Do You Feel Lonely Sometimes?
Why is Loneliness on the rise and what can we do about it. And, all things humid.
Moments of the Week (May 15-21)
Jero had his first Ultimate Frisbee fixture at Happy Valley. His (U20) team played against "grown-ups" that towered over them. Final score: 3-15.
Feris had her 1st Swim meet at DBIS and competed in the breaststroke. She has no idea how she did and was most disappointed that the post-race BBQ was canceled at the last minute.
And, the winner of the Japan in 10 Pictures contest is Jero. He had the most complete portfolio with consistently solid pictures and stories. When I was announcing the results, he was so nervous because he invested so much time and effort. His AirPods are on the way.
Inspired by Dara's Sinigang, I made my own and I liked mine better. Maricar wanted it with spam. Kids were indifferent.
I’m back in a guitar groove and have created a list of beginner songs I will learn. Currently working on Adam Sandler’s Grow Old With You. The Bm to C#m is testing me.
Did I mention I'm writing a book? Chipping away daily and enjoying the process. I set up a consultation with self-publishing on Monday to figure out how to really make this happen.
Another humidity-related joy, mold. It magically showed up one day on the walls by our windows. Maricar freaked out. I got aggressive with the bleach and said my prayers.
Explored a new neighborhood, West Kowloon. Relatively new development with an art walk, museums, restaurants and a front-row promenade view of Hong Kong Island’s skyline. Lea put up a fight, stayed home alone, and slept.
Despite the 95% humidity on Sunday, we all had a trek in our backyard and earned toughness points. I took Lea and Feris to the DB rock pools using a hilly roundabout way. They spent half the journey either complaining or crying. The instant they got in the water, all was good. Jero went up Tiger's head, solo. I feared something would happen and I’d have to get him. We all suffered and made it back in one piece.
Thinking Out Loud
Do you feel lonely sometimes?
On the topic of loneliness, community, and feeling needed.
I came across For People to Really Know Us, We Need to Show Up. The thesis was that loneliness is on the rise because of our shift to a cancel culture, self-love and overall independence. We are social creatures and the decline in organized groups and the accountability of showing up has created feelings of isolation.
Coincidentally, I finished Beef (Ali Wong and Steven Yuen) this past week and it had a similar theme of isolation, but from a different perspective. FYI, I was unsure of what the ending meant so I had to look it up (Spoilers in Link).
A proposed solution? Commit to a community and just show up consistently. When we know that others expect us and even depend on us, we will feel valued, recognized, and needed; A cure for loneliness.
Other than work, do you have a community that expects you to show up? When you feel lonely, what works for you?
What’s my go-to? Setting up 1:1 calls. Having weekly running commitments. Maricar. Kids.
On The Move
Run With Me on Strava - 66.26 mi, 9,970 ft Elevation, 35 mins of Swimming
My weekly routine for the past few weeks.
2 KipMovin Social Runs
2 Swims sandwiched by Barefoot Sandal Runs
A Long Trail Run
A Long Road Run
Recovery Run
Daily - Burpees, Push Ups, Pull-Ups, Mountain Legs
All running was extra challenging with the near 100% humidity. I can taste and smell it as soon as I step outside. After a run, I’m guaranteed to look like I got caught in a downpour.
The most interesting runs of the week were back-to-back pre-5 am start, 4-hour trail runs through sections of Lantau Island. I’m a sucker for the long run and I’ll usually say yes if it’s early enough. The humidity brings out the bugs which also means spiders, frogs, and snakes. I must have run through at least 100 webs this weekend.
A future adventure. On the run, I learned how to access a ridge trail I’ve always seen from a distance and been curious about. Hopefully, I’ll be able to give it a go before the weather becomes too unbearable.
Do You Feel Lonely Sometimes?
Turning up for people, definitely. Though being dedicated to an individualised training plan to maximise my performance means that's often not possible for me. Lone training is inevitable unless you compromise and I won't compromise. I just make an effort to invite others and they sometimes come (though that's pretty selfish cos I probably won't join theirs). Along with turning up, find your passion, not just a fancy, an interest, a pursuit but something visceral that you will do or die crying. Something you love in your gut. That brings you together with people on a completely different level. :)
I'd like to a lot. Peter is nervous of the climb down at the end. I think We could always run the ridge, have a look at the descent and if we don't fancy it just retrace our steps back and adjust the route. What do you think?