Joy

I stumbled upon this quote today in one of my journals. I read it from the book A Million Little Pieces and thought of writing it down then. God whispered to me to open that journal again, after having stayed dormant for a probably a year already. And then I saw the Taoist quote herein illustrated. It struck my heart and soul again. So in order to constantly remind myself of it, I wrote it on my planner for this year, wishing and willing to make it my mantra not only for 2013 but for the years to come. Haay. I hope it empowers you as it does me. :) 

Thank You Lord for another surprise. 

One Day More

My draft seven days ago: 

"Normally I panic over turning a year older every year. Eventually, and thankfully, I got over it a few years ago. Whenever that familiar anxiety kicks in I just tell myself that everyone grows up and old, only at different paces and at varying times. Deep inside, another fact that tranquilizes me is that age does not matter when you look younger than what your age is (that can be a good thing, you know). Thank God for my mother's genes. :)

Today, weighing facts that I can look young for my age and that a year away from 25 does not comfort me as much as before. There's a whale of difference between turning 20 (back in the days) and almost turning 25. Especially for someone who has yet to achieve accomplishments as a professional and as a person. Turning 20 is not as dreadful as turning 24 (hence, one year away from 25, a few years from 30). I don't know why, but sometimes I worry that I don't feel old as I should. I tend to think that I have so much time to spend to live the life, and to do the things I dream of when I can be not so sure. Maybe it's partly because of the magic (and curse) of law school or taking up graduate studies right after college without any work experience yet. I have been a student for as long as I can remember. 

Anyway, today I ask myself this question: Am I ready to turn 24? I wrote that in my planner yesterday and honestly, I didn't know what to answer. My mind tells me that I am ready, as I always have thought so every January. But my heart whispers that somehow, I am still not prepared to age another year."

My thoughts today:

Obviously, I didn't get to finish my draft. But I am thankful for that because right now, I know the answer. I am ready. But nervous. Yet thankful. I feel mixed emotions as the day comes nearer, but I don't make a big fuzz out of it as much as I used to before. I have grown mature to accept that people indeed do grow up (and old haha) and I can't stay in one age forever. I don't blame my studies for feeling too young, I have taken this upon myself and I thank God for these opportunities.

So in the end I have come to realize that NEVERTHELESS, I am excited for the things to come, the surprises to happen, the plans to be revealed. Everything is sound, and the worries belong to God. I can and will age, but my heart will always feel young. I know that for the years and days that add up to my age, I come closer to God's grand plan and to reaching my dreams. But for now, I will work on preparing myself for that. :)

Cheers to happy days! :)

Of Beginnings

Happy New Year, everyone! :) :) :)

How was your Media Noche celebration? How are those New Year's Resolutions coming along? :)

Finally the biggest "yearly chance to begin again" has come. Although of course in reality it is just a continuation of our God-given lives, it still feels good to believe in second chances and beginnings. There's just something exciting with the prospect of getting to start all over again. Somehow, everything's a bigger adventure that way; we feel as if we can do absolutely anything we've ever wanted. And I think It's a blessing that we are kind of ensnared by this tradition for at least once a year, everyone's perspective is refreshed with optimism for one can never be too optimistic.

Obviously, I love New Year's as much as I love January and beginnings. But before I list down my Resolutions, I first give thanks to the Lord for 2012 which has been remarkable for the following highlights:

• 23rd Birthday! (I had exams that day, and I wasn't able to go home or celebrate with my family but my friends, boyfriend and dorm-mate found a way to surprise me and they all made my day. Thank you Coco Girls, 2A friends, Max, Irish for that)
• Meet and greet with David Archuleta! (Not once in my life did I think that I'd be able to meet that dazzling young singer until my boyfriend got to work with him. David was so friendly and humble and accommodating! Thanks Max for that chance!) 
• Having the chance to fly Japanese lanterns (On Valentine's Day, at the UST field, with close friends - It couldn't have gotten any better than that)
• Finishing 2nd year of law school and moving on to my 3rd year (With the best circle of friends I could ask for in law school)
• Po the iPad :D (The Law of Attraction is true!)
• 2nd Anniversary (Everything went perfect, even the downpour as we went home)
• Loved-ones' birthdays
• And all other small things that reminded me of how God worked/s in my life

For my Resolutions, suffice it to say that I haven't given it much thought yet. But you can expect some bullets on reading on world history and news on international affairs etc, travelling, learning to play a musical instrument and getting to perform again. I pray for the determination to do them all. :)

I know I have been blessed, as you have been. And pray that as you are reading this, you are sure that despite the setbacks, the failures and challenges that 2012 have placed upon you or that you have gone through, you have a new beginning this 2013. May we open our hearts and allow God to work in your lives in His own ways - through the people we meet, the experiences we collect, the challenges we face, the places we go this year. May we feel this hope every day - after waking up, before going to bed, or any time in between. After all, to be happy we must be thankful for every moment - not only in retrospect as a year-ender.

Happy New Year, beautiful friends!

BE AWAKE AND FEARLESS, this 2013!