An ode to 2019: On continuing self-betterment

THIS is my version for this year. I began the tradition last year, and not only did I garner a lot of positive feedback, I realized that it was rather effective in helping me organize my goals, and in transforming my dreams into tangible steps to take. 2018 was a year of self-discovery. It was a year that tested my resilience and grit, which ultimately led me to discover the fullest capacity of my strength – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through adventures and misadventures alike, it was a year of realigning priorities, testing faith, practicing patience, and really, one that taught me that as much as we want to be in control of everything, there is truly nothing like letting go and letting God.

This year, I would like to continue on that path of strengthening ties with family members outside my immediate family. One of the highlights of my 2018 was really getting to know my maternal aunts and uncles more, and it was in fact an awakening and heartwarming experience to realize that we all share more in common than we differ. At the end of the day, they are a clannish group of individuals who will stand by one another, and who continue to show me that our true investments are the relationships we form and keep.

Control + Alt + Delete is the default troubleshoot to restart a computer, but I have discovered that it is also an effective mnemonic in keeping your dearest nearest. You have the ultimate control to alter (and filter) the people you let into your life. I am at the age where I realize every day that it is truly impossible to please everyone, and there is no importance in doing so whatsoever. I choose to stay positive, and therefore, to only keep similar energy around me. And thus, we must therefore delete those who have proven otherwise – why stress and give them a place in your life when they truly do not merit one?

In 2019, I am to grow even more – in life, career, and love. No matter how little we do, growth is still progress, and the big things are in fact made up on the smallest details. In a career where so many have given me the honor of being a part of their lives, I am determined to continue to enrich the minds of and educate the young Filipinos by fine-tuning the programs we deliver to the communities – to substantiate and enhance its content to ensure relevance. Furthermore, I hope to find a way to deliver these programs in an even more efficient manner.

I hope to be able to set aside ample time for myself in the process, in the same way that I did last year. I learned the true importance of relaxing to rejuvenate, and have seen the positive effects of a re-charged mind and body. I must continuously remind myself that in order to give my best to others, I have to make sure I take care of myself first. It may seem selfish to some, and sound conceited at the onset, but think about it – how can you begin to care for others, if you yourself is not one hundred percent? It’s all or nothing, I’ve always believed that. And as Whitney Houston so famously shared with us all, “Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.”

And I agree. Wholeheartedly.