Felcetera

What does today mean to you? Is it your birthday? An anniversary? Perhaps it’s nothing special, just another day in the office. For me, it’s symbolises one important milestone in my life: one year out of the corporate world.

A year out of the corporate rat race –what have I done?

Here’s a short list:

• Spent a brilliant few days reconnecting with my family and cousins in Penang, Malaysia.
• Spent a crazy weekend in Ho Chi Minh City whereI learnt USD 5 lets you cut the queue for entry visa and nearly got more than I bargained for during a massage.
• Camped overnight and went skinny dipping for the first time in Hong Kong (Shhhh don’t tell the authorities)
• Experienced the Vipassana meditation technique in Hong Kong where I learnt it’s all about how loud you can belch….
• Got my first tattoo, learnt it doesn’t hurt, and want more.
• Relived some childhood memories, travelled to Queensland and learnt the advantages of being a single rider at Warner Brothers Movieworld.
• Drove on a beach like a freeway, floated down a stream which leads to the ocean, camped under the glorious moon in Fraser Island, Queensland. Unforgettable, one of the most amazing places in the world.
• Camped in the Grampians, Melbourne Victoria with one of my best friends in the world. I didn’t know this would be the last time we’ll ever see each other. Rest in Peace Patrick Chung, you are still very much alive in my heart, and I still talk to you in my dreams.
• Spent a month at home with my family in Melbourne, Australia: my little nephew could finally recognize and talk to his ‘Auntie Lisha’.
• Moved to Lesotho and dabbled in the NGO space – learnt a bucketload about the Basotho people, the running of restaurants, conferences and hotels (very hard wok – hats off to the team!).
• Had my 10seconds of fame in Lesotho with my name published in the local paper.
• Rode a motorbike in Zanzibar, seriously broke my arm, had an operation and experienced the African public health care system
• Skydived for the first time in South Africa
• Completed 50km race (HK), 15km race (Lesotho), 5k (Colourrun Cape Town), 17km (UTCT SA), 10km (Dirtopia SA), 24km (Cape Point SA)
• Danced danced and danced in Cape Town
• Got my wallet stolen in Cape Town, and got everything back except the cash
• Met a ton of amazing people
• Made a significant life change – said goodbye to someone who was once a constant
• For the first time in my life, I have no permanent fixed address or phone number.

One day, in Lesotho, I came home from work emotionally distraught and in tears. I learnt that one of our volunteers was being physically abused by her husband. They have two children, live in a shack and she couldn’t leave – she needed the support. Yet everyday, she would come to work, immaculately dressed, with a bright beaming smile. Finally, with support and encouragement from the team, she found the courage to leave and do what’s best for her and her children. She is working towards a bright future and never once complained. What an inspiration.  I am forever grateful for all I have. Learn to treasure the small joys and moments, everyone who walks into your life gives you lessons you never thought possible.

Dance the dance you dance, don’t dance the dance people who dance dance – Platypus the wise