Lets begin.
A week ago my younger sister asked me, how I was doing? Muscle memory let my type in the usual reply, “I’m doing great!”
Apparently, I was dumbfounded when I suddenly felt the pang of guilt as soon as I sent the reply to her.
Truth is, I am struggling to function lately.
Hello Steemians! I know I gave you a bit of a cliff hanger but before I tell you the rest of the story I would like to introduce myself and give you bits of me for now.
I’m Geraldine “Geri” Pajal, 30, and I’m from the Philippines. I breathe music with caffeine through my veins. Currently, I developed an interest in photography, radio entertainment and blogging. You may follow my instagram feed to see my recent activities here: https://www.instagram.com/cestlag25/
I’m an Associate Computer Technology graduate at STI College General Santos City in 2008 and started my BPO Career as an outbound customer service representative in a small town called Davao City in 2009.
Courage to move.
Came 2010, I decided to brave the capital city and moved to Metro Manila. For a southern girl like me, it is indeed a big leap of faith as I was so used to live in the province. I’m practically born and raised there my whole life, and I don’t know how the big city life would welcome me. Scary, yes! But the said decision turned out to be the best. It took my career unto a higher notch, sent my sister to college and paid the bills. It’s worth the risk!
My Dad and sister after the graduation program.
Over time I had the opportunity to work with two of the biggest call center companies namely, IBM Daksh Philippines and TELUS International Philippines. It wasn’t just work for me, it became my passion, my home and my playground that I enjoyed so much. I found a family within the people I work with and I couldn’t be happier without the love and support I get from them. But as the song goes,
"It's not always rainbows and butterflies."
- She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5
Turn of events.
Seven years working on a grave yard shift took a toll on me. I’m ailing month on month and taking a week or two of vacation leave is no longer an option. Finally, my physician advised me to quit my job. It broke my heart when I heard him say that. I felt like a kid left by her mother on a kindergarten for the very first time. But I had to let go, I know for a fact that I would have to sooner or later. In November 24, 2017, I officially ended my contract with TELUS.
It’s been a couple of months now, and I am feeling better health wise. I admit there are still nights that I would stay up until the wee hours, just like now as I am writing this blog. And whenever I am thinking, there are times that I didn’t realize how time had pass. Body clock is indeed not that easy to change.
Funny moments with my grandmother and aunts
So far it’s been like an excursion for me. I was able to visit my home town in a very long time and bond with my friends outside work.
I also got the opportunity to join community services that I haven’t been able to do often, since my former work schedule won’t allow it. Idle moments are filled with social media, books, and streaming YouTube videos. I also managed to buy some time to binge watch my favorite shows in Netflix. Cool isn’t it?
Friendnap and chocolate night with my good friend Judy.
Repacking Relief Goods with MCGI - DSWD Volunteers.
Good things come to those who wait.
Although I was able to do more with the amount of availability I have right now, I couldn’t deny the fact that there’s still something missing. I know exactly what’s that is, and that’s what brought me here in Steemit!
Days ago when my sister asked me how I was doing, I felt guilty when I said I was okay. Simply because I am not being 100% honest to her. Apparently, she knows me enough and didn’t buy my response. She’s well aware that I’m somewhat struggling and whenever she sees me in this kind of situation for some reason she has something to offer!
My younger sister Gemma and I while roaming Intramuros, Manila in 2013
As much as the differences we have, we also share a lot of things in common, that’s why she knows exactly what I am going through. She said, “Sis, why don’t you go back in writing?” That hit me right on the spot. She told me about Steemit.com and explained how this platform helped some of her friends in Abu Dhabi.
The moment I found how cool this site is, I didn’t take too much time to think and signed up. The universe was so kind, that within just 5 days I got my Steemit account activated.
Excitement is an understatement that I couldn’t stop smiling to begin with. I don’t expect much, but I look forward for greater things. I’m positive that I would meet a new family here, starting with you who read this humbled entry until the very end.
Thank you and I hope you enjoyed my introduction.
Let me know in the comment section what you would like me to write about on my next entry.
Show me some love and follow me on my journey as I would to yours. Let’s call this our first day together then, Steemians!
Before I go, I would love to leave you with this inspiring message from God's love letter.
Romans 8:28
" And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
To God be the glory.