stop and stare

There are always certain points in your life when you stop to think, breathe and let the images run through your mind. When you slow your steps, walk along while the crowd throngs you by as if you were living in a seperate dimension.

Today's the time in a very long while. I am in week 7 now; I can't quantify it as a long time since the path that lies ahead is even further. I am barely hitting the 2nd month into my exchange programme.The decision to come to Beijing wasn't as bad as I first imagined, it has indeed expanded my horizons through my daily observations. Pleasant or unpleasant, the incidents will leave its imprint.

I have had loads of fun so far, a new country, a new city and a new place I call home for the 6 months. New people, new friends along the way have helped me to settle down and adapt comfortably. I'm grateful for who they are and how they have helped me so far. The anger, bore and tears of joys that have trickled down with new experiences and jokes are indeed a comfort for my heart and mind that have grown weary at times. These short but relevant 7 weeks have taught me a fair bit; personal responsibilities, the need for adapability, life experiences. I'm also beginning to understand why, people do the things they do, even though I still find it hard to accept it at times. My social comfort level is still maintained at a high level whereby it is the norm back home but here, the call for flexibility in adjusting to the conditions have not yet rang in hard enough, yet. I fear that when I do get back, I will bring back values and social standards which are not favoured back home.

Perhaps I should resist, perhaps the others should change?

Change is the only constant; I am still resisting major changes to a certain extent though.

After gaining this minute exposure to another country and city, I feel that I have learnt and matured a little, at least that's what I hope to say.

Personal growth - Its a class that never ends. Its just how we deal with it and make of it.

I have accepted that our personal comfort zone has shrunk, its all about survival. Lets all be a little accomodating, it really goes a long long way.

Remind yourself that you are lucky enough to experience new things, possess the things you have, taste the food staring at you, sleep on the bed you lay.
You know what they say about being contented with what your life? I say; lets get outside and open our sights.

Lets see, hear, taste and breathe what's beyond. How different but yet how similiar we all are. We should cast aside our fears of the unknown; slowly but surely. That's my aspiration but fear chains me back to the walls.

I need to break the shackles, slowly.

It has never been my personality to embrace new things easily but stagnation is not an option; now or ever. I know it sounds contradictory with the statement above, lets be contented with the material possessions we have. However, never be contented with what you have seen, heard and taste.

The world out there is bigger than you think.

Whenever you feel that the things are against you.

Give and take.
Curse and swear.
Grind your teeth.
Grumble.. then move on.

The worse situation will be over soon. Immediately, turn and smile the next moment. Forget the unhappiness. Don't let yourself be a slave to your emotions; anger or disappointment.Lets not be so narrow-minded and you will be happier living your days.
Retain your positive values, observe and learn the good ones. Improve on your current values if others are better. However, it is imperative that you identify what's bad and always keep yourself in check to never fall into the traps.

I am glad that everything back home is alright.

My family is fine :)
Hope that things will be even better in the next few months!

My friends are doing well. Actually, most of them are doing way better than before. Well done! Well done :)