3 Reasons to Travel While You're Young

A few weeks back, I read an entry from the blog of Jeff Goins entitled 3 Reasons to Travel While You're Young. I was just going through the usual stuff on the web when I stumbled upon this one. And being the travel enthusiast that I am, I was immediately enthralled to read it.And you have to believe me when I say it's like the man knows me and was reading my mind. He was on the spot with every word he had written on that post.


In my past entries, you would know how much I'm willing to sacrifice anything just to be able to travel. Woefully though, I haven't been anywhere outside the country. The farthest I've ever gone to was Manila and Baguio, which is not that far considering it is still under Philippine territories. I've always badgered my friends to go on a trip with me and although some have materialized already, other travel plans just remain like that, plans.


And as I read Jeff's post, I was really inspired with his thoughts so I decided to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Taken at Panglao Beach Resort in Bohol, Philippines

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3 Reasons to Travel While You’re Young by Jeff Goins

The other night, I had a conversation with a young woman who had a number of decisions ahead of her, one of which was whether she should go to grad school or travel the world.

I told her to travel. Hands down. No excuse. Just go.

Photo credit: Flickr (Creative Commons)

She sighed.

“Yeah, but…”

Never were more fatal words spoken.

Yeah, but… what about debt?Yeah, but… what about my job?Yeah, but… what about my boyfriend (or dog or car or whatever)?

“Yeah, but…” is pernicious. Because it makes it sound like we have the best of intentions when really we are just too scared to do what we should.

It allows us to be cowards, while sounding noble.

Most people I know who waited to travel the world never did. Conversely, plenty of people who waited for grad school or a steady job and traveled still did those things — eventually.

Be careful of the yeah-but. The yeah-but will kill your dreams.

I was so stirred by this conversation that I shared it with a group of about thirty young adults last night, many of which were asking these very questions.

The life you’ve always wanted

When you get older, life seems to just sort of happen to you. Your youth is a time of total empowerment.

You get to do what you want. As you mature and gain new responsibilities, you have to be very intentional about making sure you don’t lose sight of what’s important.

So if you still have a reasonable amount of control over your circumstances, you should do what really matters. Because life won’t always be just about you.

During early adulthood, your worldview is still being formed. It’s important to steward this time — to give yourself opportunities to grow. A good way to do that is to travel.

So, young person, travel.

Travel wide and far.
Travel boldly.
Travel with full abandon.

You will regret few risks you take, when it comes to this. I promise you.

There are three reasons to travel while you’re young:

1. Traveling teaches you to live an adventure

When you look back on your life, you will have moments of which you are proud and maybe a few you regret. It’s likely that the following won’t be on the latter list:

• Bicycled across the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Appeared on Italian TV.
• Hiked a Mayan ruin.
• Learned Spanish in three months.
• Toured Europe by train.

They’re not on mine (fun fact: I’ve done all of the above).

What, then, will be?

• Holding back.
• Being afraid.
• Making excuses.
• Not taking more risks.
• Waiting.

While you’re young, you should travel.

You should take the time to see the world and taste the fullness of life. It’s worth whatever investment or money or sacrifice of time required on your part.

It’s not about being a tourist. It’s about experiencing true risk and adventure so you don’t have to live in fear for the rest of your life.

2. Traveling helps you encounter compassion

In your youth, you will make choices that will define you. The disciplines you begin now will be with you for the rest of your life.

Traveling will change you like little else can. It will put you in places that will force you to care for issues that are bigger than you.

If you go to southeast Asia, you may encounter the slave trade. If eastern Europe, you may see the effects of genocide and religious persecution. If Haiti, you’ll witness the the ugly side Western paternalism.

Your heart will break.

You will begin to understand that the world is both a big and small place. You will have a new-found respect for the pain and suffering that over half of the world takes for granted on a daily basis. And you will feel more connected to your fellow human beings in a deep and lasting way.

You will learn to care.

3. Traveling allows you to get some culture

While you’re still young, you should get cultured. Get to know the world and the magnificent people that fill it.

There’s nothing quite like walking alongside the Coliseum or seeing Michelangelo’s David in person. I can describe the city of San Juan and its amazing beaches and historic sites to you, but you really have to see it for yourself to experience it. You can read all the books in the world about the Great Wall of China or The Louvre, but being there is a different story.

The world is a stunning place, full of outstanding works of art. See it.

Do this while you’re still young. Do not squander this time. You will never have it again.

You have a crucial opportunity to invest in the next season of your life now. Whatever you sow, you will eventually reap.

Please. For your sake, do this.

You won’t always be young. And life won’t always be just about you. So travel. Experience the world for all it’s worth. Become a person of culture, adventure, and compassion.

“What if I’m not young?”

Travel, anyway. It may not be easy to do, but find a way to get out of your comfort zone. It’s really never too late.

But if you haven’t gotten sucked into the routine of life yet, I implore you — travel. It will never be easier than it is right now for you to do that which really matters.

If you’re young, have you traveled yet? Have you seen what the world has to offer and how it can change you? What’s holding you back?

If you’re older, did you travel when you were young? What regrets do you have?

Join the discussion in the comments.

Reading material

If you’re ready to step off the beaten path, here are a few travel companions I recommend:

• The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket by Edgar Allan Poe
• Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
• Unconventional Guides by Chris Guillebeau

And if you’re looking to travel with a purpose, consider going on a mission trip. I highly recommend The World Race.

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I'm young. I'm free. I will go places. I will live the life I've always wanted. Let's go travel while we still can!

Since this is more about Jeff's writing, I decided to keep his title. You can check out more of Jeff Goins' writings in his site: Jeff Goins, Writer


So, whaddya think?


xoxo, 
biang

Wishes on Airplanes

11/11/11 11:11pm. Yes, I intentionally published this entry at this time. Why? I don't know exactly. Well, you can call me superstitious or just merely crazy enough to put meanings to this, let's say, unusual and one of a kind date. It only happens every 100 years and a lot of people are interpreting this as some kind of fate or destiny that something might happen. Some of my friends even value the 11:11 as the time for making wishes if you want them to come true.


I am not the superstitious kind, believe me, but it wouldn't hurt if I do a little wishing for this post, right? Besides, this post wouldn't be made if fairy godparents or genies were true. But, sadly, they're not, so I'm taking my chances on this.. Actually, if I wish my heart out, I might even need to post a second entry, but don't worry, I'll make three wishes only. They may not be tru but I have respect for genies, you know.haha

Okay, first things first.

Many people have different take on what sucess is for them.For me, it's simple. I don't need a high profile job nor do I dream of being the richest person in the planet. As cliche as it sounds, success for me career-wise, is waking up everyday going to work (oh, I wouldn't even call it work) wishing everybody is as happy and satisfied and contented as I am. For now, I don't know exactly what that work would be but it should be something that I'm really truly passionate about.


Secondly..

I know I've always told my friends how I'm never gonna marry and that I would enjoy being single forever than to share my life with someone else. Well, that is not entirely true. As much as I deny myself of that, I'm a girl. And I silently dream of sweet surprises, late night cuddles, getting engaged and marriage. 


But what I told my friends is not entirely false either. I'm still young and I have so many more things to do. Things that should be done on my own. It sounds selfish I know but I'm not rushing things. I still have a career to establish, a world to travel (although, traveling with someone special is not entirely a bad idea) and a person to be with, which is me. I have to give myself to me first before I give it to others. And by the time I'm ready to be with someone, I would be able to give my whole self to him. So for now, yey to a carefree single life!!!


Third but definitely not the last 'coz believe me,  there's a whole lot to wish for.haha

Truth be told, this should have been number one on the list. But, you know, I kinda' need moolah for me to able to travel the world. Maybe a career that involves travelling wouldn't be such a terrible idea, would it? In fact, it's a great idea, hitting two birds with one stone. But, it's not yet possible this time so I'm keeping it that way for now. 


I wish I would be able to live long enough to be able to travel the world, learn about different languages, immerse myself into different cultures and eat the most delicious native delicacies. I have a read an article about why we should travel while we're still young and it really captured what my heart is screaming in terms of this dream. I'll share it to you on my future entries.


So yeah, that's about it. Of course, world peace and ending poverty or hunger is also on my list. But, you know, that kind of thing cannot be solved by me alone that's why I haven't put it in my top three. And also, though it wouldn't hurt to wish, prayers are all the more powerful. We should only not wish or dream, but we should also pray for those dreams. 'Coz God may have different plans and a different set of wishlist for us to, although we may not know or understand at the moment. 


I know I've already used up my three wishes but this one is also on my wishlist and I have to share it.haha

Call me shallow or materialistic, but hey, as I've said, I'm a girl. And shoes are definitely not going MIA on any girl's wishlist.haha


So I hope you keep wishing and praying for the one's on your list. And I'd love to hear it too.


xoxo, 
biang

A Review of my Firsts

Apologies for the dramatic entries I have been posting lately. Let's all set that aside for now and head on to some other matters.

Actually, this entry has been sitting way too long on my draft and I guess it's time I publish it before November ends. Weeks ago, I paid Booksale a visit and of course, I didn't left empty-handed. I bought the November issue of a local magazine called Preview and a couple of books.

I have always been an Ok! magazine loyalist and this is actually the first Preview magazine I ever bought. The styling of the featured artists on the cover was so breathtaking that I cannot put the magazine back on the racks. I just had to buy it.

Isn't the styling lovely? I especially loved that shoes Julia Montes (the one on the left) was wearing!

Another blogger and It-Girl Ms. Divine Lee was featured.

If you wanna be a stylist, u should definitely buy this kind of magazines.

The magazine was quite thick because of the handful of ads but I was pretty impressed with it. Really a magazine for the ones who are inclined to fashion. They tackled the latest in trends not only in terms of clothing but also in make-up. I wish I could just tear up those pages and bring them along with me everyday as an inspiration.haha. 

I never regretted choosing this one over the ones I was used to and I think I might be buying more of these in the future. 

For the first time also, I bought a book that was a compilations of stories of a number of authors, 5 specifically. Aside from the fact that it only cost less than a hundred, I was also drawn to the highlighted authors listed on the book. There was McNaught, who captured my heart with her book Double Standards  and Deveraux, who garnered really good reviews from my friends. The book was not in it's best shape but I just had to buy it.

The stories were almost alike especially with Cates and Kane, the plot being a little too obvious. Deveraux and McNaught still put up a good one despite the story being short and O'Brien was not memorable. I'm sure it was also good but I really can't remember her story. 

I also decided to buy my first Deveraux novel. As I have said, she was adored by my friends who had already read some of her stories. I'd say that she is overrated but I'd have to read another book of her before I conclude that because I was really disappointed with this one. I guess the story is not that bad but I was kinda' expecting more from her. I promise you, I would buy another one and maybe it could change my mind.

Currently, I am reading another Deveraux book, which I'm hoping would be better than this one. I'll give a review after I've read it already.


On another note, aren't you excited for Christmas? I know I am!

xoxo,
biang

One step closer

I was supposed to finish this post last night, but gahd, my brain was not cooperating with me. It took a lot of staring and backspacing before I realized nothing is ever gonna come out of it. So I decided to badger my draft again and sleep it off.

Let's start this off with a clean slate. 

Last Monday, I was invited for a thanksgiving lunch by my friend Zhy for her brother Jag who recently passed the CPA board exam. I was to meet Tiffy at their quarters at around 11.30 in the morning but guess what? Yes, I was late again. I knoooow, I am the worst in time management. 

Biang RN, Jag CPA, Tiffy RN. Yey!

So anywhoay, I'm gonna talk about the celebrant. Not that I have any authority or whatever, but I'm just gonna base it on Zhy's stories about him. He is one of the most hardworking and smart people I have known. He has been a constant honor student in high school and was really doing well in college. Which is why it didn't came as a surprise to me that he passed his local board exam. I know Zhy would probably rant on me for giving such praises but I know she's proud of her brother as well. Denial is one of her defense mechanisms, you know.haha

Fooooood!!

With Zhy in med school, I believe Jag too, is going to law school by next year. My, look at these two, they never stop, do they?haha. I know I'm not family but I can't help but be proud of their constant passion for their ambitions. So as my title goes, they are already one step closer to where they want to be. I silently envy that kind of hunger and drive 'coz I know it takes real courage to not only dream but to actually wake up and live and work hard for that dream. And they both have that.


Okay, I think that's about enough flattery for now.haha. You might notice most of the pictures here are about food. Well, I got no explanations for that, aside from the fact that everything was delicioso!! Thank God I was wearing a loose shirt.haha. I hope you ate already, 'coz if not, these pictures would torture you. Yuuummeeeh!!

Zhy's home-made lasagna. Yummy!!

We didn't get to eat this 'coz were so full already.haha

The three of us were actually wearing closely near shades of pink that day. Since we didn't get a chance to photograph ourselves together, see what I'm wearing on the first picture.

Tiffy and Zhy.

Another reason why I came was too check out the dress Zhy was constantly raving me about. I was actually having second thoughts about it but immediately made up my mind when I put the dress on. She was right, I loved it. I might wear it on my next snapshot. Can't wait!!




xoxo,
biang

Any way the wind blows

Okay, this is just my usual Sunday Snapshot but I decided to change the title. I figured if this was gonna become something of a habit or  tradition, I better think of other titles aside from that and be more creative. You're gonna find out in a little while what my title is all about.

On my last post, a friend and a co-blogger by the name of Eunica suggested that I don on something more girly and to wear heels for my next snapshot. I was actually already thinking about that. So when I read her comment, I was already frantically scanning my mind on what to wear.haha. I decided to wear something simple for a start and this was actually taken outside of the house after the afternoon mass. Yehes, you read it right, I finally had the courage to go out and pose. Thank God only a few people were passing by.haha

I have to find a much better place soon.

Parisian wedges.

When we did the shots, the photos actually look okay on the camera, but when I saw it in the computer earlier, I realized my sister forgot to get the flash on and the photos looked so dark. I had to tweak some of it to make it clearer. 


Now on to my title. This is one of those days when I woke up at the wrong side of the bed. I was totally grumpy the whole morning and didn't wanna talk to anyone. But when afternoon came, my mood totally changed. What's that word? Bipolar. I google-d a synonym for being moody and that phrase came up on top of the list. Hence, the title. My emotions basically go any way the wind blows.haha

I love my neon pink nailpolish!

I'm not even so sure how I'm feeling right now. I guess it's a mix of the worst emotions there is. Well, not really the worst, but the not-so-good ones. I think hormones are to blame too, the price to pay of being a woman.haha


What I wore:

• White dress thrifted at UK 
• Gray-ish blazer from SM Department Store
• Parisian wedges
• Purple watch gift from Yani
• bracelet bought online from Dij Fab Finds
• Rings from Aizilym

I sincerely hope your Sunday went better than mine.

xoxo,

biang

Going Japanese

I apologize for the poorly constructed title, it might lead to false conclusions but I'm really running out of clever titles to post. So, please bare with me.haha

Anyway, me and my friend Nazimer met again today and when she asked why I invited her, I just said, I missed her.haha. I actually had something to talk to her about, which concerns my future employment and it's alternatives. We decided to eat at Teriyaki Boy, a Japanese restaurant at SM. I was only able to eat here once since it opened so we decided to try it out. Again.

We both wanted Mango shake.haha

She ordered Oyako Don, a chicken cutlet on top of steamed Japanese rice. I, on the other hand, opted for their bestseller, the Katsudon. It is a breaded pork cutlet, deep fried and simmered in sweet soy sauce with beaten egg, on top of a steamed Japanese rice. The two dishes were actually really good but the serving was too big for me that I wasn't able to finish all of it.

Katsudon for me :D

Oyako Don for Nazi.

The chopsticks were such a struggle to use.haha

I wanted to try out their California Sushi roll which looked really yummy on the menu but I was so full already, I decided to try it next time. We dared each other to try eating with the chopsticks but then after a while, it was such a struggle, we eventually gave up and asked for spoons and fork instead.haha. The Japanese couple on the other table didn't seem to have any problem with it. Duh, they're Japanese!

The resto's interior design.

 After eating, we wanted to go window shopping to burn out the calories we just ate so we headed to Mint which was having their sale, yet again. I always loved Mint dresses, I think they're made for the vertically challenged people like me.haha. I tried on a couple of clothes and I immediately fell in love with a little black dress I found on sale. I wanted to purchase it right away but then I remembered I didn't have any money left.  Boo-freakin'-hoo! 

Pretty LBD right? And yes, I love my neon nails too!

If that dress would still be there when I come back, then we are really meant for each other.haha.


As we were about to go home, we stopped for a while to watch a band perform at the center of the mall. They were really good and a couple of people were stopping by to watch. 

Even if I was too broke to purchase the dress, I was to able to buy a Jude Devereaux book at the booksale for less than a hundred and a sheer blouse from Miss Couture which was also marked down from it's original price. By now, you already have an idea how thrifty I can be.haha


I'm gonna give you the deets on that book once I've finished reading it. Keep posted!


xoxo, 

biang

The Body Shop

Last Sunday, I splurged myself in The Body Shop since they were participating in the mall-wide sale. I haven't really bought anything from the store ever since so I decided to check it out. 

I found this Strawberry Lip Balm which was quite similar to my sisters' and I swear, this lip balm smells so good I almost wanna eat it. Seriously.haha. It also comes in different flavors like Raspberry, Watermelon, Mango Peach and Passion fruit. I was torn between Strawberry and Raspberry because they both smelled good, but I decided to go with the first one. Lip balms are a must especially for me since my lips tend to get really dry because of the warm weather.

My lips are more than happy :D

Now, the next three items actually have the same scent of White Musk. It was perfume, lotion and a shower gel all put together in a pouch with a body scrub thingy. I was so excited with the perfume because the scent really doesn't wear off after a long whole day. It's "girly-ness" was absolutely spot on too. And since they were having a sale, I got all of these half the price. How cool is that?

I also intentionally bought something with a pouch since I really needed one. I gotta start organizing my stuff and this is just what I need. Plus, the girl assisting me at the shop was really nice and patient with me when I wanted to try some of the stuff. 

I think the sale is over already but if you wanna know more about their products, check out their website here. Or, visit the one nearest you.


Then, tell me what you think.


xoxo,
biang