The one thing that I continue to hear is how did you end up in the Middle East. Why? How Come? For What? First and foremost, I say that the person with a plan, finally went with the flow. My plan for India didn't work out and that's when I realized life isn't my plan to make. It's beyond me. He didn't want me in India. Then he dropped Doha in my lap. I am a true believer in two things 1) Karma 2) Everything happens for a reason. I am in Doha for a reason. I can't tell you what the reason is or when I will know. It may be 30 years later when I figure it out but I know there is one.
It is hard to believe that it's been almost a month since I left the states. Six months ago when I told people I wanted to leave the states. I got the "Are you crazy?'. I can't complain about the life I had in the states but I knew something was missing. I kept thinking there has to be more. I was dying to know more. I wanted to know more about the world, more about life but most importantly more about me. It's funny because I was surfing I-tunes the other day (Pandora doesn't work here) and I came across this Nicki Minaj song. I will be the first to tell you that I don't think she's inspirational in any way but for one moment, something in her song clicked with me. In the chorus, Rihanna says " I came to win, to fly , to conquer, to thrive, to survive, to prosper, to rise". For that 10 seconds, I completely agreed with her and slowly but surely, I am finding all of that in Doha.
So, when people ask me why I have come to the Middle East, my response is, why not? The one thing I know for sure is as a culture we keep ourselves inside a box because of fear. Fear of the unknown. I blog because I want to share my experience with the world. I want to be an example that there is nothing that you can't do. Don't get me wrong, sometimes it's hard. I don't miss the states really but there is no substitute for loved ones and "Good" friends. But I know that this is worth the sacrifice. We are more than the situation we are in or the circumstances we were born into. There were many people in my life who told me I would never be where I am. There are people to this day that don't speak to me because I didn't follow their plan. My family is as dysfunctional as most or even more (still love them :-) ). In saying that, my point is it will never matter what cards you are dealt, some get a shorter hand than others but in the end all that matters is how you play them.
It is hard to believe that it's been almost a month since I left the states. Six months ago when I told people I wanted to leave the states. I got the "Are you crazy?'. I can't complain about the life I had in the states but I knew something was missing. I kept thinking there has to be more. I was dying to know more. I wanted to know more about the world, more about life but most importantly more about me. It's funny because I was surfing I-tunes the other day (Pandora doesn't work here) and I came across this Nicki Minaj song. I will be the first to tell you that I don't think she's inspirational in any way but for one moment, something in her song clicked with me. In the chorus, Rihanna says " I came to win, to fly , to conquer, to thrive, to survive, to prosper, to rise". For that 10 seconds, I completely agreed with her and slowly but surely, I am finding all of that in Doha.
So, when people ask me why I have come to the Middle East, my response is, why not? The one thing I know for sure is as a culture we keep ourselves inside a box because of fear. Fear of the unknown. I blog because I want to share my experience with the world. I want to be an example that there is nothing that you can't do. Don't get me wrong, sometimes it's hard. I don't miss the states really but there is no substitute for loved ones and "Good" friends. But I know that this is worth the sacrifice. We are more than the situation we are in or the circumstances we were born into. There were many people in my life who told me I would never be where I am. There are people to this day that don't speak to me because I didn't follow their plan. My family is as dysfunctional as most or even more (still love them :-) ). In saying that, my point is it will never matter what cards you are dealt, some get a shorter hand than others but in the end all that matters is how you play them.
It's all about perspective!
ReplyDeleteUm...you're a really good writer lol You need an article in the Criterion or the Challenger to let these kids know your story and I'm sure it will inspire many, as well as give them someone to look up to.
This was a very good post and echoes all the reasons I've traveled abroad and left 'good' friends and family behind. It's an odd and sometimes difficult decision, but the ability to fly and thrive is what makes it all worth it...Can't wait to hear about more adventures!
ReplyDeleteI believe when God created each of us its for purpose. I believe that at this very moment you have entered your 'purpose'. Spread your wings young lady....keep your head up high and always, always smile at both your highs and and lows because like salt and pepper the two go hand in hand. So very proud of you!
ReplyDelete