Sunsets, Palm Trees, Rice & Pineapples

I’m writing this with my wet hair clipped back, smelling of coconut and sunscreen, with the taste of those 7/11 spicy mango plum powder sweets in my mouth. The 7/11s here really have everything you need—and don’t need—in abundance.

Out the window, filtered sunlight streams in. I love the way it moves in the early morning and late afternoons, creating dappled light on the curtains. It’s quiet, except for the rustle of palms from a breeze that hardly cools. I type slowly and intentionally, pausing to admire my yin-yang nails—a reminder of balance.

It’s been nearly two months of perfect, island-y sunsets and vibrant full moons. Consistently (very) warm days, coupled with ice-cold showers (and literal ice baths). The sound of the palm trees swaying me to sleep. Working out and eating my body weight in rice and pineapple. Always buying extra water for the street dogs.

The weeks are flying, but the days are long. Practicing presence. Navigating these chaotic roads. Never letting myself take for granted these warm nights, the warm ocean, and warm smiles.

I’ve gotten to reunite with some of my closest loves, who I last saw about five years ago, right here on the southern tip of Phuket. It felt like no time had passed—and like a whole lifetime had passed.

I’ve experienced loss, which I wrote about here, about my sweet Kendi. My heart feels very tender, but as I’ve said, grief stretches it wide open. It’s healing to be back here, even if it’s not Little Thai Garden (ahem, room number 10). I walked by there the week I arrived, and the gates at the front were fully shut and closed. I never closed those gates, I thought, a bit angsty, as if it were still my place.

I was too shy to take a stalker-like peek through. I took it as God’s way of saying, It looks just like it did, and seeing it won’t make a difference. Now, go on, keep walking. No, not that way—turn around. Exactly. This is a new chapter. Now go, and don’t look back.

Although, as life goes—and as I suppose I go—I’ve already pretty much adopted another sweet soul. Hey… I hold my hands up in defense—she came to me first, very cute, and I just happened to have cat food at the ready!

Hmm, let’s see how it goes… but I have a feeling I’m right where I’m meant to be.