I was in Hongkong last week - this was a trip that I had saved up for as a treat to myself, an escape from all the stress from my real world
On my second day there, I met a very interesting person. He was very bubbly, had a huge smile, and an easygoing personality. I was at the lobby of the hostel we happened to be both staying in and he just went up to me and started talking. I was a little wary at first because it was Hongkong, he was a white guy I didnt know, and I was travelling alone.
After a few preliminary chitchats, he told me his story - he had uprooted himself from Canada and was on a mission to explore the world. He started the plan about 8 months ago and started saving his money. When he had enough, he quit his job, rented out his apartment, lent his pets to friends, and left. From Hongkong, he was going to Bangkok, then to Fiji, then to New Zealand, then finally to Australia where he plans to work for 8 months.
There was no job waiting for him there - all he had was the working visa. But he was just so confident that he could do it that I couldnt help but believe it, too. I guess that's the power of self confidence.
We got to talk again later that day and I told him I envied him so much for his guts. I cant see myself doing that - taking such a big leap without no safety nets. I said I wanted to be like him when I grew up
I had told him earlier I wanted to try bungee jumping, but I couldnt convince myslef to do it yet - I dont even ride the ferris wheel
He told me the trick was to not think about it coz your mind will just stop you. You just have to go and do it. I said it goes against my training as a marketing person that I can't do anything unplanned. He said there will come a time when it will just hit me and I would be compelled to do it.
The next day, I went to Ocean Park alone. As I was standing by this crazy ride called the turbo drop, his words came to mind. And I thought, why not just do it? I was there anyway. And if I were to go bungee jumping, I had to test myself first, right? And I had to start sometime, somewhere - why not right now?
And before the doubts could creep in, I went in line for the ride. It was a pretty long wait, and there were several times wehn I had wanted to back out. But I didnt want to pass all those people waiting behind me with their knowing looks. So I guess it was also partly my pride that made me do it.
It was an unforgettable ride. I had my eyes tightly shut 50% of the time, but the adrenalin rush was sooo strong. I felt a bit shaky as I got off, but I was so proud of myself afterwards!
I told him later about the experience and about how he managed to convince me to try it when he wasnt even there
It was a brief encounter, but I will never forget how this happy person had made such an impact on me in the short time I've known him. I wish I could be more like him. And he says I could. I just have to learn how to let myself go.
I have the potential to do great things. I just have to believe in myself, believe that I could do it.
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