Replying to my 27-year-old self

Writing back to my younger self as a 30-year-old

When I was 27 year old, I wrote a letter to myself for when I turn 30 (you can read it here). Well, I turned 30 two weeks ago so it’s time to reply my younger self.

Hey, younger Nana. You have quite a number of questions in the letter. Let me answer them for you.

Did you graduate from medical school? Are you a junior doctor now?
Through blood, sweat and tears - I graduated, yes. I am a junior doctor - although people call us ‘resident doctor’ in the UK now. But not for long. You are right, medicine is tough and I realised at the beginning of my first year working as a doctor that it’s not for me. I’m going to switch careers into software engineering. I bet you’re not surprised because I do remember all those times where you doubted whether medicine was the right choice for you during medical school.

Are you married to Akash yet or are you still planning for the wedding?
We’re getting married in December! Wedding planning is in full swing. I’m so excited, eep.

Do you have kid(s) yet?
Not yet but we’re planning on trying for a baby after the wedding. The thought of being a mom excites and scares me at the same time.

How’s the family doing?
They’re all doing well. Our parents opened two restaurants in Thailand, and their food is really tasty. Dad had some major health problems but he’s doing good now. Our brother is working as a software engineer in London, and he’s living an amazing life. Our sister is in her 5th year of medical school in Bangkok alongside her boyfriend.

How many liked songs do you have on Spotify?
You had 800 songs and since then I’ve added about 1,000 more songs to our Spotify libary. My recent favourites are ‘my light’ by Yung Kai, ‘Memory Foam’ by Sabrina Claudio and ‘with ease’ by Joon. Here are my top fave songs over the past few years:

Is your hair still dyed brown?
Yep - it’s currently more red than brown and I love it.

Random things about me, at 30:

• Akash and I are currently watching the anime, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. I love love love this anime with all my heart. It’s so peaceful, and the character development and world building is simply world-class.

• We got a cat last year! She’s a ragdoll named Mochi, and she brings so much joy to our lives. Look at what a cutie she is:

• My weight is something I’m still struggling with. I still have the same sentiment as you, younger Nana - I really want to be slim and fit but god, why must food be so good? But since the wedding is coming up, I’m definitely going to do my best to cut successfully this time. I want to look and feel my best on our special day, y’know?

• I’m trying to get back into reading again. I fell into a reading slump not long ago and have attempted to read books but I couldn’t finish them, including ‘Dallergut Dream Department Store’ by Miye Lee and ‘The Midnight Library’ by Matt Haig. The only book I actually read from beginning to end recently is ‘The Silent Patient’ by Alex Michaelides. I learned that thriller is the only genre that gets me hooked.

Apart from my career switching, I think the major thing that’s changed over the past 3 years is that I’ve entered my peaceful era (more on this here). Turning 30 is probably one of the best things that’s happened to me so far. I’ve got a new career to strive for, a wedding to look forward to and a furry friend to keep me company.

Looking forward to what my 30s will bring!

With love,
Nana

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