Don't Panic

So I'm kind of known for being ridiculously hard on myself, expecting myself to fit my own definition of perfect and setting insanely high standards for myself. My usual process when things go wrong is this: 

1.Panic

2. Beat myself up

Well, that process doesn't do anything great for anyone. 

First of all panicing only annoys people, mostly whoever you're panicing with, and second of all, life has a way of working itself out. No matter what the problem is, there is always a way to solve it. Sometimes the solution isn't what you expect or even believe, but the problem eventually works itself out. 

Secondly, beating yourself up is just as pointless. It's kind of like falling down a chasm and then sitting there, telling yourself that you belong in the chasm. Well, that won't exactly help you get out! You're not focusing on what's in front of you, what you have to accept and what you are able to do. 

So I guess this is my declaration. Yes I make mistakes, but I don't want to beat myself up anymore. I always give others the benefit of the doubt. I think it's time I give myself the same. 

And as my good friend Kim tells me, things happen for a reason. Maybe I'm meant to be in this situation now, so I can prepare for problems in the future. Maybe this new mindset will help me adapt to the changes I go through starting now. 

Just as the lotus flower blooms from the nastiest mud, I will bloom no matter the circumstances and do my best, because at the end of the day it's all I can do. And you know what? That's enough. 

New mindset. New adventure. 

BRING IT ON! 

On Endings and New Beginnings

As the time for me to leave draws near, I'm already wishing many other people well on their new chapters. 

Before you say goodbye, there's this moment where you run through all the happy memories in your head, and even if you're not saying goodbye for good, it's a melancholy moment. I've met so many people this year. I've reconnected with old friends, made new friends and I've learned so many valuable lessons. Several of my friends are beginning their own adventures all over the world, and some of my friends have already reached stepping stones in their life that I can't even begin to comprehend. 

The beautiful thing about life is that despite differences, distance and perspective, people are ever changing and the world is always changing around them. At work, I'm leaving alongside many other travelers and adventurers. Several of my friends are leaving as well, off to new exciting adventures all over the world.  It's times like these when Kingdom Hearts goes through my head. It's a quote from Kairi that says it all. "There are many worlds, but they all share the same sky. One sky, one destiny." 

It's funny how much you think of people when you're away from them. I'm so blessed to have all these people around me, and I know that their lives are wonderful stories filled with ups and downs. I only hope that my story continues to be connected to theirs', and as all these new chapters begin, we will never forget each other.