2 January 2026
The days really pass by so fast. Years ago, I was counting years with excitement and looking forward to a new year ahead. But now, I count them more quietly and with understanding, sometimes even hoping the days would pass a little more slowly. It’s not that I don’t want to add another year to my age, but I don’t want time to pass without achieving the goals I set for myself. Life can be unfair at times, or maybe I just didn’t do well enough.
And now, it’s already a new year, so, new goals, new life, and new challenges to face. A question crossed my mind: Will I be able to achieve my goals this year?
My birthday came two days after the New Year. It is today. I don’t feel excited anymore. On New Year’s Eve, while everyone was welcoming fresh beginnings with noise and celebration, I found myself looking inward. The photos I took that night may look like New Year memories, but for me, they carry something deeper. They hold thoughts and realizations that came with another year added to my life.
This year, I turned 37. I don’t feel the need to rush anymore.
Instead of stressing myself over goals, I’ll let things happen, but I’ll still do my best to achieve them. At the end of last year, I had many realizations. And for this year, I don’t want to aim for “more.” I just want a peaceful year.
I want to remove and ignore negative energy, people or things that might disturb my peace of mind. If others don’t even care much about what’s happening in their own lives, why should I stress myself out caring so much about them? Maybe it’s time to think about myself. Maybe that’s how I’ll achieve my goals.
I am grateful for the lessons that didn’t come easily. For the days I chose peace over pressure. For the moments that taught me to slow down. And for the strength I found in getting up, even when things felt heavy. really...really heavy!
There are still parts of myself I am learning to understand. There are still things I’m working on and dreams I’m shaping. But I don’t want to pressure myself anymore. I’ll let things unfold. Who knows? Unexpected blessings might come when I least expect them. I’ve realized that life isn’t about having everything figured out or achieving all dreams by a certain age. For me, life is about continuing, especially during the moments when I feel like giving up.
My birthday passed without lit candles or a cake. We’re incomplete at home right, my little niece isn't here. So, I let the day quietly pass. Of course, I have plans once we’re complete again. I just didn’t feel like celebrating today. I simply welcomed 37 with a grateful soul and hope for what lies ahead.
I’m learning to hold on to the things and moments that truly matter. Today feels like more than enough.
Cheers to a new year and new beginnings, with hope for a better future ahead. 🥂
(Photos taken during the New Year's Eve.)
Thanks for your time.
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Jane is a Filipina wanderer in a foreign land who finds comfort in nature and freedom in writing. She loves watching raw picturesque landscapes, listening to the symphony of nature, breathing in drops of sunshine, walking through scenic trails and cityscapes, tasting new culinary flavors, capturing pretty little things, venturing into hidden gems, and dancing with the flow of life.
Her new experiences, adventures, challenges, lessons, small successes, and joys are colorful paints that fill up her canvas of life. She hopes to see it beautifully painted while she can.
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