Notes throughout the years: 2017

I usually write down some of my blurry thoughts at the beginning of the year so I collect them here to read later 😉

Follow #notesthroughouttheyear to read some of my blurry thoughts throughout the year 😀

First Day Of The Year Of The Rooster – 28/01/2017

The first thing I have done today is to reply to two emails and find something to eat. I was sleeping from 1000 PM till 1200AM with an empty stomach. Now after finishing a big watermelon and as I am still awake, I decided to write something for New Year.

2016 has been a year of ups and downs, but mostly ups for me. I could not ask for more. I have worked with amazing people around the globe – that is the most exciting part of the year, talked to people I really admire and adore, got interesting books from friends and bosses, and many many other things that all together make 2016 an unforgettable year to me.

So far I still believe “Travel is my life.” I could not live a day without thinking of the next destinations and you know the best part of working in the tourism industry is that you will never feel alone because you are always connected. Pardon me if I am wrong but to me, people working in the hospitality industry are the most interesting people on earth. They always smile, they are so inspiring, and they are just great partners. If beautiful scenery, an incredible food scene, and a unique resort style sound like the perfect ingredients for a getaway, then a travel partner needs to be on the list. Trust me, traveling with people working in my industry will be a great experience. Anyone traveling with me knows this right?

2016 is not the year that I read too much. 5 books completed. But lots of valuable lessons left. I have started appreciating small things. Sometimes I felt like the time to sit on a rock and ponder a spectacular view, and the time to reflect on the meaning of life was more important than anything else. Being to new places, to the countryside, to the mountainous areas, to the poor countries, far away from things I see everyday, far away from the traffic jams, and far away from the life in the office. That’s when I start to appreciate things and people. I find peace of mind. I easily get angry but when I travel, I feel calm and my heart is pure. It is there is learn and absorb.

There were moments in 2016 when I was saddened and heartbroken. I collapsed into bed every night. But I do believe things will be fine again and yes, it’s true. Every issue is born with a solution. You can definitely solve it if you want to.

For anyone who wants to get a better job in 2017. This is my advice. First and foremost, take charge of your own lot and be fully responsible for anything you do. Support more. Create more. As I read somewhere “when you help someone cross the river, you will get there yourself.” If you are not happy with your current job, let’s try by helping people around you. When they achieve something, you achieve something. But choose the ones who are willing to go where you are going. I had a chance to enter a bigger company, but I chose to stay. You do not need to leave your current job to create a better one. Love what you do, good things will come.

2017 will be an unafraid year for me. I planned more trips. I must go to Burma. Chiang Mai should be on the list as there is someone who is too interesting not to travel with. And I will be back in Siem Reap. Let’s go Sihanoulk in the summer. I am still thinking about re-visit Phu Quoc or simply leaving it for Con Dao?

2 lines in my company’s Tet poem that I love too much:

“All life is a journey

So choose one that’s worthy”

In 2017, one thing I would definitely try to do is to frown less just to avoid aging so fast. I will try to keep my standards high. I will try not to “create a hard time” for my colleagues. I will try to be more relaxed. I will practice more yoga and start learning meditation. I will spend time with my family more. I will learn to be a better person.

I do believe 2017 is going to be a wonderful year. Wish you and your loved ones a year of Peace, Hope, and Abounding Love.

Love you!