It’s the beginning of another new year, and with it brings fresh,
new chapters in the lives of each and every one of us. For me, 2012 was a rollercoaster
year of major ups and downs, and ups again. But be they good or bad, I can honestly
say that I am forever grateful for all that has happened to me. I successfully
completed the Masters programme with my fellow colleagues (and friends for
life) at EOI in Madrid, returned to Malaysia and spent the Eid holidays with
family in Kuala Lumpur, and moved to my new homecity, London, where I had been accepted
to pursue my Ph.D studies at Imperial College. All that within the span of 6-8 months! Since then, I have absorbed a
good amount of new knowledge, discovered new networks of friends and
professional contacts, introduced myself to new areas of personal and academic
interest, and feel that I have grown a bit as a result of getting that
wonderful opportunity to spread my wings in a different part of the world.
Overall, it was an amazingly great year with many lessons
learnt and memories cherished! :)
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| The Big Ben and I |
For 2013, I am looking forward to exploring in greater depths the areas of my Ph.D research and what I might further discover in the process. I also hope to achieve more in my life, and in more
ways than one. There’s no telling what will happen, but that is part of life’s
mysteries, which I think is what makes us appreciate it even more. My mother
always told me when I was growing up that if life were smooth sailing, where
would the thrill and excitement be? And what stories of adventure could we
share with our future grandchildren if everything was achieved without much
challenge?
Indeed, I am extremely happy to be where I am today, and I
thank God, my family, and everyone in my life who has provided me with love,
care, guidance, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean (and sometimes cry) on.
I wish everyone a very Happy New Year and may you all continue
to pursue your passions and dreams until you find yourselves living them!
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
- Rumi
Best wishes for 2013!
