Changes, Chances, Choices

I am a big fan of change. Its not that I get bored easily or can't stay still for 2 minutes or something. I just like the idea of improvement, of adding value to what's already there because it's what we've all been doing for as long as we existed.

Yes, I miss being a child - sheltered and protected but I am who I am now because of the changes that molded my personality, guided my perception and shaped my perspective.

We have no choice but to embrace change - just as your smartphone or tablet lost its value cause the newest models hit the store. Even the quality of relationships you have changes - friends, family, career. Nothing stays the same...you have to adapt and keep your head above the water and you will even if you don't want to. Your survival instincts will make sure you do. 

Chances - how many of them have passed us by? What are the odds that I would have written about something else and not this one? This is a piece that's been conceptualized years before and have never seen the light of day until now. Have I done it 3 years ago, would it say the same? Could have I expressed myself better?

Once I was told I've gone far and accomplished much, I said thank you. Yet thought to myself, think again! I took the long and unpopular route to get to where I am. I took chances. I am rebellious. I bent rules, challenged the status quo. I didn't want to be contained or defined based on prevailing standards. I was different...and I am paying the price for it.

Choices, we all have 'em but we often pick the wrong ones and complain, complain and complain. That part I don't quite get. You made the choice, live with it. If you can't then choose to do so. If you're miserable, make the choice to be happy and act on it. If you're stuck, make the choice to get a move on and work on it...just like what Adelle sang, "I'll be my own savior..."

Point in mind: these are leverage. We can use them in every aspect of our lives, most of the time though, discomfort and fear paralyzes us. I don't blame you. I did. I've been there and in some way I still am.

As Capt. Nathan Algren puts it in The Last Samurai, "I believe a man does what he can until his destiny is revealed to him."

Revival

Having slept a few hours longer than usual yesterday, I feel revived. I've been up for 12 hours and haven't really done much but play games on Facebook and do some reading online. Missed a few days online adjusting to my new schedule and learning new stuff for work.

Today is Sunday and though I still have a lot of things to do, I can afford to stall a while because I'm enjoying the second day of another long weekend.:)

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there.


Today is also my alma mater's 46th founding anniversary. It was 2005 when I first came to PLM and now,6 years and 2 degrees later, I am not about to leave. Thank you for the wisdom, the knowledge, the people...truly you have been a wonderful influence and a life-changing experience. "Sa aking Pamantasang mahal, Mabuhay Ka!

Most significantly, today is the 150th birth anniversary of perhaps the most influential Filipino there ever was, Gat Jose Rizal. Doctor, author, artist, linguist, educator, nationalist. His life shaped and helped defined who we are today. The characters he shaped in his novels are still very much alive in Philippine society today and his teachings for love of our own still holds true.

I cannot speak of the fate of his mother's house, the life of his beloved Josephine Bracken after his execution, or if there ever was a retraction. Physically, he was like every bit of you and me but his life has always been lived for something bigger than himself and that what sets him apart.

A life lived with a purpose and commitment is truly inspiring. It made me look at my own...maybe you'll get to read that in here next time. :)