2016: The Year of Changes

Last year was a year of travel and though I still travelled this year, I would describe 2016 as full of changes. I think this is the year when I am starting to transition from one phase of my life to another.

I prioritized my family more than anything.

We started renovating our home and it really costs a lot, but seeing the part 1 of our renovation is so fulfilling.

I made sure I am always present during family celebrations and I didn’t postpone any because of work.

Together with Gerald, we gave our families an all-expense paid trip to Boracay! :) It wasn’t easy, especially on the financial part, but it’s definitely worth it! :)

My mama was rushed to the hospital due to abnormal heart rate and later on admitted to the ICU. It was the scariest thing that happened to me, ever. Thank God, she has fully recovered now. This made me realize that I wouldn’t mind spending a lot (hospital bills are really unbelievable!) for the sake of my family.

I met with my friends more often.

“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”

This year made me realize how important friends are next to your family. Because you know whenever you’re up or down, they’re always there.

On top of that, I become a better ninang to two of my friends’ kid and nephew! Hehe

I quit my job!

Yes, I took the first step out of my comfort zone. I resigned from my job and got into another company. It’s the bravest decision I did so far, though up to now, I am not sure if it’s the right one.

I stepped up my blogging career.

I started to step up with blogging by attending blog events! I have also gained new friends that I hope too meet soon :) And, I renewed my domain for another year! Yay! :)

I started vlogging.

Another thing is, I also started with vlogging. I am still very new to this but I hope I could be consistent with this. Hehe.

I travelled more and better.

I know I told myself last year that I won’t prioritize travelling anymore. But it’s so hard! Hahaha But this year, my travels are either just near the metro, or a laid back trip. I don’t want to travel just for the sake of seeing another place. I want to travel because I want it to be my way of relaxation while seeing more of the culture of the place. As Gerald always say, “Live like a local”. Though we can’t really look and live like a local because we always bring our camera with us. Haha.

I took a step towards settling down.

I invested in myself.

I had my hair cut to its shortest. I regularly have facial treatments. I had my warts removed. I went shopping without looking at the price tag. I buy/eat things I want. I attended yoga classes. I am starting to be diligent with skincare. I am learning about makeup. Basically everything that contributes to boosting my self-confidence.

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Even though there are not-so-good things that 2016 brought us, I am still thankful that we made it through the year. I’m sure good things happened that we might have just not appreciated that much. Despite the bad ones, hope we won’t lose hope that there will be better days to come.

I personally want 2016 to end because I want to start new. Forget the bad ones and start with good new memories. I have so much plans for 2017 and I can’t wait to start everything slowly, but surely.

Hope you had a great 2016! I am wishing everyone a better and bigger 2017 ahead! :)