The last quarter of 2024 was a turning point for me. I ended a five-year relationship, went back to living solo, and began the journey of finding peace within myself. I didn’t write much during this time—there was too much going on in my head, and I was feeling a bit lost. It wasn’t easy to process everything, but after a while, I realized the best way to cope was to return to something that always grounded me: camping.
While I’ve been keeping up with day hikes here and there, it had been two years since I’d last set up camp. It wasn’t just about the outdoors; it was about reconnecting with myself, clearing my mind, and taking a step back to reflect. And when I thought about where I could do that, my favorite camping spot immediately came to mind - Mt. Kan-irag.
Did you know that when I started hiking and camping in Cebu back in 2019, Mt. Kan-irag was my go to destination, It’s close to the city, but just far enough to get away from all the daily chaos. It’s where I’ve had some of my best moments of self-reflection, and it felt like the perfect place to process everything going on in my life.
Being single again, especially as a mom, has brought a lot of unexpected realizations. At first, there were moments of doubt—especially as I started to realize how much of my life had been wrapped up in that relationship. At 32, I had thought that five years meant “forever,” that this was the chapter that would define my life. But as I spent more time reflecting, I realized that being single isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it’s an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. It’s another chapter, and I’m the one writing it.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that your relationships don’t define you. They shape you, sure, but they don’t determine your worth. And as I take this time for myself, I’ve found that I’m actually grateful for it. I now have more time to focus on what I truly want—time to spend with my kids, time to chase the dreams I’ve put on hold, and time to build the kind of life I want to live.
At 32, breakups don’t seem as dramatic as they did when I was younger. Of course, there were tears. There always are. But I’ve also learned how to be productive despite the pain. I’ve got races I’ve committed to, climbs I’ve been looking forward to, and trips I’ve already planned. There’s so much to look forward to in 2025, and I can feel that this year will be about rediscovering who I am and setting my priorities straight.
This period of my life is a reminder that it’s okay to let go of things that no longer serve you. And if love comes knocking again, I won’t close the door—but I’ll also acknowledge that love is no longer my main priority. Right now, the focus is on me: on healing, growing, and building the life I’ve always wanted.
So, if you’re reading this and going through something similar, just know that it’s okay. It’s okay to be single. It’s okay to change your life path when things aren’t working out. Most importantly, it’s okay to prioritize yourself and your happiness. There’s always something beautiful on the other side of growth—and this is my season for it.
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