Been over a year since my last post. Would have liked to post more, but never had the time nor discipline to. The vicissitudes of life catches up with you sometimes. As I traverse into my 30s, I sincerely wish for life best years to lie ahead. Long may I maintain the discipline and commitment required to document the highs and lows of life in my 30s, for I am certainly going to look back at these posts with nostalgia for they basically outline snippets of my life - each snippet associated richly with varying emotions - some of which long forgotten were I not to keep them on record.

2023 was preceded by a calamitous 2022 - the year of reset and transition after multi year long normalcy. 2022 was the second worst year on record after 2013 - in my life - and may it remain so. 2023 in comparison with 2022, was meaningfully better. Here are some of the highlights and lowlights of 2023 in summary.

Highs:

- TSLA opened at 10x (Jan) , closed at 248 (Dec). (My target was 250)

- We welcomed a new baby to the family

- My health improved considerably (Ended the year 26 month withdrawal)

- I went back to work (Made an extra 50-60k)

Lows:

- My wife's health deteriorated post pregnancy (withdrawal doesnt seem to be working as well as per my initially fear)

- Overwhelming work commitments (Sophia, Russell, Eric, GenieHut, 1-1)

2023 was not a linear recovery upwards, though the net progress over the year was a substantial one. Replying to my previous post, I would say that 2023 was a V shape recovery for certain aspects. Generally not a bad year, with the exception of certain blights mainly the lows stated above. .

I would give 2023 a 5.5/10 and 2022 a 3/10. For reference, 2013 deserved a 1/10.

I view my life through the lens of these 3 tenets, these basic principles I aspire to incorporate into my life.

One - Health

Having experienced 2013 & 2022, I am unequivocal in my desire for good health. Good health is the foundation and pre-requisite, for which everything else is built upon. All things in life - aspirations, dreams and goals are conditional on first having a healthy body and mind. When one is in constant pain, agony or discomfort, it becomes near impossible to chase other desires and to build something out of life. 2023 has seen an improvement in my health. I was initially very optimistic and excited about my progress thus far (TSW 2.0), and what is to come. Until a certain flare hit me hard (Oct-Dec) (dorsal of feet). It could be due to the lack of proper rest from taking care of a newborn. This flare led to me making a big big decision to try out biologics - Dupixent. I am uncertain as to how it will pan out, but we shall see. I had some initial flares upon the loading dose, but we shall see. Fingers crossed, the effectiveness of this treatment will have a tremendous impact on the quality of my life and happiness, as health is my number one priority in life. I am unequivocal on that. I pray that my health can get to where I truly envisage it to be (95% clear). The increase in happiness - should that materialize, would be immense beyond description.

Unfortunately, my wife's withdrawal does not seem to be trending in the direction we wanted. Trimester 1 was wonderful skin wise. The period thereafter, through the postpartum period was progressively worse. We have thus also decided to try out the biologics regime. It ain't cheap, but if it is able to get her health up to a 95% clearance, then the money spent is definitely worth every single penny. We both embarked on our biologics regime at the end of December - within less than a week of each other. This is probably the biggest unknown in 2024. If things turn out well, it can really be a game changer for us - and definitely a catalyst to improving my happiness significantly. We shall see..  

Two - Wealth

As cliche as it sounds, it is not the wealth that matters, but the lack of. Our wealth peaked in 2021, and since then we have been playing catch up. Uncertain when we will return to the peak and/or surpass it. 2020 and 2021 were remarkable years where our wealth increased multifold. It might have been the best years (% wise) in our lifetime. 2022 was a catastrophe. 2023 wasn't exactly a V shaped recovery, as we are still about halfway from our peak - but a significant recovery nonetheless. May 2024 continue to be a good year, as we progressively see our wealth climb up. I am not expecting us to return to our peak anytime soon (maybe 2026), but a 25% gain would be good.

TSLA - 280 to 300 (That would be a target personally). Honestly, I haven't felt this way before. But the volatility over the past 2 years has really drained me much. For the first time, I am considering selling out of this stock, and just buying less volatile and lower return equities (like QQQ). We shall see. I am just tired of delaying my gratification. I don't want to delay them indefinitely. I have dreams and aspirations. I am sick and tired of putting them on hold. I am tired of doing countdowns towards a better tomorrow. I want to make tomorrow happen today. Wealth does contribute rather significantly to my happiness too (after health). Let's see what 2024 brings in terms of wealth progression. Slow and steady wins it for me. 

Three- Work life balance

The intensity of my work tend to oscillate between intense and negligible over the years. 2017-2019 were really intense years, 2022 was a complete lull similar to 2014. The second half of 2023 was yet another intense period (which I regretted undertaking). One of my resolution for 2024, is to significantly reduce my work commitments, and to take it easy. I am really no longer as driven by money as I used to. I now value free time and peace to do the things I want to do. To have an empty to do list and to just wonder my way around life. I have reduced the number of weekly lessons from 14 to 8/9.

This number should be further reduced to 0, as soon as possible. My current plan is to leave MLC/Khemistry in 2026. So 2025 should see me teach only the existing sec 4 students (at most). Or I could completely leave in 2025. We shall see. But I need my sanity and freedom back. The overwhelming work experience in the 2nd half of 2023 has scarred me. I am never ever going back to that sort of life again, if I can.

Let's take it slow, enjoy the process, and not start panting along the way, that kinda sucks. The arrival of a baby also meant that there is much adapting to do. The first 3 months were not easy despite the confinement centre experience (18K) delaying our pain for a month. We adapted and circumstance is better than it was 2 months ago. But we continue to press on. May baby start to sleep through the night soon. Looking forward to the many milestones 2024 will bring for baby. May he grow up healthy and happy. May I get my life back soon too. I understand that having a baby brings with it sacrifices, that is why I am not intending to have a second one. One baby is enough.

Looking forward to travelling in Dec 2024 - I really really hope that this time round, we would really make it happen. I will be genuinely disappointed if we are unable to travel in 2024. Lastly, I continue to work my way towards simplifying my life. In a world where excess and complexities are encouraged, I standout as a sore thumb - insisting on going the other way - aspiring to remove as much clutter, commitment and frivolous endeavor as possible. The simplicities of life, the peace of mind, and the empty to do list are what I strive towards. The ability to travel anywhere, however long I want, without the constrains of work and schedule, remains my number one aspiration. May this year be a year where I make significant progress towards this long standing dream of mind.

May 2024 be a better year than 2023.