Saturday, July 5, 2025

Blog - July Overview

Hi Blog,

July always makes me reflect more deeply—maybe because it's my birthday month. Another year older, and I wonder, have I grown? Not just in age, but in how I carry myself through life? Birthdays used to feel like quiet reminders of my limits, but now I’m starting to see them as gentle invitations to check in with myself.

Looking back, I realise that self-growth doesn’t always look like big achievements. Sometimes, it’s simply learning to be softer with myself.
I’ve spent years criticising my own actions, trying to meet some imagined standard. But this year, I hope and want to shift from self-blame to self-trust—to honour how far I’ve come, even if it’s invisible to others. This birthday, I won’t make loud promises or resolutions. I’ll just choose to be present. Growth is not about being perfect; it’s about being patient. And if I can offer that patience to myself, maybe that’s the real gift of turning a year older.



2nd Jul 2025 - Today's afternoon was stormy, which I thought was ideal because it would clear up by the evening after I finished work, allowing me to go for a quick swim. What do you know... I did not bring my camera! Oh my! I misplaced my camera. Oh well, luckily today's swim was crowded, so I will not feel too bad.

4th Jul 2025 - Swimming Theme #15
(Click here to read more)

5th Jul 2025 - Three Forests along Serangoon River
(Click here tor ead more)

5th Jul 2025 - I have decided to sell my gorgeous Nepenthes truncata x edwardsiana... This prompted me to start my 24/7 air conditioning system with a grow tent setup so that it could grow properly. I am glad it is growing well, but my grow tent height is limited (only 35cm) because I have to place it horizontally due to space constraints... One buyer offered to trade with me for another expensive nepenthes. I guess I should let it go. I honestly asked myself... I will not miss it because... I was a little disappointed because I expected a toothy hybrid, but the exchange and receiving a beautiful nepenthes, which I will reveal next time, was a great deal.


More to come.

Jeff


Hiking - Three Forests along Serangoon River

Hi Blog,

What should I do on Saturday morning? Of course, go hiking! Let's go! There are numerous locations to revisit to refresh my memory.

Plus, today is July 5th, and there are rumours that a massive earthquake will occur near Japan. Personally, life is still going on. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Worrying will not help the day, but I was worried about it raining heavily. Let's see how. So, where shall I go?


Friday, July 4, 2025

Personal - Swimming Theme #15

Hi Blog,

These days, I have realised how much shame and anxiety can arise from simply having an untoned, not-so-great body, especially when we are constantly bombarded with images of chiselled, god-like physiques online or in real life. It feels even heavier when I consider all of the qualities I lack—the ones that seem to be most important in attraction and social approval. I lack the "flex appeal" that some women seek to own or associate with, or, in other words, I do not have the type of body that automatically attracts admiration. And sometimes it feels like even my positive qualities, such as kindness or thoughtfulness, are overlooked when they come in this "meh" package like mine.

Funny how it’s not always the body itself that hurts most—it’s the meaning we attach to it.
People around me are constantly telling me to "just go for it," "hit the gym," and "if you really want it, make time." But it is not that simple. It’s not laziness—it’s life. I wish I had the time, energy, and resources to solely focus on transforming my body. But the truth is that I am not sitting around doing nothing. I swim, hike, cycle, and jog whenever I can fit it into my packed schedule. I even try to eat better, even if it means finishing food for others who cannot. I understand that having a toned body requires more than just exercise—it takes a consistent diet, targeted workouts, discipline, and maintenance. I am not dreaming as I try.