2008 was an extremely trying year. First, I was diagnosed with acute stress due to overwork and recovered in March. The doctor cautioned me to refrain from doing anything stressful. Just when I was doing ok, the news that my cousin was missing when the ship "Princess of the Stars" sank in Philippines reached me. Imagine how emotionally stressful that was.
After three months of futile search, we were finally able to retrieve his body when the DNA results were released. It was a heart-breaking moment. He was in his 30's, healthy, worked abroad and was about to marry. He had everything going for him when the tragedy struck.
Perhaps the greatest lesson I have learned for 2008 is to never take people for granted. Sometimes we get too caught up with work. Too busy to have time for people we care. Then in an instant, they are gone. Just like that. Life is too fragile.
Consequently, my cousins and I spend a lot of bonding time together now. I spend time with my friends too. We would go out on a joyride just cruising the streets with no definite direction in mind - in destination and in conversations. Just let things flow. Trust the universe, so to speak. It is largely therapeutic. Try it!
Another important lesson I've learned is - the body maybe frail but the human spirit is indomitable. Three from my close family circle were hospitalized early this year too. Two more of my closest friends passed away last October. I really thought I would relapse from acute stress due to these.
But I didn't.
Instead, I have learned resiliency and rolled with the punches. Because of what I went through I have become stronger (and better?) version of myself, I hope.
The year that was could be summed up in a few words - it was painful. But then again, pain is a necessary evil. Embrace it and it will yield a lot of dividends. Shun it - and you are in for trouble. There is just no way around pain except to face it and take it squarely, like a real man.
