I’ve celebrated three birthdays while serving in Nepal and
went from 22 to 25 years old. I’m whelmed with reflection thinking back at how
Nepal has given me a place to evolve and grow. I’ve learned so much over the
past two years and gained a bucketful of new memories—some interesting, scary,
frustrating, defeating, breathtaking, meditative, amazing—all with exclamation
marks.
I want to give thanks to everyone who’s supported me. To all
who’ve sent me off with gifts, mailed a care package(s), sent letters, phone
calls, words of kindness or thoughtful messages, you have all carried me to
here. Whether our friendship is new or old, long or brief, I’m thankful for our
relationship, and I’ll live to pass the love and kindness forward.
So, during my moment of introspection I reflected upon these
life lessons learned.
1.
Take risks
We can only gain what we risk to take. It’s a
phrase so easy to say, and so difficult to do sometimes. I’m not saying to
gamble all your money away or go bungee jumping, but I believe there is much to
gain from challenging yourself and building practice by taking one small risk
every day. I’m neither saying the risk will always pay off. But by putting
something you earnestly care for on the line—money, effort, time, your heart or
your happiness—you invest in the outcome and it may make life that much more
vibrant and meaningful.
2.
Be vulnerable
This goes alongside taking risks. Personally I have
a knee-jerk reaction to vulnerability to always do the opposite. It’s
frightening to let yourself open up to humiliation or heartache, yet, a life
lived behind closed doors is not very fun either. Walls, too, can be important
to have and it may not be wise to open up to everyone you meet, however, I believe
life will find wholeness when you find ways to connect and to embrace vulnerability.
3.
Love yourself
The two ideas above are easiest to do when
paired with a deep, deep love for yourself. I’m not talking about a love based
on selfishness or domination—the kind where others need to be lowered in order
for you to feel higher. I’m talking about taking the love you have for your
mother, father, best friend, role model or someone you admire, and seeing
yourself in the same light. Treating yourself and believing in yourself the way
you treat and believe in those you love, and anchoring that love towards you.
Shout out to all the Virgos, September babies, and September
11th babies! Happiest birthdays to my partners!!!
Less than two months left in Nepal. The bittersweetness of
another big life transition is underway.
Thank you all again for the well wishes on my birthday. I
had an amazing day.
lovelovelove,
Christine Bora Lee
