Leap Of Faith

Sometimes one finds oneself in a situation where one has to decide whether to take a leap of faith. In instances where facts and figures are part of the equation, it is an easier decision to make. The level of uncertainty rises when one has to only rely on gut feel and instinct. And the reality is that when the resultant outcome will be of a big impact, for better or worse that is, then whether to jump or not takes on such bigger proportions.

It's true when people say 'you only live once'. And if you subscribe to that motto, then perhaps a leap ain't such a big deal. That is if one is willing and ready to accept the ramifications.

Yes, I am rambling, in the hope that by rambling, I may find some light at the end of the tunnel. Perhaps I should just bite the bullet and hope that the outcome is a pleasant one.

Photo shot at Yoros Kalesi in Anadolu Kavagi, Turkey, with a view of the Bosphorus meeting the Black Sea.

Lucky

I am always on the lookout for experiences that make one realise how lucky one is. I'd like to think that I live a pretty good life. Of course there are those who are better off. Similarly, there are those who are worse off. I make it a point to count my blessings. Nevertheless, I am human after all and every once in a while, I find myself wanting more.

There are voids in my life that I would like to fill and some things are best left to work themselves out. It is during these times of self doubt that I look back on all the wonderful experiences that I have encountered in life. Some of which were orchestrated, others which I chanced upon.

This beautiful setting overlooking the Bosphorus in Turkey welcomed me after a long walk up a rather steep hill in Anadolu Kavagi. I had contemplated whether to trek or not but decided to do so, despite objections from my tired legs. I'd say the effort was worth it.

Photo shot at Anadolu Kavagi, near Istanbul in Turkey.

Expectations

A lot of my close friends seem to think that my expectations are too lofty. That's true to a certain extent. I am not one to settle. I want the best. Having said that, what constitutes the best is relative. The best doesn't mean staying at a luxurious hotel when on holiday. It means putting up in a hotel that is clean and comfortabe, one that has character, one that is more intimate, one that is conveniently located, one that has affable staff. It doesn't mean always eating at the most expensive restaurants. It means having a meal at a restaurant that serves food that one enjoys, in the company of good friends.

I apply the same principle in my work as well as in my personal life. I don't expect to be perfect in what I do for a living but I do strive to achieve it. To always put my best foot forward. To shun mediocrity. I don't settle for sub-par friendships and relationships. Sub-par friends are best relegated to acquaintances. Sub-par relationships are best left behind.

Having meaningful encounters and experiences in life are what we should always aspire to. A cup of hot chocolate while waiting to board a ferry on the Bosphorus; now, that is one experience which deserves to be termed as one of the best.

Photo shot at Anadolu Kavagi in Turkey.

The Bosphorus

The Bosphorus is so scenic that one has to see it to believe it. I had the pleasure of taking a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait a few days ago and it certainly left a lasting impression.

From the historical palaces, monuments, mosques along its European and Asian shores to the towering bridges that span its width as well as the quaint villages that line it, each reminds one how lucky one is to have the opportunity to encounter such an experience.

The furthest stop of the cruise was Anadolu Kavagi. Trek up the hill in this little village and one is greeted by a view of the Bosphorus meeting the Black Sea. All I can say is that it is simply exhilarating.

Photo shot along the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey.