The 21 of 2021 — Andrea Wong

21 Things I Loved, Learned, Embraced and Explored

Another year comes to a close and this one has been unlike any other. If you have been following me for a while you know that every year I write one of these reflections looking back on the adventures, areas of growth and things I am grateful for. But this year I am doing something slightly different because this year looked really different for me. This year was marked by deep personal reflection around identity, assignment and rhythms of life. It was a year that pushed me to engage in new ways emotionally, required me to set aside old unhealthy thought patterns around achievement and forced me to be still and rest. What started as what I thought would be another full season of competing on Symetra Tour turned into taking a step back and pausing golf halfway through the year.

For three months I sat in the tension of deciding if continuing to play was what I was supposed to do. It was during this time God met me, renewed my spirit and brought new perspective. I wrote another piece specifically on this period titled Wandering & Wresting to the Way if you curious to read about my process and how I was led back to golf. That time away from competing was something I was most grateful for this year. It formed me in a way no other time has and it the reasons and motives behind almost all the lessons learned, highlights and notable memories from this year. Here are the sites, scenes, events, eats and more from the year!

Biggest things I learned?

1.Sitting in stillness & quiet

The pace of life has gotten so fast. If we don’t intentionally move in the opposite spirit and unhurry it is easy to burnout. This year I started carving out about 10 minutes a day to just sit and be still. It was hugely impactful for me because it helped quiet my mind, center my heart and make space for God. It forces me to slow down, which is something I need.

Along with that, I learned the value of solitude. I look a four day no technology trip to the beach in September. Not talking or seeing people and just reading and journaling was challenging, but the lack of distraction and silence really allowed me to engage with my own thoughts and God more deeply. I highly recommend shorter or longer bouts of silence and stillness.

2. Rest

This year I took an extended period of rest and it was one of the best things I have done. I have always been so on the go and productivity orientated I didn't know how to rest. This year I learned like anything else resting also takes practice and discipline. The world tells us that we always need to be working, but even God rested on the seventh day [Genesis 2:2]. For healthy and sustainable rhythms of life we need rhythms of rest. Through my time of rest this year I learned how to truly delight in things and do things that bring me joy without feeling guilty.

3. How to wrestle well

In life we are going to face tough decisions. I think the mid 20s are especially difficult because we feel a pressure that our choses in this time carry more weight. I have always been one to like to have things figured out quickly and I learned that when we properly posture our hearts and fully submit to the season there will be fruit, direction will come and God will move. Sometimes the best decision is to choose the one that is most kind to yourself and sometimes the best decision is to choose what will require the most courageous. Maybe choosing kindness toward yourself is courageous! Submit to the season, be kind and act courageously.

4. Community shows up

Community is always something I have cared about deeply. Through the seasons I have made amazing friends and found great support that have made my heart full and loved. Specifically in San Francisco I have found community that is really commitment and does daily life together. When I went through a hard time this year they showed up! When I really needed them, they were waiting right there. Say yes and invest in community because its worth it.

What did God teach me?

5. He is the Best author

6. Oneness of faith and work

7. The importance of living in full dependence on Him

More details on how God taught me these things here

What was new this year?

8. Perspective

This year was emotionally tumultuous. I was confused, tired and unsure, but on the other side brought new perspective. We are all on a journey and the most important thing is to simply be faithful— faithful with what God has give and faithful with where he is leading. It’s okay to lay down all the things you think you’re supposed to do and only know the one next step.

9. Coach

I decided to make a coaching change this year and tried a number of coaches at the end of this year. I landed on one in San Diego and I am excited about working together! I think he is a great communicator and has a thoughtful teaching method.

10. Friends

If you know me, you know, I love connecting with new people and there was no lack of new friends this year. I met so many amazing people and one who has been the most fun is Riley! From SD beach hangs to SF golden hour hikes with the best convos; it has been such a joy to do life with this fierce and fiery women.

11. Babies

Pup- We got a new puppy, Momo! She is the sister of Appa, who my sister got last year. She is the sweetest girl and getting bigger by the day. I love talking her own long walks at Fort Funston. Both Appa and Momo bring a lot of joy to our family!
Auntie- A few of my closest friends had babies this year and I love being an auntie! It is the sweetest getting cuddles from them. I am so grateful to be part of their lives and watch them grow up first hand!

Sites Seen Highlights:

12. National parks

Yosemite
I took my first trip to Yosemite this summer and it was nothing short of amazing. The vastness of the mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and trees are unlike anything I’ve seen. We hiked Half Dome, swam in the rivers of the valley floor and just lay in the fields admiring the scenery. I cannot wait to go back next year.
Joshua Tree
I did some off season practice in Palm Springs earlier in the year which is just a short drive away from Joshua tree! So one day a few friends and I made the drive to explore and do a little hiking in the park. Most notable the cholla cactus garden and the fact that we almost ran out of gas. I’ve heard Joshua Tree is actually the best at night to look at the stars so I’m stoked to go back and camp overnight hopefully soon!

13. Kona

I also got to spend a week in Kona Hawaii this year! My friends at YWAM were hosting a group and invited me to come join them. It was such a special trip because I have no schedule when I was there. It was a much need time of rest, healing and being in community. I am super grateful for the time and people I got to be there with. I also ate the best shave ice of my life there! Still dreaming for it.

Joshua Tress adventures with Jeehae Unni and our sweet boy Donut

What did we do?

14. Weddings

15. Next Gen Summit

Q Ideas, a platform to help leaders and influencers engage culture from a biblical worldview, hosted the Next Gen Summit which brought together 200 young adults leaders for a 3 days retreat style event in Nashville. Amazing christian leaders came to equip us with tools and wisdom on how to be better leaders and servants in our communities and spheres of influence. It was an extremely powerful time of learning and connecting with fellow brothers and sisters in christ.

Favorite books, Beats and TV:

16. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

A fun and thoughtful read on a therapist’s own experience of going to therapy, three of her own cases and the value of talking to someone.

17. Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas

This book is for you if you are looking for deeper communion with God and to engage with complexities of race, sexuality, and social justice. It gives really fresh perspective and helpful insights around how to establish healthy rhythms and values for the Christian life.

18. Never Fail by Hillsong Young and Free

19. Cold Heart by Elton John Ft. Dua Lipa Remixed by PNAU

20. Ted Lasso

This is such a feel good show about a college football coach turned English Premier League coach. It has the positive energy anyone could use in their life. Here are a couple of my favorite quotes from the show.

"You know what the happiest animal on Earth is? It's a goldfish. You know why? It's got a 10-second memory."

“If you care about someone, and you got a little love in your heart, there ain't nothing you can't get through together."

thought that really made an Impact ~

21. “Judgment and curiosity cannot co-exist. When we judge someone or something, curiosity goes out the window, and with it creativity. Creativity is crucial to extraordinary performance, and when we lose it, we lose a lot. We need a clear mind that can see solutions under pressure, and judgment takes that away.”

- Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy

Bonus Bible, bites, brews and bakes

verse that really got me through the year:

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices.” Psalm 37: 3-7

Prosciutto & Brie Croissant from Lofty Coffee, SD
no picture available, devoured too quickly
Steady State Coffee flat white - Carlsbad, CA
Hattie B’s Nashville Hot Chicken
click here to watch Alexis try the highest spice level
my cake, pie and sweet treat highlights pictured below

Thanks for reading and journeying with me. 2021 was filled with unexpected turns, but God’s mercy and kindness were absolutely abundant. The challenges were still laced with joy and even though there were many moments this year where nothing felt like it made sense everything still held together by grace.

I am grateful for your faithfulness in my life and supporting me through all the seasons. I am grateful to be pursuing golf, building community, and growing faith. Thank you to everyone who has sowed, encouraged, held, and lifted me up this year. Because of you I enter into this new year with excitement, surrender and hope.

Lots of love,

Dre