“Remember to slow down in life.” - Unknown
How is it that as the world has shut down over the past year, that my mind has raced faster than ever? It’s a Saturday morning here in Amsterdam, and reflection is the game, with my black-brewed coffee in hand, overlooking the waters of the canals that have been around for millennia along with the rustic architecture across the street that must have housed generations of families—life will go on and so will we.
A year ago, many of us thought this “flu-like” virus named COVID-19 could do no harm to the most advanced society mankind has ever witnessed. Oh, we were so wrong. And one year later, we are still battling to carry on…I just hope this “most advanced society” can band together sooner rather than later.
And it’s not easy being so far from home. And while distance makes the heart fonder, it’s quite difficult to grasp the fact that every WeChat with mom allows me to see a new wrinkle on her face—she is getting old.
But one thing is for certain, a year is not lost unless you deem it lost. While our physical bodies were unable to travel and experience the Instagram illusions of modern day life, our minds could still travel the speed of light if we are aware and if we dare. At the same time, perhaps it’s the reason why my mind has never traveled faster than ever—an attempt to make up for what was deemed lost physically. An attempt to exert control over this uncontrollable situation. And just like moving too much or too fast physically can destroy the body, it’s a good reminder of the Tortoise and the Hare. To slow it down a bit…if you truly want to live life.