Letters From The Equator

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Originally uploaded by jaremfan.

I’ve not been active on this blog for awhile because I’ve been active on other online stuff:

http://www.innovators.com.my - a work-related blog that has just been launched, featuring articles on innovation, creativity, prototyping and digital lifestyles. I am its main contributor.

http://www.flickr.com - I got myself a pro account. It sure took me awhile, but I am a happy camper now, with much gratitude for my dad and friends who have been wonderful photography companions.

http://www.businessweek.com/innovate - My primary source of news on innovation, now that Business 2.0 has expired its print run. God bless their souls.

iTunes - I’ve been downloading podcasts like crazy! There’s so much content, and I’ve only just started on iTunes U. My regular feeds include Phil McKinney’s Killer Innovations podcast, and Raul Reis’ Somebody Loves You Radio.

http://blog.penelopetrunk.com - Penelope Trunk has been a source of inspiration the moment I stumbled on her blog through a Lifehack article. I used to think no one cared about the changes in corporate work culture, that it was somehow a result of what your boss wanted you to do and what you got away with. Penelope’s blog provides real answers in today’s work context, and a beacon of hope.

http://www.facebook.com - I hate to admit it, but I log on to Facebook more often than The Star online, and that describes the shift in my online use patterns over the last few months. I really can’t be bothered about what gets published on The Star nowadays.

I apologize that I’ve been describing my life since my absence in terms of where I’ve been online… but that’s just it - my blog is an extension of my online life. Offline, I’ve been spending a considerable amount of time with friends and family. And I think that’s healthy.

Some of that time has gone into editing photos I took from travels and being at dinner places and stuff. You can see my photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaremfan. The other time has gone into work, and I’m still up to my eyes with work. But it’s good work, praise God. Hard, but good work.

I’ve learned through some of this work and personal struggles that I’m a very fearful person. I don’t know if I had this all along, or whether it surfaced out of nowhere recently. But I recognize it now, and it’s not a nice thing.

In order to get along in life, I’ve had to cherish the value of teamwork and trust. I’ve also had to believe in my relationships, even though I was increasingly fearful of hurting people and wanting to not get hurt as well. But relationships are real, and work is real. They both go hand in hand. Fear is … well, just a feeling, at times… too many times.

Another part of me is crazy. So, one part fearful, another part crazy. I’ve been putting my hands into some pretty new stuff, like the food aggregating site, Interaction Design, and the innovation stuff. A lot of it is very new to me, and I’m practically alone on this one, with no one to guide me except books I’ve been picking up and tons of articles and podcasts and a lot of trial and error.

I don’t know why, but I got into this because I felt very strongly that it would make a difference - not just to me, but a lot of other people as well. I’m thankful that I’ve been given the opportunity to pursue these things, but the road has been littered with numerous failures and lots of lessons.

I’m far from done, and sometimes it really feels like I’ve barely started, but the experience has been rewarding as it has been difficult, and I’m grateful to everyone who lent me their support, an ear and their advice.

2008 is just around the corner, and I have a feeling it’ll be a clean slate of sorts. It’s as though 2007 was a year of endings, and whatever beginnings should take place would happen in 2008.

In many ways, I feel prepared for the year ahead. I’m glad I pushed myself against one obstacle after the next, because I can retell the stories - every single one of them. And those are moments which are invaluable in and of themselves.

I just pray that God will turn my existing failures into blessings. It will happen, by his grace.

To everyone, have a great Christmas and an equally wonderful New Year!