Taking a Walk Down Memory Lane: Finding Balance in Past and Present

"Travel far enough, you meet yourself." - David Mitchell

This July, I took an unconventional detour, exchanging my typical hustling in Silicon Valley for a month-long stay in my childhood home in Taipei. If you’re questioning this decision, knowing my inclination for personal independence and my aversion to a crowded home, you’re not alone. Why I didn’t opt for a new adventure is a question that even I find intricate.

Consider this: having a chance to venture into your time capsule, discovering relics of your past identity, all while under the same roof as your family. It’s an intriguing but demanding expedition. The trip is filled with a cascade of feelings—from the joy of revisiting entries in my youthful diaries to the annoyance of minor spats with my parents. It was a self-imposed challenge: could I fully reconcile with my past, my origins, and my journey to Silicon Valley? This was an opportunity to trace my evolution tangibly.

As days rolled on, my routines largely revolved around home, punctuated by occasional local trips or short foreign ventures. There was, of course, inconvenience. My dad’s habit of wandering into my room without knocking was not ideal. My mom’s tendency to repeat herself tested my patience. However, I soon realized that their actions came out of love, and their good intentions eclipsed their intrusive habits. I can live with that. 

Think about revisiting your childhood room, slumbering on your old bed, and working at your antiquated desk. It’s comfortable and familiar. Yet, you choose to shake things up, just as I did. I ventured into local stores, biked to a local gym, and allowed myself to stray from the usual routes—contrasting sharply with my highly structured routine in Silicon Valley. The additional time gave me the perspective to rediscover what home meant.

My goal for this trip was simple. No major epiphanies, no past burdens, no future plans. Just to partake in the present moment of the city’s daily life.

Taipei pulses with the rhythm of a contemporary city, resonating with a lively blend of local and Western influences. On an average weekday, the MRT brims with people. The streets are lined with artisanal shops selling charming crafts. But what stands out most is the people, punctuated with unexpected humor. It’s a city where the heart of the business lies in relationships. Deals are often cemented over a round of karaoke and late-night meal with clients. These people made Taipei inviting and friendly.

Halfway through my stay, I felt the urge to document my experiences. I began to journal more often and reconnect with my friends from my past. Some aspects of my personality were the same; my love for new environments and social connections was undiminished. Naturally, some changes were evident; I've become more observant and mindful of my surroundings.

Throughout the trip, I also experimented with a few new values I wanted to honor. Curiosity and patience helped me rediscover Taipei and navigate mundane tasks in the first half. Beauty and harmony, two endearing qualities of my husband, guided my latter half.

Just like I sought a deeper understanding of myself, perhaps it's time for you to undertake a similar quest. There’s an undeniable, subtle internal pivot when we embark on such an introspective journey. A slow metamorphosis, even though the endpoint was unclear. Take this as an opportunity to unearth the origins of your present self and potentially even shape your future with the places you choose to stay or go.

Let’s delve into the manifold layers of beauty and harmony of life.