Next stop on this THPL journey, Manila, Philippines, a country of 101 million, a setting as familiar as any I have been on. Crowded roads, large buildings, Starbucks everywhere, English spoken, the vibe and flow one of a global city. The world stage just feeling a bit smaller. Is it the familiarity, and if yes, why does that matter? The more familiar, the more similar, the “smaller” the world becomes. Connected by threads of commerce, culture, and mission what is not to like and feel good about even when 10,000 miles away. The people seem to engage as if I was a local, and maybe then, we are all locals when we find common ground and dreams and aspirations that align. To live a better life, to create better versions of ourselves, to help and support each other so that we can to make the world, better for everyone because when that happens it is better for each of us. Yes, that better version of “me” a result of harmony amongst our brothers and sisters around the world. Forward we go, side by side, chasing tomorrow and all that it brings….to each of us.

Loving life when it feels familiar