It's amazing how far a little gratitude can take you. One of my favorite blogs, Tiny Buddha - touches on the subject constantly. "Practice Grattitude" it says, "A sure and quick way to start loving right where you are is to think of all that you have to be grateful for. You can keep a journal, say it in a prayer, or shout it to the sun. When you make a practice of giving thanks, it gets you back in touch with just how amazing right here and now is."
Today, I want to share my gratitude.
There are a few things in life that elate me. One of them is traveling. I have an extreme case of wanderlust. I’ve always had it, but it was kicked into high gear in 2009 when I visited Puerto Rico for the first time. Then it was kicked into turbo in 2011 when I went to Kenya, East Africa. What a wild experience; I came back a completely different person.
Early last year, I set my eyes on Bali, Indonesia as my next big trip. I was determined to go, even if it meant going alone; it had been on my to-do list for far too long. And so it happened, I booked my flight in April and in October of 2012- I was packing my bags with my best friend, ready for a trip of a lifetime.
If there was ever a place to have an awakening experience on God’s green earth, it would have to be Bali. And I’m not just saying that because of the Eat Pray Love craze- I’ve never read the book or seen the movie. It has everything to do with the beautiful island and the genuine good spirit its’ people carry.
I went in search of peace and enlightenment. That is subject to interpretation- for me it meant finding direction as I turned another year older, calming my thoughts, accepting big changes ahead and maybe- finding an answer to my lack of commitment to any particular religion.
I found a lot of things in Bali. Things that are so difficult to put into words. But the day that resonates so clear in my mind is the day I found an enormous sense of gratitude. This was something I had never felt before. I consider myself to be a grateful person- I don’t take my blessings for granted- but this. This was unknown energy that made me shake and weep until I couldn’t cry anymore.
After an action packed day-4 of our vacay, we went to visit the Holy Tanah Lot Temple at sunset. It was. THE MOST. Beautiful sunset I have ever seen in my life. It was peaceful and grand at the same time. I remember watching the sun set as if I had never seen it set before. And as I became present in the moment, it hit me. I was half way around the world, doing what I love most- and slowly, the long list of blessings and accomplishments in my life came pouring over me. (The picture below does no justice to the actual scene.)
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| Sunset at Tanah Lot Temple, Bali, Indonesia |
I am not a wealthy person; I live a basic-needs life. I am, however, wealthy in goal achievement, health, love and family. Everything I’ve set out to do I’ve done. From my travels to owning a business, to teaching adults & children and learning to paint. I am living proof that if you set a goal and constantly work towards achieving it- no matter what it may be- you can accomplish it.
Bali was good to me for so many reasons and I accomplished more than I set out to. One of the items on my agenda was to connect with my sponsored child, an orphan living with HIV at the Bali Kids organization. In my previous post I mentioned I am a philanthropist; it is on my few-things-that-elate-me list. Before I booked my trip, I looked into organizations that I could help and/or be a part of during my stay. Luckily, the stars aligned and led me to Bali Kids, which then connected me to Tria and raised the bar on things I am grateful for.
Tria is the youngest of three children. Her mother deserted the family when she was still an infant leaving her Father to cope alone. Apart from the eldest brother, everyone in the family is HIV+. Tria’s Mother eventually died of Aids but to this day, her Father remains healthy. He was working full time as a mechanic but was imprisoned for his involvement in a crime. Tria and her middle brother Wahyu are ill due to complications from tuberculosis and HIV. Because of this they were brought to the attention of Bali Kids. Tria is extremely easy going and bright. She is quite brave when it comes to medical matters having her fair share of needles and surgery.
Now, I understand this story sounds like one in million- one in a billion, maybe- when it comes to orphans in underdeveloped countries. Unfortunately, we (in the US) have grown imune to it and think very little of it- or not enough of it, in order to take action. I believe, in order to wake from this immunity, we must experience a real-life connection for ourselves.
This little girl is amazing. She is a beautiful bright-eyed 7 year old, so gentle and warm hearted- that even though we could not communicate clearly because of the language barrier, we seemed to understand each other very well. After all she's been through, she keeps her head up and continues to be fearless with anything life throws at her. Her demeanor is so full of hope; she has become an inspiration to me. She is learning English right now and hopes to become a doctor one day. I have no doubt she will. I welcomed my 28th birthday with her and the rest of the kids at the orphanage building a Beauty and the Beast puzzle :) It was my best birthday yet.
Yesterday, I received a thank you card from her that just melted my heart.
I am so thankful I got the chance to connect with her. I am thankful she is getting the treatment and education she needs. I am thankful I'm in a position to continue supporting her month to month. I am thankful I have an incredible support system in my life: family, friends and mentors that guide me during my most difficult times-and I hope with all my heart to be that support system for Tria one day, whenever-if ever she needs me to.
Be thankful today. Many that have less than you, are thankful too.
-Dais
Learn more about Bali Kids at www.Balikids.org #getinvolved
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