Today I Am Thankful, Week 4
By The Parodist | July 28, 2008
A day late but with good reason. How can I possibly let this week pass without a post on the things that I’m thankful for? Esp since this past week, I was reminded of the dreams I had listed down eight (8) years ago. Yes, I have a journal to prove it. LOL.
We all have dreams and wants in life that seemingly fuels our drive to wake up each morning and do the things we ought to do for the day. We may wish for small things and, sometimes, we dare to dream big. The important thing is to never stop dreaming and, of course, chasing after those dreams.
I’ve always been the type who’d set goals and establish a list of wishes that leads to the achievement of the goal. It often feels like I would always prefer to go for the bigger fish but would still find joy in a school of little fishes that can somewhat be likened to getting the big fish, know what I mean?
Anyway, here are seven (7) of my dreams that had been fulfilled, not last week, but during the course of my lifetime. Comes with the memory is a reminder of what I am thankful for this week:
1. Live independently at 25. Ah, freedom! Even when twas just for only a year. But I lived it! On my own, no allowance. No running off to mummy when you need a decent meal or money when the month’s utility bill comes. Not even going home on weekends. I was definitely living independently. My reasons for moving out was nothing to be proud of, though. But I reckon that’s how I often learn, eagles do push their young off the nest so that they can learn how to use the wings they were born with. I’m now back living with my mum but not because I need to but because we need each other. I’m thankful she allowed me to have the same amount of freedom as when I had lived on my own.
2. Own a car. Technically it wasn’t mine yet. I was still paying it off but it was very much for my own use. I love cars. Owning that car allowed me to learn how to fix certain things, i.e. what to do when the car won’t start, but I have yet to change a flat tire. Anyway, twas a white 95 Corolla GTi, 16″ wheels with chrome rims, turbo-injected and that vroom-vroom muffler. Oh, yea. You’d think it was a guy’s car. LOL. Too bad I had to say goodbye, reason? See #4.
3. Become a model. I know. I know. I wouldn’t even dare say this out loud had it not come true. Whatta embarrassment. LOL. But, to my surprise, it did. Life is filled with one cliché after another and this one is no different (was approached by a scout in a mall! LOL). After a series of ramp gigs during the initial months, got signed by a modeling agency in Makati, approached by a free agent, attended numerous VTRs and cast calls, appeared as an “extra” in some nondescript beer commercial back in 2004 (Nyahahaha!). I’m so glad to see this chapter of my life closed. But I do sometimes miss the photoshoots. Ah, well. See #7. Ha.
4. Travel. Who has no dreams of going abroad? Growing up with parents, my mum in particular, who loved to take their kids around, had let in the travel bug to infect us. I’ve always wanted to travel and see the rest of the world. Initially, I had dreams of conquering Asia first. But I had wanted to be different. While most talk about going to Hong Kong, my first trip outside the country landed me on Singapore (back in 1999 then again in 2001). Then this early year, I had been to Vietnam and Cambodia. Yes, I still haven’t been to Hong Kong. LOL. Then this reminded me of my plans of visiting a “Western” country next. As usual, everyone is talking about going to the US, I had found myself taking a two (2) 3-month sabbaticals in Australia. Yes, two! September to December 2005 then January to April 2006. True to His word, he had given me the opportunity to have a different travel experience. It’s kinda’ awesome when you think about it.
5. Local trips. Where do I even start? One of the things that makes me proud as a Filipino is that we do live in a gorgeous country. From vibrant cityscapes to amazing stretches of untouched shorelines. If you’re able, let it be part of your life’s itinerary to visit the different Philippine locales. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to experience places like: Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Tagaytay, Punta Fuego, Vigan, Puerto Galera, Zambales, Subic, etc. AND, of course, the place that occupies the top spot in my heart, Palawan.
6. Sustainable lifestyle. From that day I wrote it down on my journal, I’ve been daring myself to try new things. Grabbing opportunities to experience things that I haven’t thought of doing. Now, I’m able to confidently say that I’ve learned what I sort of lifestyle I would love to keep. I take simple joys from quiet walks, coffee breaks, thrifty and splurge shopping sprees, economy flights, modest accommodations, or a luxurious home. Actually, I’m not entirely done yet. I still hunger for a certain balanced lifestyle that suits my personality and needs but I’m taking my time. There’s no rush. I’m simply thankful that I’m fortunate enough to continue seeing and making full use of opportunities that nurture and even stretch it.
7. Find a passion. Getting to enjoy my current work is awesome. It has allowed me to exercise certain things that I didn’t imagine I’d be passionate about, writing and photography. I’m able to enjoy fashion, styling and beauty almost everyday. It paved a way for more opportunities to come into my life. Oh, I’m so excited about the new ones that seem to be drawing my online work offline! I can’t wait to tell you guys about it. Soon!
Thinking of these things made me realise how one can be undeservingly fortunate. I’m overwhelmed by the wonderful things that had happened in my life. It’s such a delight to be reminded of the fact that dreams do come true. They may not come in the exact form as you may have imagined it, the important thing is that they came and they were all for you.
So, what about you guys? Have any of your dreams come true? What dreams are you thankful for this week?
Humour Me:
- Today I Am Thankful, Week 3
- Today I Am Thankful, Week 2
- Today I Am Thankful, Week 5
- Today I Am Thankful
- Two Days of Fashion, Styling and Blogging
- Simple Things That Entertain
- Of Interviews, Events and Features
- What’s up for June?
- Celebrating Wellness
- I Blame the PS3!
Topics: Blogs & Blogging, Fabulous Beauty, Gallyvanting Episodes, Mood Notes, Photography, The Beach Monger, The Fashionista, The Reluctant Geek, The Road Warrior, The Traveler, Writing |
July 29th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
living independently at 25 is also one of my goals… unfortunately for me i’m almost 24 and am still living with the ‘rents and ’still dont have enough savings to move out. =(
but i still have one more year! hehe.
* venice’s last blog post.. Dark Chocolate with Mint
July 31st, 2008 at 5:29 am
Work and non-work related goals are achieved and some are work-in-progress. The most difficult one for me is striving to eat healthily. =)
Btw, I’ll appreciate if you can join us in ‘The Jane Austen Book Club’. http://witsandnuts.com/the-jane-austen-book-club/
* witsandnuts’s last blog post.. Join Us in ‘The Jane Austen Book Club’
August 1st, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Venice: You’ll be surprised as to how quickly it can happen esp if you’ve firmly decided to do it.
Witsandnuts: Wishing you the best! I’ll check it out and see if I can join. Thanks for inviting me!