Hello Hong Kong!

I used to be terrified of flying – for the fear of falling indefinitely, or being struck by an inopportune lightning, or being victimized by miscalculated landings.  With memories of flying long-haul flights by myself as a naïve child, I always tried to find comfort in the hostesses’ hospitality and ethic treats.  I think my biggest worry was the possibility of falling out of the sky and having my life to terminate so quickly, and abruptly. I wanted to live my life to every last minute possible. Something about the single moment of weightlessness threatened my sanity and a raging stomach.

Over the years, I am not sure what had happened to my fear of flight; perhaps it had to do with my blessed upbringing and inevitable familiarity, having travelled to multiples metropolitans on various continents. Not only do I look forward to journeys to far-away destinations, I have grown an appetite for adrenaline. From bungee-jumping, to sky-rocketing in Las Vegas, to jumping off waterfalls, I found relief and salvage in that single moment of escape. Weightlessness made me feel invincible and ultimately a champion of my body.

Over the last few years, I had been blessed with many life-changing opportunities, forcing me to grow in ways I would have never otherwise foreseen. Not only had I switched faculties three times, I ventured work opportunities in various cities around North America, shook up my social circles, and attempted various fitness feats. Amidst all, I had lived in the same apartment on Allison Road since Grade 12. Last night, I had packed up and moved out of the place, only to feel that single moment of weightlessness again – but this time less freeing, and more intimidating.

The apartment was my safe haven. Surely I had my fair share of troubles, from barbarian costume parties in first-year to potluck gatherings, but I always held it near to my heart. Throughout the years, I have had boyfriends and best friends to become flat-mates, but I was secretly very protective nonetheless. Though I may not be the most diligent of housekeepers, I knew in my heart that the pad was sacred. It bred my transition to university from York House, cradled me when I balanced school and three jobs, comforted me in episodes of sickness and nourished an environment for creativity and conversations.

My decision to move out was part of a bigger scheme to venture into the next phase of my life. With university nearing to a fruitful end, I am forcing myself to switch out of old routines and adopt new thinking. This has fueled my choice to fly abroad this summer and pursue internships in careers that I have always been too hesitant to pursue.  For example, I don’t even know where I will be staying in Shanghai with virtually no funds to afford rent (help!) Regardless of expectations, I intend to seek some answers to my uncertain life plans through the next few months, and grow outside of my comfort zone as a solo traveler. I t will be a delight to revisit my roots and reconnect with my upbringing, seeking pit some lingering answers to my confused childhood. I want to make friends with those moments of weightlessness again, and embrace them to launch my own ambitions and drive.

Although I have no idea what the end results will look like, or where this end-destination is set to be, I know I have an incredible network of friends to strengthen me. For that, I invite you to follow me the next few months as I pursue my journey to Destination-Not-Sure. Keep the seatbelts fastened, I am sure turbulences will be up ahead, and we will ride this journey out.

Ross Johnson once said “to recognize that ultimate success comes from opportunistic, bold moves which, by definition, cannot be planned.” I even left my planner in Vancouver, let’s see what will come about it.

Tune on mind: