My feet sank into the soft mud, and I tried to maintain my balance as each step got heavier and more slippery. I was afraid to fall, literally and figuratively. I didn’t want to fall into the muddy waters, nor did I want to fall behind the group. The only thing to do was repeating the self-assuring mantra of “you can do it, Kaz” and to keep moving forward.
Last August, we were trudging through flooded mud paths in our gallant attempt of visiting the Ruc Mon cave in Phong Nha, Vietnam. Looking back on the current year that’d be passing us by in a few hours, I realised that’s what I have been feeling mostly.
Is 2023 a better year?
Maybe, maybe not. It’s easy to “forget” happy moments over challenging times but the Chinese have a saying that goes like this, “福兮祸所伏，祸兮福所倚” which is similar to the apt saying: no weal without woes.
To be honest, perhaps my fear in falling behind pushed me to go beyond my comfort zone at times, undoubtedly causing some distress. Yet, it is not necessarily a bad thing. I’m more determined than ever to live slow(er) and more purposefully, as well as being more open to accepting imperfections.
Amidst the frayed nerves, sudden outbursts and feelings of contrition now and then, there were precious moments in the past 365 days to be thankful for. I am both relieved and grateful to be able to harbour gratitude in spite of the frustrating ‘exciting’ year.
What about you? Has it been a good year for you?
To my dear friends and kindred spirits, I hope 2023 has been kind to you. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and work towards a world with greater graciousness, peace, and love in 2024.
Travel Beckons 
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