Timeless Trip

Many at times, we meet people who influence us to change. We mould into a different person when we experience life's intricacy. What happens when these things, impact us so, that we no longer recognize ourselves? It's even more unfortunate if we ride its wave unknowingly, only to realize we've drifted off course to the wrong island.

Everyone's given a compass. Some may have lost it, but it's an excuse to lose ourselves in this one time journey. Anything can be a form of guidance when you walk with an open mind. A fallen twig's shadow can show you the way in the morning. Navigate after the Big Dipper or the Polaris at night and you'll do fine. Life's hidden beauty is unlocked by a humble heart, a pristine will and nothing else.

Some seek for gold treasures at a far away island, while all the treasures that they need are sitting at their own backyard. Some see it, others don't. It's a unique set of treasure that can never be shared but can only be tasted alone. A treasure that can't be measured by weight or gold - words don't describe it, only experience do.

Find yourself, and solitude will unravel what you see. Take the time and courage to be alone. In today's world, we're so busy striving to meet expectations from our schools, companies, friends, and families, that we forget to set our own expectations. It's easy to be influenced to achieve successful dreams, but are those dreams genuinely ours? In solitude, we're not being selfish. In solitude, we're not walking away from others. In solitude, we form the greatest companionship, which is to ourselves. A genuine friendship that can never be judged or be defined by others. Timeless. Priceless.

I hope all of us get to find the motivation to taste the great things in life, seek meaning in whatever we do, and let obstacles define our strengths and potential. I hope we get to experience hardships in life as they're beneficial for us to grow and learn - just like a butterfly who's struggling to squeeze out from its cocoon. That agony of leaving through the tiny opening is actually a big help for itself. It needs that struggle, to flush the fluids and build strength into its wings to fly.

My Sabah trip was truly a meaningful one. A lesson of true leadership. A reminder that leadership starts from within, and in order to lead others, we have to lead ourselves.

So lead yourself, guiding light.