Notes to Myself

So, I moved back to HK after four years in Singapore in 2020.

Right in the middle of COVID, with restrictions, masks, and quarantine.

Did I wither away during the time?

Not at all!

It made me more mindful and thoughtful.

Since I could not travel, I had a lot of time to reflect and discover. Of course, work was there, but I turned to local tourism on weekends and public holidays.

And boy! Was I in for a pleasant surprise?

After living in HK for 6+ years in an earlier stint, I assumed I had seen a lot of HK. However, I had just seen the tip of the iceberg.

The place is so rich in history and culture that it blew my mind.

Temples, museums, street art, the local markets, the different streets restored with historical commentaries, the food, the walking tours, the local cultural nuances through the festivals and rituals, the hidden gems, far from the maddening crowds, and some hiding in plain sight.

In a foreign land, there's so much to discover only if we keep an open mind and look at the brighter things in life, and I can assure you that there are plenty of bright spots.

The two and half years of international travel life were full of adventures locally, and I am still working on it.

What I learned along with discovering the sights was also self-discovery and refreshing some age-old tenets.

• Life is exciting on its own; we need the right mindset to look at it.
• Things hide in plain sight; mindfulness plays a vital role in spotting them- a beautiful statue, a fantastic flower, bizarre fashion, the crazy eccentricities we don't see generally.
• Life is as beautiful or miserable as you shape it. Of course, there are some trying phases, but remaining in them or coming out of them is a choice, with or without outside help.
• Real friends are essential to keep the balance in life.
• Moderation is essential, whether work, pleasure, eating, drinking, giving, or taking. We need to discipline about where to draw the line.
• We can be relaxed, but we can also enjoy and be happy about what we have achieved.
• Pause is an important word- it's essential to stop and reflect. Being on the go all the time takes its toll in different ways.
• Kindness makes life much more meaningful- consistently being kind to self and others.
• Being proud of our cultural heritage as it is an integral part of our being.
• Listening is another one- not hearing but listening helps to get to know the people and the situations in its truest sense.
• We should not wait for eternity to let people know that we love them and care for them.
• The day we feel we know everything, that's the end of progress.
• Feedback is a gift, and we should value those who give us feedback.
• Valuing the strengths of others and encouraging them to progress is essential for the growth of people.
• Sincerely apologizing when you have made a mistake is essential. It adds authenticity to the relationship.

Phew! And the list goes on.