One must kill for another to survive

It's been a while; it hasn't been that long measured in days/hours/minutes, but it has been a long while measured in the copious amounts of maturity and experience I have accumulated in this short span of time. To see the world and the little things from a different light is a unique experience and a rare privilege and gift that has been bestowed upon me. It is simply truly amazing to be just alive and kicking, blessed with more-than-sufficient levels of food and water, a homely "shelter" to return to at night and take cover from the blistering heat and frigid weather, to know that I will live for another day, however painful that day might be. To be breathing and to be feeling is already more than I can ask for.

The harsh terrain and unforgiving jungles of Brunei have truly opened my eyes to the true treasures in life; above our inherent need for pleasure, it is really the most simple and basic things in life that make our livelihood truly valuable, the minute details we often overlook and worse still, take for granted. These are our necessities, the elements that keep us alive, that don't necessary make life worth living but more importantly, create the life that we make worth living for. They are the foundation and because they have always been present from the very moment our tiny feet set foot onto the solid earth, we hardly sense their presence nor prepare for their absence. And when they are forcefully taken away from us, only then we acknowledge the true value that comes with food, water, warmth and shelter.

Having spent 3 nights out in the cold, relentless rain with hardly a shelter over my head, I can safely say that I have never gone through anything more miserable than those 3 lonely nights. Nothing can make you ignore or forget the cold or misery out in the storm but every incessant drop of rain that trickles down your wearied body sends a shiver down your spine and an image to your brain--memories of your family, friends and the little things in life; the food, a nice, warm bed to sleep in, just the peaceful knowledge of knowing that everything is fine.

For me right now, being happy has become so much easier and accessible; just the simple taste of food or to be a spectator of the inclement weather from indoors brings euphoria like no other. It is not the simple happiness that tickles, but the warm bliss of knowing that I could have so much less and yet I enjoy this much more.

I hope to never lose sight of this lesson that I have gained and to continue to learn to cherish the simple things around me.