you tapped into something big here… thoughts, fears, emotions of not just travel but life and ‘being’ and so much more.

keep writing, its inspiring!

i also wanted to reccommend the book “eat love pray” by elizabeth gilbert. you might love it as much as i!

ps im travelling at the moment but also from ny!

I was filled with motherly advice while reading this entry. Nobody needs my advice, especially you, but sometimes I’m compelled ;)….

Self-doubt is normal, but rest assured, you can WRITE, and you also take great photographs. I don’t just read your blog because I enjoyed the time we spent together and think of you now as a friend. I also read it because it is entertaining and the pictures are beautiful. I wish I could take pictures like that. I think you might be able to do something with your writing, so don’t stop!

Traveling changes you. Living overseas changes you. You are a different person now in some ways than the person you were before you left. You will never see the US in quite the same way; you will never see the world in the same way either. This will mean that some old friends will drift away; they just won’t get it. It will also mean that you will make new friends with people that YOU might not have “gotten” before this trip. But going back will be scary. It’s funny, when you go overseas 3M is very good about giving you “cultural training” and they tell you that the adjustment to living in the US after living overseas is harder than the adjustment when you leave. I think that will definitely be true for me. I notice it when I’m talking to people in the US. I hear myself saying “in Hong Kong, blah blah blah” and I think “shutup! nobody cares!” They do, but in some ways they really don’t. That’s why its important to find other people that have lived or traveled extensively overseas, because they WILL get it…

Every time I’ve seen our old nasty cat in the US he acts like we just returned from the grocery store and its only be an hour since he last saw us, instead of 3 months! We fall right back into our regular routines. Maybe your cat will be the same!

I think you’re beautiful.

As other posters have said, there is always someone more committed, more adventurous, more something. Comparing ourselves to others is a good way to make ourselves unhappy. Compare yourself to yourself and see what you think…I mean think about who you were at 20, at 25….see??
Friends ARE kind….that’s why they are your friends…they are also honist if they think you can take it, and I would guess your friends think that you can! There is no “just kind” about it. Kindness is a gift. Sometimes gifts are difficult to accept, but just say “thank you”. Its good practice…

My children have been the greatest thing in my life. They have transformed it, and I can’t imagine my life without them. BUT, that being said, that’s me. Once again, comparing yourself to others gets you nowhere. If you decide you want kids at some point you’ll do it!

One last thing, you have made a difference in MY life! I’m very glad I met you and I enjoy reading your blog. When you come back to Hong Kong we’ll have a lot to talk about!

Fantastic post! Made me cry…. why do they do that to me?

Remember, reflection is good and you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing! There is no right or wrong answer it just is.

I know I have only known you a short time, but I miss you and think of you a lot, particularly as I prepare to go back home.

India will be good, and you will make a difference, you just may not see it!

Big hugs

Iam begining to wonder how your mom and I influenced all of your wonderings? That is “wo(a)nderings”, like moving around the world kind of like Moses did in the desert and “wonderings”, like what the heck am I doing here and how did I get into this situation? What part of this am I responsible for and what is Mom’s part? You would expect me to say the good is mine and the rest is Mom. Ha. Suppose we are both responsible for some of each. Don’t feel that you can influence that as you can not choose your parents. They are just there and you have to work with or around them. When I was in the military service a few days after I turned 19 and was out of the USA before I was 19 and a half, and could not come home even if I wanted to etc. etc. I had some of those same thoughts as you have had. I wondered about Mom and Dad, family, my dog, my room back on the farm, the animals on the farm, my old beat up car at home, what was I going to do when I got out of this damn Army!, would I be able to make a living like I wanted, and OH yes girls as we use to say, not love but girls, etc. So you see people are a lot alike, and not only now in your times but even 50 years ago. Those grils turned to love somehow to new families and yes to kids like you. It was a good ride those years. So, patience, Damn it, patience!!!!

Surprise Dad

Did she crack? Me says no…. but perhaps the dramamine was substituted for that missing X…

All kidding aside - that may be one of the best posts I’ve read on this blog (does it matter that I’ve only read 2 others? jk) I know that you know your strength far surpasses the strength of most around u. Impact? well - 10,000 plus unique visitors who are living through your strength and vision - i would say that’s impact.

If nothing else - u have had an impact on me in countless ways. I had to take a dramamine just reading your story.. oh sh*t - or was it an X.

and btw - i think you’ll look like the rest of the women in a burka - isn’t that the idea..

Out dancing until 6AM? What’s that??? I was out for dinner until 8:30 the other night - just late enough to miss putting my kids to bed.

Life is what you make it. It’s about making choices every day. I don’t think any are right or wrong. Just personal.

Love you!
Connie

P.S. Reading this post first thing in the morning wasn’t the best way to start my day (it made me a little sad), but I’m glad I did. This was the most honest, heartfelt piece I have read anywhere.