Dear 2024 Jhun,
Hey there!
So it's been a routine of ours to include the song that is currently playing while writing this.
And that song is...
Christmas Tree by V
I don't know why but this song never fails to make me feel all bubbly inside.
Anyways, let's move on.
So my dear, year older self, I hope you finally found the purpose that you were looking for. I'm so so curious. Did the plan for deployment for the emergency response to Gaza push through? Were you a part of it? I wish you were. and if you did, please just make it home safe because you still have stories to tell.
If it didn't push through, how did you spend your year then? I hope you still touch lives and make someone's day a little better. Never forget to be good no matter what evil life throws at you. But keep on fighting for what is right because whatever you do, it makes a difference. You may feel hopeless at times, but keep on holding on. Tomorrow will always be better, even if it takes a hundred tomorrows before it does. Tomorrow is gonna be better - never forget that.
Tell me your stories. Share the places that you've visited - I hope it's a lot.
P.S. Just a nagging thought that crept out of the back of my mind -
Keep yourself open to possibilities, whatever those possibilities may be. Life happens when you keep yourself open. (It even sounds like a song lyric - not sure if it actually is. Haha!)
2023 Jhun
*****
Dear 2023 Jhun,
Hello back!
What do I tell you? hahaha! Well...I'm currently on hiatus after our stint with MSF. It's been fun and enlightening and I've learned a lot. Sad to say but the deployment did not push thru. I guess it wasn't meant for me...yet. Who knows, maybe sometime in the future? For now, I've decided to go back to my previous work with the elderly by the start of the coming year, but not for good. It's just to have work while taking a course for foreign language so that I can finally apply for a job abroad. I know it wasn't in my plans before. But somehow, during this year, I've realized that if I want to do the things that I really want to do, I have to step out of my comfort zone, and I guess it means me literally setting foot outside the Philippines. It's exciting yet frightening at the same time. Maybe this is just me taking your advise of keeping myself open to possibilities. Who knows? I might not get hired or I might not finish the course for whatever reason, but at least I can say that I took the chance and tried my best. At least there'll be no regrets or too much what ifs.
What did I do this year? Aside from focusing on work, I've also made new friends (and I also got to experience attending a real town fiesta in Tondo. It was so much fun, but I got drained afterwards because it was sensory overload for me). Sadly, I didn't get to go on long vacation but at least I got to see some of my favorite artists live. Last March, I went to Wanderland Festival where I finally got to see Novo Amor and Jack Johnson live! I swear I couldn't help my scream when Novo Amor played Opaline as his first song. And Jack Johnson, he ended day 1 so perfectly by playing all of my favorite tracks of his. By the 2nd day, I already have a sore throat because of my screaming/singing the day before. It was an awesome experience because I also got to discover other great artists. Then, I got a ticket for Bruno Major as birthday present from my sister and we watched him perform last September. Honestly, I was literally crying for the most part, especially when he played the surprise song, Tapestry.
One thing I noticed this year, most of the time I spent on vacation was with my family. It's like we always go out of town for birthdays and other family celebrations. And I'm glad we did. Because I realized that in case my plans to apply for work abroad next year will push thru, I might not get to spend as much time with them as I wanted to.
Anyway, we'll see what tomorrow will bring.
2024 Jhun
*****
Dear 2025 Jhun,
Hey girl!
Based on my previous letter, pressure's on you. Hahaha!
So, how's 2025 been to you? I'm curious to know where you are. Anyway, I wasn't planning on including the song that's currently playing because it's so, so sad. loml by Taylor Swift. I was like seriously, Taylor? Of all the songs, it had to bet this one. Now I'm getting sad while typing this. rawr. Anyway, let's get back to your story.
So again. how was 2025? Anything new about you? What did you finally choose to do? Let me remind you that during this time, you are still unsure about your plans. I know you already took the steps, but you're still watching out for other opportunities that may get in your path. Honestly, 2025 is the year that I don't know what to expect will happen. And suddenly Clarity by Zedd plays. You making fun of me universe? Damn, I do really need clarity. I wish you finally found it. Hehe.
Anyway, I don't have anything else to say other than I hope you had a good year. I can't wait for the stories that you will share. Keep your head up girl, you can do this. Fighting!
P.S. Tejano Blue by Cigarettes After Sex played. Whatever it means.:)
2024 Jhun
