Time seems fast-moving when we're not looking at it and we’re busy with our lives. However, every time we watch closely, the ticking of the clock seems to go slower. I guess that’s one of the mysterious things about this world. How about you? How did you spend the year 2022? Do you think we went swiftly through the end of the year? Or was it the other way around?
For me, this year was nimble. It's fun to think that I can still clearly remember the situation I was in during the month of January, like it was just yesterday, while at the same time, I am now writing a year-end blog. It’s fascinating, right? Or maybe not because it shows that I still linger in the past, lol. But to be honest, when you ask about something that happened between the years 2021 and 2022 I am having a hard time distinguishing it.
I was asked how I spent 2022, it would revolve around doing something with the goal of betterment myself. Assuming that I was the main character in a story and the time and setting of the plot revolved around this year, the author would probably title the book, "The Year of Self Love," or "A Miserable Guy's Journey to Improvement."
I mainly focused on my weaknesses and undesirable traits. I am somehow grateful for the recent pandemic lockdowns because I was able to have more time to reflect and identify the things I needed to improve and change. So this year, when everything seemed to return to normal, I decided to take this opportunity to put my plans into action.
One of the things I focused on was improving my social skills because I was either nervous about starting a conversation or just lazy to engage. Fortunately, during this past presidential election, various youth groups formed campaigns and I was able to take part in them. I was able to meet different young people like me, with the same political interest, principles, and beliefs. It was uncomfortable at first, but it’s part of going out of your shell.
Aside from socializing, I have been working on improving my time management. My poor schedule had a negative impact on my productivity and my relationships. I am currently using a to-do list, and it seems to be working.
I also became conscious of my health. I am making a major effort towards healthier living by reducing my sugar intake and increasing the amount of exercise I do. This is difficult for me because I grew up in a household where sweets were always consumed. As a result of my sugary diet, I have gained belly fat, and I often have breakouts on my face. I also frequently feel bad. This is my turning point to stop overconsuming sweet products and to start being physically active.
The recent national election was one of the most memorable events of the year for me. It felt like I was part of the fight for the change we desire. It was an exceptional feeling to do something with a group of people who shared the same hope for the country. This is also the time when I didn't expect to go out of my comfort zone, meeting a lot of people and attending a large crowd alone.
This year, I broke up with my ex. It was a difficult decision, especially for me, because I was the one who became overly attached to the relationship. Even now, I still struggle with it. But this major event in my life gave me a lot of lessons and realization. First, I should love myself before entering into a relationship. Second, I should be more cautious and aware of the red flags my partner exhibits. Third, I should not give everything I have to a relationship and don’t allow myself to be lost in the process.
After a year of academic hiatus, I finally went back to studying. I am thankful to my parents for allowing me to rest and rethink my life decisions so I don't regret them afterward. I can say that that was the biggest life decision I've made, and I am happy about it. Now that I am back to studying, I have met several people and have made friends with them. These are great people, and I hope our relationship continues to prosper as time goes by.
I also went to a resto-bar with my friends. This isn't my first time, but this was a liberating experience because it happened weeks after my breakup, plus my parents allowed me to go out late at night. It was a fun feeling releasing my burdens to my friends and singing out loud to the music the musical bands prepared.
There are still a lot of pictures here but this blog is already long enough to bore you hahaha. So I guess I'll end this one here. Thank you 2022 for a bittersweet year. I hope 2023 will bring us a lot of good and positive things. Happy New Year everyone! Until the next blog, bye!
