30 Days Writing Challenge | Day 2: On the Road, Under the Sun.
Day 2: things that make you happy.
The first thing that comes to mind is the sun — rays of sunshine, fluffy clouds, gentle breeze, lush sceneries as far as my eyes can see. I’m the happiest when I am outdoor on a sunny, clear day. So, for me to end up spending my Master’s in a city with one of the worst weather still baffles me. But, on a bright sunny day, Boston is so beautiful sometimes it moves me to tears.
The second thing that comes to mind is my boisterous extended family's laughter and my tight-knit inner circle. Whenever I spent time with my family and my friends, my heart feels warm. Growing up, I thought my family is the norm-that every family is like my family. But then I meet more people who dreaded the annual Eid Al-Fitr holiday; I was confused because I thought everyone loves spending time with their family. Eventually, I learned I was lucky to be raised in a close, warm, and supportive family. I learned that it’s actually a privilege to be able to call your cousins, your best friend. I learned that not everyone’s mom is affectionate as my mom or as caring, loving, and warm as my sisters. Whenever, wherever, and whatever happen-I’m at my happiest when I spend time with my family and friends.
The third thing that comes to mind is discovering new places and trying out new things–that secret creek in Arnold Arboretum, that small coffee stall by the Balikpapan’s beach, that random kaki lima near MRT station in Jakarta, that freezing pond in Central Park, that heritage rest area in a road trip back from Jogja to Jakarta. I’m in awe of the world and everything within it. Despite the injustices, the constant suffering, and the collective heartache of billions of humans, there's always something beautiful, hidden, and surprising to discover. This world is such a vast place, and I barely discover it.
The fourth thing that comes to mind is solitude. I was alone in a strange place for most of my happy memories, with no one I know, but I was always at peace–continuously falling in love with the world that surrounds me.
“I’m not sure what I’ll do, but — well, I want to go places and see people. I want my mind to grow. I want to live where things happen on a big scale.”
