"Oh, The Places You'll Go!" is the title of the book written by Dr. Suess that was given to me by my friend, Chiko Lara. At age 30, it was interesting that a children's book can catapult me into reaching for the stars. The book is actually about the reader. It talks about the road towards achieving your dreams. How incredible it can be. How fulfilling it will be. How it will complete you as a human being... a spiritual being.
The book will stretch your imagination and convince you that it's not over yet. Today is an opportunity that you shouldn't waste. But as the story progresses it also shows a picture of reality. That in life, yes, there are failures. There is a moment to sulk and absorb all the pain and misery. That there is a waiting moment. And the waiting moment can go on and on and on. But this pause is also a time to gather your thoughts and search within yourself. To understand who you are, what dreams to run after and how you will reach them.
Sorry mate but this blog is not really about that book. The reason why I write this is to share about the start of my journey. It is about why I am reaching for the stars.
As a young man I had this belief that I will go places. That I will meet people in high places, travel everywhere and make a huge impact to society. It was prophesied to me anyway. And since I was naive and a simpleton, I easily believed it as true. I had no reservations. Until I reached my "waiting moment". To put it simply, it is where all my dreams were shattered. I was a 30 year old bum living with my parents. Did I mention single? (Are you now picturing Ted Mosby from How I Met your Mother?) In a different angle, I was a hopeless prince with two slaves (OK more like two maids... and I'm not talking about my parents). Oh boy, I have reached another dead end. Will my life only revolve around my dad? Will I forever hide behind my father's shadow? (More on this next time.)
When the skies begin to clear up and things look brighter, I now see a crossroad instead of a dead end. This time committing suicide is no longer an option. (Isn't that what people think of when they reach the end of their ropes?) Others would just go insane. I choose neither. I choose.... ice cream. Yup, that smooth vanilla flavored cheap ice cream on top of a brittle cone from Mini Stop. Cheap and delicious. And after finishing my comfort food I decide to help revive a 50 year old orphanage and turn it into a streetkids center. And then I join Philippine Idol and think of nothing but victory! And then I establish a preschool that is out of this world. A creative school. And then I decide to sing and shout in the streets and campaign for a Presidential candidate (who won by the way). And then very recently... I decide to go back to school (and live in Europe for a year). Yes, the decisions I've made after a storm. The dreams I have fulfilled because I stubbornly believed that I will go places. Because it was prophesied. Because it shall happen.
I am not sure how to end this blog. As much as I want to keep it short, I couldn't. Thank you for that one person who is still reluctantly finishing this blog. Either you are a speed-reader or an obsessive compulsive. I salute you either way. I guess I have to end by saying that there are many small courages acts I have done in my life. But the ones that really made an impact in my life and to other people are the bold steps I have done - bordering insanity. You know that crazy decision that gave you sleepless nights or made your body shake uncontrollably and your mind soar to great heights... That is a clear sign that you are fulfilling your destiny. When I felt like I was having fever during my interview with this French lady in ESSCA School of Business, I knew at that point I was making history. I wonder how Noynoy Aquino felt when there was a clamor for him to run for President... Oh The Places You'll Go!
