What do you do when it is 4am, and you cannot get to sleep no matter how you toss and turn? The world around me is deep in slumber; my soul is wide awake, thinking about have-beens, could-have-beens and have-to-bes.

Lately, I am stricken by the realization that every breathing moment is so precious and we really should not waste it on unnecessary people, things and situations. Funny how as a kid and a student, I was one who would never stop fighting to have myself heard and understood. I was always the one who would lash out essays when I was wronged or challenged, and I would always be overly affected when I was not accepted. But growing up meant having more important things to take care of and worry about, like finding that darned pair of white heels I saw at Milano's Zara. Or, on a more serious note, figuring how to tune my arrogance when dancing Paso Doble.

And then, I spend my time appreciating the littlest things - like the bitter beauty of the withered trees along Levanto's main road, because I like to appreciate the in-betweens and aftermaths.

But we must never forget to savour the present, because today is present and is therefore a gift - like the bright flowers outside the windowsill that blooms for as long as we have love in our hearts.


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Photography: Brad Lau @ladyironchef