Hello from China 🐉
Feb 14, 2024
Greetings from China!
As I am writing this, we are in a city called Hefei - a host of 12 million people, where my partner is from.
I am sitting here this morning with a cup of green tea, after having done my morning meditation practice, and enjoying writing a few reflections for you.
My partner Steven went to visit his father's grave. Little Amari is watching Chinese cartoons with Grandma & I have some time to myself.
It is Chinese New Year - almost 10 days of festivities, family visits, sharing food, playing games, and resting.
Let me tell you - Chinese people know how to eat. I think it's a national sport :)
For New Year, we had over 20 different dishes, including:
- duck tongues
- Buddha soup (I don't claim that the original recipe dates 25-26 centuries ago)
- incredible vegetarian dishes - some greens I've never seen in my life
- fried noodles
- whole fish & other delicacies
It's been a joyful time, and I also got sick - which gave me time to sleep, rest, and reflect on life.
One of those reflections is about a dream I had 10 years ago. At the time, I had traveled the world extensively.
When I was in Beijing, I saw a couple with kids as young as 1-year-old backpacking and exploring.
I thought, one day I wish I would have a partner who shares my love for travel. Someone open to adventures & new cultures. And here we are - adventure buddies. With a 3-year-old traveling across the world.
Dreams do come true.
I want to leave you today with this thought:
You can create your life the way you want it. You don't need to fit into a box. You can be breaking boxes daily. And make your life, work, and business an out-of-the-box experience that fits YOU!
Big cheers and happy Chinese New Year.
Mariya
P.S. The pictures above are from the Old City in Shanghai - it's a colorful installation of lights, dragons (yes, it's a year of the Dragon), numerous shops and vendors, and thousands and thousands of people who come here to rejoice in the lights and festivities.