ah hah

And badminton does it again!

Life lessons really stick for me once I learn something on the badminton court. For the past two years, I've been told over and over again that I need to keep my grip loose. Power comes from a tight grip, but you can't constantly grip the racket tightly because your stroke becomes inflexible and your reactions are slow. So the grip should be light and relaxed until the second you hit the shuttle, after which point, your grip should loosen up again. It's hard to break old habits though, so it's been a real struggle to change this up.

Last night, during one of my drills, I noticed that my grip was more relaxed and I wasn't even thinking about it. At that moment, I realized that I was starting to get what it means to hold the grip gently until the opportune moment. And more importantly, that in life, off the court, I need to loosen my grip on things too. I can hold on to God, but everything else, especially the things that make me angry at work, need to be held with soft hands.

Sounds silly, but this is a really important moment for me.

Single-minded?

Waiting for my friends to go camping but all I want to do is play badminton.

Lord, please meet me this weekend.

My head hurts. God is teaching me too much

Sigh

I just realized that when I think of a colleague negatively--even if I think it is justified--I am unable see the colleague as Christ sees him/her. I may not have to trust her but I think I need to change how I see him/her.

Growing

I guess the hardest part of my journey has been adjusting to work culture and the complexities of negotiating friendship in the professional world. On the one hand, we're friends but on the other hand, we are all colleagues even if we don't work at the same institution. Still need to get my head around all that.

rules, or the lack of rules

The university has a lot of rules, but it also seems like rules are often broken or changed at the whim of those in power. Of course, those of us without job security are the ones who have to follow the rules. The people in power don't follow rules; they make them. And sometimes, people act badly out of fear. Everyone's fearful about something. And in academia, the fears are usually fears of not being smart enough, or good enough, or powerful enough. It's just hard on everyone.

There are days when I really hate academia. Today is one of them. And actually, yesterday too.

Update: and yes, I am often fearful too. Fear is infectious!

Surprise

My trainer set up my heart monitor for me. The birthday cake won't go away!

I keep telling myself that I need to slow down. But I still fill up my schedule more than I'd like to and make my Monday mornings so much harder. Last night, I heard life and industry stories from an architecture who heads the HK office of a Chinese firm, a police (woman) officer stationed in Mong Kok, and an entrepreneur in travel retail. I really, really love talking to people who work in different fields. They teach me more about the world than I'd have access to on my own.

Sometimes, I wonder what life would be like if I had chosen a different career. But what??

Gotta love my care group

Fun day