This is my zodiac year. Twelve years ago, I was trying to return to work after recovering from a serious illness. I never imagined that twelve years later, I would be leaving my career to explore a new path.
Over these twelve years, according to my three-pillar model - physical health, mental health, and financial health - I’ve reached heights I wouldn’t have dared to dream of twelve years ago.
My former self had weak physical constitution from birth, often accompanied by depression, and earned less than my peers in the early years of work due to switching careers right after graduation.
Now, I no longer judge myself by common standards but confidently explore my own path.
Especially after coming to Thailand, I’ve had more time and energy to focus on myself.
Through careful observation of interactions between myself and the external world, as well as within myself, I’ve discovered my narrow perspectives and worked to broaden them, leading to better understanding of myself and the world.
Perhaps this is what integration means - not adding more, but recognizing and letting go of perspectives I once clung to.
I feel this process will continue for years, with new discoveries every day and growing compassion for my past self.
I don’t know what I’ll become in twelve years, but I’ll likely be very different from who I am now, just as I’m very different from who I was twelve years ago - the difference might be even greater.
Next year, I’ll move to Chiang Mai, a small city nestled between mountains and temples, rich in diverse cultures.
I’ve discovered that Chiang Mai hosts UTMB trail running events. Compared to running marathons on asphalt, I prefer moving through forests, enjoying the inner unity of body and mind, and the outer unity with the mountains and forests.
The world is undergoing dramatic changes now. While I might not change much in the short term, it’s hard to say whether my transformation or the world’s will be greater in twelve years.