I’ve distilled what gives me meaning into three themes: movement, curiosity, and depth.
Together, they’ve become a kind of personal compass, one that keeps pulling me towards exploration. When I make space for curiosity, the other two tend to follow naturally. It leads to spontaneity and a sense that life is something to keep discovering rather than “figuring out” once and for all.
I’ve come to think less about finding a single overarching purpose and more about collecting deep-dive experiences; journeys that keep me learning, moving, and connecting.
Looking back, I think I’ve been doing this instinctively for a long time. I’m happiest when I’m somewhere that makes me pay attention, and I’ve often found myself drawn to places with complex histories and perspectives. I’ve been lucky enough to visit ChongQing, Chernobyl, the West Bank, and the Deep South US, trying to understand stories different from my own and make sense of things. And when I have quiet time, I tend to get lost in an engineering concept or a piece of history.
For a while, I got caught up in the usual things: achievement, comfort, and the idea that I should be building something impressive. But I realised I feel most fulfilled by things that are harder to measure. My work now is to stay curious, to experience things fully, and to keep moving toward what feels most alive… and honestly, to let that be enough.