Growth Reflections, Puppy Life, and Breaking the Materialism Cycle
Article #114 of Life Unlocked - A self-discovery newsletter by Dr Yath
Dear Friends,
This past year has been one of transformation, growth, and unexpected lessons. From the whirlwind of bringing home a puppy to celebrating a year of marriage and homeownership, life has been full of joys and challenges. My career in health tech has pushed me to grow in new ways, while moments of reflection have revealed what truly matters beyond material pursuits. On the fitness front, I have made strides in activity but faced setbacks with nutrition. Let’s dive in.
Materialism — It is one of those distractions that often pulls us away from what really matters. I have caught myself in the cycle of buying something new in search of happiness. Whether it is a new gadget, better clothes, or something to improve the home, the excitement fades quickly. The truth is, these things rarely bring the satisfaction we hope for. The happiness they bring is fleeting. What I have learned is that true contentment comes from living with intention and focusing on experiences and connections. Happiness cannot be found in a shop, but it can be built through the life we design for ourselves. Ps — everyone should get Sonos though, that stuff sounds very good. Every time.
Puppy life — Bringing home a puppy has been one of the most transformative and joyful experiences of my life. The challenges are constant, from toilet training and the constant chewing to dealing with tantrums and distracted walks. It is difficult work, but the love and companionship make it worthwhile. In many ways, it feels like a preview of what growing a family might look like in the future. It is a balance of chaos and connection, teaching me how to be more patient and reminding me of the beauty of caring and being a responsible parent, or pawrent.
Career progress — I’ve made significant progress in my health-tech career this year. I have grown in confidence, taken on more responsibility, and continued to learn at an incredible pace. Yet, I sometimes miss clinical medicine and the direct interactions with patients that provided me with a lot of satisfaction. It is an ongoing reflection, and now I can see my future self blending these two paths. Combining health tech with a clinical career in general practice feels like a meaningful way to bring the best of both worlds together. I’ve recently become fascinated by the power of lifestyle medicine and with longevity medicine becoming increasingly relevant, there could be a niche for me here.
Mixed fitness progress — In terms of fitness, this year has been full of progress and lessons. I added more structure to my workouts and increased my activity levels with gym sessions, cardio, and even swimming lessons, fulfilling a lifelong goal of learning to finally learn how to swim. Despite these efforts, my diet has let me down. This has held back my progress, but it has also clarified my priorities. Next year, I plan to focus on healthier eating habits and aim to lose ten kilos steadily and sustainably.
One-year milestones — This year also marked one year of marriage and one year of homeownership. These milestones have been a source of joy and growth. Marriage has been a learning experience, teaching us how to complement each other’s strengths and work as a team. Owning a home has been an ongoing project, with something new to fix or improve every month. Setting aside a budget for maintenance has been essential, but the pride and satisfaction of having a space that is truly ours is unmatched. These experiences have made life richer in ways I could not have imagined.
As I reflect, one thing stands out. Life is not about having everything perfectly planned. It is about showing up, embracing the messiness, and allowing things to unfold naturally. Not every day will go as expected, but there is joy in the process. Here is to sharing more as it comes, at a pace that feels right. Next week, I plan on making several recommendations on many topics: books, courses, gadgets, and more things I’ve truly enjoyed this year.
Quote 🧠
"The Chinese define image in these terms: there are three mirrors that form a person’s reflection; the first is how you see yourself, the second is how others see you and the third mirror reflects the truth." — Robin Sharma (The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari).
Warm regards,
Yath
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