After my sober October, I had this realization: I spend way too much time reflecting, and what I really crave is new experiences, adventure, and excitement. I’ve been writing a lot, but somewhere along the way, it stopped bringing me joy. So I decided:
I told myself to take a break from writing and, instead, do something new every day—something I’ve never tried before, or something I haven’t done in a long time. It sounded like a huge challenge, but I gave myself permission to count even the smallest new things. Like trying out my new 5000 ppm toothpaste, for example.
Some interesting shit I tried including
the most public: giving a talk about how to learn in an ai era. (yet, I don’t know what I’m talking but I believe other speakers have much ideas either)
the most fun: first time be a lead in zouk dance!
the craziest: We launch an ai balloon into space. We sent a ballon to the space and sent an ai workflow back. It might be the first ai in space!
the scariest: volunteer demo bachata in bachata class
the most adventurous: we got into a secret building and chased by the security
the most tiring: social impact hackathon for housing laws
the most wholesome: Thanksgiving with a new group of friends I don’t know. But they are great chef with great humor.
the most learning oriented: Take class with Colombia MBA students
Sometimes, trying new things can be really uncomfortable—like going back to a Spanish class after not studying the language for a year. It’s intimidating because I know I’ll face the difference between how good I was and how much I’ve forgotten. But after the class, I felt a real sense of achievement, realizing that I had the courage to take that first step.
Since graduation, I’ve started to feel really bored. Living in the same city for so long offers stability and the chance to form deeper connections, but my curiosity is hungry for something different—people who challenge me, a culture that forces me to reconsider my values. So I created my own challenge: 30 days of trying new things.
What I’ve learned is that life isn’t inherently boring—it’s me who’s been too lazy to make the effort to explore, to search, to experience. It’s easy to avoid the discomfort that comes with trying something new because it can be scary, exhausting, or just plain awkward. But maybe that discomfort, that spark of spontaneity, is exactly what makes life colorful.
After so many diverse experiences, I’ve noticed my thoughts have shifted from just repeating what I already know to gaining deeper insights. It’s like my mind has opened up to new possibilities. For example:
I learned that rocket science isn’t some just for God—I could totally do it too, especially after launching that AI balloon. If I can wrap my head around rocket science, then I honestly believe I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
Leading in zouk dancing taught me that leading doesn’t mean being judged by others. I was definitely terrible doing it, but it didn’t matter—everyone was laughing when they dancing with me! It was about the energy and connection I give out to people.
Going to that secret building made me realize just how much I love adventure. Rules don’t have to limit me—I can always find a way to maneuver around them. The thrill of the unknown is where I feel most alive.
Thanksgiving dinner reminded me that I need to be more open to making new friends. I’ve been so focused on work that I forgot there are still interesting, amazing people in this city who are worth connecting with.
Taking a class in Colombia's MBA program revealed something surprising: no one was using AI to assist their learning in class! Imagine if we had an AI copilot that could take notes for us while we focus on understanding and engaging. It’s such an untapped opportunity!
Each of these experiences has revealed new sides of me, from them I know there’s still so much more to explore. Every step I take leads me to new angles of who I am—and I’m excited to keep uncovering them.
Oh how much I love your spirit !!🐥