Monday, January 7, 2013

Looking Back: 12 Things to be Thankful For

How did you celebrate your New Year? Perhaps you were having fun with all the lights and sounds on the street. As for me, I welcomed 2013 in solace.

New Year and Fireworks by Nasirkhan | Morguefile
Not that I am being a hermit, it’s just that I don’t really like the noise and smog of New Year. However, I always treat January 1 as a moment of reflection.

As I’ve mentioned previously, the year 2012 is a year for me to re-evaluate what I have been for the past years, as well as what I want to become in the coming years. And so far, it’s been good. Listed below is a run down of the 12 things that happened to me for the year 2012.

1. I found a new job in Alpha Brand Media. The year 2011 caused a bit of dilemma for me when I lost my job. Although I easily found a new job after that, the company where I used to work after that has to shut down due to financial issues. Good thing, Alpha Brand Media decided to hire me as their full time Web Content Writer, which somehow gave me financial security.

It may sound like it is all about the money, but if you're in my case you'll be having the same mindset. You see, I need to pay the rent and I also have to help my mother—especially now that father retired from the Armed Forces. As of the moment, I am the only one who has the ability to provide for my family. Thus, having a job is imperative.

2. I was able to finish a manuscript for Bookware Publishing. Although it is not the “red book” that my friends are waiting for, I am proud to say that I was able to finish my manuscript for How to Start Your Blog. The manuscript is already in the hands of the publisher, and I hope that it will be out some time this year.

3. My muses have been good to me. Speaking of finishing a manuscript, story ideas have been pouring on me since last year. There are random things that will spark an inspiration for me to write, and I have been saving them in my plot basket since then. Hopefully, I will be able to make good use of them soon.

4. I am healthier than before. Since I am underweight, being sickly is not surprising for my family and friends. Fortunately, my palate eventually became adventurous when I started having a job. I can also see that I am starting to gain weight. Hopefully, I could reach my ideal weight soon.

5. I've found a new sports and it's called "running". Last year, my friends talked about COLOR Manila while we were hanging out in SM Mall of Asia. As it turns out, COLOR Manila is a marathon event organized by Proactive. So I joined them during the registration, and I was so giddy that time because I have something to look forward to in 2013. After weeks of training, I've decided to dedicate some time in running. At least, I am one step away from living a sedentary life.

6. I am back to blogging. I may be blogging already as part of my job for ABM, but it is very much work-related. Prior to my birthday, I thought that I want to write for leisure. Something that would encourage me to write and exercise the creative side of my brain. Thus, Aki Will Go Places was born.

7. I have rekindled my love for books and movies. I never realized how much of a home buddy and couch potato I am until recently. For the past years, I’ve bought a lot of books and read some of them. I was also able to see various movies that I really intend to watch in the cinemas. It’s just really nice to know that after all these years, my love for books and movies never wavered.

8. I’m becoming a part of the Hallyu Wave. Hallyu, or Korean Pop Culture, has been in the country for quite a long time now. Although I do appreciate good Korean dramas and music, I have never been passionate about it until now. Thanks to my Hallyu fan friend Myra, I wouldn’t be aware of all the great Korean dramas and music out there.

9. I am bitten by the travel bug. Perhaps this is one thing about my self that I am not aware of. I never thought that I will find the passion for travelling, if not because of my travel blogger friend Brenna. I really envy her because she was able to explore the world at a young age. So I thought that if she can do it, why not me?

Being a traveler may sound extravagant, but to be honest, it only requires proper planning and financial management. It also doesn’t require you to visit one place a month. Exploring one place every year is enough for a travel rookie or for those who are budget constraint.

10. I was able to open a bank account. I have been thinking of opening a bank account since I’ve started working. Although it is easy for me to save a portion of my salary, I still need a secure place to keep it. I’m just lucky that I finally found that place last year. Moreover, I am proud that I am able to save on it regularly.

11. I thank God that I am alive. Last year was a devastating year for our fellow Filipinos because of the number of natural calamities that passed the country. My family and I had a taste of it during the Habagat when our house was flooded for two days. It was a first time for us, and I am thankful that we were able get through it. Now, we’re wiser and more ready for this kind situation.

12. I’m on my way to finding happiness. The pursuit of happiness may be eternal, but I’m content with what I have right now. Hopefully, I will have a clear view of the road that I am taking. Just like what I previously said, a better person is someone who sees the good in everything.

These are just few of the many things that I should be thankful for in 2012. Indeed, the Year of the Water Dragon has been good to me. Thus, I hope that 2013 will be kind to me too.


2 comments:

  1. You're welcome Aki! My 2012 is a blast because of the awesome people like you that I get to share my fandom with. Potter and Hallyu fangirls for the win!

    Awesome post by the way! ^^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hehe... Thanks Myr!

      Be it as a Potterhead or Hallyu fangirls, or in any fangirling possible, you're always a good influence. Thanks for stopping by! :D

      Delete

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