Nove Novembre

John Glenn once said "There is no cure for the common birthday." (Thanks, Quote Garden!). No matter what we do, we are socially obliged to go through the day that marks another one of our 365 days journey under the sun. At first we are keen to welcome it. Up to a point, you just no longer give a shit. After all, it's just another day in your seemingly unending collection of days. Alas, society (and facebook) will always remind you how supposedly special the day is.

Don't misjudge me. I hove nothing against birthdays. I don't mind getting older, nor do I mind celebrating it. It's just the way it is.

Anyway, this birthday I feel particularly on a reflective mood. So I thought to myself: "Why don't you just write a little bit about how last year's has went?" Then I replied: "You know what? That is actually not a bad idea." So, here are some highlights of last year in my life.

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New Job
I landed myself a new position last year. A change that happened on the perfectly right moment, as I started to feel stagnant in my previous position. The new post allows me to learn new things, experiment, and interact with people. After a year, I still think that this new position has a lot of new challenges to offer. Plus, I got to go to new exciting places and meet with amazing people all over the globe.

Scorpio, by Agnimaya

Losses
Last year, far too many people--good people--died. Some of them I know personally, others are second-degree acquaintances, and the rest are just people I know from a distance. Last week another one of my friend died due to unanticipated reason. We were not that close, but I know him well enough. He's a truly kind and generous soul. I was kinda surprised how affected I was by his death. I guess it really bothers me. How people you love can be easily taken away from you in a heartbeat. I really don't like losing anyone. Especially if I cared about them deeply.

L'amour
After my breakup last year, a lot of people are advising me to not be traumatised about relationship. How I should not be afraid to fall in love again. Well, they are wrong about two things. First, I was never in love with my ex. Of course I loved him, but it was merely a bond formed due to comfort. Although sounded very much bitter, I realised this when I truly examine my relationship in retrospect. Second, I was never traumatised. I just don't post every single encounters I have in facebook. All I can say is that currently, I'm truly happy. And if you don't know why, that just mean I don't like you that much to share my story with you.

Expectations
Sometimes I wonder, when people you care about said that they are worried about you, is it really you they care about? Or is it just their reputation and how people perceive them when they see you? I hate that these expectation put a strain on my relationship with my loved ones. I hate the fact that they don't even bother to ask whether I'm happy before stating their concerns about how I should live my life. I hate the fact that I don't know how to make them understand my feelings and choices.

Karma
Karma has been especially blunt with me this year. I've seen people who hurt me received payback (instantly, without me even wanting it to happen). And on the other hand, it has taught me several lessons. The hard way. I guess I realise now that I should never be so quick to judge what people do. No matter how despicable. I understand now that everyone's story is different. And most of the times, they are incomprehensible to others. At least I try to.

Friendhip
I love my friends. Now more than ever. No further explanation required. 

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Enough rambling. All in all, it has been a good year. I can only hope the next will be better and better.