All The Good Things
Walking out and in the clear
Taking in the orange sunrise
Heading that way south of east
Living all my dreams tonight
Riding out into the sunset
Treading this road head up high
Em and I were having a little catching up session over a video call when she asked me, "Are you happy by choice or are you happy because that is how you feel?" This is regarding the new "shift" not only in my career but life as a whole (I am to elaborate on this part today). Happiness is hard to define these days. But I answered that my happiness has something to do with my nature and personal views on things. When I am with someone, anyone, anywhere despite the circumstances, my initial tendency is to look for anything that makes me happy and focus on it. Everything seemed bearable after that. The "thing" doesn't have to be something big but the hopeful and optimist in me has always managed to rule out every little bad thing and I focus on that little ray of light. Situations are not perfect but that is how my mind usually worked.
So I never really get to share about the life recently, eh? It might have to do something (no, more like it has something to do) with the biggest shift in my life recently.
I am now based in Singapore.
My social media silence (regarding the decision, at least) is because of the following reasons:
- It's not like I post about my daily life in the internet, anyway or that my hundreds of Facebook friends would particularly care but I believe these kind of decisions are rather personal. I did try to meet up with a few of my friends to spend time and chill out before I leave the country for good (for now) and of course I had to tell them about it as I look ahead to the years that will be spent away from them: the concerts that I have to miss, the gatherings that I would not be able to participate in the flesh. Pretty hopeful, see. But other than those people, only the family and the closest friends actually knew about the decision.
- Nothing about our future in Singapore is certain. We came in Singapore with just enough money on our pockets to be spent for at least two months of job hunting. It was tough as Singapore is also on recession (and the oil and gas industry is down). Should we not able to find our luck then at least we won't have to explain ourselves and just go on with the usual life.
Diving down one whole city deep
Run into your arms wide open
Pulse is racing, I can't sleep
A way of life by chasing moments
The first few weeks are tough. Inasmuch as I am a strong-willed person and how great my support system (family and close friends) is, I realised I don't really take risks. I am okay with my comfort zone. I want to achieve things but I do not know when to take that major leap. I have been asking my friends who's been working overseas, "How did you do it? How would you know when it's time to go and push through with the plan?" and they told me, you'd just know when it's time. The ultimate drive will come. Not exactly helpful, I thought back then. But when I have made my decision, I understood them.
I am in my mid-twenties now (I just turned twenty-five last month) and I felt like my life is heading nowhere. Quarter-life crisis, others may say. I do not have enough savings. I can barely provide for my family when I have been wanting to give them more. I am not progressing as much in my chosen career. I feel lost despite my happy and content bubble and I think about a lot of things. And that is when I turn to Him for guidance. I went to church almost every other day when my previous job in Manila would allow and I would pray and talk directly to Him. I pray that He'd give me strength to accept all of His plans in His time. I pray for patience, most of all.
No one ever got the right thing, wrong
Taking all the view from where i stand
You are everything I want to learn and more
This is one of them good things i want to last (oh oh)
Moving ahead is easy
It is the beginning of many things; A baby step to something huge and long-term (to Canada in two to three years, if it is His will). I'd like to think I am emotionally ready and with the go signal of my father and my family, I finally did it. I stepped out of my comfort zone.
Weeks have passed, couple of job interviews down and I still don't have a job offer. I almost lost all hope when we experienced mishap at the immigration in Indonesia. At the hotel I was like, "Lord, if this is really for us then let your will be done. Give me the strength to accept Your plans should we fail in our job hunt." We came back to Singapore, refreshed and more motivated.
Today, I have been staying in this country for almost two months. My S-Pass (Visit Permit) card has been delivered and it was exactly a month yesterday since I have started with my new job. and the rest as they say is history.
Take my hand, spread your wings free
Wait no more, just don't ask me why
It's about that time it hurt no one to try
Finally lost my fears of heights
I am grateful for all the help that we've got from our very supportive families and friends in the Philippines and here in Singapore as well. Being with them is like having a home away from home. and the SG stay is fun and bearable so far. I am lucky, more like blessed, to have very kind office colleagues making it easier to somehow adapt with the new job and environment. Dealing with multi-nationals proved to be the toughest part of this new journey but all is well so far.
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| With the lovely, supportive friends heading to somewhere. |
Are we good with all the new things, new things?
I am new to all good things, good things
Loving new and all the new things, new things
Loving new and all the good things, good things
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| The Jubilee Bridge. |
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| The view from our home away from home. |
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| I like taking pictures of my friends. |
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| Of hassle-free travels. |
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| Went to see papa Merlion. Still got many places to visit and explore but of course. ;) |
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| Casually out at Marina Bay. |
Everyday is an opportunity to learn, adapt and explore. Here's to more of life's adventures. And man, am I hyped for the future.
Lines in italic are from the song All The Good Things by Up Dharma Down. This song was on repeat (made me sane) during those dark, job hunting days. Coincidentally, it's written while the band is in Singapore. Check the masterpiece that UDD has penned here.
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I was waiting for this. I am really happy to read about your SG adventures! Hehe! It's nice to know you're doing better and enjoying your stay in SG. In case you get to see my brother (assuming you know how he looks like lol), say HI! Hahaha! :) Good luck and God bless, April!!!
ReplyDeleteHahaha thanks, ate! I've been meaning to write but I couldn't especially during the early days of the stay. Not until all is settled. Thankfully, all is doing great so far. Thank you again! Ahh X-Men na! Wish we could see it together lol
DeleteHappy for you April!!! Go live your life and your dreams! Wishing na in the future we could still see a concert together (1D Reunion hopefully? Charot!) hahaha I'll miss you!!! All the love xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you!! Hopefully nga, or Zayn? haha if I could fly i'll definitely fly back home. Haha. missing you, girls. Catch up soon! x
DeletePadaan po
ReplyDeletePadaan po
ReplyDeleteGood ol blogging days ba, PM. hahaha
ReplyDelete