#023: What is our next baby step?
Travelling, building my study fund, going with the flow, and more tiny yet precious life moments
Hey, there! Thanks for reading OK to BE. This is a Sunday newsletter, which means it will arrive in your inbox anytime on a Sunday. Here, I share about my creative processes in reading, writing, creating, editing, and collaborating, plus a bit about my everyday adventures. If anything resonates, write back or leave a comment, and I shall reply! Also, this is a public dispatch, so feel free to share with friends. Enjoy! :)
“How do you see yourself five or ten years from now?” is a question I never know how to answer properly or clearly. *cue sweat-bullets-inducing interview flashbacks* While I do subscribe to planning and goal setting and stuff (my constant need for preparedness stemming from anxiety, only a doctor can diagnose), I also believe that I should always just go with the flow, see where life takes me, smell the roses, ride the wave, cross the bridge when I get there, not fight with fate, et cetera.
Wait, omg. Who knew I could strike a balance like that?
Me. I knew I could. Really, I’ve long been done putting so much pressure on my self. It was beneficial that I had some of my mental and emotional health issues sorted in my late 20s because it helped me when I stepped into my 30s. I started getting to know myself better—what I liked and what I didn’t, what I needed and what I didn’t, what I could and what I couldn’t. I have learned not to be so afraid of getting older (slight na lang, hehe) and of every expectation that comes with it, in contrast to what society and other people want me to feel (I do what I want, sabi nga ng BTS). Also, it’s not that I don’t care what others think. I do a little bit because I’m only human, but also, I know better now whose opinions or thoughts truly matter to me.
These musings aren’t new or original. I know you get all this, and if you’re around the same life stage where I’m at, then you get it even more. I’m sharing these because I just had the great opportunity to contemplate on things longer and want to process, coming from visiting my other side of the family on the other side of the country last month, and yes, you’re processing with me. Hah! That said, this brings me to:
YES, I FLEW OUT! For the first time since the pandemic hit. I used to fly at least eight times a year (for family, for work, for play) so riding a plane shouldn’t have been such a huge deal. But it was. My flight anxiety was at an all-time high, but every ride, thank God, was smooth. I also had books, Detective Conan episodes, and snacks, which all kept me sane.
As I said, and some of you already know this, I spent some time with my family and relatives in the northern part of the country. I also met a few new and old friends (some of them are here on Aia’s vlog!), which was exciting! (For those I didn’t get to meet, next time, please!) It’s always wonderful to be reunited, and it was also fun to travel outside of Mindanao again (for example, we drove about ten hours to the province, and then rode a sleepers bus for 13~14 hours), after being locked down for almost three years.
I wish we could all go on trips and just bask in the beauty of the world, forgetting about all the sht that's happening even for just a while.
A few places in Cavite, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and Cagayan Valley
But remembering about all the sht matters, too, definitely. I needed that trip back to my other home and side of the family more than I thought I did, I realized. As I mentioned, I've had lots to think about, but if for clarity or more of confusion, I have yet to decide. Life be like that, anyway, right; we always have each day to keep figuring out things. I'm grateful to even have the privilege, space, and time to mull over my life.
Ballesteros, Cagayan Valley
Family and friends mean well when they ask “So, what’s next for you?” I have images in my head, yes, but my main thing is to keep being alive, healthy, and happy, which also goes for the people I love. And that is something that I envision not only for the next five or ten years, but for sixty or even seventy more. A lot would say “too vague or general,” (and believe me, some of them already have) but I don’t have it in me to argue ^_^ I go with the flow, see where life takes me, smell the roses, ride the wave, cross the bridge when I get there, not fight with fate, et cetera~
How are you, how was your day, and how do you think will tomorrow look like for you? :)
~*Creative stuff*~ I’m up to
OK to BE features on my Patreon - All can be read for free right now, and there will be more, of course
A Beta Reader & Editor Club - Nothing grand and nobody needs a CV to join; if you want in, sign up for free here. What we do is share experiences, tips, and insights, including how to set up services, rates, and more
Manuscripts, and a few newly released books that I helped out on (more on this when I can share)
Some important news (I hope you can help me!)
I received offers to pursue further studies (comms, creative writing, media and pub) in universities in the UK and Australia.* As I apply and wait for possible scholarship grants, I would appreciate it if you can help me build my study fund, as I would need every hand. Here’s what you can do:
Hire me as beta reader or editor for your manuscript, or refer me to a friend
Advice and encouragement also very much welcome. Thank you!
*Let me know if I should talk more about this here :)
That’s all for now! I hope you picked up something fun or useful. See you in the next one ☀️
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Congrats on the post-pandemic flight! I saw some of the trip's photos you shared on Facebook. Truly wonderful stuff. Glad that you had a blast and that you were safe.
Here's to just going with the flow without letting the expectations and pressures of others get the best of us. Just like what that one song said:
"You only got one life to live, so love what you do."