2017 mantras

I should be working but here I am writing this. We'd all like to erase 2016 in our collective memories. Around the world, we are seeing the rise of people like Duterte and Trump into powerful positions. But let's not forget that there are some things we cannot leave in 2016. We were all itching to start over this year. But 2017 is turning out to be a continuation of our worst fears.

Constant vigilance should be our mantra. Let your voice be heard. This is a struggle we all need to a part of. By speaking out, by engaging with other people, we can learn how to improve ourselves and gain a more inclusive perspective. Sadly, a lot of people remain silent still. And I would like to reiterate from a Facebook post that I shared earlier today that your silence, your apathy, this represents a certain level of privilege. Some of us can go on with our lives untouched by the injustices of society. But a larger chunk of society are constantly harangued by the very things you ignore. And if you find my noise about these things unbearable and a complete waste of time, you are welcome to use your mute or unfollow buttons. If there has ever been a time when our generation needs to live louder, this is it. Do not be complicit to oppressive societal norms and structures.

On a more personal level, 2016 has been a lesson to me. And as much as loss was a prominent theme, there are also good things. That good things are worth saving only if you have the courage and perseverance to save them. That good things can sometimes go through rough patches. That good things can go from bad to worse to better. That the things you choose in life don't have to come with an explanation. That the people you choose won't always be there for you, and that's okay. That life is not a straightforward and linear path. That trust is a good thing; such a fragile and wonderful thing. That some good things are actually just bad things wearing masks. That you have to bend your knees and brace yourself for some storms. And that some ties are bound by thicker and stronger bonds than others. These are the bonds that can weather the storms.

All these things I bring with me to 2017 as I leave other memories and people behind. January has come and gone. And one thing that I am sure of is that the crisis thing is real for a lot of people. But the label "quarter life" is somewhat deceptive. We can all agree, though, that our mid-twenties have the potential to become one of the most tumultuous years of our lives. Some people go through a crisis that spans more than a year. Some people just have that tiny panic attack and bounce back faster. I think it is especially harder now that other people's successes and failures are magnified by social media.

I still don't know what I will end up doing with my life. But I am not as pressured as before. I still believe in pursuing my passions and strive to be better at them. 2017 is the year that I try things that have potential. This is the year I embrace who I am and not be apologetic about it. I will make mistakes and I will learn from them. I will gain some friends and lose others.

2017 is the year that I will let go of those who have let me go. And choose to hold on to the beautiful things in life I encounter everyday. This is the year that I will venture out of my comfort zone. 2017 will be life-changing. :)