Reflections on my holiday
Unlike my other semester holidays, this one seemed to be much longer. My holidays began on November 20, 2003 and concludes today. Therefore I had a total of 52 days to do as I wish. Yet this holiday seemed different from my other holidays. Time seemed to move rather slowly, and I am amazed at how much I managed to get done in this short period of time.
After tying up loose ends at college, I participated as a facilitator for a 3 day Character building Jamboree for youth from the ages of 10-15. It was an awe inspiring event in which I gained new friends. Actually I rekindled old friendships and took steps to see people in different light. I realised that there have been times when I was unreasonable to others knowingly or unknowingly and made friends with those who were once in conflict with me. At the end of the 3 days, I gained a brother and new old friends. How blessed I am!
The very next day after a tiring 3 days of jamboree, I was off to Bali. I had always wanted to go to Bali, and this was my first opportunity. Something whispered in my heart that I will be returning to Bali many many times before I die, and that is whatI intend to do.
Bali was a meaningful vacation for me.
I dwelved deeper into many aspects of my being. It was a journey of self discovery as well as reaffirmation. I discovered a new meaning to art, and with the little that I had in Bali, managed to buy some very artistic objects which I intend to post sketches of when I can. I discovered that spirituality is about living and not merely ritual. I rediscovered the beauty of man and nature as one, and the true meaning of wealth. Wealth doesn't mean how much money I have, but how much I can be grateful for for whatever is arranged for me.
Upon returning, I took part as a participant in a similar jamboree, but this time for those above 15 years. It was in a way another experience for me. I caught a glimpse of my devils and I had the opportunity to discover myself more in the coming weeks. One thing these jamborees thought me is this: I have been very fortunate to be brought up the way that I have been.
Shortly after the jamboree, I arranged to begin work at an architecture firm. Thus begins another chapter of my education...
I discovered the business of architecture, which is similar yet very different from what I learnt in college. My one month working taught me many things related and unrelated to my course.
For one thing, its not easy to be an employee (as related by my colleagues), yet one month isn't enough to feel pressured in any way. However, I feel not many employees fathom that it is also not easy being the boss. Everyone has his/her role to play, yet many people think in the one dimensional dollar sign perspective. The harsh reality is, yes - many people are underpaid these days. The economy isn't all that peachy, and so is the global situation. Yet, despite low salaries, paycheques are distributed promptly. Bosses have to pay everyone else before themselves, so they too are under pressure.
I also realised that there is no 'easy' way to anything. Everything is a process. No shortcuts. Even if there are shortcuts, one looses the experience of going through the process. Nothing comes easy and every profession is challenging. There is no such thing as a world where money comes easily. Everyone needs to exert effort to attain success. I realise that I live in a generation with a penchant for avoiding hardship. I too tend to fall into that trap, but whenever I do take on hardships, I gain so much more benefits beyond my expectations.
After receiving my paycheque on the 9th of January, I returned home and had a good sleep. Soon, I will be returning to college, and thus ends one of the most meaningful holidays I have had in a long time... Perhaps, I shall outdo myself during the next holiday.