2022 Year End Review

As per my blog's tradition, each year I will review my year based on the resolutions I have set for myself and look forward to the new year with great expectations. I am also pretty happy that I've kept this blog going for 7 years without fail, documenting my journey as a poker player and my involvement in the industry. I hope I can keep going and somehow I have a feeling the best is yet to come. 

Kirstenbosch, Cape Town South Africa

The first resolution I had for 2022 was to be hyper disciplined. I can't say I did that earlier in the year. As the economy started to falter, I felt the pressure to seek alternative sources of income and during that time I definitely deviated from my plans a bit. However in June/July I gave myself a wake up call and turned it around. I am proud to say I have been quite disciplined since then. For more than 1 year now I have stuck to my one-meal-a-day diet 95% of the time. I've not made a degen bet even with the World Cup nor table game bets even though I am often bored and stuck near a casino. I am more aware of my mental state during games and I've stayed patient and controlled in later tournaments in the year. 

Hanoi, Vietnam

In the beginning of the year I've set myself a goal to seek alternative sources of income. I did rely on crypto income for a while but when the whole economy started tanking I felt kind of lost. However later I did land a couple of additional sources of income, not a lot but enough to stop me from panicking and potentially doing something stupid. 

Montecasino, Johannesburg South Africa

I wanted to play more poker in 2022 and I definitely did compared to 2021. But I started traveling for poker after May. Some selfish idiot decided to call the cops on a juicy regular game so I had to seek alternative games. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise after all. This year I travelled to Manila, Hanoi (3 times), Ho Chi Minh, Genting Highlands, Phnom Penh (twice), Hoi An, Johannesburg and Cape Town. I played in 9 main events in total and cashed 4 of those. Final tabled 4 times at side events including two 2nd place finishes. Cashed a Mystery Bounty event for the first time in my career whilst picking up my 8th Hendon Mob country flag. Not too shabby for just 7 months of part time grinding. South Africa was extra special because it was the 20th country I've played poker in and now I've covered all 5 continents in the world. 

Danang, Vietnam

Health wise I didn't do much exercise but I have lost 9kgs from my highest weight and kept it off the whole year. The trick is simple, just one meal a day, a more aggressive intermittent fasting technique. It is not hard at all and this VIDEO is where I got the inspiration. Apparently it is not just to lose weight. It comes with plenty of health benefits. I want to live a long life and I think I can contribute to the world more if I get the time and opportunity. I encourage you guys to watch that video and try it for yourselves.

View from Signal Hill, Cape Town South Africa

This year was not a financially great year for me. Although I did make money through poker, I've lost my net worth from other things. We are still living in a recession and due to family reasons I can't be playing poker full time, so that limits my income and financial security. However this year was probably the happiest I have been in my life. I've learned to appreciate the blessings I have in my life that are more important than money and material needs. My poker buddy recently passed away, and over the years I've also lost two other poker friends, one to COVID and another who took his own life. It made me appreciate life more than anything else, and the importance to be happy and contented. I see some of my friends making millions, driving fancy sports cars but I doubt they are half as happy as I am. I would not trade the path I'm on with anyone of them. 

Hoi An, Vietnam

2022 was a year that I grew up a lot. Sounds funny coming from a guy my age, but I've learned so much about myself, my life and how I want to live it, what's important what's not, and what I want to do when I do reach my financial goals. Some people might think my faith is dumb but if they knew how happy I am, they would envy me. Everything that I have is from God, especially my positive outlook on life. However I feel my time to shine is coming, (trophy number 5? or my first ring/bracelet?) but even if it doesn't, I will continue to live happily in faith.

I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:11–13)