Lessons learned from solo travel #3

3. I become more grateful and learned to appreciate the little things in life

You might think I'm strange but sports kit is essential when I'm on a solo vacation. I remember getting comments from people like "So you went to country and you didn't visit place but went running instead?" I like running outdoors in another country because it helps me to clear the space in my head whilst I am admiring nature's beauty. There's just something about morning runs that are so extraordinary, it helps me to feel empowered to face a new day, forget about the past and simply enjoy what life has to offer. Simple things like a cup of coffee and a few slices of freshly baked bread after a long run, or simple greetings and smiles you receive from the people when you're running. Not to forget the thoughtful hotel receptionist that noticed I skipped a day of running and offered me bandages. These little acts of kindness and care are what make life beautiful and we shouldn't take them for granted.

Other than running outdoors, I love going to cafes when I'm on a vacation. You might assume I go to cafes for the food since I'm BOKCHOYEATS, but the truth is I love the experience (Good food is, of course, a bonus!) It's so inspiring to see people working hard towards the things they are passionate and enthusiastic about. I find it reassuring watching other people engaging in activities they love because it encourages me and gives me hope that one day I will also be able to do the things I love for a living! Paying attention to how people treat each other, how people are being mindful and understanding, the charm they spark are simply magnetizing.

"I wish my life is as easy as his/hers.", "Why is his/her life so perfect?", "why does this happen to me?" etc. Sounds familiar? Humans are probably the most bizarre creatures in the animal kingdom. It seems like it's almost impossible to feel complete, to be fully satisfied with what we have, hence we are constantly craving for more. We tend to focus on the negative things in life that we miss out on noticing the great things. Just because you think he/she has a perfect life doesn’t mean they do. People only show the positive side of their life, you don’t know what's hiding behind that beautiful cover. Funny enough, when you're wishing to have somebody's life, there are people out there wishing to have a life like yours!

Don't just be grateful for the great things in life, but also be thankful for the challenges and unpleasant moments in life. Appreciate the challenges because they have made you stronger. Just because some things didn't work out for you doesn't mean it will never work out, maybe it's doing you a favour by rejecting you. Don't dwell in the past, embrace the future with an open mind and a willing heart. As cliche as it sounds, what’s meant to be, will be. Life is like a road, sometimes the road is smooth, sometimes it's rough with some bumps and cracks. When you drive and reach a dead-end street, do you just stop there and not move? No, you find other routes that lead you to the destination, it will take a little bit longer, a little more petrol, maybe some of your precious 5g, but at the end of the day you will reach your destination. So, have some faith :)

One of the things that I am immensely thankful for is the opportunity to celebrate my birthday in an orphanage when I was in primary school. I remember being so embarrassed that I didn't know who to invite back then as I was scared that my friends would judge me since my birthday party isn't as fancy as theirs. Now that I look back at it, if it wasn't because of my mum's decision to host it in an orphanage so I could celebrate with other March babies, I wouldn't have developed a strong sense of vocation I feel towards helping people as well as being caring and kind to the others. I mean, it would've been nice if I had a childhood birthday party at Macdonald's, but I wouldn't have it in any other way.

Life is full of blessings!

Be grateful for the people who love you for who you are, and accept your imperfections.

Be grateful for people who see the good in you and reminds you that you are enough.

Be grateful for people who remember all the little things about you and put an effort in writing you long messages, surprising you.

Be grateful for people who are willing to let you be part of their life. You don't know how much courage he/she took to let you enter, and to trust you.

Be grateful that you are feeling happy today, someone out there might be having a bad day and going through a rough time.

Be grateful for the special talents and abilities you have, some people work incredibly hard and still can't be as good as you.

Be grateful that you purchased something that was on sale, some people might have bought it at a full price, ouch wallet!

Oh wow, you read it till the end? Thank you!! Here's an appreciation gift for you. Just pause for a second, think of who you are and how far you have come in life. Think about all the great things that happened in your life and all the beautiful people you are surrounded with. Pat yourself on the back, give yourself some credit for coming so far, celebrate your strength!

Appreciate what you have, where you are and who you are with in this moment