2021 was indeed a rollercoaster ride. I know it sounded like a year-end cliche, but it's true. I have so many things in my mind right now, but this year was more like a series of life lessons.
Before the global pandemic ensued, I always traveled and found ways to explore new places, try new things beyond my comfort zone, and meet new people along the way. Traveling for me wasn't my form of escapism, but rather it's one of my ways to rediscover myself, to know myself better amidst uncharted territories.
Earlier this year, I traveled to my paternal grandfather's hometown in Ilocos. It was such a fantastic trip, knowing that I had finally found time to discover this part of my home country. I am grateful for this trip despite the additional health protocols and procedures.
As the domestic borders ease their restrictions, this year, I got the chance to fly home more often than in 2020. Spending more time with my family at home was more than I could ask for, especially in these trying times. However, it wasn't always butterflies, rainbows, and unicorns. My family had to undergo quarantine as I caught COVID. My parents were also affected, but I thanked God; nothing serious happened. At that time, we were still unvaccinated, so imagine the anxiety I had to endure. Fast forward, my family and I are fully vaccinated. We also had our booster shots for added protection. The virus is still mutating at this point, but that is our best defense yet.
When I hit my 30s, my viewpoint about life changed directions. I no longer subscribe to one-sided 'friendship.' I stop caring about what people think and perceive about my actions and the things that I do. That's why it was easier for me to cut off from these toxic people in my life. I mean, why cling to these people when it's taking a toll on your mental health? Like, I don't subscribe to that. I'd rather have a small circle of true friends than have people who take advantage of you.
This year, I have finally decided to take a massive step in my career and life–moving out and settling in an unfamiliar landscape. People around me we quite shocked about my decision to move to Canada. They say that I already have a stable job, my finances are all good, and I have a promising career. But you see, I get uncomfortable when everything is comfortable. I feel that there's so much room for growth. I know my potentials, strengths, and weaknesses. And I don't see myself doing the same thing over and over again for the next three to five years. There has to be a way out of this cycle. Don't get me wrong, I am always grateful that I landed a job that I like, and I am blessed to have met incredible people at work, and I am thankful that I learned so many things about work, about myself, and how the industry works. But, there is ZERO growth when you're inside the comfort zone. That's why I am taking this massive leap of faith. I am uprooting all of my life here and trying to plant it on foreign soil, and hopefully, I will thrive and grow there. My hopes are high this 2022.
Well, I guess this year is an extension of 'life realizations.' I believe today's the right time to put all these life realizations into action. This beautiful sunset photo will always remind us that your day will still end beautifully no matter how bad the start is.