2013 Goal Three: Put Yourself Out There
Going after what makes your heart beat the fastest strips you naked. Because you know just how much is at stake, your deepest desires and worries are exposed, and you face the harshest truths about who you really are, and what you can do. You have to look at your own eyes in the mirror, and be starkly honest with yourself. Unbutton your bravado, and throw it on the floor.
This 2013, my third and final goal is to put myself out there.
Offer up nothing but the genuine article, what makes you, you, and leave no room for show.
When you overthink the road ahead, agonize about being turned down, or get plagued by the possibility of being wiped out, you end up paralyzed. When we’re scared, sometimes we tend to keep our emotions and real selves gated and boarded up. If you’re not vulnerable, you won’t get hurt, right?
But how many missed chances have you had because you pictured the worst case scenarios, even before you made any effort for something incredible?
There will be countless times this year when I’ll hesitate from pressing on, seeking adventures, and expressing how I really feel. But I only have to think of how I kicked off 2013 with finally learning how to surf, and getting over my fear of failing in front of everybody to remember that your strength grows a thousandfold when you’re vulnerable.
Laying yourself bare is the jumping point of your hopes and dreams coming true.
Brave the waves,
Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!
Source: bravethewaves.net
2013 Goal One: Cherish Experiences, Not Things
Another glorious weekend. How did I ever become so lucky?
Seleena and I hit the beach during the start of our birthday month last December with our best travel buddy, Sannds.
The long ride to Batangas (remember how I absolutely get smashed during road trips?) knocked me out, as expected. So while they spent the early part of the afternoon lounging by the shore, I was cocooned in our hut, drowning in my drool. Do you realize how naps have become a rare indulgence nowadays? Mine was that magnificent guys; you should’ve seen (/heard) me snore like there was no tomorrow! Five stars, nap, five stars.
Hearing waves crashing outside your window can lull you to sleep, and it can also nudge you out of bed. We had this whole stretch all to ourselves. Sannds and Seleena were clearly having a great time in the water. I didn’t hesitate to join in.
Loved ones would tell me that I seemed to be on a vacation all the time, but leading this kind of lifestyle actually took lots of effort, discipline, and sacrifice.
Most of the people our age would blow off some steam by spending hard nights out every week, shopping, and burning cash on toys and gadgets. My friends would only do those things for special occasions (see previous post). Instead, we’d pool a portion of our savings together for weekends out of town like this one. And if we happened to be stuck in the city, we would find ways to hie off the beaten path, discover new nooks and crannies, or take comfort in our favorite spots.
Seeing this moon rise (this photo does not do it justice; it dipped so low, hovering over the sea!) made me feel that I was doing the right thing.
In 2013, I would continue to make and cherish experiences like this one, and prioritize them over things.
- Laiya, San Juan, Batangas
- Landline number: +63 759-2020
- Mobile number: +63 917 813 1301
Brave the waves,
Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!
Source: bravethewaves.net
Always A Good Day to Hit The Beach
If there’s one thing you should never turn down, it’s the chance to go to Palawan.
I was stoked for being sent there for work to begin with. But when I found out that our hotel was close enough to the city proper, and offered easy access to the beach at the same time, I could barely sit still inside the van on our way there. The white sanded beaches nearest to Puerto Princesa usually took at least 2 hours to get to, so this was a real treat for me.
My first visit to Palawan was spent with Carlo, and it was filled with love, salty kisses, and laughter. My rose tinted glasses were off this time around. To make the best out of the trip, I decided to focus on what adventures, and new discoveries were laid out there, just waiting to be pursued. I’ll be sharing more stories with you about the charming, quaint side of Puerto Princesa in future posts!
Source: bravethewaves.net
This is the personal blog of Mia Bontol. I'm the island girl behind Shop Brave The Waves, a clothing line that offers Filipino-made resort wear. Swim with me?
