Not Everyone Made It This Far: A Post-Pandemic Journey of Rejuvenation in Thailand
A story of recovery, transition, and finding wellness
Personal lessons were learned from surviving three waves of company layoffs, absorbing more responsibilities at work during the pandemic aftermath, as well as decades of overworking myself that eventually lead me to emergency room visits. That period of global madness had bolstered my belief that nothing is permanent, and thus, my self-forecasted lifespan is merely an illusion. Here's the thing - when it's our time to go, there's no "Hey, heads up!" text from the universe.
Making the Leap: From Corporate Life to Health-Focused Way of Living
So, during the latter summer months of 2021, I’d made a pivotal decision. I set out on a mission to reconnect with my family in California and to improve my physical & mental health before it was too late. With this new awareness, I nervously resigned from my full-time marketing director position at a radio group to embrace my next chapter. Is it my last opportunity to live my life more fully? Who knows, but I’m once again betting on myself!
I am so fortunate to have a loving family. They welcomed me back into the fold without hesitation. After a couple of months of family re-bonding, I began my healing journey. And with Thailand lifting its hotel quarantine requirements in early 2022, I found myself on a plane to Bangkok to visit my extended family and continue my health-rejuvenation program.
Finding Wellness in Bangkok: A Budget-Friendly Guide
In Bangkok, I chose to stay at the budget hotel called Ibis Siam for a couple of weeks as my initial home base. This location allowed me to easily access mass transportation like the BTS sky train, extensive variety of foods, as well as a sports complex for my daily exercise. Like in years past, Thailand has once again given me the opportunity to calm down my anxiety at the low cost of $29 per night, including breakfast, which was a great deal in March of 2022. This accommodation is a perfect jumping-off point to visit with my aunt and cousins located around the city metro. All I had to worry about were to rest, eat healthily and level-up my health. Winner, winner, Pad Thai dinner!
My daily exercise routine included brisk walks through some of Bangkok’s most lively hot spots, such as Chulalongkorn University, the MBK mall, and the Siam Paragon shopping complex. Within this neighborhood, my favorite route had me striding through the lush green campus of Chulalongkorn University in the mornings, as well as the adjacent National Stadium Sports Complex in the evenings. The chilled campus environment provided a perfect setting for personal revitalization. Me love some positive vibes!
Note to Self: We must appreciate each day that we still have on this beautiful planet and not take our health for granted. “Be grateful for life, not everyone made it this far.” - Unknown
Oh, by the way, in case you are unaware - Chulalongkorn University, affectionately known as "Jula" by locals, is Thailand's oldest and most prestigious university. Its sprawling campus is a blend of traditional Thai architecture and modern facilities, offering a peaceful and scenic environment right in the heart of the city. Big shouts to “Jula!”
Planning a wellness journey or digital nomad experience in Bangkok? Feel free to reach out with questions by clicking HERE!
Until next time, Sawadee Khrup!
