For months now, I’ve existed in between bustling concrete roadways and cobblestone sidewalks, between old Shanghainese lane houses and modern high-rises. Every now and again, I would slow myself down enough to ponder a scurrying ant or stray cat. There were many days of missing the kaleidoscope sunsets over cobalt blue Rocky Mountain peaks from my backyard in Colorado. There were days of missing the drive through the majestic red rock formations of Garden of the Gods. But I am here now. Today, “here” includes appreciating the wonder of the marvelous sunset, the brilliant natural balance of light and dark at Tanah Lot in Bali.

Instead of clinging to the thought of “uprooting” from the comforts of the country I call home, I have made a conscious choice to embrace my new surroundings. The focus now is to bloom where I have been planted. Renew, recharge, refocus.