Why are you travelling?

Water drips and cool air blows. The sun shines strong, through a wall of clouds, illuminating the green leaves and brown buildings.

A few Thai words on a sign remind you of your whereabouts.

You ask yourself, “Why am I here?” “Where am I going next?”

A flashback pops into your head. You see yourself heading to the airport, your family there to wish you goodbye, and you hug your mom. And clutching your passport and bag, you head into the terminal.

“But that was months ago.” You think. “I don’t think about going home that much, maybe because no place feels like home anymore.”

Checking your messages, you see a text from a Korean girl. A soft smile goes over your face, and you think about the photos in your bag, of you together in Korea. You miss the taste of kimchi chigae and her lips.

You miss how you felt while in Seoul: walking around with a purpose, typing away on your laptop, giving recorded speeches, and emptying bottles of soju at bars, clubs, and on the street.

“Even Korea is in the past,” You think. You see yourself embracing the Korean girl, promising to return, and a farewell kiss lingering on your mind.

You grab your bag and head to the door.

Korea zooms by as you look out the train window. Green mountains and tall apartment buildings paint the landscape.

Finally, you board a boat and hear waves slapping on the sides, as the skyscrapers of Busan get smaller and smaller.

“What’s next?” You think.

Where am I going? Where do I belong? Will I find the right people? Will I reach for exotic plant drugs, or can I try to be sober?

Seeing a bird fly by, you remember you're in Thailand.

An elaborate Buddha house nearby invites you into the present moment.

A quote pops in your head,

Vietnamese monk Thich Naht Hann once said, “Breathing in, I calm my body and mind, breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is the only moment.”

You know this is the way.

You stare off into the distance, and you tighten your lips briefly.

“I’m still on this journey because I haven’t healed myself yet.”

You want to come back changed, right?

Then take your time, journal your thoughts, go deep, push yourself, challenge basic ideas you hold, and learn to live like a local.