2014: Things That I Am Thankful For

Last day of 2014. As I look back on everything that has happened to me this year, I realized that I've met a series of unfortunate events.

1. Sickness. When I needed to stop working due to health problems. The smell of hospital which I really hate... 
2. I lost some friends; very close friends. Time changes everything, including people. They said that they want to cut all ties with me and I accepted it. Though it hurts so much, I couldn't just force myself to people who doesn't want me to be part of their life anymore.
3. Disagreements.
4. Backstabbing. Unfortunately, I've met a number of traitors this year.
5. Depression. It's like I've been going in and out of a certain room called "Depression".
6. Stress caused by inconsiderate people.

I experienced painful things that taught me how to be strong. I became more patient. I've learned to endure stressful situation.

Of course, there are many thing that I am grateful for this year. I find happiness in misery. Sadness makes me more productive and it inspires me to work harder.

Here are things that I am thankful and grateful for

Wishes Granted

My year started preparing for a trip that I'd been desirous for a long time. This wish was first written on my wish notebook when I was in Elementary. I was 10 years old then. After 13 years, that wish was granted by my aunt. I don't know how am I going to express how grateful I am for her. She's like a fairy godmother who grants wishes of damsel in distress.

Because of her, I was able to meet my former students who became my friends and became part of my life. Thank you Auntie Tess. I know you're going to read this. I will never forget the things you've let me experience by giving me the opportunity to go to Japan. <3

To my cousin who granted my wish to speak inside the church and during her wedding reception, Thank you. I am very grateful for the dress I was able to wear. I love laces. :) Though I really hated my hair, still I was one of the happiest people during her wedding. I will never forget that day. :)

The trip to UP DILIMAN with my cousins which I randomly wrote on my wish notebook was also granted this year. It was one of the happiest moment of this year.

The Ukulele I got for myself this Christmas. I have a thing for string instruments. I always find the sound they create as something that is really amazing. In just a day, I was able to play and sing a number of songs. :)

This is the acoustic-electric guitar I got for my birthday. :) My mother gave me this... I wanted a color brown though. Haha! The strings got broken two weeks ago because I was relieving my stress; I played hard.

The time I went to Cool Beans Cafe with my MBA buddies. I was pestering and persuading them to go there and they granted my wish. :)

And the trip to Baguio with my cousins. We've met a series of unfortunate events, frustrating and irritating situations, but we had fun at the end. We bonded and the trip made us more close... well I hope because this what I feel.

And last, the Birthday wish and Christmas wish that came true. I will not elaborate here, there were simple wishes which seemed impossible but God made it possible! He's really great! I will never forget it.

My Fairy Godparents

During my period of depression, they were there for me. They always talk to me, send me messages in facebook. They always check me out and give me advice. They encouraged me and convinced me that everything would be alright.

There are times when it's really difficult for me to express myself and talk with other people. Since, I don't want to bother my mother too much, I always go to my Fairy Godparents to open up about  everything that's bothering me. I can be honest with them. I can tell them almost everything and they are always willing to LISTEN. Thank you so much!

My MBA Buddies

Being an introvert and a former agoraphobic, it's really nice to meet friends from different ages. I can call them Brothers and Sisters and I can treat them as my family the way they treat me. At first they thought that I was a snob (which is the usual impression of me), but they welcomed me in their group and I am very grateful for that. :) These friends taught me a lot of things since they older and far more experienced than me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. They are the reason why I always look forward to go to school. :) Of course... I like studying with them!

Good Grades

Sadness makes me more productive. When I am sad or troubled I always pour everything on things that I must finish such as homework, reports, research papers, presentations. Despite every bad things that had happened to me, I am thankful because I was able to get a good result.

My Arts

My art helps me to have a peace of mind. Focusing with the colors and the curves and all the lines and details on my sketch pad, watercolor pad or canvass helps me to set aside all my troubles. It's like drinking alcohol, you can forget almost everything and sadness would be replaced by feeling of accomplishment after seeing the finished product of my imagination.

Being able to play Musical Instruments

When I was a kid, I've written in my diary that I wanted to learn to play at least three musical instruments. Growing up, I have uncles who likes to sing and relatives who always play music like "The Cranberries" and I could remember that I used to sing out loud while inventing the lyrics of the song. I'm not good in playing and singing, but I can. I use music to relieve my stress and it helps me a lot. This year... music and arts serve as medicine and I am very grateful to the people who appreciates my "Shame-less" video which I uploaded on my private facebook account. To Rino-chan who looks forward and listens to my songs. Thank you.

My Family

My cousins, my aunts and uncles, my parents... everyone. This year... was all about bonding with them. I want our relationship to be really close. :)

Handwritten Letters

I love writing long hand written letters and I love receiving one too. I prefer letters than email when it comes to expressing emotions and feeling because I find it more sincere. The person writing is exerting an effort and that is a plus for me. To everyone who gave me letters.. Thank you so much. They are safe in my letter box. :)

Friends and Students

Believe or not, I always look forward to go to work and school to see everyone. I am always alone, and talking with different kinds of people is such a nice experience. I treasure everyone who treats me well.

My Mother

My best friend, my true love... my mother. I am very thankful to have a mother like her. She sometimes act like my age that's why we really bonded and we are really close. She gave everything I needed; emotional support, advice, EVERYTHING! I will never forget everything she has given me and I hope we can continue this kind of relationship when we get older. I love my mama so much. :) To my friends who like my mother... Thank you.

To all the people who became part of my 2014... THANK YOU for making my year colorful! Thank you for being part of it and for giving me opportunities to learn many things about life!

I hope to become part of your life next year and the year after that.

Have a great day Everyone!

Good bye 2014!

Let's all welcome 2015 with smile on our lips and with a positive mind. I hope I can... well... I will.

Sincerely,
Erica/Erix