In June 2012 we travelled to Vietnam and Cambodia. It is considered a trip of a life time.
This picture is one of the streets of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. One of the first strategies we learned; how to cross the street without getting maimed or killed. The bikes were a barrage with what seemed to be no break. There were very few traffic lights. The motorcyclists seem to be on a mission to travel from point A to point B. Period. It was quite a sight to see. It was organized chaos.
It reminded me of a symphony. The music was in front of them and they played at the right time with the right notes. We wish we could see the music so we could read and play it too.
The picture you see and the description above is how best to describe my mind.
I have a plan, similar to crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh City. I need to get across. The great part is, I can see the other side of the road. The challenge is all of the opportunities and work that comes with meeting these goals is overwhelming me, like the constant barrage of motorcycles with what looks like no rules, traffic signs or signals.
Several challenges are new to me thus a few major learning curves. I am in a different world with different rules. Many opportunities have recently come to me which I have wanted for quite some time. These opportunities are very promising, but, have changed the focus I thought was in place. With that comes an abrupt change in how to complete the ‘BIG PLAN’.
I am aware of the multitudes of phrases and quotes that summarize how to eat an elephant, take baby steps and carpe diem. Believe me, that is top of mind each day.
I make lists, I cross them off. I thought crossing off the little stuff first, leaving the really big stuff last would be best. I understand now this is not going to get me across the street. It’s like taking a step on the road, seeing the bikes and stepping back on the sidewalk.
How did we cross the street in Ho Chi Minh City? We looked for the biggest gap of motorcycles. We held hands tight and began to cross. We were concerned we would be hit. We were surprised when we came in front of a bike that it would stop and let us cross. We finally had the music. We were learning how to be part of the symphony.
The Vietnamese motorcyclists chuckled at us. I am certain I could hear them say in their chuckle…”Foreigners.”. It was a huge sense of accomplishment to get to the other side. And…we learned the motorcyclists had compassion and understanding of our goal.
It is time for my mind and actions to know and do the same.