Everyday London

Hello there, it has been a hot minute since I moved from Singapore to London for my new job.

The experience has been scary but mostly rewarding. Every day, I cannot believe that I am here and living my dream of working abroad and doing something I define as impactful.

If I’m having a difficult feelings, I look down at my feet and where I am standing, somehow, there is always this swell of gratitude that washes everything away.

One thing I wish to do something about my consistency in writing and dependency in using AI. I mostly come up with the ideas in bullet points, what tone I want to adopt and let AI put it into prose. I get the feeling that it might be making me lazy and uncreative overtime. So this post shall be not edited by AI at all.

What I appreciate about London so far

Quality conversations and connections

People are quicker and more open to being vulnerable. This provides the opportunity to have intimate conversations and build trust faster. Instead of surface level “what is your job”, it quite quickly becomes “what do you like about it”, “what is the most challenging part” etc. I really like that this is the standard rather than exception.

Lots of walks along the canal and in nature

When the weather is good (like it is now), everyone takes such great advantage of it. You’d see a lot of people sitting outside, having coffee and picnics. There is this canal that I am close to. I don’t know what about it makes it great for my mental health but I know it doing something. A picture probably speaks a thousand words.

Phones down, books out

Because some part of London doesn’t have great internet connection, especially the tube, you’d see plenty of people reading. It’s fascinating how people still have enough attention span to get through a book. I am a bigger fan of listening to podcasts but don’t quite like how it still requires me to use my phone i.e. pick out the next podcast.

Writing in London is more easy and difficult at the same time.

There is actually lots of reflections and learnings to put down, which is in itself scary. In addition, there are exciting and shiny things distracting you at the same time.

I did 1001 things before I typed this out, there was a weird pounding in my head, and anticipation for something else to happen so I can get distracted by it.

Thankfully, I am now at this point and already starting to think about how to reward myself after. This should make for a positive feedback loop. Overall, an extremely good way to start a Sunday.

Off to play frisbee at Regent’s Park, see you soon!

Reply to this email to let me know how you’ve enjoyed my content so far and it has helped you. This really keeps me going 🙂 

I’ll always be here,

Joping

Joping is Certified Coach based in Singapore. She believes courage helps us embrace our fears and lead the lives we want. This newsletter is the manifestation of her courage.