Singapore’s Coronavirus lockdown ends today. Call it a circuit breaker or whatever fancy name you like, many of us, all over the world have been stuck in our homes. Some may have been trapped longer than others while some may have escaped confinement altogether. For me, my 3 month isolation finally comes to an end today.

I had extravagant plans for the year. I hoped to see the world, to go on crazy adventures and experience life. A global pandemic certainly hinders one’s plans. I would like to think that despite the unforeseen circumstances, I made the best of it. I think that is something we would all like to say.

Looking back, are you content with the way you used your time? I had certain tasks and goals I set for myself maybe you did too. Did you complete everything you set out to do? I know I have not. There are certain tasks I managed to finish but there are also projects of mine which require additional effort, consistently, for a sustained period of time.

It is okay if you did not achieve the result you were hoping for. The time and effort you devoted has brought you closer to your goal. If you keep on working on the things which inspire you, one day you will find your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I have spent a considerable amount of time thinking about my life. I question the things I have done. I question the things I would like to do. I question the direction in which my life is heading. My head is filled with ideas and dreams, waiting to be realised.

I have this vision of mountains so tall that they touch clouds, of seas so clear that you could see to the bottom, of endless beauty all around me. I feel at peace, mind and body, away from the noise of the world. My dream is to be completely free, roaming the vast expanses of land and sea, without restriction or responsibility.

I could go on and on about this perfect future I imagine for myself but I do not want to ruin the surprise. The final destination may be some ways down the road but getting there is part of the fun. I will get there one day or die trying. Life is too short to just settle.

Who is the first person you would meet after being trapped at home for 3 months? Am I anyone’s first person or am I all alone? I have someone in mind, someone I would like to see again, just oceans away. For many people, the end of the lockdown means they can get back to normal life or at least some form of it.

I find no such joy as my life has never been normal. I love my friends and the memories we share, growing up here in the city. I look back fondly on those times but now is the time for change. I have outgrown this tiny island and it is time to move on to bigger things, out there in the world.

Over the last few years, I have been carefully laying out my plan to get out of here and the final steps are now underway. It is time for me to take my leave, to go somewhere new and start afresh. I can only hope that I will have sufficient time in these last few weeks to prepare and hang out with my friends for one last time.

This is not the end. It is the beginning…

of the rest of my life.