It’s been a while. I’ve noticed that, no matter what I plan, without true will, nothing gets done. Since I last posted here, my routine has changed quite a bit. I slipped into a comfort zone that has prevented me from acting on all my plans.
First, I stopped going to CrossFit classes. Then, I stopped running. Finally, my gym sessions haven’t been the same for a while. The root cause has yet to be determined, but I suspect it has something to do with turning forty.
Today is Sunday, and I am writing this from a new keyboard in an office that has seen quite a few changes over the last couple of months. It’s time for new plans, and I am trying to commit to myself once more.
This week, I hope to go back to running and also resume CrossFit. I’ve got a good plan for my gym sessions too.
Wish me luck.
Last November, my wife and I finally embarked on our long-awaited trip to Japan, a journey we had postponed several times. Despite extensive research, which somewhat dampened my initial excitement, the experience of actually being there brought a fresh wave of enthusiasm.
One of the first surprises was the scale of the places we visited. Some of the “biggest” attractions that seemed vast online turned out to be quite compact in reality. This contrast between expectation and reality was a recurring theme of our trip, adding a layer of charm to our exploration.
Coming from Brazil, the cultural differences were stark. I observed that the demeanor of the Japanese people often reflected a deep-seated seriousness, likely rooted in the country’s strong work ethic. While Japan is renowned for its progress and excellence—a testament to its work-oriented culture—this trip made me reflect on the balance between work and life. The country’s current economic challenges suggest that there might be valuable lessons in seeking a more balanced lifestyle.
Japan’s obsession with cleanliness was another aspect that caught my attention. Despite the scarcity of trash cans, it is the cleanest place I have ever visited. This paradox is a testament to the civic sense of the Japanese people and their respect for the environment.
The sheer number of people, especially in urban centers, was overwhelming. The crowds are massive, adding a dynamic but chaotic pulse to the streets. Contrary to some claims about over-tourism, I found that the issue isn’t with the number of tourists in general. Specifically, in places like Kyoto, the influx of tourists from specific regions can impact the quality of the experience. The behaviors and etiquette of large tour groups can sometimes detract from the tranquility and respect traditionally associated with Japanese culture.
Given this, while I recommend visiting Japan for its unique culture and stunning cleanliness, I would advise avoiding the most touristic sites during peak times or exploring less known locales to fully appreciate what this beautiful country has to offer.
Our journey through Japan was not just a vacation, but an opportunity to gain insights into a culture that prioritizes diligence, perhaps at the expense of personal happiness. These reflections made our trip not only a physical journey but also an exploration of different ways of living.
The new TTArtisan 75mm f/1.5 is simply amazing. It wouldn’t be my first lens, but, if it’s not yours either, I suggest you pickup one.
It’s been a while, but I am back.
I’ve spent some time reevaluating my goals. For the most part, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I can’t do everything at once. So, I’ll do the best that I can, at the things that give me more satisfaction. I realize that this feeling isn’t new, but that’s how it is.
Anyway, here are some images from the last few months.
I realize that I haven’t been posting as much as I’d like to. I’ve slipped back into the habit of spending too much time on Instagram, and my involvement in numerous side projects has also kept me from posting more frequently.
Unfortunately, for the same reasons, my reading (beyond work-related material) has also been minimal lately.
I’m committed to changing this moving forward. Remember, progress is a journey that includes both steps forward and steps back.
We had a wonderful time this weekend with my mother. She turned a simple hose into the centrepiece of a fantastic party for our little one. He filled our day with joy and laughter.
I cannot recommend it enough. It’s an eye-opening short novel that can be read in a couple of hours and can have a profound effect on you. Here is it’s description:
Hailed as one of the world’s supreme masterpieces on the subject of death and dying, The Death of Ivan Ilyich is the story of a worldly careerist, a high court judge who has never given the inevitability of his dying so much as a passing thought. But one day, death announces itself to him, and to his shocked surprise, he is brought face to face with his own mortality.
How, Tolstoy asks, does an unreflective man confront his one and only moment of truth?
This short novel was an artistic culmination of a profound spiritual crisis in Tolstoy’s life, a nine-year period following the publication of Anna Karenina during which he wrote not a word of fiction.
A thoroughly absorbing, and, at times, terrifying glimpse into the abyss of death, it is also a strong testament to the possibility of finding spiritual salvation.
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