Be Strong.

It takes a lot to be strong. Whether it's strong physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc. Sometimes being strong sucks...but you have to be that way in order to continue forward in life. This trip and all my other traveling experiences have taught me to be strong. They also taught me that I'm stronger than I think I am.

This trip forced me to be stronger. At times it seemed like I was alone on the journey since none of my closest friends or family members were around, so I had to dig up strength and trudge on. Being strong doesn't mean that you're not allowed to break down. Sometimes you need that emotional release. And guess what--that is totally okay. Sometimes it may feel like you're being fake when you put on a smile and say everything is a-okay when in reality you just want to cry...but I think that is completely normal. Our "weakest" times are often what make us stronger.

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I wrote the above paragraphs back in the day and saved it as a draft. A couple months later, I find myself in my home country, but unfortunately going through a very similar experience due to 2 separate events that happened this week. Just yesterday, I wrote a note to a colleague expressing my appreciation for her support. Part of what I wrote was this: Moments like today make one put things into perspective & definitely make one realize that now is the time to cherish the people around them & live life to the fullest.

I heard this song as I was driving home from work yesterday, and I thought it was very timely and topical...

Here's to having faith--not fear.
Here's to hoping that everything will be alright.
Here's to my support network.
And here's to Bob...I may not have known you for too long, but thank you for being my mentor. RIP.


Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR