A very personal thanksgiving

From Chinese New Year to Eid to Diwali, Asian cultures and religions place a heavy emphasis on giving thanks during celebrations. But the idea of a ritual solely revolving around giving thanks is somewhat alien.

But the world is a crappy place, I realise that I’m not getting any younger and I don’t believe in religion, so the idea of a formal stocktaking of my many blessings is very attractive. So at least if I die tomorrow, this will serve as a testament to my virtue.

Thanks to blind luck for helping me win the birth lottery by being born in a reasonably well to do, happy family. 

Thanks to growing up under the guidance of a mother who knew the power of education to transform lives, but was agnostic as to which direction it took. Who loved books but didn’t care which ones were read. Who believed in morality and values, but didn’t particularly care which label was attached to them.

Thanks to a brother who imbibed those values way better than me and is still the most loyal friend I could hope to find. Thanks to my extended family that still gets most excited in sharing their joys.

Thanks to all the friends I made in school, college and business school and even more to those that didn’t make it. Thanks for the parties, the booze, the drugs and thanks for helping me make the right choices when the time came. Thanks to those who are still in my life and to the ones I made along the way. What’s life without a Friday binge?

Thanks to my professional mentor who taught me that the most important learning has nothing to do with formal education. Thanks for showing me that when the work you do comes easy, the time available for fun expands dramatically.

Thanks to my soulmate for magically appearing in my life when I most needed it, and staying to help me survive all my minor tribulations, but most importantly in making our life feel like a continuous celebration. Thanks also for showing me the joys of travel as an objective as much as an experience.

Thanks to my son for finding so much joy and humour in everyday life while staying grounded and hardworking that it makes me utterly undeservedly feel like a successful parent.

Thanks to the guy who changed the trajectory of our lives by insisting that choosing Malaysia would be a decision I wouldn’t regret. Thanks to Malaysia, my adopted country for instantly making me feel at home, a feeling I haven’t lost in 20 years. The island life, the astonishing food and the warmth of the people still make me feel privileged to be able to be here.

Thanks to the editors of the two newspapers who allowed me the platform to comment on topics dear to me for over 8 years.

Thanks to all my partners and ex partners in my entrepreneurial journey who have ensured that the possibility of rejoining the corporate world seems like an immense step down. Thanks also for showing me that we can all be risk takers-we just need the right support.

But most of all thanks to luck. Recognising that my own efforts pale in comparison to the series of fortunate coincidences, good genes and timing that has got me here allows me to enjoy every day as a gift. The heart is full.