“Live your best life every fucking day!”
– Overused line by yours truly
14 hour travelling days are not my thing especially now that I’ve done it twice in one week. I’ve reached the conclusion I like flying but I don’t enjoy it.
If you read my last post It’s not you, it’s me you would have noted that I was on a social media hiatus. Since then I have had a few of you reach out to ask how my bae-cay was. In short, it was more than I expected.
Started at the bottom now we here
Before I delve into the details of my holiday I want to start by saying travelling is a blessing. Growing up my Ma and Dad didn’t have enough cash between them to treat us to the luxury of a holiday and missing excursions wasn’t an usual experience. I often think back to the times we had nothing – no money, no food, no electricity and one time no home although despite this, I am thankful. Thankful for those experiences because it allows me to appreciate everything I have now so much more.
The Philippines was special for a number of reasons including:
- I hadn’t travelled to another country but Fiji.
- It was our first overseas trip together.
- We met 4 other travelers who I will speak of later.
En route to Boracay
By 4:15am we were in an Uber on our way to the airport. I had preconceived ideas of all the great photos I wanted to take however my first idea of taking a #bombAF photo in front of the famous departure gate at Sydney Airport was quickly shattered. Check-in staff suggested I sit in a wheelchair as I was proudly parading my crutches. I was embarrassed at first because it would attract a whole lot of attention and this was accompanied with his hesitation to chauffeur me as he is a mild introvert.
The service I received for being immobile was second to none. First one on the plane, wheelchairs readily waiting for me as I landed and exclusive access to the back-end of the airport to allow quicker transfers. I was receiving first class service at an economy priced ticket. This lass ain’t complaining, I can tell ya that much.
Selfless or selfish?
Truth of the matter is not only did both of us as individuals need a break from all normality we knew so well but our relationship needed it too. Between personal commitments and the all types of crazy life tends to throw, despite having each other’s best interests at heart, unintentionally I allowed him to come second. I used to tear myself emotionally to shreds for believing I was selfless yet was so selfish with my time however now, I don’t. Why you may ask? Well I accept I am human and won’t always have my shit together including my priorities.
The decision of spending the week offline was needed more than I gave it credit for. To be able to be completely present in the present in a place where there is no familiarity with the people, environment and vibe of Boracay allowed me to genuinely indulge in each moment.
Due to the fact I’m recovering from my surgery naturally it restricted us from many activities however, what it did allow us to do was lay side by side on the pool deck reading, get massages on the beach whilst playing “Rise Up” on repeat and watch movies in bed while I hogged all the chips. If anything it was a timely reminder that I am so fortunate to share my life with someone who shows me a love that once upon a time I never thought I was worthy of.
Every person is a new door to a different world
serasituations is not travel blog so I won’t give you a run down of the place but I do want to tell you about some special humans I met. This included 1 Korean from Korea, Adrian, 2 Singaporeans from Singapore, Joan and Shaun and 2 New Zealanders from Japan, Adam and Alannah. We all just so happened to be at the same day tour being Ariels Point and started chatting. You know that feeling when you meet people and you feel like you’ve known them a lifetime? That’s how I felt towards this group.
This sign calls for action and I mean, who hates fun? I gathered everyone around a table and we played Jenga. What is different about this Jenga is when you pull a block out it has a dare written on it. Fast forward to the end of the game, I lost and with great pleasure downed the 3 shots allocated to the loser.
It was right at this table and in this moment I knew something extraordinary had just been created.
As we rode back to the main island, RNB tunes blasting over the speakers, copious amounts of cheap Rum and Coke being consumed, I realised something. I was living my best fucking life. Call me a drunk, an idiot, young, stupid or someone who has their values misplaced but I am genuinely happy and no label or judgement can take that away from me. We spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach watching the sunset, talking smack and drinking one too many cocktails.
Ecclesiastes 3:1,3-4 reads: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.
The more I evolve and mature as a woman, the more I see this scripture come to life. At the beginning I shared a very intimate detail of my family life but throughout it all I cannot deny God has had His hand over us and it’s because of His favour, we are where we are now.
Our days are filled with seasons, both good and bad. My journey to the Sera Naiqama you see today was no overnight operation. I believe the shift in my approach towards life was birthed when I embraced myself wholeheartedly and chose to live my imperfect life unapologetically.
Stop wishing you’d be happier if you had more. Look at what you have in your hands whether that be a little or a lot and remember, someone out there is wishing they were in the position you’re in. Embracement and gratitude work hand in hand in allowing one to be whole and happy. Take it from me.
Note to Adrian, Joan, Shaun, Alannah and Adam
Boracay was an unreal experience and that it with a heartfelt thanks to each of you. The memories and crazy nights out will last me a lifetime. God willing we’ll be able to continue on this travel journey together but until then, you already know what I am going to say.
Blessings and love,
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