Dear Ruth,
Whenever your friend asks, “What’s making you happy lately?”, your answer is always the same, “A quiet, still life every day.” You enjoy your quiet mornings and chill nights at home – you no longer seek adventures.
You faced your biggest heartbreak when Tatay passed away 2 years ago; and you see quiet, boring day as a blessing. Yet, life continues to surprise you with adventures, answered prayers, and so many firsts in 2025. God has been so good, and sometimes you still find yourself doubting whether you deserve these kinds of blessings.
Mt Camisong in Baguio
Some firsts to remind yourself that it was not a wasted year:
first time to visit Harry Potter Studio in Japan
first snow experience
first real solo travel in Japan
first ski experience
first time to travel with your sister to a new country
first visit to a new country (South Korea)
first time to see Jhope – Jhope on the Stage Concert in Jakarta
first time to visit BTS Locations in Korea
first time to visit Lake Sebu
first time to not feel afraid about jumping in the open sea
travels with people you love ❤️
My first snow experience
Harry Potter Studio Tour in Tokyo
Morioka, Japan – my first solo travel and reunion travel with my sister
Looking back at the “past lives” you live, you thank your past self for the resources (with God’s blessings and guidance) that allow you to do all these things.
There were times when you questioned your decisions – the opportunities you turned down and the “no’s” you’ve sent – but you remind yourself of the balance.
You always know what you want – time, freedom, and balance.
You are happiest to have built stronger relationships with family and friends. What a blessing to be reunited with friends you keep for more than a decade, and to meet new people who inspire you to do better in your craft.
You continue to surprise yourself with what your body can do, and you are curious about what more you can achieve. You know that you can accomplish a lot if you focus and stay fearless.
Ticking SIargao off the travel bucketlist
Finally, South Korea
Potterhead Heart is so happy!
You choose comfort and calmness, to be more present – because you know time is limited – not for you, but for the people around you.
Are you worried? Unsettled? Or quietly excited what lies ahead?
You learned from an early age, through playing chess, to never announce your next move and to always anticipate what might happen next – but now, do we have a game plan?
You are blessed in so many ways, and you know that God always grants your prayers – in His perfect timing, when He knows it is good for you.
Focus. Do good. Have faith. Every day will always be an adventure.
Always Ruthing for you!
Ruth
