I always thought about how every city I visited feels different. I felt the energy of the people within the city.
For example, I often say Hong Kong is Asia’s New York City; people immediately understand.
I realized I wasn’t well-read enough to articulate this feeling. Recently, I found a video about Paul Graham’s post, “Cities and Ambition” (2008). Reading his essay, I saw he captured what I felt.
I wasn’t mental when I felt suffocated with energy that didn’t really resonate with me. Consciously surrounding myself with what resonates with me: people, environment, food, and items I wear. I even deactivated social media; I felt there was too much information.
Sometimes a simple post can seem like a flex to others. I get it. I was in marketing, and I understood that social media is a tool to portray oneself in a certain way.
Being in Hong Kong for 9 years has changed me in many ways. Visiting Singapore has been a constant reminder of how I used to view the world. Of course, being a mom has also been a major factor.
Having the privilege to live in three countries throughout the year, and enjoy three different lifestyles. Times have changed, and mobility is part of life.
Jessica Tamaki 