Reflections on Life and Nature
The second half of December unfolded as a series of ordinary workdays layered with unexpected emotions, small achievements, and quiet realizations. Each day carried its own rhythm, blending routine with moments that lingered longer than expected.
Between awards, movies, interviews, and late-night thoughts, a clear desire emerged to pause and reconnect with nature, even if only for a few days.
As the year neared its end, the decision to head to Okinawa became a promise to reset, heal, and step into 2026 with intention.
December 15 to 16, familiar routines and quiet surprises
December 15 began like any other workday at Hyatt. A brief moment of rest, jokingly called jellyfish time, brought a small sense of relief amid routine tasks.
A farewell postcard and handwritten note left behind by a colleague marked a subtle emotional shift, followed by an unplanned evening meeting with a friend that felt unexpectedly comforting.
On December 16, while away on fieldwork, a company closing meeting took place. Without my knowledge, a colleague submitted my photo for the Best Photo Award, and it surprisingly won first place.
December 17, immersion through film and reflection
December 17 revolved entirely around Avatar. Watching the films again, especially in a 4DX theater at dawn in Hongdae, was overwhelming in the most immersive way.
The story sparked deep thoughts about humanity, nature, and imbalance, leaving a lingering emotional weight long after the screening ended.
Later that day, meetings and a tense lunch gathering followed, with final results announced under forced calm. Waiting for the outcome felt heavier than failure itself.
December 18 to 19, pressure, resilience, and good news
Without fully settling my thoughts, December 18 led into a soju tasting event with longtime Gen Z friends. Work pressure lingered, and the day also included a nerve-racking job interview that deeply affected a close friend.
Despite fear and hesitation, the night carried on, and by the next day, good news arrived. The successful job transition brought genuine relief and celebration.
December 19 quietly returned to routine work, closing another intense stretch of the week.
December 20 to 21, choosing nature and looking ahead
On December 20, I decided to give myself a gift of healing by planning a short trip to Okinawa. With only a few days available before returning to work, the choice felt sudden yet certain.
The sea, sunsets, music, and a beer on the beach have always been sources of comfort. Okinawa promised all of that, even if Korean menus were impossible to escape.
December 21 carried a Christmas-like calm. Thoughts turned toward health, happiness, family milestones, and personal resolve for 2026. Dessert at Standard Bread marked a quiet pause before departure.
Without regret for past choices, the path forward felt clear. It was finally time to go.
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