the year that was
Wow, time does flies so fast, doesn't it? I had recently marked my first year in Doha. Looking back, it was a year of challenges, no doubt; but also a year of blessings, of love, of family and of friendship.
Who could imagine that Doha would mean more to me than just sun and sand? I certainly did not think of it at first. Initially, it was just me wanting to go out of my comfort zone. Doha is just a stepping stone, a stop over if you wish. Never did I imagine that this is the place where my strength and values are tried and challenged. Consequently, I come out stronger and sure of who I am as a person- daughter, sister, friend and woman.
A year of living here does not only mean sacrifices and challenges, of course. There are moments of goodness and happiness, as well.
I’ve met friends whom I consider as my second family here.They're the ones who cheer me up when I was still new and had felt lost in a strange place. I’ve reconnected with my relatives who are calling Doha as their second home now. They are my anchor and shield here in Doha. With my friends and relatives, I don’t have to do anything other than just being myself, and thankfully, they are fine with who I am.
Friendship does not only enriched my spirit and protect my soul, it also sustain my flesh. I’m not talking about some hanky-panky here. I’m talking about practical things like budgeting, increasing one’s income and the likes. With the tutelage of my BFF and others, I learn the art of selling and working part time. Who would have thought that I’ll go into marketing? And most importantly, who would have thought that I’d be good in it? Now, I have a paradigm shift- from being an employed person, I want to be an entrepreneur in the near future.
Love- yes, I did found it here. It made my stay here more meaningful and colorful. With love as with life, you have two choices: to let go or to continue to hold on. I’m still grappling as to the perfect time to do which is which and I can only pray to God that everything I did was wise and everything i will do will be according to His plan for me .
Letting go is hard but it is very freeing. It’s like scrubbing your old skin to allow the new one to surface( or maybe like shedding some pounds to fit to a new skin tight jeans, hehehe). Holding on- this is another story. It involves not just feelings but pride, hope and grit, as well. For a long time, I was in this phase and was actually hoping that I could continue for as long as I have to. Well, I guess hoping is not enough. I realized that I am at a dead- end now, I can either take the left or the right turn. Turning back is not an option for how can you look back when there is nothing in there anymore?
Yes, it was an interesting year, a year of challenges, a year of love..May the coming year continue to bring out the best in me. (But more happiness, please!)
