Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Lessons learned

(photo of me on the beach by Amanda)

I've been thinking a lot about the things, big and small, I'd like to change this year. It's only the 3rd day of 2011, but I'm already sensing a shift in myself, in the manner in which I interact with others, and the people I'd like to spend more (and less) time with. Of course this shift has been a gradual process, catalyzed by the experiences and things I learned on my trip to Tibet; I've come to realize that travel teaches us lessons that we just can't learn in the comfort of our home and I'm excited to start planning my next trip abroad (Ireland!)

Yesterday I met a traveller on a commuter bus heading back into the city. Being the shy reserved person that I am, I was hesitant to engage in any prolonged conversation with this person, 'the bus ride is a whole hour...things could get awkward' was the first thought I had. I'm happy that I let my guard down as our conversation turned out to be wonderfully interesting and I ended up meeting a new friend. Here at home the part of my personality that emerges on the road, the part that exhibits a childlike curiosity and genuine interest in others, is often hidden. I hope that this facet of my personality will become a part of the 'everyday me', and I hope to surround myself with people who hold these qualities in high regard. 

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