For people who lead a fast-paced life, this is probably the norm. One moment you're still running brainstorming sessions and setting objectives, next thing you know you're writing performance reviews and filling up the book of work for next year. For those who don't have much to fill their days with, I'd imagine there's a greater sense on anticipation, eager to close off this mundane chapter and hopeful for the next one. A new year always brings the promise of starting with a clean slate, the magic of new beginnings; it's impossible not to be hopeful.
I flew back home for the holidays on the 23rd of December which means that the last eight days of the year gave me a break from the corporate jungle. The first couple of days were spent with more sleeping hours than waking hours. As soon as my body recovered, I found myself reading most of the time, and reflecting on where exactly my energy and my efforts went for 2015. Photostream is probably the most useful tool when you're trying to recall milestones for the year. In the process of cleaning it up to make space for the photos that would come next year, I found myself rediscovering random shots that helped me remember what this year was all about. So here it is, the 10 things I'm thankful for in 2015, in no particular order:
1. Team Awesome
They say that if you find a job that you actually like, you'll never have to work a day in your life. Being a People Manager is something I've always wanted to do but is not exactly the easiest thing in the world. I have to deal with twenty different personalities, twenty different emotions that may or may not jibe with my own. When my managers tell me that I'm doing a great job, I tell them that this is really because I have an amazing team. And it's not because they come to work and they do everything as I say because I guarantee, there is always some friendly debate and witty banter going on in our little enclave. What I love about my team is that they are passionate about the work that they do. They are driven, they question things and they allow me to learn from them in the same way that they learn from me. How can you not look forward to coming to work when you have a team like this?
2. Feast Makati
One sunday morning in February, I was exchanging text messages with my friend Odette about laundry and then she randomly asked me to attend mass at Glorietta 3 so we can have lunch afterwards. That was the day I discovered The Feast Makati and it has become my Sunday habit ever since. The talks have given me so much food for thought and have allowed me to grow spiritually. I am thankful for the moments that I get to reflect on the struggles that I face and the promises of God's Word. On days when I am weighed down by my worries, the hour that I spend for worship allows me to refocus my energy on what truly matters.
3. Monthly Foodie Sessions and Friends who keep me sane
One of the things that I set to do this year is to really make time for people that matter to me.
We've heard stories of friends who drift apart and outgrow each other and usually it's because of one thing: they stop exerting effort to stay in touch.
This year, my friends and I made it a point to set a monthly date, meant for catching up and trying out new restaurants. Even on months when I was running on a tight budget, I never cancelled on them because I considered those dinner dates an investment for relationships that matter. It's truly worth it and I am thankful for this support group that's been around since 2007.
4. Friendships that cut across oceans
Two of my best friends moved to Hong Kong in 2014 but to this day, I can say that they know more about my life than people I share breathing space with. Thank God for Internet and Whatsapp, we manage to keep each other updated with our daily triumphs and struggles. On days when worries take over my mind and I doubt some of my decisions, Abby and Lei never fail to give me the support I need. They give me validation, they reassure me and sometimes, they show me what I might be missing in the picture. Our friendship is definitely one of my life's best blessings.
5. Family
Earlier this year, my family went through another heartbreak when my brother did not pass the bar exam. The day the result came out was a sad day for all of us. I cried several times and found myself questioning God why he had to go through such pain. My dad tried to mask his dismay by focusing on what lies ahead and encouraging my brother to try again. No doubt, whatever we felt paled in comparison to the pain that Leo had to go through, being the one struggled in law school for several years, and endured the grueling four Sundays. Something good came out of it though, because that experienced revealed our strength as a family. We may not be a barney-singing bunch who throw around i-love-you's and give each other hugs for no reason but one thing is certain, we will stick together and pick each other up when the going gets tough.
6. A relationship centered on Faith, Love and Respect
Sometimes my friends and colleagues would ask me how long Kokong and I have been together and that's only when I realize how long it's been.
I guess that's what happens when you don't really count the days, when you just move together with time and let the relationship grow in its own pace.
When I look back to how we started, I am still amazed that our relationship has blossomed to what it is now. It's not perfect. We still disagree, we still argue at times but we always find a way to make a compromise and ultimately this is what keeps us strong. We look ahead and make plans for the future with immense faith in God's providence.
7. Making a difference
Each time I pray and express my gratitude for all the blessings that I've received, I always include a request for God to lead me to where I'm most needed, to opportunities where I can share what I have. I'm not really the type who'd broadcast my charitable actions so I won't share too much detail. This year, I crossed paths with two individuals who shared the same dream that I had a decade ago. Their humility and admirable work ethic inspired me so much and I couldn't be happier that they allowed me extend help where they needed it.
8. Brilliant Moments
I can't fully explain why this is on the list but when a very senior person in your company calls you brilliant in front of your key stakeholders, it makes you forget all the long working hours and you suddenly have the energy to put your other 100 ideas into action. I am thankful for the recognition, I am not used to it and it doesn't come often. And when it does, I just feel like there's nothing in this world I can not overcome and every moment that you have that feeling is something to be thankful for.
9. My Own Place
Two years ago, I wrote a check to reserve a unit in Avida 9th Avenue. It was one of the bravest and scariest moments of my life. Am I really buying an apartment? Can I actually afford to for it? I am buying an apartment!
This year, that apartment was turned over to me and I moved in a couple of months after. I never expected to have my own place before I turn 30, but it happened and I couldn't be more grateful.
10. Answered Prayer
Only He knows our innermost desires, and He knows exactly when to give it to us. I prayed for it for so many months and admittedly, there were days when I almost lost hope, when I was close to just accepting that there's a different plan for me so I should just let it go. But each time I came close to letting it go, there was always someone, or something that would pull me back and make me believe a little longer. One night I just felt that so much brain energy has been wasted thinking about it so I literally just prayed and asked God to clear my head because I am leaving it all
up to him. The next morning, I woke up with a clear mind and a peaceful heart. On the same day, I found out that what I've been praying for all these months, is finally happening for real.
You were wonderful 2015. Yes, it did seem like you went by so fast but as I Iook back, it was really because there was so much that was happening, so much that I was blessed with.
Today is the last day but I don't feel like I am ending something. Maybe it's because I know that everything you've given me is a prelude to bigger and brighter things that await me in the coming year. :-)
