I’ll say it, 2016 is the year that made me wanna pick a fight! From intern applications to thesis defense, plus working my way to battle procrastination on the onset, to online trolls and fake colleagues (which by the way I learned better not to engage these kind of people). It is full of surprises and shenanigans as the days become weeks and eventually months that continuously trying to unfold limitless possibilities that made me cry and laugh at the same time. 2016 was the year where I pretty much had plenty of losses and earned genuine gains at the end of day. It is truly a roller-coaster ride and I wouldn’t have it in any other way. Here are my 2016 takeaways, and maybe I’d inspire you to take it to the next level this 2017!
1. Build GENUINE networks
There, I said it! It’s not just enough to build a network, but building a network that’s genuine enough for you to share your passions and cravings to make the world a little bit better. I’ve pretty much learned to be “reasonably disturbed” thanks to my Ayala Young Leaders family. They taught me that it is not impossible to throw my starfish (I’m still on that process though 😁). At the same time, to re-evaluate myself if I’m still at the “right bus” thanks to my Aboitiz family. You see, building genuine networks of people who may have different walks and passions will open your life to limitless knowledge and experience. So don’t sulk at the corner, open up websites that sparks your interest. Engage with people who’d have the same passion as you. Talk and talk, but talk genuinely!
2. Take a LEAP of faith
Cliche as it may seem to be, take a leap of faith. In that leap of faith, you never really know what’s in store for you at the end of the road, or whether it will be fine on the other end. I made my leap of faith by traveling alone this year and saying yes to becoming the standard bearer of our political party and eventually the President of the Student Council in school. It’s really up to you because people around you may be entitled to their own opinion, but who cares? Take that leap of faith this 2017! Ever wanting to travel alone? Or going for that dream job that you really want? Or telling someone you like that you like them, well duh! Go, make that leap!
3. Dream BIG
Dreaming big means being afraid of that dream. It scares you, it makes you move out of your comfort zone, it makes you want to take risks, it makes you see yourself doing things you did not think you can do. It’s now time to assess what you really want, time to open skeletons in your closet for those dreams that were stored for too long. It’s never too late to go after your dreams. Dream big, besides, it’s free!
4. Put your feelings at the right moment
It’s okay to be happy when you’re all out and being fun and all. Yet, it’s not okay to be too happy when you’re attending someone’s funeral! Get it? Put your feelings at where it should be. If you feel that getting too close may dim your judgment at work, then don’t get too close. If you feel that you don’t need to give advice but just sympathize by being around your friend, then do it. There’s a right place and a right time for those feelings!
5. Okay, walls and bridges!
This seems generic. But everyone has their own share of walls and bridges. Walls to cover up and become barriers when it comes to being hurt and bridges to connect or burn at the same time. Well, make use of that! It cannot partly hurt if you lower your guard down for a bit when it comes to relationships, nor it’s not bad to burn bridges of toxic friendships and workmates. It’s part of daily life! Make sure you keep those who are worth keeping, and distance yourself from those who make clear water into a muddy milkshake (okay wrong metaphors 😂) but you get me.
People come, people go. I learned that the hard way this year. But as my ever delightful friends will say, “It’s part of growing up.” I’ve listed five, I’m pretty sure I have more than five, and you can think of more, too. Don’t be afraid to start 2017 right, well if it doesn’t go right, we can always go left. Okay, I’m kidding! Just remember that it didn’t go right the first time around for Thomas Edison.
It’s 6:00pm and we’ve got 6 hours more before 2017 will commence, and funnily I’m in-charge of setting up the table this NYE. I gotta end this. Thank you for reading my impulsive-no-consistency-posts this 2016. Cheers to more adventures!
Valete!
Kimmy Journals 