Dear readers,
I promised to send you 12 letters across 2021. I’ve sent 11 and I apologize for not sending out the October (The half draft is already there. Aargh.) Anyhow, (back to serious mode,) I’m writing this one to make up for that one.
A glance at what I have written
Reading back my own letters, I see some messiness from my younger self, especially in April and May. It’s unclear one might say. What kind of nuts drop meme unrelated to any of their writing. As the person who wrote it, I can remember why I write it that way but I doubt you can understand it easily.
On a positive note, I am proud of myself for taking my time to review my life experience of reading, watching, playing games, and even nerding over a bird on a branch. That means I cherished my day-to-day life.
I learn my boundary. I learn when it is too deep with my private aspects. I also learn how to discuss different aspects surrounding one thing, in this case, is my thesis work. For example, I mentioned how I’m annoyed by long PDFs without bookmark. I think this is one of my harmless personal opinions. Anyway, I am willing to die on this hill.
I wrote this (see below) last June and I’m proud of him. It’s not a blind hope nor an empty wish. I think I managed to balance sharing this without going to nitpick what I’ve been through at the time.
Anyhow, four weeks ago, I lose the ability to imagine, to hope, and to believe in my own work. Current me have faith that I will do just fine. No, it will not be smooth but I have the strength to endure what will come. And well, rough seas make good sailors. Also, we need a pair of strong wings to be able to soar into the sky. (June 2021 edition)
Reason why a newsletter
In my first newsletter, I’ve written three reasons why I want to have a newsletter. First, to leave some footprints other than waste that I’ve produced. Second, I find sharing in long text and more personal is much more meaningful. Yes, I laugh at some witty and quick comeback that seems like a slam dunk but I like it more when people discuss it with good intention. Last, I want to improve my writing skills.
My current self still agrees with the first reason. I am longing to leave more positive footprints rather than negative footprints. This letter is one of my positive footprints. By now, social media and news media in particular work like a frenzy 24/7. It’s as if no day should go peaceful. This made me want to find longer and more nuanced articles. And, I did that. In turn, I am inspired to make one as well. There’s never too much kindness. It is intertwined with my second reason as well. A newsletter has given me more room to breathe, to think, to reflect, to cherish, and to live. I still agree with my second original reason.
For the third one, I am abstaining. I could not judge it yet. 11 letters and some articles could be too few to see some improvements. Who knows. Maybe I am not aware of my skill improvement or my skill degradation. 🙂
A thousand dollar question - should I continue this newsletter?
Now, by this part you would think that I should continue this newsletter, right? I would love to indeed. However, I am still considering how could I improve the quality. I am thinking about why should you want to hear me.
Well, after giving it some thought... I think my newsletter could help you grounded. You will get a story of a boy who tries to live and navigate within these complex and interweaving life systems. I hope that I emphasized enough that personal life experience is as important as, or even more than, arbitrary achievement. I wish that I highlight enough that we don’t have to live to the extreme to be recognized. I will try to not come as a cocky boy.
On how to improve the quality, I will go with the ‘iteration’ concept. Since this newsletter cost me time (ranging from 2 hours until a couple of days) instead of money, I think it’s okay to try and improve. This newsletter is not an infrastructure project where design failure is not an option. I haven’t really considered the sustainability aspect of this newsletter. As much as I want to get paid, it’s still in its infancy state.
All in all, I would continue this newsletter. I hope you’ll enjoy your stay and feel free to leave anytime. You don’t have to feel obligated.
In 2022, I hope that I can achieve what I set in the previous year. That is 12 snippets of my thoughts being sent out on the fourth or fifth Sunday for every month in 2022.
Happy new year!
Thank you for following my journey. We (me and the other me) hope you find something fun to read and think about.
Your well-wisher,
Julivius