Everyone is super excited for the year to turn a new leaf with a promise to ourselves that we will turn a new leaf too (we are not talking about the cynical, pessimist people). I wanted to leave the disappointments of 2024 far behind and start afresh. I have made many promises to myself which I need to keep.
2024 was a rollercoaster year. I brought in 2024 in a new country, an experience I wanted to have. I had arrived in Philippines with lot of hopes and dreams. As I settled here, met new people, tried to learn a new language, gel with the locals, visit new places, I fell in love. So much so that I did not mind that I was away from my family. I was looking forward to spend the rest of my career here.
But some things are just not meant to be. As I saw my dreams crashing, my hopes dashing, 18 years of my career crumbling in front of my eyes, the initial glamour of this life dissolved. It is rightly said “Easily Impressed, Easily Disappointed” I started missing my family, my only anchor through the tough times I was going through. I also got a chance to visit home. And the more I stayed with them, the more reluctant I was to go back. But duty calls and I am back in Philippines. I was eager to implement the lessons I learnt in 2024. To prioritise health, to not let work consume me so much and to explore more of the new place (one of the reasons I chose this assignment was my love for travelling)
Since New Year’s Eve, I have been sick. I can’t believe it is almost 15 days since I have not felt okay. It took time also because there is no one here to take care of me. One day I had almost passed out but since it was a critical day, I had to drag myself somehow to go to work. The only consolation was someone constantly asking me every day how I was feeling and also suggesting remedies. Made me feel less alone tbh. Small Mercies, I guess.
That’s what I want to do in the new year. Forget the injuries and be grateful for the small joys I get. I read somewhere that a chance to go abroad is a way to fulfill your karmic debt. Maybe the experience I am having here is a debt being repaid. Not all of the experience has been bad though. The love and affection I have got from my team members give me the strength to survive and thrive. So yes, new year, new me. Maybe a little delayed, but new nonetheless.
