24

I've been working on this article for my new blog site.  It’s supposed to come out on my birthday. The thing is, I couldn’t finish it. Probably because I’m trying too much, thinking I’d gain people’s attention by writing impressively.  But long ago I’ve been taught that writing is a way to communicate; an opportunity to express one’s self and not to impress others.

So here I am now being true to myself.  Scribbling the letters with all faithfulness to what I really feel and to what I truly want to say.  It’s just simple. In my twenty-four years of existence, I can say that I have matured.  And I’m continuously working to be a better person.

My life experiences may not be as complicated or as challenging as those of other people.  But just like anybody else, I had my ups and downs, sweet and bitter moments, laughter and tears, peace and anxiety.  I’ve been insecure of other people’s talents.  Uncertainties have scared the hell out of me. And, lately, I’ve been so awfully anxious about a lot of stuff going on around me. Likewise, I've fallen a hundred times and hurt many people. I lied. I cheated. I refused to help. I cursed. I judged. I took advantage. I cried. But life goes on.  

I’ve had some regrets, yes.  Yet I know I cannot live a life full of guilt.  Moving on is the only way. Part of it is to accept who I am, what I can and cannot do, embrace my gifts and be thankful for all the blessings I receive.  Actually, if I take a careful account of my fortune, I could brag on my most valuable treasures: I have a stable job that lets me do things I like, a healthy and loving family, few but true friends who never fall short in fulfilling their duties as my ate’s and kuya’s (that is because they are more mature than me), an affectionate dog who makes me smile every single day, a vigorous and fit body that can finish a 10-kilometer run *ehem*, and so on.

I guess all I’m trying to say is, I’ve somehow come to know myself. In some ways I’ve accepted my weaknesses and used well my strengths to be the best person that I can be. When something is not meant for me, I’m learning to let go.  Yet if I badly want to earn or win something, I realize I have to work hard for it.

There are thousands of things I still need to learn and discover.  But I am more confident now. I am ready to confront the challenges that lie ahead. With patience, tolerance and understanding, I know I can.