Thank You 2013

"You know, they've got these chocolate assortments, and you like some but you don't like others? And you eat all the ones you don't like as much? I always think about that when something painful comes up. 'Now just polish these off, and everything'll be OK.' Life is a box of chocolates."

- Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood (1987)

That is what 2013 was to me. I remember one time during one of our classes in college, and I thought where will I end up to after graduation. I knew what I wanted, but I don't know if I can make it. That's one of our fears, well, in my case - uncertainty. That everything is beyond your control and there's nothing you could do about it.

Fast forward to right now. January 1, 2014. I'm older by a year, wiser, stronger, and, I hope, continually getting better in living life.

2013 was something of a great year for me, in terms of accomplishments and opportunities. But I'm not the type of person who brags about everything. I just feel that I'm really blessed, and though I'm not that religious, I thank God for that.

And that is one thing I learned from college. Actually from one of our literature professors, Ms. Susan Macapagal - that the best prayer you can ever say is only two words - thank you.

And in that note, I'd like to say thank you to 2013.

Thank you for my family. Though at times, it seems that life is so hard, we always find a chance to be happy.

Thank you for the chance to finally graduate. That after 15 years of education, school really did prepare me for the challenges that await in the real world.

Thank you for the friends, that even though school is over, we still find time to help each other out whenever anybody is in need.

Thank you for the pseudo-family. God knows how much thankful I am for having them.

Thank you for Lola Chayong and Nanay Loly, that though they are not with us anymore, we were able to feel their love and care during the better part of their lives. They're in a better place now, continuing to guide us. Mahal po namin kayo.

Thank you for the opportunity to pursue my passion. Even though it seems hard at times, its always worth the effort once I see the fruits of my labor, more that I can make the people I love proud.

And thank you God. Thank you for continually giving us opportunities and blessings. 

Though I think I might have missed (or didn't have any pictures to put on) other people, you know you made my year an awesome one. And I'm thankful for that too.

If there's one thing I learned in 2013, it is that you'll never know what you're going to get until you get it. All you need to do is to just be thankful of what is given to you and pay it forward to others.

Here's to another great year in 2014! Lets claim it!