Weekly Image Of Life: Wish List For 2013

Remembering 2012

Year 2012 is a year that most of us will never forget. Much as it brought good things and reasons to be thankful about but it also brought devastation, loss, pain and sadness. It is a year of change, moving on and starting all over again. It is a year of celebration as well as forgetting the things that broke our hearts. It is a year where nations joined hands to reach out to those in need. It is a year where faith, family and friendship gave courage and strength for so many who needed much comfort.

All of us have our trials and hardships to bear. Most people I know thinks my life comes easy and laden with everything sweet. Perhaps I’m just good in hiding the hardships that I go through. I laugh easily. Humor and optimism comes naturally despite of heartaches and broken dreams.

2012 was a life changing year for me and my family. We finally said goodbye to a house that was our home for 6 years. So much memories of both the good and the bad. It was where my son first learned how to walk. It was a place where we shared our first adventures. So much laughter as well as tears. It was not an easy goodbye but we needed to start fresh and  gain back our life. Somehow the dreams we hoped then were no longer the dreams we want in the present. It was time to move on and just gain back the life we always dreamt us a family. No turning back, just looking forward with hope and faith.

New Year, New Hope, New Beginnings

Today, I share a smaller house with my son and wife but it is a home. A home with new dreams and new beginnings. A home where I can start with a clean slate and be happy once again. We celebrated our first Christmas in it and it was beautiful.

In less than 24 hours, we will greet the new year with renewed heart and spirit. With that in mind, I share with you my wish list for 2013. A wish list I also dream for everyone especially for those who needed them the most.

My son made this for his mom on Valentine’s Day. It now hangs on our kitchen to remind us that in anything and everything, “Love is all we’ll ever need.”

I always remind myself, “Leave the bad things behind and take with you all that is good.” These fellas came to our new home. They are my son’s comfort stuffed toys at night. The penguin still stays in his bed together with Mr. snowman he got this Christmas from a very good friend at work. Each one has a name, with a story and a beautiful memory that makes me smile every time I remember them.

Making a marshmallow calendar and counting the happy and fun times ahead.

My Wish List For 2013

1. I wish for happiness that comes from the innermost part of one’s heart. Happiness that brings a smile no matter how the day turned out to be. Happiness from having less and living more.

My son was so happy when we told him we were heading for Lego Land. He had no idea that his birthday wish was coming true. When I see him laugh and just exudes with happiness, I often tell myself, “I used to laugh and feel like that when I was a kid. Perhaps it’s not to late to be like that all over again.” In this photo, he’s pretending to be a shark and was chasing me inside the wave pool.

Capturing and being a part of moments like this…priceless!

March of this year, I stand along with hundreds of people from different countries, making a final step in becoming an American. We have different cultures, languages, life’s experiences but that day, we shared something in common. We were all pursuing a dream. A dream that can easily be forgotten by the wrong, lavish securities in life. That day, I was reminded of why I left everything I knew and ventured into a foreign land. I was reminded that my dream is to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Dreams that sounded easy but hard to reach in this complicated, materially driven, “instant gratification” world. Sometimes it’s easier to run away from the truth and reality but one day we need to face them. I faced mine. It wasn’t fun but I’m glad I took the first step.

Everyday, I strive to work harder to gain back my life. Everyday, I try to break every chain that took my inner freedom and peace. Everyday, I continue to find bits of happiness that one day I hope to glue together as one piece of a most treasured puzzle.

I wish to find magical moments like this. My son met a sand dragon during one of our trips at Galveston beach. For a brief period of time, I was able to set aside worries and just enjoy the day. For most of us, that’s all we’ll ever need to feel renewed. I am thankful for having the chance to experienced these moments.

2. I wish for love, peace, unity, forgiveness and healing from all sorts of chaos, anger, war, bitterness, sickness, misery, grief and loss.

I took this photo last March while island hopping with my family in the Philippines. The water was so calm and peaceful. Somehow its effect rippled straight into my restless heart. I wish for the same healing for all who search for solitude.

We saw the worst Christmas tragedy and horror in many parts of the world. Tragedies whose effects continues to haunt those who survived and the families of those who didn’t make it. I wish and pray that 2013 will be a year of healing. A year of starting fresh and making bright beginnings. A year that brings more joy and less of sadness.

3. I wish for a world where children are free to believe, to play and laugh generously. A world where they feel safe. A world that treats them with love and respect. A world that embrace what is good and true. A world that will give them a chance to enjoy their childhood and guide them to reach for their dreams.

One of the happiest place is a children’s playground. Kids laugh without restraint, running back and forth, just having the most amazing time playing. This photo was taken in Florida where we had an unforgettable Summer.

Children need to see that the world around them as beautiful. A place where happiness is real and not just a story we tell them.

4. I wish to create more amazing memories and adventures with my family. To enjoy life’s surprises with them in the most meaningful way.

My son went snorkeling in Boracay Island for the first time. He was so excited. The waters were a bit rough but he was so excited to care. I was the one who was scared for him. Children know when they are safe. They know that their parents will shield and protect them from anything.

5. I wish to find my way back to my faith. To grow spiritually. To embrace what is good. I made so many detours and lost my way so many times. But this year, events in my life and the world around me opened my eyes and heart to what is important in this lifetime.

I caught my sister in deep thoughts. Everything around her seems peaceful. A perfect place to pray and listen to God’s words. Not long ago, I sat close to the waters searching for answers and just listening for that inner voice of guidance.

6. I wish to travel more to the places where I had the happiest childhood and to share them with my son who know begins to appreciate the gift of having a big family. To spend as much time with my parents, my siblings and their growing families in person. To just stop, reflect, renew and remember my reasons of joy. Of what calms and soothes my soul at the end of the day.

My son taught me to see life as a big adventure.

I asked my dad, “I want to go back to Basiao where you brought me and my sisters when we were in high school.” He looked surprise. When we got there, it felt like time stopped and kept all the magic I felt and remembered when I was younger. It felt good to go back and just remember how beautiful life was. It felt comforting to know that I always have a family to go back to despite of the many changes I had in my life.

First day with his cousins during our trip to the Philippines last March 2012.

7. I wish to continue to share my world with my blogger friends. To build a community that supports and inspires each other. A community that reaches out to the four corners of the globe. We can make this world smaller and reachable if we try.

Two years ago, I had no idea what blogging is. All I know is that I want to give something back. Something within me wants to express and create in words and images a version of a better world. A world where you don’t have to feel alone anymore. A world where everyone understands and accepts your struggles without judgement. A world where you can share your innermost pain without fear. A world where you can have a friend who accepts you without conditions. Going through the comments of my blogger friends, I see that world slowly forming, building and making a difference for others. Knowing that gives me a reason to smile and be inspired in my blogging journey.

Thank you to all who shared their world with me. I appreciate and treasure your generous, encouraging and kind comments. Thank you for the constant support and the many smiles you all brought to my day. Thank you for giving me those awards that keeps me motivated.

Sorry if this post is not all about fun and joy but life is like that. Sometimes we’re up and dancing on the clouds while other times we’re surrouned by gloom and just hides behind those clouds.

I wish you all an amazing New Year full of blessings. Blessings of happiness, good health, hope, peace, of total freedom and realization of your most cherished dreams.

Let’s raise our glass, welcome and celebrate 2013.

Happy New Year to everyone!

What’s your wish list for 2013? What is your blogging goal for the New Year? Whatever they are, I hope they bring you happiness and bring you closer to your dreams.

Today, discover the inspiring world of these blogger friends. Their zest for life, their families, their environment and most of all their faith are priceless treasures that will bring a smile to your day.

The Guat of  http://thewishfactor.wordpress.com/2012/12/25/weekly-image-of-life-christmas-day/

Francine of  http://francineinretirement.wordpress.com/2012/12/26/weekly-image-of-life-on-christmas-day/

Patricia of  http://lifeofaministermom.com/2013/01/01/weekly-image-of-life-on-christmas-day/

For those who wish to join in this week’s challenge, here’s a link and the widget. Have a great time making wonderful memories.

http://thismansjourney.net/2012/06/13/weekly-image-of-life-happiness/ 

My friends, let us find time to discover and capture the images around us. Take a moment, breath and just enjoy what the season has to offer. You’ll be surprised of the many things we missed in this lifetime. Happy or sad, they are a part of the unforgettable journey called “life.”

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