One Year Later

I started this blog around the time of my 30^th birthday… it was supposed to document my life’s journey for the next decade. Now a year has almost passed. I’m turning 31 this month. So what have I learned within this one year?

1. People don’t read blogs which are not updated often – ok, that was definitely my fault. I got busy and in my down time, I couldn’t muster up the energy to turn on my laptop and start writing. Have to thank you guys though for being loyal and reading this stuff…

2. Men age like wine – when I was turning 30, I pretty much freaked out. I’ve always liked the fact that I looked younger than my actual age. I’ve been asked for ID at a club when I was 28-29. Suddenly, when I ask people how old they think I am, they started saying I was 30+! But then, I started noticing something… women respond better to older guys… I don’t know, maybe it’s something about the illusion of wisdom and stability that comes with age… and it’s not only with women. The appearance of youth in men worries people in the business world. It seems that the older you look, the more people trust you.

3. I am horrible at musical instruments – I’ve been trying to learn the guitar for the past year. Still stuck at the first few chords. My guitarist (who just happens to be my guitar teacher as well) shakes his head when he sees me play… he says I need to relax a bit more… by the way, I’ve also tried drums… just as bad…

4. I am getting worse when it comes to remembering names and faces – I really have to do something about this. I’ve had this problem since I can remember. It’s really getting out of hand now, since I deal with hundreds of people for work. This is an actual conversation that has happened when I went for a meeting –

Me : hi, I’m Hisyam from _________

Client : yes, I know… we’ve had meetings together before.

Me : oops…

5. I’ve learned to relax – one problem with being young is that you have all that fire in your blood. You take offence to everything little thing that people do to you (or sometimes it doesn’t even involve you, but you feel ‘morally’ obligated to give that person a piece of your mind). One thing I’ve learned is if you can forgive others for their trespasses, then your mind will be at ease. It’s not to say you won’t protect yourself, but if it’s already happened, then it’s a lesson learned, and you move on. I’m much happier in traffic (and the time just flies when you don’t care that other people are cutting queue), I’m happier with my family and friends, I’m happier at work… It’s not to say I’m a saint now, but I’m moving in that general direction.

6. Karma is a bitch, and she holds a grudge – I’ve seen a lot this year to make me believe that statement. Never hurt somebody on purpose… seems that the payback seems to double of what you put that person through. Have you ever noticed how people that get where they are by stepping on other don’t ever seem to be totally happy?

I’m sure there’s a whole bunch of other lessons I’ve learned throughout the year. Though I think it’s going to take me some time to figure those out… So I guess I'll end this post with ...

To Be Continued... (at my own leisurely pace, of course)