It's almost 12 midnight, I am still wide awake. I am all about contemplating what it really means to be happy as an adult. Or is there any possibility that I could live a happy life as an adult. Because being an adult is one thing. Experiencing quarter-life crisis is another. 

When I was young, I was taught how being practical is important. At a young age, I learned that when I grow up, I need to pick a job that will give me a good pay. As time goes by, I learned this, well, not entirely new but different concept: Passion. I have observed that younger generation believes that everything we do should always be fueled by passion. Or at most, should be based on that. In general, it's also a good thing. 

When was the last time you felt so much passion in doing something?

Passion can be tricky, though. It could change as time goes by. Especially when you are passionate about many things. As you grow older, you get to know yourself more. The things you love and you hate doing.

You may find yourself passionate on something today but feel differently about it tomorrow. Every day is a day to discover a new passion. After all, we live in a world where anything is possible.

On the other hand, I know for a fact that the people who pushed me to choose my profession wanted nothing but for me to have a bright future and a comfortable life.

When you become an adult, your problems are becoming more intense than they used to be. And when you have serious obligations and big responsibilities to your family, you are most likely to follow what was told to you during childhood and that is to get a high-paying job. It's not that bad. Remember, you have a family to feed and bills to pay.

You've always been fine until you realize that you also have an obligation to yourself. You need to make sure that you do what's best for you and that you are happy. I hate to break it to you but at the end of the day, you only have yourself.

Let's say you have already figured out what you really want to do in life. You have found your passion. Still, it's not easy because you have to make several adjustments and sacrifices if you want to pursue your passion. You need to make heartbreaking decisions like giving up a career which you tried building for years. I guess that's all part of it. 

But you know what's even more heartbreaking?

It is the reality that you are living in a third-world country, a poor country, wherein "following your passion" is not an ideal thing to do. Simply because, you were not born rich.

You tend to prioritize your physiological needs. I may be wrong but for most people in my country, passion doesn't always bring you food on your dining table. At some point, you kind of need to choose whether you want to fill a hungry stomach or fill a hungry heart. Again, this is not the case for everyone but I would say, for most people.

For the longest time, I have been thinking about this. To the extent that I'm having sleepless nights doing nothing but just contemplate. Sometimes I cry and pray. Sometimes I write just to lessen the stress in my head and to lighten the burden I have in my heart. Just like now.

Soon, I gotta need to make a decision. I know. I can't stay like this forever. But I just feel I need to make a move and get away from this cycle. I can't just go with the flow all the time. I need a direction. I need to pursue something definite and achieve something specific.

This is a journey. A turning point. An encounter that we need to face. A struggle that we need to fully embrace. All adults come to a point where they make difficult decisions. Mature decisions. This is one of those.

Kev

I travel, post photos and even write an article about it. If you ever find that annoying, please continue reading because you might learn something from this.

There are times when I post a lot. Yes, I know that. But I don't do it just to brag or boast. Moreover, it will sadden me if you feel negative about yourself after seeing something I posted on social media. I know that I am not responsible for what people will feel about the things I do. After all, it would really depend on the audience. But let me at least tell you why I do things that I do and how I really want them to affect you.

I've already established long time ago how much I'm into traveling. This explains the former name of my website, The Gypsy Life of Kevin. But what really is it that I love about traveling?

Traveling has saved me many times from having a total breakdown. It has always helped me pull myself together when everything is bad. Traveling gives me a good sense of freedom. It helps me become someone I want to be. It makes me more confident. It makes me a better person. It makes me happy. Any person who is passionate about something would understand what I'm saying. That's exactly why I travel. Something about going to different places, discovering new things and meeting people is making me excited all the time. 

Take away all the photos, you still get  life-changing experiences. Truth be told, every traveler looks forward to that. Sometimes, people travel to forget the past and start a new life. While others travel not to escape life but for life not to escape them. I think having instagrammable photos is a great bonus, though.

Whenever people see my travel photos, they would always tell me how lucky I am to be able to go to such beautiful places. But that's not really the kind of impression I want to make. When you see my photos, I want you to know that I do this out of passion. That my heart and soul are in their best state and situation when I travel. Trust me, If I have the chance to be a full-time digital nomad, I will undoubtedly leave my full-time corporate job and take that effin' chance to work while traveling. Maybe I'll get there soon. I don't know, I am still working on it.

Please also know that I work hard and save money so I could travel. It's not like I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. And still, I don't consider myself rich, as far as money or wealth is concerned. But you know what? I think traveling isn't for the rich. Traveling is for those who loves to travel. Remember, if you want something so much, you will work hard and pray hard to get it. 

You don't need to get the most expensive plane ticket or the most fancy hotel room. But there's also nothing wrong if you want those things. It depends on you. My point? You allot money for traveling. You include it in your plans and budget. You accomplish things. You do something about that feeling of wanting to travel. 

I want to inspire you in such a way that you will go after your dreams. I want you to do something out of love. I want you to live a happy life as a result of pursuing a passion and working hard. Those are the kind of stories I want to inform you about when you see my photos. 

Kev

In my almost 28 years of existence, I learned that you can be in many places. But not in different places at the same time. When you are young, you have this high energy and level of excitement to do many things. As you grow older, you learn to identify where you want to focus that energy. 

You already have this burning passion in doing something you're either good at or really love. Or even both. What do you need to do then?

You start by having a dream. What is it that you really want to achieve? The answer to that question shall serve as your starting point. Setting a dream means setting your goal and setting a goal means establishing the direction you want to go. When you already know exactly what you want, you will do everything and anything to make your dream come true.  As long as you do no harm to other people and you have the best intentions.

To many people, having a dream is equivalent to having a purpose. That they keep fighting and going in life because of that dream. I hope at this point, I have already convinced you that having a dream is important and is a beautiful thing.

Someone once said that the poorest people are not the ones without money but rather those who do not have even a single dream. True enough. When you dream, you appreciate all the hardships and efforts you do because you know it's all for a good reason. When you finally make a dream come true, your heart and soul will have an amazing level of joy. That joy is the kind that money can never buy.

There will be times when people belittle your dreams. People might see your dreams as something not worthy of achievement. But to you, it could mean everything. Don't lose the fire in you. Do not give up just because somebody else thought your dreams are not good enough. Do not let other people invalidate the things that you want to achieve in your life. The same way, do not quit when people say that you are incapable of doing great things. If you can dream it, then you can do it.

Trees do not grow at the same rate, though. If you see your friends posting their achievements on social media and it frustrates you, remember that your journey is different from theirs. We all have our own timelines. What you need is to focus on your own dreams. But really, when it comes to timeline, trusting God is the best thing to do.

If you are feeling hopeless and weak, let this article be your inspiration. Know that you are capable of dreaming and achieving BIG things. I believe in you. And if you happen to reach the point where you have achieved a dream, I would like to congratulate you. Feel proud and blessed.

But does it have to end there? No. Dream another dream or you could also help other people achieve their own dreams. Be an instrument. That's how we win in this life. We support one another and we make this world a better place to dream and to live in.

Don't ever stop dreaming! ⭐

**All photos are mine 

Say what you mean

Don't say "I'm on my way there" if you are actually just on your way to the bathroom to take a bath and prepare for a meeting that started 15 minutes ago. Say what really is the truth. Your words speak a lot about your integrity. Trust me, lying is a bad habit. 

Saying what you mean could also be saying what you really feel (no sugarcoat). If you feel uncomfortable about something, say it. Discuss it with the party involved. 

Mean what you say

Words are good, but it can break a person, especially if it involves a broken promise. I bet you've already made enough promises in the previous years. Maybe it's about time putting your words into actions.

Not all people have much to be hopeful for from you. Some only got words. Words you said due to intense emotions and words you didn't really mean. Be sensitive enough to know that some people might hold on to your words. They keep your words even if you yourself don't.

Don't wait for the time to come wherein nobody believes what you say because you have history of making false promises. Avoid making promises or statements when your emotions are high.

Stop begging for love

If God was able to love the ugliest and sickest you, then there's somebody out there who can love you and you do not even need to ask for it. Moreover, love comes in different forms. It's probably good not to expect love just from a single person. Remember, you have your family and friends. 

Maybe the right person for you hasn't come yet. But then again, please do not settle for less than you deserve. 

For now, focus on self-care and self-love. So that when the right person comes, you are ready and you know you are capable of giving the right love. 

Focus on what you love, instead of hating what you don't like

When someone is successful, happy or having a good life, others aren't just cool with that. These toxic people live to pull others down. They enjoy watching you fail and fall. Yes, we call that "Crab-mentality". People with such behavior wants to take the spotlight, even if it means destroying others. And that, my friend, is one of the many faces of hatred.

The world we live in today is already full of hate. Adding more makes you a cancer in this toxic society. How about try being part of the cure? Sounds better but pretty challenging as well. At some point, we're all guilty of this. But we can start with promoting what we love and not bashing what we don't. Eat the food on your plate without having to look on someone else's plate. I hope you know what I mean here. 

If you have plenty of time finding flaws and imperfections of other people, then you're missing a lot. You don't give yourself time to work on your own issues. 

Spread love, be kind. 

Invest on people, not on materials

About time you value the people in your life, especially the ones who stick with you during bad times. You know they stay for a genuine reason and not for anything else. Spend time with them, show them appreciation. C'mon, we're not getting any younger and our time in this world is limited. Your clothes, gadgets and cars might be outdated tomorrow. Sure you can buy a new one. But finding good people and building relationships? Nope, not easy at all.

Be bothered when you already love your gadgets more than people.

Give room for your passion and other interests

I hope you are working a job that you love. But even so, you must find time for other things that are also making your soul happy. In this way, you will have a breather and at the same time, you are nurturing growth in other areas of yourself.

Let me give an example. Taking a medical-related course and being in the healthcare industry for years, my love for healthcare has grown over the time. Good for me, I have passion in what I do for living. But when I was a kid, I wanted to do something else. Even now, there are other things that I am also passionate about. I'm talking about traveling and writing. For obvious reasons, I am also following my passion for these things. 





Traveling now is less expensive compared to doing it before and with social media and other online platforms, I can make articles and reach people. It's really up to me now. 

Anyway, point is you have to make time to pursue a passion. If you really love doing something, you will find ways to be able to do it. You know it's called passion for a reason, right?


Fact: The word passion comes from Latin root word pati-, meaning suffering, or enduring. 

Be good to people with good hearts

Simply because they are rare nowadays. You don't wanna be the reason for their change of hearts. Instead, be someone who will bring change to the bad ones.

For the record, it's generally good to be nice to everyone. We don't always know what a person is going through but we know how we make one person feel around us. 

You have no idea how much you affect people. 

I personally believe that you can initiate change the moment you decide to go for it. You don't have to wait for the year to change.

On the other hand, I think it's still good that people see the changing of calendar year as something like a turning point in their lives and so they anticipate a lot of good things to happen in the future. It gives people a great sense of hope. A renewed kind of hope.

With this renewed hope, people are starting the year right and they are looking forward to become better version of themselves by setting objectives and achieving those objectives throughout the year.

I guess New Year's resolutions are good after all and definitely not something to make fun of. There's nothing wrong with wanting to change and wanting to be better. If you desire change, you are already half way to making it happen.

Happy New Year!