Now that I have been back in America for 6 months, I guess it is about time to summarize my time in Thailand, Okay, okay, it's way past time.
Many of you came to me and inquired why the blogs stopped and wanted to hear more. It means so much to me that you read my blog and accompany me on these journeys, and you deserve resolution.
There were a lot of reasons I never summed up my time in southeast Asia, for one I had too many things to say and not enough words to say them. I was completely overwhelmed with the things I wanted to tell you but could never quite explain. But the main reason I never wrapped my trip up is because I didn't feel...well, done. I wasn't really ready to leave.
Don't get me wrong I was ready to leave Thailand. One can only take so many balls of mystery fish meat, food poisoning, miserable overnight bus rides where your packed like sardines, and designer malls. Thailand had a lot of things to offer, but my heart was not there. It was not a place that I personally fell in love with or had an emotional connection with. It was the experience I did not want to leave. It was the person I'd become I did not want to part with.
In Thailand I was confident, creative, and annoyingly optimistic. It is so easy to fall into a mindset that it's all been done before, or, even if it has not been done before that I am not smart enough or talented enough to be the one to make it happen. But in Thailand I saw possibility around every corner. I was filled with new ideas and felt excited about what the future held. I felt good about my chances to bring something new to this earth that made life better for those around me. I saw the world in a whole new light. Why not me? If not me, then who?
Traveling is exhausting, I got sick, and never got better. I got tired, and never felt rested. I got, well, overstimulated faced with too many new stimuli that I wasn't able to process and compartmentalize into my brain. But after digging through my memories, photos, and emotions these last few months I'm ready to have take-a-ways.
Nine things that I learned from my time living and teaching in Thailand:
1. We should all wake up in the morning and think, "This might possible end up being the best day of my life."
2. The more uncomfortable you are, the more you learn.
3. We often confuse comfort for happiness.
4. I truly believe that being content is not in binary opposition with adventure. I'm happy with where I am, but I have to keep moving forward so in the future I am happy with how far I've come.
5. When you need it, you will learn it. If you're forced to do something you've never done before, you will be able to do it when the time comes.
6. Live for others! When you get discouraged and have a hard time finding purpose, help others reach their dreams, and you just might reach yours in the process. If 20 people let you down, give the 21st person a chance anyway.
7. Being afraid of leaving your loved ones can stunt your growth. Appreciate every second you get to spend with them, and know that distance can bring you closer and help both parties grow.
8. Care about others, but stop caring about what they think. Don't let anyone take away your accomplishments. Feel sorry for anyone who tries, and rejoice in everyone who is willing to celebrate with you.
9. I love teaching English and I want more of it.
Love,
Carrie
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