I just turned 22 last Saturday.
But the day itself was quite ordinary. There was no big birthday celebration, no parties, no gimmicks, no guests. I was determined to let the day pass by without anyone making such a big fuss about it. And that was what happened. Apart from the greetings from my family, text messages and FaceBook greetings from "special" people, almost no one knew I was a birthday boy (Yes! Another birthday wish granted!).
The day was also an opportunity to look back on the year that was and reflect upon the lessons I've learned (if any). Luckily, I was in church virtually the whole day because of some wedding assignments so I had the necessary ambiance to recollect my thoughts.
So, how exactly did I fare well in the 22nd year of my life? Well, it's probably easier if I answer this question based on what hasn't changed in me and what has.
First stop, I can fry and grill but I still don't know how to cook. I'm still a frustrated guitarist, still the impatient person, still the boy who likes keeping his mouth shut, still the ever loyal and (loving?) son, still the Atenista with the slightly snobbish attitude, still the ever critical Catholic, still the high-minded idealist of sorts, and still the proud Dabawenyo who came from the bukid.
But I also like to believe that I've changed for the better since my previous birthday. For instance, I think I'm more aware of how valuable relationships are and, in my own clumsy and inconsistent ways, I'm trying to preserve those relationships which are meaningful in my life. I'm also more humble, having grasped the width of my ignorance and the limitations of my person. I've also gained a deeper understanding of my place in this world and it certainly isn't among those who stand by the sidelines watching the parade or among those who choose the path that everyone seems to be taking.
Right now, I'm living the early days of my 23rd year on Earth and I do pray that when this year ends, I can see myself way, way further than before. I hope to see myself then on the way to achieving my goals and maturing even further in spirit and thought.
That, my friends, is my second birthday wish and here's to another year in my life. Cheers!
But the day itself was quite ordinary. There was no big birthday celebration, no parties, no gimmicks, no guests. I was determined to let the day pass by without anyone making such a big fuss about it. And that was what happened. Apart from the greetings from my family, text messages and FaceBook greetings from "special" people, almost no one knew I was a birthday boy (Yes! Another birthday wish granted!).
The day was also an opportunity to look back on the year that was and reflect upon the lessons I've learned (if any). Luckily, I was in church virtually the whole day because of some wedding assignments so I had the necessary ambiance to recollect my thoughts.
So, how exactly did I fare well in the 22nd year of my life? Well, it's probably easier if I answer this question based on what hasn't changed in me and what has.
First stop, I can fry and grill but I still don't know how to cook. I'm still a frustrated guitarist, still the impatient person, still the boy who likes keeping his mouth shut, still the ever loyal and (loving?) son, still the Atenista with the slightly snobbish attitude, still the ever critical Catholic, still the high-minded idealist of sorts, and still the proud Dabawenyo who came from the bukid.
But I also like to believe that I've changed for the better since my previous birthday. For instance, I think I'm more aware of how valuable relationships are and, in my own clumsy and inconsistent ways, I'm trying to preserve those relationships which are meaningful in my life. I'm also more humble, having grasped the width of my ignorance and the limitations of my person. I've also gained a deeper understanding of my place in this world and it certainly isn't among those who stand by the sidelines watching the parade or among those who choose the path that everyone seems to be taking.
Right now, I'm living the early days of my 23rd year on Earth and I do pray that when this year ends, I can see myself way, way further than before. I hope to see myself then on the way to achieving my goals and maturing even further in spirit and thought.
That, my friends, is my second birthday wish and here's to another year in my life. Cheers!
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