Finding a balance in life...

Let's see: Academic, Social, Spiritual, Physiological (aka exercise!), Leisure (not counting Social). Yup, I think that covers most of the areas in my life. Not in any particular order of priority, just yet.


The Academic
Well, almost certainly this has one of the highest priorities. Ever since I've had to fund my own education, the emphasis on 'not messing around' when it comes to the books is certainly critical. This goes without saying, really. Well, I'm aiming for a 2nd Upp. come year 4, no less.

Spiritual
Hmmm...have I been really placing enough emphasis on this area? Well, we're all granted 'dry' spells, I suppose. Having attended a training workshop recently for Cell Group Leaders (CGL), I recall how it was taught that 3 main elements are essential in maintaining one's faith, namely: Prayer, Sacraments and the Word. Well, I've been trying to fulfill the latter two by attending weekday masses, and looking up the daily mass readings (been thinking of getting a biblical commentary for this purpose - the interpretations in the Jerome Bib. Commentary are apparently very useful). However, when it comes to the most intimate level of prayer i.e. quiet time/simply taking the time to visit the adoration room in Church - well, I've been a little tardy in this area, to say the least.

Social
To a significant extent, I would have to say that this sphere of my life certainly surrounds most of the people in my life who mean a lot to me, save for a handful. Off-hand, I could probably name Yin Hong (my campmate and buddy since 5SIR - Sept 2004), Marlini (classmate in CJC and probably my closest non-Chinese friend of either gender), Kathleen and Charlotte (both of whom I've had the pleasure of making the acquaintance with, here in NUS. Uni life has certainly been more colourful since meeting these two incredibly intelligent women - and by 'intelligent', I don't just mean grade-smart or IQ smart; the two them probably constitute rare finds among girl friends I can communicate with without feeling confused (by what they really mean)/lost (due to vastly differing modes of thought) or simply bored (pardon me, but to quote Kathleen - "airheads" who really make you feel that prolonged exposure with them actually results in IQ loss).

No offense to the opposite sex, in general, but I'm merely being honest. Personally though, I feel most women are really intelligent; it's just that often they choose not to show it - and it's precisely that - not showing what they really mean/how they really feel, that drives me NUTS.

Physiological/Leisure
A physiotherapist had recently advised me on how I should be taking care of my knees. Lately, it's been feeling like it's not merely my knees that needs taking care of - the exuberance of youth is slowly fading away...hah. Well, better to maintain one's fitness now than try to suddenly pick it up in one's 30s, 40s or even beyond that! My dad is certainly a testimony to that fact ;) hehe..

Well, I shan't delve too much into the non-exercise type of leisure (which mostly involves sitting in front of the com, watching anime, playing games etc.). As for exercise, I've got to make it a point to make full use of my ClubFitt membership, and also let Victor drag me along for more of his running 'escapades' (which isn't exactly the best for my knees, but once in a week or two can't be that bad, right?). Cycling, swimming are the other main ways I can keep fit - whenever I can squeeze in time after everything else. It's not without reason that it's called "leisure" time, right?

Hah..well, getting a balance..I suppose if I could incorporate the God-element into my books, I'd be just about set. Hmmm..now just to figure out how, exactly..

raneth hopped off at 4:58 am