“I suppose my latest hobby is finding ways to enjoy my own company.”
“I’ve come to realise that being alone and being lonely are two very different things.”
After everything Mr C has been through, he has learned to appreciate life in smaller, quieter ways. Here, he shares what his days look like now — and the simple things that bring him joy.
What does a typical day look like for you now?
My days are filled with small routines — some out of habit and others out of necessity. I spend most of my time working from the comfort of my own home. It can get a little lonely at times, so I make a conscious effort to get out of the house every day, even if it’s just for a quick lunch.
When I’m not working, I enjoy watching my favourite shows, playing video games and having some quiet time to myself. I’ve learned to appreciate these routines.
What are some simple things you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy people-watching. I’ll sit at a café or in a park and watch people go about their lives — wondering where they’re going, what they’re thinking about, or sometimes just making up completely ridiculous stories about them in my head.
It’s strangely calming, and it usually puts a smile on my face.
What is your favourite thing to do when you have a day off?
Honestly, just being away from my phone and anything related to work.
I’m quite privileged in the sense that when I’m off work, I can genuinely switch off. Sometimes, doing absolutely nothing is exactly what I need.
Tell us a little about your cat — what is her personality like?
She’s quite selective about who she likes — or, as I’d probably put it in Malay, she’s a little sombong. Haha.
She really only wants me around, which I suppose I should take as a compliment. I find it quite endearing, even if she can be a little demanding sometimes.
Does your cat have any funny or quirky habits that always make you smile?
She’s actually a master communicator. Either that, or I’m slowly becoming the cat whisperer. Haha.
She somehow knows how to convey exactly what she wants — whether she’s hungry, wants attention, wants me to open a door, or simply wants me to follow her somewhere. I don’t always understand her immediately, but she definitely knows how to get her message across.
I think that’s what makes her special.
What is one thing you always look forward to each week?
There’s nothing in particular that I look forward to every single week, but there’s almost always something to look forward to.
It could be plans with friends, a work gathering that gives me the chance to see my colleagues, or something as simple as a little weekend trip.
Have you picked up any new hobbies or interests recently?
I’ve been trying to get better at appreciating the little things and spending more time doing things simply because I enjoy them, rather than because there’s a particular goal attached to them.
That includes working out, exploring places I’ve never been to, playing games and even just sitting somewhere with a cup of coffee and observing the world around me.
I suppose my latest hobby is finding ways to enjoy my own company.
Are there any places in Sarawak that you enjoy visiting when you want to unwind?
I don’t think I have one particular place. For me, it’s more about getting away from my usual surroundings for a while.
Sometimes that means going somewhere with good food, sitting in a quiet café, or simply going for a drive with no real destination in mind. Sarawak has plenty of places where you can do that, and I think that’s something I appreciate about living here.
What is something people who know you might be surprised to learn about you?
People who know me might assume that because I enjoy spending time with friends and being around people, I always need company. But I’m perfectly happy having an entire day to myself.
I’ve come to realise that being alone and being lonely are two very different things.
What is one thing you are grateful for in your life today?
I’m grateful for being in good health. It’s something that we can easily take for granted, but it’s a privilege, and I think I’m much more conscious of that now.
Being healthy gives me the freedom to work, travel, exercise, spend time with the people I care about and simply enjoy life. That’s something I’m genuinely grateful for.
