Kannur to Kochi

Well we made it to Kochi! We have not yet crossed the finish line, but it is only 13km away. We will do that tomorrow evening right before the finish party.

Last night we began hearing kind of small explosions from our hotel. We were thinking what the heck is going on. Finally we deduced that they were fireworks. Today is Indian New Year! The fireworks went all.night.long. So we were more than ready to hit the road early this morning for 270km to make it to Kochi. 

I would be lying if I said today was easy. Tensions were high this morning; maybe because of poor sleep and maybe because we were all anxious to get to Kochi, but everyone  was a bit sensitive. Nonetheless, the holiday resulted in much lighter traffic and we were able to make it without incident. 

This amazing man, gifted us with a bag of dates to welcome us to India and thank us for being here, while we were getting gas. 

So, I don't think this is tradition in India, but in honor of Vishu (New Year) I am going to share my resolutions that have come out of this trip:

1. Help others. Even strangers - especially strangers. There is nothing more comforting than someone reaching out to help when you're in a pickle. 

2. Smile more. Wave more. I have spent the majority of every day for the past two weeks smiling and waving at nearly every person I see - because they are doing it to me. It takes no effort, there is no cost, and everyone feels better afterward.

3. Be excited by the little things. A small gesture, an unexpected positive. It doesn't need to change your entire world, but it can change a moment and that moment can change your day. Happiness is like dominos.

4. But, remember the highs and lows are finite. When you feel like you can't go on - that will pass. When you feel invincible- that will pass too. Hold on to the highs and fight through the lows - there's always another side. Today's squat toilet will soon be tomorrow's 5 star hotel. 

5. Never stop walking the path. Continue to grow and evolve physically, mentally, and spiritually. Stagnation leads to boredom, boredom prevents growth - a vicious cycle. 

6. Don't stay in your own lane. If you see a gap, take it. It will be scary and uncomfortable but getting outside the box will move you forward the fastest. Otherwise you'll be stuck behind a handcart being pulled by camel up a mountain. 

7. Be observant. Life moves by so fast (sometime more than 35 km/hour), look around. Feel it. Embrace it. When you hear, "did you see that"?! Proudly exclaim "yes, I did"!

Happy Vishu!!