C'est La Vie

I have lately found myself at a crossroads and once there, my instincts tend to lead me to a quick decision on which route to take. I am never one to spend too much time on weighing the pros and cons, or on the potential outcomes and consequences that my decision may result in. That has never been part of my character and it never will be. Whether rightly or wrongly, my innate trait of being decisive often makes the journey to come an exciting one, with the hope that it will be more of a pleasure rather than a challenge.

 

A friend I was having lunch with recently commented that I seem to move on rather quickly when a situation warrants it. I would have to agree. Life throws us curve balls, at times enticing us with the prospect of a promising endeavour and wonderful outcomes, while at other times disappointing us with circumstances that we all wish we never had to experience. C'est la vie seems to be the best attitude to adopt, with faith and hope our strongest allies.

 

I had the opportunity to re-connect in person with a friend of mine in Stockholm recently. At a café one evening, we had a chance to reminisce about the time we spent in Switzerland working a ski season and how our lives have evolved over the past two decades. We live in different parts of the world, work in different industries, he has two kids, I have no such responsibility, but as friends share some common interests. And of all the commonalities, the one that universally binds us all together is the desire to be happy. And for me, being happy means to always move forward, leaving the unpleasant behind, arms outstretched to welcome the good that is to come.

 

 

Cycling is very common in Stockholm, Sweden.

A Lesson

I recently posted a remark on Facebook that I had some-how learnt a lesson from a somewhat frivolous TV show. The post elicited a number of comments. Some were positive, others ridiculed my statement in jest, perhaps.

 

For the most part of the past year, I have had to summon quite a bit of patience on my part. It is certainly not a commodity I have in abundance, in fact, a good friend lamented that I may have used up two lifetimes' worth of patience, an observation which certainly holds some truth. Whether taking such a route - akin to sailing into unchartered waters when it comes to being patient - was worthwhile, is arguable. However, I am not one for regret. I appreciate the good, and accept the not so good as lessons in life. It added some dimension to my journey, that is certain.

 

So, what was the lesson I learnt from that particular TV show, some have asked. Well, it goes somewhat to the tune of when all that can be done has been done, and there is nothing more for one to do, then perhaps it is time to turn the page. And when one has done one's best, then there is no reason to look back on circumstances that one has no control over.

 

 

I appreciated Stockholm's serenity.

Family Holiday

My sister Suk Harn recently gave my Mum and I a treat, a two week holiday in London, Stockholm and Istanbul. Having been based in London for almost a year, the plan was for us to spend some time travelling as a family towards the end of her one year working stay in the English city.

 

For me, it was a return trip to London after two decades, to Istanbul since 2000, and a first sojourn to Scandinavia. For Mum, it was a trip down memory lane as she read law in London, with her most recent visit being a business trip with my late father many years ago. The other two cities were new places of interest for Mum, and all of us certainly looked forward to the trip.

 

An all expenses paid trip, other than shopping money, is something no one can refuse. All three cities provided wonderful experiences, sights to behold and food to savour. Most importantly though, traveling together as an immediate family allowed us to strengthen our bonds, even more. We look forward to my sister's return next month. Rest assured, more holidays will be in our plans.

 

 

Photo taken at Drottningholm Palace in Stockholm, Sweden.