Of Reaching 30

You won’t probably believe where I am right now. I am writing a post in my journal while standing in the middle of the footbridge which is a beautiful collection of wooden planks that extends from the shoreline to the hut in the sea. The water is calm. The tiny fishes gladly swim in the clear waters over the bended seaweeds being battered by the waves of the ocean. The sun is just starting to rise like a fireball far far away. Facing the sea, the “medium-sized” islets nestled in the ocean as if relaxing and breathing as they prepare their selves for another day of accommodating and even guarding their visitors for today.

Somebody just passed in front doing probably his morning routine. And who wouldn't? This is one of the beautiful places to jog; fresh warm ocean breeze and magnificent view. The fishermen started to or just finished(?) their daily encounter with the sea.

The sun is fully out now and I can feel its fierce rays heating up my skin. Meanwhile, it’s powerful beams of light provides a beautiful reflection over the water. A sight to behold indeed.

And speaking of reflection, this day is a special day to reflect over my life. Today is something special because I’m turning 30. And I thank God for this opportunity to be here in this amazing place and even for the time to look back and to look forward. It’s really a soothing experience. I can’t contain my happiness. Really.

Teaching

One of our privileges in life I think is doing the thing we love to do. In my case, that is teaching. I really wanted to be a teacher since. I love the feeling of imparting something I know and helping people unleash their potentials. I’m thankful to God for giving me that opportunity. Why in Davao Christian? Well, it’s more than about self-actualization and image projection. And I don’t have to explain why I chose to be there.

In this generation of “me…me…me”, it is really a great challenge to help young people find their own roads to take and help them explore it on their own. Dealing teenagers who thought they are invincible where in fact they are just a product of the emerging economy is somehow a challenging job. I think that way I have my own simply way of helping humanity.

Reading & Writing

I started to have love affair with books, pen and paper. I read because I truly appreciate how people were able to express their ideas and influence others. I read because it keeps informed about the world we live in. I read because I feel so rich after learning something new. We all have different things we value. And reading is one of the things I enjoyed doing. While reading, I am encouraged to write also my ideas, experiences and thoughts about things and about life as a whole. I feel so much compensated when I learn somebody read and appreciate my article. It keeps me sharp and confident.

Travelling

Of course, I’m not the bookish nerd person you might expect. Actually, I prefer to be an outdoor creature than staying in my room and read, write and watch movies. I really take time to jog even thrice a week. It has a soothing effect on me to sweat and to keep on going. Probably because I’m preoccupied by the things I read, watch, and by the different ideas boggling my mind. I just truly appreciate our ability as human beings to transport ourselves from one place to another.

And speaking of transporting ourselves, one of the things I’m thankful for my life is the opportunity to travel even here in our country alone, the Philippines. I love to travel because it taught me a lot. Travelling broadens my perspective in life. It gives me new perspective as well about the world we live in. If you only knew how much I desire to party with the Brazilians in the fabulous beaches in Copacabana, or be still with the French in Paris, or spend even a week in the Hermit Kingdom, or keep up with the hustle and bustle life of New Yorkers.

And as much as I feel so rich after finishing a book, I feel so rich also as I’m heading back home after my new adventure of seeing new places, meeting different people and enjoying delectable cuisines. Travelling also is somehow a self-actualization in my part. When I conquered Mt. Apo last Holy Week, it’s more than reaching the highest peak in the country but proving to myself as well that “I can do it!” Or listening to Ramon Hofilenia as he discusses the wonders of Filipino culture and how we are trapped in our past is more than educational. Or Dining at Pala-pala district in Bacolod is an experience food lovers must have. Fresh scallops bought from a wet market nearby sautéed in butter and some spices are simply mouth-watering.

I travel plainly because it feels good.

Relationship

With regards to self-actualization, it seems that the society’s norm is for you study, land a good job, and get married. Well, I have different direction when it comes to relationship or many would say of completely being a man. In this aspect, I will quote some lines by Joshua Harris in his book “I Kissed Dating Goodbye”:

            “I’ve come to realize that I have no business asking for somebody’s heart and affections if I’m not ready to back my request with a lifelong commitment. Until I can do that, I’d only be using that person to meet my short term needs, not seeking to bless that person for the long term.” 

I will be so hypocrite if will tell you that it feels alright to be alone. I had a partner before and it’s a different and even more beautiful feeling if we have somebody who loves us, who cares for us, and who is there for us. They said to love and be loved in return is one of the greatest gifts God has given us. It’s just that commitment is a heavy word for me. Besides, I’m holding back a lot and I don’t know why. But it doesn’t mean I’m not happy with my life. Of course I am. I’m happy with my family and with my friends. But of course, it would be lot happier if I have somebody whom I can share my greatest moments. A lot happier when you’re waking up right beside the person you want to spend the rest of your life. A lot happier when you know that there’s somebody unconditionally understands your weaknesses and gives you strength.

There’s no perfect life, and I think it is in this aspect which I have to make a “sacrifice.” Why? Hmmmnnnn We can’t write everything we feel and think.

Faith

One of the things which changed in my 30 years is my faith or should I say my relationship with God. My faith honestly is shaky sometimes. And I think it’s one of the reasons why I am in Davao Christian: for me to grow more spiritually (that’s my opinion). It’s a sensitive issue and it would cause a long debate so I will stop it here.

I’ll just put it this way; I think I reach my own room. And it does not mean I condemned the others who chose different rooms. Instead, I respect them as they respect me.  I don’t want to be absolute in everything. I believe in God but I respect those who do not believe in my God and those who have different practices towards my God.

The Next 30

They said Life Begins at 30. Well, maturity doesn’t come along with age. It’s more on how we handle things and our attitude towards responsibility. The sense of being adventurous in us is the one that keeps us young. I’m not conscious about being 30, instead I’m thankful enough of reaching this stage. I’m grateful for what I have become. From the innocent kid, walking more or less 6 kilometers going to and fro school in becoming a person of influence in school (really?).

In the past 30 years of my life, I’ve seen how we can change the course of our life. Though life is a matter of choice, we will not be what we are today if not because of people who helped us. I won’t be teacher and I won’t be this positive about life if I didn’t experience kindness around me; from my supportive family and relatives, to generous neighbors and even strangers; from genuine friends, to my wonderful colleagues. They all made impact in shaping my life. Of course there’s God. And He is indescribable. He is simply God beyond what we can comprehend. All knowing and all loving God.

With these, I’m positive enough and excited to face the next 30 years of my life. :-)