Reflecting on Missed Chances

As 2022 comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on all of the things that have happened over the past year. While there have certainly been some highlights and successes, there are also a lot of things that I feel like are missing, or that could have gone better.

In many ways, it feels like we’ve all been living in a world of "what could have been" for the past year. I can’t help but wonder about all of the opportunities and experiences that have passed me by. The concerts I didn’t get to attend, the vacations I didn’t get to take, the milestones I didn’t get to celebrate with girlfriend, friends, and family.

Life is full of flavors, and it's not always easy to predict which ones we'll encounter. Some days are sweet and filled with joy, while others are sour and filled with challenges. Some experiences are bitter and leave a lasting taste of disappointment, while others are salty and bring a sense of excitement and adventure. And then there are those rare moments that are like the elusive fifth flavor, umami, bringing a depth and complexity that is hard to put into words.

Sour Candy

The sour part of life can be tough to deal with, especially when it comes to business partnerships. It’s always frustrating when business partners are uncooperative, or even downright mischievous. But it’s important to remember that these experiences can teach us valuable lessons and help us grow and improve.

One thing that we can learn from dealing with uncooperative partners is the importance of not being swayed by reputation alone. It's easy to assume that a business with a good reputation will always be reliable and trustworthy, but that's not always the case. It's important to do our due diligence and carefully assess the people we work with, rather than blindly trusting their reputation.

Another way to protect ourselves from uncooperative partners is by strengthening our contracts. Clearly defined terms and conditions can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal. It's also important to have a plan in place for handling disputes or disagreements, so that we can address any issues that may arise in a calm and professional manner.

While the sour moments in life can be frustrating and difficult to deal with, they can also help us to become stronger and more resilient. By learning from our experiences and taking steps to protect ourselves, we can navigate the ups and downs of life with greater confidence and success.

Bitter Melon

The bitter part of life can be hard to bear, and it’s often the memories of loved ones that we’ve lost that leave the most lasting taste of bitterness. For me, one of the most difficult experiences of the past year was losing Tony, one of the kindest-hearted people I’ve ever known.

Tony introduced me to Kelapa Gading, was always there for me, offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on whenever I needed it. He was a true friend, and his loss has left a hole in my heart that will never be filled. I don’t know what I would have done without him, and it’s hard to imagine going through life without his support and guidance.

But even in the midst of my grief, I find comfort in the memories of all the good times we shared together. Tony touched so many lives and brought joy and light into the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all the people he inspired.

Rest in peace, Tony. You will always be missed, but you will never be forgotten.

Sweet Pancake

As I reflect on the past year, I realize that amidst all the sour and bitter moments that life can bring, I've been fortunate to have a girlfriend who has brought so much sweetness and joy into my life. Her love and support have been a constant source of comfort and inspiration for me, especially during the tough times.

And speaking of sweet moments, one of the highlights of the past year has been the news that my parents are finally retiring. After decades of hard work and dedication, my parents have decided that it's time to take a step back and enjoy life more. It's a decision that they've been considering for a while, and I'm so glad that they've finally made the decision.

I'm looking forward to supporting my parents as they embark on this new phase of their lives, and I'm already making plans to take them on some travels when I can. It will be a chance for us to spend quality time together and create new memories, and I can't wait to see where our adventures will take us.

Life is full of ups and downs, but it's important to savor the sweet moments and hold them close to our hearts. I'm grateful for my girlfriend and my family, and I'm determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes our way.

Salty Soup

The salty moments in life are the ones that add excitement and flavor to our experiences. They are the moments that take us out of our comfort zones and challenge us to try new things.

For me, one of the most memorable salty moments of the past year was talking and befriending my partner's friends. It was something that I had always wanted to try, but I had never mustered up the motivation to do it. But I decided to go for it and face my fear of strangers.

As I stood on in front of the strangers, looking at the smile at their faces, my heart was pounding in my chest. But as I took that first step and felt the exhilarating rush of having a conversation, I knew that it was worth it.

The salty moments in life are the ones that push us to be brave and embrace new challenges. They may be scary or uncertain, but they are also the ones that bring us the greatest sense of accomplishment and pride. So let's embrace the salty moments and see where they take us.

Umami Mushroom

The umami moments in life are the ones that are difficult to put into words, but that leave a lasting impression on us. They are the moments that are rich and complex, filled with depth and meaning.

For me, one of the most umami moments of the past year was a trip I took trip to social home for people with mental disorders and drug rehabilitation. I had the opportunity to sing and talk to the people in the community.

As I looked at the volunteers and learned about their lives, I was struck by the depth of their generosity and kindness. Despite facing many challenges and living in difficult circumstances, they were always willing to lend a helping hand and share what little they had.

The experience was humbling and eye-opening, and it left a lasting impression on me. It was one of those rare moments that I knew would stay with me for a lifetime.

The umami moments in life are rare and precious, and they are the ones that stay with us long after they have passed. They are the moments that remind us of what is truly important in life, and that inspire us to keep moving forward with hope and purpose.

It’s important to remember that all of these flavors are a part of life, and they all have something to offer. The sour moments can help us appreciate the sweet ones, the bitter experiences can teach us valuable lessons, and the salty moments can add flavor and excitement to our lives. Even the umami moments, though rare, can be some of the most memorable and meaningful.

In many ways, it feels like 2022 has been a year of missed chances and unfulfilled potential. But as I look towards the future, I'm hopeful that things will get better and that we'll all be able to embrace new opportunities and make the most of the time we have. So, let's take a moment to remember the things that could have been, and then let's move forward with determination and optimism.

So as we move forward into the new year, let's embrace all of the flavors that come our way, and remember that life is a rich and varied tapestry that is made up of many different experiences and emotions.