Hope — sometimes, that is all it takes when one dares to dream

After completing Class 12 and gaining admission to pursue a Diploma, my desire to further upgrade my qualifications never faded. Beginning my educational journey again after almost three years of gap was not easy. It was a daunting decision that demanded courage, patience and determination. However, with perseverance and the support of those around me, after four long years of study, sacrifice and investment, I finally graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Yet, that milestone did not mark the end of my journey. The hope within me continued to burn, encouraging me to dream bigger and aim higher. With the support of my family and a strong belief that I could achieve more, in late 2023 I began planning another chapter in a journey that has always been close to my heart. I have always believed, and still believe, that education may not necessarily make a person financially rich, but it enriches us with wisdom, knowledge and perspectives that money can never truly buy.

Today, it has been exactly one week since I officially graduated and received my master’s degree. As I sit and reflect on this two-year journey, I am overwhelmed by a mixture of emotions — happiness, relief, pride, gratitude and reflection.

It has been an absolute honour and privilege to study at a renowned university and learn from scholars and professors who are experts in their respective fields. Studying in an environment supported by world-class facilities and academic resources has been an experience beyond what I once imagined. However, I also recognise that this achievement would not have been possible without the support of the people around me and those back home, especially during moments when I had to constantly balance the competing demands of work, study and everyday life.

Balancing work and study in a foreign country is something that can easily create confusion and anxiety. On one hand, students must remain committed to their classes and academic responsibilities, while on the other, there is the financial reality of paying rent, utility bills and other living expenses. Sometimes there is also social pressure, where choosing to focus on study instead of earning more can be misunderstood. I do not judge anyone for the choices they make because every person has their own circumstances, responsibilities and reasons, all of which deserve understanding and respect.

For me, learning, gaining knowledge and exposing myself to new ideas had always been my priority. Therefore, choosing to focus more strongly on my studies was comparatively easier, although I often carried a sense of guilt for not being able to contribute financially as much as I wanted. This choice became much easier because of the unwavering support of my beautiful wife.

From the day we met, she has always listened to my dreams, understood my vision and supported me wholeheartedly. I fully understand how difficult it is to work, earn and save, only to see much of that hard-earned money invested again into tuition fees and education. Having someone who could share the financial responsibility would certainly have reduced the pressure on her, yet she continuously encouraged me to concentrate on my studies rather than worry excessively about earning. The fear of failing a unit and facing additional tuition costs was always at the back of our minds, but her reassurance gave me the confidence to keep going.

Her kindness gave me hope, and her support gave me confidence and peace of mind — qualities that became an integral part of this journey. We may not have worked or earned as much as we could have during these years, but reaching this far is itself an achievement that deserves recognition. I may not have expressed this enough, but I feel extremely fortunate and blessed to have an amazing wife who believed in my dreams and stood beside me throughout this journey.

My parents have also always been a beacon of hope and inspiration in my life. Their sacrifices and willingness to allow their children to pursue their dreams, despite knowing how much they would love to have us close to them as they grow older, is something that deeply moves me whenever I think about it. Their encouragement, prayers and sacrifices have silently accompanied me through every stage of my educational journey.

Life would also have been much more difficult without my sister and brother-in-law. Their support in financing our education and helping with the logistical arrangements required to begin a new life in a foreign country gave us the foundation we needed to embark on this journey. Their willingness to support us during important moments is something I will always remember with gratitude.

The people we choose to surround ourselves with can also have a profound influence on the direction of our lives. My educational journey would have been very different without my friends Sonam Jamtsho and Rinzin Dorji. We shared similar concerns, ambitions and challenges relating to our studies, and throughout these two demanding years, we constantly encouraged and supported one another. Whether it was discussing academic work, helping each other understand difficult concepts, sharing concerns or simply motivating one another during stressful periods, our friendship created a sense of togetherness. That mutual understanding and commitment to helping each other succeed made the journey lighter and more meaningful.

Looking back today, I realise that this master’s degree does not belong to me alone. It represents the collective sacrifices, encouragement, kindness and support of every person who stood beside me throughout this journey. My wife gave me the strength and peace to concentrate on my education, my parents continued to inspire me through their sacrifices and prayers, my sister and brother-in-law helped create the foundation that made this journey possible, and my friends walked alongside me through the academic challenges of these two years. Every contribution, whether financial, emotional, practical or academic, became part of the foundation upon which this achievement was built. Receiving this degree is therefore not simply the culmination of my own efforts, but the culmination of all their sacrifices, encouragement and belief in me. For that, I will remain deeply thankful. This achievement reminds me that while an individual may hold the dream, it often takes the love, support and sacrifices of many people to help turn that dream into reality.

Disclaimer:

ChatGPT was used only to help rephrase and improve the clarity of this reflection. The experiences, thoughts, emotions and message expressed are entirely my own.

“From Mountains to Ocean” : My Seven-Month Journey Abroad”

Seven months in a foreign land have felt like a roller-coaster ride, offering me the chance to test my resilience and emotions. When I planned for this journey, I believed I could handle the challenges but living it has been another story.

Today, as my semester break begins, my mind has finally relaxed after months of assignments, quizzes, and exams. The very thought of being free has sparked realizations about the choices I made with courage, foreseeing a positive outcome, yet now prompting reflection.

After a gap of six years away from academia, readjusting to daily routines of studying, managing assignments, and racing against deadlines was challenging. It took time to acclimate. Some days, despite regular class attendance, it felt as if I wasn’t learning much; the struggle to grasp concepts shook my confidence and introduced doubts that dampened my self-belief. Anxiety and moments of panic crept in, but with a positive mindset and determination, I found myself gradually progressing.

Studying could be fun and adventurous—if only there were no other obligations to meet! Sadly, that’s not the case. At first, the pressure of finding a job to support my expenses and tuition was minimal, like the “honeymoon stage” of studying abroad. It was a time of exploring the city and enjoying welcome dinners with loved ones. But as weeks turned to months without a steady job, reality set in, and people got busy with their own lives. That’s when the weight of financial stress began to impact my mental health. I found myself missing home intensely, realizing that “home sickness” and loneliness were no longer just concepts—they were my new reality.

It’s during these times that I saw the truth: the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Money may be there, but where is peace, contentment, and happiness? How do you even find a way to make money in a new country? Fortunately, I have my sister and cousins here who have been incredibly supportive to both me and my spouse. Their generosity has lightened our financial load, sparing us from what could have been a serious strain on our mental health had we been here alone.

Over the months, we finally managed to find jobs that help us meet our basic savings goals. That alone has been a huge relief.

Navigating this journey hasn’t only involved studies and work; adjusting to new people and surroundings has been equally daunting. Homesickness becomes most real when you start to miss family and friends back home. After seven months away, I feel gratitude for the blessings of supportive family, friends, and the prayers of well-wishers. Though there have been moments of counting days instead of dollars until our return, we continue to sail through these uncertainties.

Note: The article is refined through ChatGPT.

Balancing Dreams and Doubts – Part II.

Finding Strength in the Words of His Majesty: A Renewed Sense of Purpose

Recently, something extraordinary happened that touched me deeply. His Majesty the King of Bhutan visited, and it was an emotional moment, one that resonated on a level I hadn’t anticipated. As I stood there listening to his address, I was filled with a sense of pride and connection that I hadn’t felt in a long time. His words were supportive, validating, and incredibly assuring—everything I needed to hear at this juncture of my journey.

In that moment, it felt like a lifeline, a reminder of the values and strength we hold as Bhutanese. His Majesty’s words cut through the homesickness and doubt that had been weighing me down. He reminded us all that while we may be far from home, we carry Bhutan in our hearts. His address wasn’t just about leadership or national pride; it felt deeply personal, as though he understood the struggles we face being abroad and the challenges of adapting to a new life.

His Majesty’s visit made me realize that while we are on foreign soil, we are never truly alone. His words further motivated me, rekindling the fire within to stay strong, keep pushing, and remain focused on the path I have chosen. It was a much-needed moment of reflection, one that helped me regain clarity and hope.

I walked away from that visit feeling more connected to my roots and more determined than ever to succeed in this journey. It reminded me that no matter where I am, the values and support of my homeland are with me. His Majesty’s visit not only gave me comfort but also renewed my sense of purpose, helping me to focus on the positives and look forward to the future with optimism.

His Majesty’s visit was timely and assuring that comforted the emotions that often overwhelmed me. Thank you, your Majesties for making this historic visit. We shall always remain indebted and blessed under your dynamics, compassionate and farsighted leadership for eternity.

Disclaimer: This is how ChatGPT responds to someone who is missing his home, family, friends, et Ceta despite having your supportive spouse, siblings, relatives, college mates, former colleagues and known ones around.

Balancing Dreams and Doubts – Part 1

Courtesy: Google Image

There will be days when the homesickness feels unbearable, and the sense of being dependent on others weighs heavy on me. But I remind myself why I came here in the first place. The journey is hard, but the destination will be worth it. Peace of mind will come, and when it does, I know I’ll look back on this time and realize how much I’ve grown.

Studying on foreign soil has always been a dream that slowly unfolded over the years. It wasn’t a decision made overnight; it was a path that seemed to make sense for my future, offering opportunities for growth and new experiences. But as I stand in this new chapter of my life, far from the familiar comforts of home, I’ve realized that this journey comes with unexpected challenges. The sense of homesickness and loneliness often hits me more than I ever anticipated despite having my beautiful and supportive wife, and supportive families around me.

It’s strange, really. You’d think having your loved ones nearby would erase the loneliness, but it doesn’t always work that way. There’s something about being in a foreign country, surrounded by unfamiliarity, that brings an overwhelming feeling of being out of place. The environment is different, the pace of life is faster, and the sense of belonging that I had back home seems distant. As much as I try to adapt, the feeling of being dependent on others here has slowly crept in, and it’s hard to shake. It’s overwhelming at times, making me question why I even came to this foreign soil in the first place.

The decision to leave home was driven by dreams of a better future, of personal and professional growth. But now that I’m here, in the middle of it, I find myself contemplating my choices. I ask myself if this journey is worth the emotional strain, the feeling of not quite fitting in. It’s easy to second-guess when the challenges seem so immediate, and the rewards feel far off.

Still, I’m trying to remain positive. There’s a future I’m working toward, and that thought keeps me going. The struggle isn’t forever, and I know that the discomfort I feel now is part of the process. It’s normal to feel out of place in a new environment, and I’m hopeful that with time, things will get easier. I’m focusing on the positives—the new opportunities, the chance to learn and grow, and the support I do have from my wife and family, even if I don’t always feel it.

The truth is, the money is here. That’s one of the reasons people come to countries like Australia, to pursue financial stability and build a better life. But what I’ve come to realize is that money doesn’t necessarily bring peace of mind. The sense of security I had at home, the peace that came from being in a familiar, supportive community, is something I can’t buy. It’s something I need to rebuild here, little by little.

This journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about education and career advancement. I’m learning more about myself, about what I value, and about how to cope with change. And while the homesickness and feelings of doubt are tough, I know that they’re temporary. I’m committed to pushing through, staying positive, and keeping my eyes on the future I came here to create.

The visit of His Majesty bestowed a renewed sense of purpose and hope….

Disclaimer: This is how ChatGPT responds to someone who is missing his home, family, friends, et Ceta despite having your supportive spouse, siblings, relatives, college mates, former colleagues and known ones around. P.S. I am doing well and looking forward to achieving greatness.

Part 2 of the same edition continues…

Chapter II

Life is a journey, walking on the path of mystery which encompasses trials and errors, wins, and losses and embarking to realize one’s goals holding a ray of hopes and positive mindset. Education and learning had always been on my radar and has scanned and explored all possible solutions and avenues to grab the gift of education.

The preconceived motive and the values and wisdom instilled upon me has reignited my passions and invoked my determinations to walk on the same road which has either remained idle or suppressed due to circumstantial needs.

The first chapter on this journey was getting enlisted and sailing on a boat of hopes and aspirations to further upgrade the qualification and accumulating broader perspective and knowledge over the course of time and ultimately holding the degree certificate.

However, sadly, this was beginning of the end.

The very thought of late-mover, reluctance, stagnation, and mediocrity has always bothered me taking a toll on my mental well-being often questioning myself by feeding negative and pessimistic intuitions.

Seeking comfort and taking solace in the 9 – 5 works has further compounded and prolonged to initiate next step and to come out of comfort zone to unlock one’s true potential. Nevertheless, the timely realization of my instinct and reminder made by my loved and known folks has played a pivotal role in unfurling of next chapter, I would rather call it as CHAPTER II.

This was not an easy decision, and it was also not a decision made over-night. Chapter II is a culmination of calculative risks taken, consultation, research and supports granted by peoples around.

After being break from classes, assignments, exams, and presentations for around 6 years, in next few days, in a proper classroom, the journey of education and up/re- skilling will continue.

This will not be an easy job but with perseverance and determination, I strive to succeed and withstand whatever obstacles that may befall over the course of time.

The anxiety in the between.

During the trip, as expected and perceived, the places we visited were all gifting and enchanting with the sounds of humming and chirping birds and a roaring of a river flowing down towards the human settlements and being surrounded by mesmerizing mountains capped with snow which was tantamount to serenity and a much-needed boost to mental health and an energizer for a tired body.

Further, the greetings offered by porters and ponies on the way, and while ascending further reminded of and appreciate the journey made thus far, and reignite to surpass the long hours of walking and the daunting passes that await.  

All these incidences manifest and signify the awaited invitations and the hospitality we are to experience and have also corroborated the mental and paradigm shift I was seeking.

From starting with anxiety and having a preconceived opinion to accomplishing the mission without any major setbacks, I have started to believe again in positive thoughts and having the right conscience irrespective of the subjects that are presented and befall.

The harsh weather and the thin air you get to breathe which could lead to some serious threat to one’s health, even cause death is what kept me awake for multiple nights before the actual day.

There were no days passed without overthinking the consequences and to make the matter worse, started to browse Google to prepare to brave the harsh climate and withstand the hours [10 – 12 hours daily] of walking required to make it to the destination. 

Ultimately, my mental health started to take a toll on me. Alas!  

In a nutshell, with all the specific and exhaustive percept I brewed, I bought all the negative and pessimistic thoughts that are made available for human beings to trade.

To an extent, I even had excuses not to be part of the team, stay comfortable, and seek refuge in my little space. And further, with the insomnia I lived through during my last trip, it has become hard to embrace reality and dare to endure again.

But, almighty has different plans which reignited my desire and zeal to crack this trip.

For some official purposes, we are on a tour to Soe and Lingzhi Gewog under Thimphu Dzongkhag.

The number of walking hours we need to dedicate has least bothered me but the very thought of altitude sickness has literally tormented my mental health and it almost capsized the aim of making a trip.

Nevertheless, Due to some adjustments made in the way I conceived things and my thought processes, and the strategy adopted to execute we (I) had a successful and fruitful breakthrough and made it to our destination without much hassle except for the body aches we persevered and endured.  

At the end of the day, expressing the beauty of the places and the surprises it has in store is beyond my thinking capacity. Further, the hospitality we received from the locals and the officials at every place we resided deserves every iota of applause and gratitude – we felt fortunate and blessed.

In between, from the day we embarked on a mission till the day we reached back to our destination, memories are made and ideas were exchanged which will be an integral part of our lives for years to come.

The importance to live in the present moment [Mindfulness] and hallucinating less of the future has taught me a lesson that played as a push factor and made me determined to capitalize on the opportunity that is left to seize. This has literally helped me to subside the anxiety I was carrying all the way.

After having started with nervousness and reluctance, as we ascend despite tired bodies and minds’ intent to withdraw, the lesson that I inculcated, i.e. to live in the present moment without needing to worry about days gone and days that await has mentally equipped me to successfully confront the uncertainties that might befall.  

Further, embracing and enjoying the gift nature has in store to present to those seeking it has made it memorable.

The sense of accomplishment and fulfillment I experienced after reaching back to the station is beyond my imagination and words fall short of expressing the emotions that unfolded.

THE JOURNEY OF AN AMATEUR WRITER.

I don’t know why I always had that zeal and has been inclined more towards English and improving my vocabulary since my high school days. I always envied and had the tendency to preach those who were fluent in English and has a good taste of grammar. In order to be at their caliber, I have tried inculcating and emulate their skills but always lagged .

Before year 2015, Reading was never in my genes nor had been my forte to grab one being oblivious of the benefit this would induce.  Further, writing an article was reduced only for an academic purpose only.

In retrospect, the year 2015 was declared to be celebrated as National Reading Year throughout the country in order to instill reading culture among Bhutanese community.

In order to be a part of this noble celebration, I embarked on a reading journey and was engrossed in reading different genres of books and had been engaged with it for the next few years. This period was revolutionary period of life as it has helped me in many dimensions of my life, both academically as well as professionally.

During that period, the blogging culture among the Bhutanese started to reignite, gaining momentum and the blogs were widely shared on various social media handles. This started to garner many readers from different sects, and I was one of them. Being an ardent reader and having preconceived interest in writing, after drawing inspiration from Bhutanese blogger, I too embarked on a writing journey.

The motive behind embarking on this journey, initially, was just to improve my writing skills but in the last 5 years, an additional purpose was added to the list, that is, today, I use this page to pour out my emotions and to give life to my feeling and instinct. Being an Introvert, This page has enabled me to share and uncover my beclouded emotion and helped illuminating it. 

Looking back, in the last 5 years, I am supposed to have written hundreds of articles but managed to write only 48. As far as I am concern, this number is quite applaud able given the fact that I have devoted good 4 years from the available 5 years in continuing my education. During that period, writing an article was a foreign subject because of never-ending academic and office obligations.

The mood swing that I am currently trying to surmount, the reluctance to tame before it inflame, and also the lack of subjects that I am interested to write attributed to lagging my writing journey. I would stay months and even years without writing any articles. For example, The time gap between the article that I published lately “ One decade, One Milestone “ and the last article before is almost one year.  Over the years, after so many days of contemplation, I have realized that my articles are confined to writing one’s anecdotes, past events, etc. Breaking the barriers of insecurity, I envision coming out of the comfort zone and write on different subjects. 

Today, I can say that my writing skills and vocabulary have made a drastic improvement and I attribute and credit this accomplishment to the reading culture I embraced since 2015.

The page phurpatshe.wordpress.com gives voice to my feelings and an avenue to share them with the general public at large. And as far as I can think, read and write, this page would be my ultimate resort and a solace. I look forward for keep this page active more often.

ONE DECADE, FIRST MILESTONE.

Since the inception of awarding of a medal after completing a dedicated number of years in a service, I have always looked forward to receiving my first recognition which would bestow me a sense of accomplishment. Today, I can proudly profess that I have completed 10 years of dedicated service to TSA-WA-SUM, and is one of the recipients of a BRONZE medal.

One decade ago, on 1st July 2010, with the ignited and burning desire, I embarked on a journey to work as a civil servant without any grand goals and ambitions. Initially, I never expected to make this far given the complex nature of the job I am going to engross to and for diverting to this profession from what I always dreamt to achieve.

Life moved on and on the way, I got an opportunity to correspond with diverse people from diverse backgrounds and deduce so many life lessons that played an integral part in the making of what I am today and made my work life comfortable and enjoyable over the years.

In order to accomplish this milestone, it wasn’t a fairy tale, rather it was daunting and mentally challenging but fortunately with the blessing and support from my well-wisher, I was able to surmount this with patience and perseverance. All these lessons were enough for me to understand the true dimension and perspective of life and it supplemented in the grooming of my personality.

In the last decade, in retrospect, the accomplishment that is dear and would help me to customize my professional path was my decision to enroll for a degree program at RTC. The result of the Bhutan Civil Service Examination still gives me immense pride and satisfaction given the relentless effort Injected and the hardship endured in preparation for the examination.

Further, I have encountered people who could be a model and an epitome of an excellent colleague and a leader. In the last 10 years, This categories of peoples have motivated and encouraged me to work relentlessly without expecting acknowledgement for they always make their work speak. This has helped me in inculcating their attributes and have tried to emulate on few occasions which ultimately would reward me in my future endeavor, if not now.

One decade has taught me to explore, to explore beyond debit and credit. It has taught me that in order to avoid getting belittle or ridicule, one shouldn’t get confined in a safe and same place getting stagnant, rather explore beyond ones day to day task. In a nutshell, we should never stop learning. The reading habit that I embraced and the hundreds of books I read in the last 10 years has helped me immensely in every department of mine. 

On a personal level, in the last 10 years, despite some hiccups on the way, I had been able to withstand and standstill due to the moral support I received daily from my loved ones. From being a juvenile to now being a man, The path wasn’t peace but a thought-provoking one. 

As His Majesty always reiterate and remind us of “ Civil servants to be an essence of good governance and its importance in the nation-building “ The medals granted to us today indicates an additional responsibility we need to shoulder to live up to the visions of His Majesties the Kings and to serve King, Country and Peoples for all times and weathers to come without letting our guard down.

Finally, Today, for being one of the recipients of the medal for successfully completing 10 years in service, I would like to rededicate and reaffirm to work for the larger interest of the society and to serve Tsa-wa-sum with utmost sincerity, perseverance, and hard work.

THANK YOU FOR READING

THE HISTORIC DAY IS TODAY.

It was on this day, 17th December 1907,  The country chose to be unified and strive for a common purpose, that is to ensure peace and stability in terms of political as well as for the socio-economic development of Bhutan.

After 200 years of civil wars among the leaders of the different regions who were seeking political mileage and dominion over one another, it was on this particular day, the leaders chose to set aside their differences and grievances, and signed an agreement  that was attested with the seal of Ngachudruma on top, and enthrone Sir Ugyen Wangchuk as the first hereditary King of Bhutan. Thus, the country got united and embarked to achieve high degree of unity and peace.

Since the day the historic day was unfolded, Bhutan experienced unprecedented peace and tranquility under the reign of the dynamic and visionary WANGCHUCK  dynasty.  Peace prevailed, Country got more unified striving for a common cause, socio-economic developments had literally ignited and Bhutan, Today stands as one of the brand ambassadors for Happiness and conservation of forest.

On this day,  We would like to rededicate and reaffirm our service to Tsa-Wa-Sum and to take our country to new height with unprecedented and unconditional hardwork, Sincerity and perseverance.

We Bhutanese shall always remain indebted for the sacrifice and sweat shredded to make Bhutan stand where it is today. We shall always remember and contemplate on this journey.

Palden Drukpa Gyelo 🇧🇹🇧🇹🇧🇹

 

Am I one of them?

People told me, on many occasions that ” You are a blogger”. I have the page [phurpatshe.wordpress.com] and I do write on that page But still, I don’t count to be one of the bloggers.

Whenever they address me with that name, On the contrary, I always, Kindly declined their address, for I still do not find myself worthy enough to be called Blogger. There are many areas where I need to improve, strengthen and loopholes to fill up.

I am just an amateur writer. The writer that initially, after drawing inspiration from other top Bhutanese bloggers embarked on this journey solely to practice writing, accumulate writing skills and keep it as a journal. I never intended to make it public until recently to break the barriers of insecurity.

Further, as a supplement to my personality, the page was started. Peoples who know me personally are aware of the kind of introverts I behold. I am an introvert person who doesn’t talk much nor express his feeling, and who always find a pretext to further reserve his feeling.

In writing I find a perfect solace to rely upon.

Over the year, this very page had been a resonating refuge for me to incorporate my thoughts into words.

I do not seek to gain popularity or recognition, nor have accumulated astounding knowledge and skills to be known as Blogger. I, as always, looked on me just as an amateur writer whose strength lies only in writing anecdotes and about other niche subjects. I am at the work-in-progress stage. 

Nevertheless, I aspire to be one of the top writers down the line and inspire many amateur writers like me who finds solace in scribbling ones thought.