A long stretch of Mondays

2014 was a long stretch of Mondays.

This was a frustrating and difficult year: so much anger and so many disappointments. There were countless of times when I really wanted to abandon ship and take a new path, and I almost did. Twice. There were moments when I couldn’t find in my heart the Why of my whys, moments when I thought myself lacking, moments when I did not want to write anymore, because I had no story to tell, because I did not have a voice.

This was a challenging year: I’ve made decisions I hope I would not regret in the future; I’ve let go of seemingly good opportunities; and I’ve neglected good people in my life. This year, I bounced between Anger, Apathy, and Boredom. I’ve hurt a number of innocent people with my cutting words and demeaning attitude, and I was sorry for that, really. I did things I regretted in the end. I was not the person I wanted to be this year. I was not a good person.

Despite everything, I’m thankful for people who stayed despite my flaws and shortcomings. I’ve gone through ups and downs, but my friends remained patient—they listened to my repetitive and often annoying concerns in life. I almost gave up my oath of “paying forward”, but they continued to remind me the Why of my Whys.

2014 was a humbling and enlightening year. I realized that I was limited but with the right people, I could be whole. This year was a rough one, but I learned a lot. I learned how lucky I was to be with people who would not give up on me despite everything else. I learned how lucky I was to form a bond with people who keep the fire burning despite the difficulties. I did not know what I did right to deserve their friendship and love.

As I bid goodbye to the last day of 2014, let me thank the people who rallied with me this year. I would not be able to survive a day of 2014 without them.

As I sail through 2015, I hope to have my personal brand of struggle, so I may find my voice and my story. I pray for strength to be able to forgive easily. I hope that the year 2015 will allow me to be a better person, to be able to give more, and to continue striving for goodness. I know that the New Year will not be without challenges, but I know it will be worth it. (Ha! Tempered optimism!!!) I hope you are with me in this adventure.