Singapore taught me a few things about myself

Working at Brands Vietnam has many perks - one of which is getting invited to TikTok [REC]reate event in Singapore. It was nice getting to go on my first business trip ever but it's the other kind of nice - the kind that boost my ego and sense of personal achievement. Either way, 3-days isn't a long period of time, but it was enough for me to learn 3 lessons about myself, so that's kinda helpful. 

1) I make too many excuses

3-days isn't a long period of time, but it was enough for me to make so many excuses. Workout 5 times/week and stop eating when the stomach feels tight are the only 2 criteria that I need to follow to stay in shape. 3 buffets and 3 days of laziness later, I gained a kilogram - officially ended my 5kg post-break up weight loss streak... Who could have seen that coming when you were stuffed with salmon, steak and pizza.

The main problem is how I mentally tell myself that eating a lot is okay because it's "once in a while" or "I'm on vacation"... Consistency is the easiest (or most affordable) way to achieve results and bullshit excuses like this won't help. 

All that food and no decent food pics...

2) What money can actually buy

3-days isn't a long period of time, but it was enough to change my perspective on money. Staying at Pan Pacific Singapore confirm my personal interest: I don't like luxurious things. I like how I can see all of Singapore from my window. The automatic curtain was cool for 5 minutes. Ultimately, being alone in a fancy ass room only makes me feel more empty inside. And that has always been my feeling about money: money should not be my priority because I value my feeling way more.

With that being said, I still slept like a baby for the first time since that incident. About a year ago, a thief sneaked into my room and stole my phone and wallet that were placed right beside my head. I haven't been able to sleep comfortably since. Sleeping in a highly secure hotel on the 32nd floor really put my mind to rest. So even though I won't be buying any luxurious stuffs, I will try to make more money to buy that secure feeling for myself.

That complete Singapore view though...

3) Engagement but no attachment

3-days isn't a long period of time, but it was enough for my heart to realize what it desires. I only got 1 night and 1 morning for myself, the rest was for flying and working. I came out of Singapore the same way as I came in - learned nothing new and had next to no meaningful memory. This is my problem with vacation - I don't like to drag my lazy ass out of my house for JUST a couple of days. My dream vacation would last somewhere between a month to a year (yeah that sound ridiculous) - the appropriate time to really immerse, adapt and truly start to learn about another culture. 

This travel ideal is basically what I want for my relationship. I like engaging new and interesting people with conversations but I can't seem to settling down, even when I found a really great partner. Just like vacation, knowing countless awesome places out there makes me not wanting to attach myself to any place particularly - even when I love that place 3000. 

Quanny Nguyen

#singapore #businesstrip