But I am not writing this to talk about how horrible my 2016 was. Rather, I am writing to recognize how it wasn't so bad after all and to move on from the monsters (and traumas) that were. I am writing this to save the year I worked so hard for, as well as my past self and all her hopes and dreams.
1. The Longest Travel So Far
On my first trip for 2016, I travelled for 3 months, traversing 7 provinces, sleeping in 10 different beds, and taking all modes of transportation. I originally hoped to extend it up to six months but circumstances favored coming back to Manila sooner. Before this, the longest I went was 30 days, as limited by timing considerations and visa restrictions. With this trip, there was no boyfriend, no office, and no commitment that I needed to come back for. There was just me, my laptop, and endless possibilities I can run to. So I moved between cities as I please, gauging on my mood and work requirements. Although opportunities eventually led me to stay put and to move back, this trip proved that I really can work and live anywhere (granted reliable internet connection is available).
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| A long and dusty road ahead |
2. Bali, Finally
Originally part of my first travel for the year, I was only able to get to Bali in October. I initially considered the destination as a marker as to whether I will be bold enough to assume a legitimate travel lifestyle (i.e. travelling for 6 months and more) or to retain the status quo of a semi-nomadic lifestyle. Although the destination never fulfilled that purpose, it served a bigger one -- that of gauging how strong and brave I have become. The journey to and through Bali was filled with brick walls and frustrations. But in spite of all those, I held myself up, achieved my travel targets, and managed a smile when needed. The legitimately nice people, warm beaches, and green rice paddies helped, of course.
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| Canggu's black sand enjoyed by both foreigners and locals |
3. A Job That Fed My Knowledge Craving And Bank Account
A year before, I resigned from my consulting job in place of a freelancing occupation that enabled me to work where and when as I please. I was prepared to sustain my lifestyle on this, even with the irregular inflow of projects and income. But opportunities always seemed to come my way and I managed to obtain a market analyst position. The work offered good compensation, set project schedules, and flexible work hours. It was a full-time, online-based job that matched my current preferences. On top of this, it allowed me to get paid for consuming information and accumulating knowledge.
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| At times, my workplace comes with a view |
4. Girlfriends Who Displace Boyfriends
I have always considered myself as "one of the boys" as I feel like they match my interests and preferences better. However, for the first time in my life, I found myself spending more time with girls than with guys and not even craving for male attention. LDRgirlfie was always there for rants and life realizations despite the distance and time zone; HSbestie accompanied me on impulsive road trips and engaged me on real talks; LMgroupie became a frequent dinner buddy with whom I discussed random, silly, and existential stuff about; HistorySissie indulged my interest in blogging and travel; and CohortCoussie endured awkward family gatherings and issues with me.
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| I'm lazy to make a collage so here are kitties |
5. A Call To The Importance Of Health
One morning, I woke up with some tightness around my hip and lower back which I quickly attributed to the hard bed I slept on. A couple of months later, I learned from my chiropractor that my spine has been gradually rotating and has reached a point where my spinal nerves are being pinched between the spinal canals. This meant that I should avoid putting strain on my back lest I continually suffer from creeping pain from my hips to my knees. This was a big deal for me because it also meant no more backpacking, no more boxing, no more mountaineering and a lot of other activities that I enjoy. Only then did I realize that I need to pay more attention to my health and body in order to sustain the lifestyle that I want. Hearing the news sucked at first but it served as a wake up call that 'health really is wealth'. Since then, I have been investing more time and money on my wellness so that I don't have to endure any pain, discomfort, or distress that is avoidable in the first place.
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| I haven't found enough solo photoshoot spots and I need to be healthy and functional for that |
