A Girl from an Exotic Place – Part 2/2

Nevertheless, she is amazed to find that in this very same country, the kindness she has encountered surpasses that of many developed corners of the world. Not only kindness, but also happiness. How can Thai people remain so laid-back and content when they possess so little? This resilience of her people fascinates her. Knowing this brings warmth to her heart. For a while now, she has yearned to return to the place where her journey began ten years ago.

A decade ago, she had just graduated and was newly employed in a corporate job doing work that she couldn’t care less about. She decided that this would not be her life. She believed her life could become something more. Back then, she felt trapped and longed to be free, not realising that ten years later, she would hope to return to this very place—but not as the same girl she once was.

She’s grateful she left; it was the right decision, and she would choose it over and over again. Returning, on the other hand, would be a new chapter for her—a new beginning. 

“Why only hope and not take action?” one might ask.

The answer is that a girl has grown up and taken on more responsibilities. Although she wishes to discard her responsibilities and live the way she wants, she fears she might regret such a change. After all, what she has is good and dreamed by many. There is so much here that she has to let go of to begin anew.

That day will come when she can live as she pleases, be fulfilled by her work and live close to those she loves. But until then, she has work to do and plans to make. She hopes planning will make the unknown less scary. The unknown can be exciting when one is a tourist exploring new destinations, but it is decidedly different when such decisions could alter one’s life and impact those one loves.

At least now, she knows what to do. She has invited you to glimpse into her life. You don’t have to know her name, but it carries a meaning: a smiley face.

She hopes you discover more than just a smile here—a different perception of life, hopefully some inspiration, perhaps even friendship.