because we are not sure whether that is the right choice or not. At least when we know what we want, we know our decisions mean something. Learning to deal with the consequences of our own decisions comes after that.

But let me tell you, sometimes you will not know what you want. Throughout the day I kept asking myself where I want to be in life, and I could think of at least 3 different possibilities and see myself in each scenarios. So it will not be as easy as us snapping our fingers and then we instantly know what we want and are able to make decisions fast.

We must start with small things. And it all begins with intentional living. By living in the moment, by deeply reflecting on how we feel in each moment, we can learn what we like and what we dislike.

To give you an example, during my walk to the office this morning, I decided to take few different routes here and there. I noticed that I liked passing by the park, because I like to see greeneries. I liked passing by certain streets so I can see if there were any progress being made to few home renovation projects.

Another example is, I usually eat while working in the office. Instead, I began turning my mind off about work while I was eating. I focused all my senses into experiencing the meal in front of me. Especially since I cooked them myself I was able to thoroughly feel the tasting. Even though I mainly use same ingredients every time, I use different seasoning or cooking time. I could tell the difference, and recognized my preference one over the another.

In summary, I recommend us all try living life with more intentions. And REALLY live in the moment. Are you walking on the street while listening to the music? Try focus on the walking without any distractions. Feel your foot touching the street. Recognize you walking in certain direction or speed. Are you avoiding the sun or the shade? Why? Do you smell the trees or flowers as you walk by? How does that make you feel?

We can discover parts of ourselves very easily once we start living in the moment. I would give it a go when you do something next time. You will be surprised to learn something new about yourself, and it will ultimately help you make decisions that will lead YOU to be happier. 😌

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Challenge Log

Requirements
No Snacks No drinks or desserts exceeding weekly limit	Had a small brownie in the office as a treat to myself.
Water intake (max 2L)	1.75L
2x Pomodoro flows (read min. 10 pages)	Buddhist teaching
Productive activity (write a journal or a blog; create a product)	Journalling
Physical activity (min. 45 minutes)	REST DAY - outdoor walk
Wildcard (any 1 of read/produce/exercise above)	(PRODUCE) Meal prepping

What I am thankful for today

++ I am grateful to have discipline and daily routine that keeps my mind and body healthy. I can shut off my mind, just complete those non-negotiable's, and I know it will keep me in the right path no matter how bad the days are.

++ I am grateful to have hot water today that allows me to take refreshing shower.

++ I am grateful to have the tools and kitchen to cook healthy meals.

Drink/Dessert tickets remaining: 2

Day 97 / 108 Challenge

#97

"I bow to hope for peace in all dead and living things."

I am learning that life can be fun even if you are doing things alone. Because in reality, we are not alone. There exist billions of human beings in this world, and we live in this earth together. So if you ever feel lonely, I suggest you to go outside. Go to your nearest big park, and watch other people who are living life, same as you do. Although not every other people may not interact with you, you will still feel part of this community we call the earth.

I took myself out on a date to try out a new ramen place. And I think I am going to make this into a weekly thing, where I go try and rate ramen spot in this city (or wherever I am at).

Musoshin Ramen (Review)

I visited Musoshin Ramen today, and apparently it was listed on Michelin Guide (no star, though). I tried their Ajitama Musoshin ramen.

Ajitama Musoshin Ramen

Broth 10/10 - This mix of pork, chicken, and veggie broth hits you differently than typical richness from tonkotsu (pork-based) broth. It is definitely on a lighter note, and yet the depth of flavour still exists.

Noodle 10/10 - I can tell the noodle (and other flour based cooking) here is their specialty. It is on a firmer side, which I prefer, than average ramen spot.

Chashu 9/10 - I got two Chashu with this meal. The smokiness lingered around all the way to the bottom of the bowl. They had a nice 50/50 ratio of fat and meat. Marinated and cooked in a way it should be. However, I wish they used bigger cuts.

Toppings 9/10 - Very simple toppings. Scallions and bamboo shoots. I found scallions a bit overpowering. Next time I may ask them to put half of scallions on the side, so I have a bit of control.

Egg 10/10 - Perfectly marinated and soft-boiled egg that complements the bowl.

Overall 9.5/10 - I have to say it was one of the best ramen spot I have been to in this city. Especially when you want something light as a soup base. Typical tonkotsu broth would make me not want a second bowl due to its thickness, but I could have easily gone for the second on this one. Fast service, shorter wait time compared to other good authentic Japanese ramen spots.

To finish off, I walked around the neighbourhood near the restaurant, and ended up checking out a big park.

This was actually part of the date I was supposed to go on the day of the breakup. We never got to do these, obviously, due to hard conversations.

I thought at the end of the walk, "Yes it would have been fun if I came here with her, or someone I love. But that does not mean that I should not have come here alone. The whole day was still fun. If anything, I now know where to come and enjoy a nice bowl of ramen, and walk in the park."

I will likely come back here in few weeks to see if any cherry blossoms are happening.

Walk in the park to burn some calories

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Challenge Log

Requirements
No Snacks No drinks or desserts exceeding weekly limit	No snacks
Water intake (max 2L)	1.5L
2x Pomodoro flows (read min. 10 pages)	Buddhist teaching
Productive activity (write a journal or a blog; create a product)	Journalling
Physical activity (min. 45 minutes)	REST DAY - outdoor walk
Wildcard (any 1 of read/produce/exercise above)	(EXERCISE) - walk in the park

What I am thankful for today

++ I am grateful to have this healthy body that allows me to move around well and looks good

++ I am grateful of the nice weather today which added to the enjoyment of walking outside

Drink/Dessert tickets remaining: 2