The 22 moments that changed me (a 30th birthday letter)
Dear younger Megsy,
I just turned 30, so congratulations to you on being alive! On your road to today, many amazing people will share their stories with you and you’ll laugh and cry, finding them uplifting and inspiring. I want to be vulnerable and share some stories with you — there’s a lot you learn along the way, it’s not all smooth but it built character. Here are some moments that taught you something significant.
1987: 朝阳区, Beijing, China and then Cardiff, Wales, UK, CF4
You move to Cardiff in Wales, when you’re five. When you live in Beijing, you think it’s the greatest city, so tall and so big and so old. You’re so disappointed initially with the UK and its squat buildings and irregular roads. When you move later to San Francisco, its lack of grandeur and smallness. Then came New York with the grit and dirt. You end up falling deeply in love with all the cities you live in. You become less judgmental and begin to understand that everywhere (and everyone) has beauty and something to teach you.
Your family moves in above a Chinese restaurant, because the rent is really cheap. You wear second hand clothing and don’t speak great English, so the kids call you names and make slitty-eye gestures. Unfortunately, the kids will continue to be mean. This teaches you to work…
