Last Day

Today is my last day at the internship program. I've been here for two years. It feels weird to think this is my last day. For a while, it felt like every day was exactly the same and it's hard to shake that feeling today. It doesn't feel any different to me. But it is. I have to say goodbye to the people I've worked with, to the atmosphere, the environment, to my favorite reading space at lunch.

However, change is good. Everything changes eventually. Impermanence is the only true reality. I've gone through big changes before. This is just another stage in life beginning; a transition. It is healthy for me to accept the transience of life. To move on; to let go; to embrace something new. 

My time spent here has undoubtedly lead me to experience the biggest changes in my life: I discovered mindfulness, minimalism, and philosophy (Eastern and Western). I changed a lot of habits to lead a healthier lifestyle. I started writing a lot more. I created some of the artwork that has fulfilled me the most. I leave this stage of life with a sadness, many bittersweet memories, but with the progress I have made, I will only move forward from here and experience the beauty that is life's journey.

Arche II: The Rebirth

Chilly May Morning

A spider in the window

Her web is her home

I saw this spider in my apartment window all spring, and despite my fear of creepy crawly things, I began to enjoy the sight of her peacefully abiding while I drank my morning coffee or tea. She died  a few weeks ago, gone without a goodbye, but a new spider arrived to take its place. I named the new spider Arche II (being the second spider in my window); Arche is Greek for "origin" or "beginning".

My life seems to be in a state of new beginning. This is my last week in an internship position I've held for two years. It feels like just an ordinary day here at the office, but the atmosphere is permeated by an inextricable feeling of sadness. This emotion comes bittersweet however, as every ending is a new beginning.

Next week will arise a new stage of my life for me. I will begin working in just one place (I started my new job a few weeks ago; working two jobs has been stressful). The extra free time I have will allow me to gain new focus on my priorities: my relationship with my lovely fiancée, my health (both eating and exercise), mindfulness meditation, reading and writing more, and establishing renewed connections with friends and family. This rebirth into the next stage of my life is ripe with opportunity, and I plan on using this time to simplify and lead a life of values. I also plan on writing more in this blog, so stay tuned!

Laughter

They say that laughter is the best medicine.

Well, it certainly helps keep our spirits up and not so stressed out. We all get overwhelmed with things we have to do and responsibilities we have. Life can be tough. But every now and then we have to just laugh it off and let go. We can't take everything so seriously all the time. After all life is just a ride, an endless cosmic joke. So enjoy it.

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. - Victor Hugo