The 12th Full Moonset

.. As the Full Moon Does So Set, the Sun Will So Rise..

These are some short reflections and experiences from the year past, of being a stranger and living abroad, working for an exciting start-up that's expanding internationally, and on some things it has left me along the way.

Living Abroad

First, there's the necessity of letting go of what you already have and know - the comfort of your own home, good friends and familiar places. That's a lot of sacrifices. In some cases it might even be uncomfortable. And then, after letting go, realize that in place of the things you gave up (temporarily), there's the potential to yield and grow a lot of other things instead. New people, new places, new cultures, new languages, new experiences. And as the world you live in becomes larger, the distances between the places and people in it paradoxically becomes smaller. So everything is now closer, more connected and related. And in the end, I just remember that there are many things different, but still much the same.

Working for AidCom

Professionally it has given a lot of freedom, independence and opportunities to grow and mature the understanding in dealing with corporate challenges. As it is a smaller company and everything is not carved in stone or already in order, you yourself have to make decisions, be responsible and find possible solutions. There is still much potential in many areas - new services, ideas and projects, improvements on existing ones and continuation and growth of business relations. And by the way: It's even OK to make some mistakes, as long as they are new mistakes. There's to me no denying that this too (working for AidCom), has been good, and it's been real. In fact, it's been real good.

The Harvest

Simply stated: Amazing. Of course there's also been times of great uncertainty, change of plans, and sometimes failed, or differences in, expectations. What's made a big difference to me is the attitude of positivity and proactivity - and a set environment where you can, if you will, make a Dreamyear reality. Everyday remembering that you are a part of something greater. This also requires asking what you can bring to the table, so to speak, and necessitates giving a lot of you, too. So in the end, I knew from the beginning that in choosing to accept this position, I would trade the gold for the experience, and now I know for sure that experience - is more golden.