Dear Friends and Fellow Adventurers,
At the start of 2023, I set out on a mission to do bold things in search of #ABetterLife. I relocated to a new country, embraced the tranquility of slow travel across Africa, and explored uncharted territories. I savored moments of meditation on white sand beaches, took refreshing plunges into the Indian Ocean, and swam alongside dolphins. On the professional front, I embraced numerous new roles, projects, and responsibilities, pushing my capabilities to new heights. Last but not least, I summoned the courage to say NO and ENOUGH more often.
As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on everything that unfolded. I am not quite sure whether I have consciously unpacked everything or not, but 2023 can only be aptly described as my Rollercoaster Year. It was filled with Transformation, Opportunity, Success, Love, Healing, Sadness and Loss — progress on one front, setbacks on another.
Yet, what I am most grateful for is the opportunity to share a glimpse of my life through #ShirleyWasHere. This platform transcends mere chronicles of my adventures, such as midnight drives through the back streets of Dar es Salaam; it is a canvas of memorable experiences, like making access to clean water more accessible and affordable. It provides a glimpse into all the places I have visited, from the bustling markets in Addis Ababa that support low income communities to the beautiful island of Lamu, where I met social entrepreneurs dedicated to making our oceans cleaner. Most importantly, it stands as a testament to the warmth and hospitality of all the people I have met—those with whom I have shared laughter, meals, and danced all night—leaving an indelible mark on my heart.
If anything, I have consistently been reminded that beauty lies in embracing diverse experiences, forming new connections, and reinforcing my belief that travel is more than just exploration; it’s a profound connection with oneself, nature, and the human spirit.
I am grateful for the abundance of experiences I have had, the strength, courage, humility, wisdom, and confidence I have gained. I am thoroughly impressed by the way I have handled myself—improved, felt empowered, and ultimately thrived. However, I am beginning to grasp that the aftermath of navigating a Rollercoaster Year is complete and utter exhaustion. I won’t lie, my heart is full, and I have achieved some semblance of #ABetterLife but there isn’t much gas left in the tank at the moment.
So rather than racing to the finish line, I will be taking some time off time to rejuvenate myself focus on my wellbeing, to savor the moments of stillness, eat chocolate cake, drink water, mind my business, laugh, tread lightly, play with my nieces, go slowly, and find small pockets of silence to just be.
My sincere wish is that each one of you can also carve out time for such moments, to improve your wellbeing.
I would like to wish you all abundant joy, peace, and unforgettable adventures this holiday season. As we gracefully transition into the Big Year that 2024 will be, may we witness the unfolding of a new chapter filled with adventure, opportunity, and fulfillment.
