I know a lot of people who have plenty of brilliant plans but don't know where to start or how to put them to action; a truckload of amazing skills but are not sure how to put them to good use; the desire to pursue higher education or learn something new but are stopped in their tracks by exorbitant fees; and what it takes to be the next big thing but are too complacent, too lazy, to get the show on the road.
While obstacles are everywhere, so are ways of going around them. Many of us often miss opportunities because we fail to recognize them for what they are, probably because we are busy counting chickens before they've hatched or are simply blinded by distractions, like worrying about things we would have to give up, thinking about doing what we'd like to do some other time, and fretting over risks and that looming cloud of uncertainty. Distractions will always try to get our attention.
It's never easy giving something up, but bidding farewell isn't always a bad thing. There was a time when I had to make a choice between staying where I was and leaving to do volunteer work. It was a tough time for me. I was so comfortable where I was that I was afraid of leaving behind the things, places and people I've become very familiar with. I felt like a dual weighing scale because I had to choose between something I knew so well and something that was still unclear. The latter was heavier.
As it turned out, the "unclear" was the clarity I was looking for. But it wasn't all peaches and cream when I came back. Some bits and pieces from my pre-departure life had dissolved, changed, and gone into hiding. But a million beautiful pieces came into my line of sight. Many of these pieces have been part of the bigger picture all along, but I was too focused on just a few that I didn't see what I was missing out on.
When we give something up, we're making room for something even better. It's when we take risks and dive into the unknown that we discover more of who we are. Uncertainty has a certain beauty that many fail to see.
Several opportunities have flown past me before because I was too lazy to actually get up and catch them. Many times I've used prioritizing as an excuse to not do something because I just wasn't in the mood to do it. Procrastination kills many good opportunities, and this killer can be very difficult to evade. A certain forwarded text message just came to mind. I can't remember the exact words, but it went like this: Would you rather be the one who just sleeps and dreams, or the one who wipes the sleep from his eyes, gets up from bed, and does something about his dream? In any situation, we always have a choice.
Opportunities are everywhere. We all just need to know where to look, how to spot them, and who to ask help from. (I will always be grateful to the people who have shown and continue to show me the hangouts and caves of opportunities and beautiful chances.) And once we shake the hands of an opportunity, we should do what it takes to be its friend.
For people who have a lot of brilliant plans but don't know where to begin; many amazing skills but are not sure how to put them to good use; the desire to study but are hindered by financial concerns; and what it takes to be the next big thing but are not yet in their element – may this help and inspire you to start an adventure or two.
It truly is admirable, when people are very passionate about what they do and are willing to swim in unfamiliar waters instead of just dipping their feet. Adventures begin the moment we decide to do something about the thoughts floating in our heads. It's never too late to try something new.
What better time to start than now?
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Thanks to the creators of the Young Global Pinoys blog. Thanks also to Patrick of GX. It was through him that I learned about the website.
This one is for Chely, from whom I have learned much about being proactive and finding ways. Belated happy birthday. Mahal kita, mami. :)
Photo taken in Mariveles, Bataan.
hi ma'am! just what i needed to read. thanks for this.;) 
