Self-discovery

I am making a lot of little discoveries about myself. Discoveries that made me uncomfortable at first, but after awhile, I came to appreciate.

I used to think "self-discovery" was reserved for high school and university - that a degree would automatically confer on me some sort of illuminating Knowledge of what exactly I was supposed to do with my life. A few months post-university and the majority of it spent suffering from a major case of what-the-hell-am-I-doing-with-my-life-itis later, I have come to the conclusion that this is not the case after all.

What a relief to acquiesce to the fact that I am still learning, and that growing up and the discovery of self does not end with school.

So in the spirit of being young forever, here are some of my recent self-discoveries:

1. I like being around women more than I used to. I'd always found it easier to relate to men, but for the life of me, I can no longer understand why or how anymore.
2. I prefer less and good to more and average. From food to conversation to anything, really. I'm determined to fit into my old pre-UK clothes by eating anything I want, just less of it. (Watch this space for updates!) Also, these days, 2-3 delightfully stimulating tête-à-têtes with one or two very dear friends are much preferable to saying yes to every social invitation that comes my way. (I do realise I risk sounding like a snob, but I believe that it's very important to prioritize our nearest and dearest, and there are only so many days in a week.)
3. I am increasingly adopting a decidedly Epicurean philosophy towards life - ie. pleasure through the simple things in life.
4. I am not as fond of debating for its sake as I used to be. More and more things are just not worth expending breath and brain power on.
5. I appreciate manners, and especially greetings, a lot more because I realise I form much of my impressions of others based on their opening lines to me. And it is much more pleasant to be greeted with my name or 'Good morning / afternoon' than the infamously Malaysian 'EH!'
6. I finally have enough patience to read Jane Austen! This is a major accomplishment for a highly impatient reader who never had time for flowery language or intricate descriptions or minute, subtle observations on a person's character. 

That's it for now. Tell me about some of your recent discoveries, if you'd like.