I had it all backwards.
I wanted my mom and dad to listen to me first before I heard them out. I was so busy trying to change my parents that I forgot to change myself.
I am the only person I can change.
My dad lives a very simple life, and he is always so jolly.
Someone asked him, "Mr. Lam, how do you stay so happy?"
His answer is the reminder I need about what's most important in life.
Growing up, I spoke English with my peers and broken Chinese at home.
I desperately wanted to fit in, so I shunned my mother tongue.
Now, I'm improving my Chinese to connect deeply with my parents.
There is a big difference between understanding a concept and being able to live it out.
I know that I'll be practicing this skill for the rest of my life. It's not easy, but it is the person I want to be.
2018 was the hardest year of my life.
I am deeply grateful for that year because it kick-started the most profound journey of inner work for me.
I learned what was most important in life.
