Everyone’s definition of playground is a little different. To the children, they may (must) involve swings, high obstacles and wide open spaces. To the book lovers, it’s obviously the book store and the library when time literally stood still. To me, having a personal space on the Internet where I can try new things out is my play haven.
There were times of uncertainly. I wasn’t sure where this blog was heading. I wasn’t exactly convinced what I was writing is relevant to anyone else but myself. Even there, I doubt my ability and imagine what it would be like for visitors on the other side of the screen to read my writings.
In the past, I used to be obsessed over the visitor’s count on my site. I would be overjoyed if there’s a spike in traffic, but conversely, I would be equally depressed if there was no one coming in. It’s always good to know that people are picking up my site and coming in for more, but I discovered something that makes my life more liberating. It gave me freedom to explore and experiment with topics and writings I wouldn’t have done if I retained old mindset. The mentality of what if…
We can’t tell the future. The only way is to trust ourselves to constantly produce work we are proud of. As Steve Jobs put it, you can’t connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them looking backwards. So, you have to trust the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something: you gut, destiny, karma. Because believe the dots will connect down the road will give you confidence to follow your heart, even when it leads you off the well worn path.
Sometimes, I think about what to include in this blog. Primarily, I have written many technology related articles. They are not exactly comprehensive reviews, nor was it my intention to go that route. I want to share my opinion and my experience of using things that really adds something to my life. They are my thoughts and appreciation for the products and services I have come to like.
There are also times when I think about what doesn’t fit in with my direction of the site. After-all, choosing what to exclude is often the hardest thing. Being focus and single-mindedly pursuing the thing you really want is one of the virtue I admire and hope to cultivate. As much as I want to follow a certain direction, I also want to satisfy my curiosity and write about things which I normally wouldn’t have posted. Topics like travel, culture and branding are some of the topics I’m keen to pursuit in the future.
As we aged and mature, our propensity for the unknowns diminish. We are afraid of making mistakes that could permanently be judged upon us. Going back to the playground, I see children running around, climbing obstacles and gliding down slide. Some will fall, but they all eventually get up and get on with things. Some will have scars, but it’s a matter of accepting them and moving on.
To me, this place resembles a little like the playground. This is a space where I can retreat to and be myself. I’m going to make mistakes and fall just like the kids. The archive is just like the scars. It keeps me grounded of my past as we speed past the months and years.
Just like the little kid in us, we have to stay curious. Happy mistaking.