Tonight is my last night in Mindanao. The next time I come back here, it will hopefully be to move and work here already. I take this opportunity now to reflect on what I have learned in my almost two months here.
Firstly, this experience has been an affirmation of what I am capable of. I saw that I indeed can be on my own. I've been given an opportunity to exercise my resourcefulness, my self-suffiency, my patience, and my testicular fortitude. I've also seen that I can fight back and stand up for myself when I am being wronged. I can put up one hell of a fight if I need to. No longer will I allow others to hold me back and take advantage of me. I am strong.
Secondly, as I've been able to be on my own, I realize how great it feels to be independent. The experience of this freedom is outstanding. I've always had the option to be this free. I choose this freedom now.
Third, I've seen that being physically away from the sources of my baggages doesn't completely get rid of my issues. Anger, bitterness, resentment, and guilt that I hold inside follow me wherever I go. This is because the source of these is not really from the outside. The real source is me. I keep myself angry, resentlful, bitter, and guilty. Therefore, it's up to me to choose to let all these go.
Fourth, although staying away from the objects of my negativities doens't resolve my issues, distance does make confronting my inner demons so much easier. Tending to one's wounds is more pleasant when one is not incurring further injury. Thereby, distance does have a very good use.
Fifth, I realize that fulfillment, peace, joy, and everything else of their kind are not results of doing. Instead, these are all functions of being. What one does (may it be work, a hobby, etc.) doesn't matter. Fulfillment, peace, joy, etc. are states of mind (or better yet, states of spirit). It's my choice. I can be all these right now if I choose to, wherever I am and whatever I am doing. It's that simple. So I choose so.
Lastly --- Mindanao is such a beautiful place, especially Davao. It has all the amenities of Manila, minus the petty crimes, the pollution, the over-population, and the fast-paced life. It's also a short ride to the beach and to Mount Apo. I'd love to live and work here. I love Davao!
I had a great time here in Mindanao. I can't wait to come back already.
