It’s not complete not to start the first of the year without any type of hope, reflection or even wishes. So, here I am scribbling something before I welcome the adventure of 2024.

Truth be told, I wasn’t really enthusiastic about the new year. It’s really just another day for me and I went to bed at around 9 PM just like that. But just the morning on the 31st, I was reminded of something really important.

It really starts with the key to my mom’s house. There’s only one key for the three of us, me, my grandma and mom. I remembered planning to duplicate the key back in 2021 since it became increasingly inconvenient not to have the keys and having to ring the bell before entering our own house. It almost feels like both of us are trapped inside our own house.

It’s not that we don’t have the means to duplicate the keys, there were talks, there was time, we knew the places to go to do it. But guess what? None of us did it. Not until yesterday.

My adoptive dad is currently hospitalized and I have to go in and out of the house so often. Since I don’t have the keys, it became inconvenient for me and my grandma. I stayed overnight at the hospital and the next morning, I suddenly thought about duplicating the keys. I went to the nearest place to do that and finally did it. After so many years, I finally have the keys to my own house!

For some strange reason, I felt liberated knowing I could go in and out as I pleased. Even my mom was like, ‘at last!’ since now she’s also spending a lot of time at my adoptive dad’s home and having the key to her own home would also mean she’s free to move in and out anytime.

The key is like everything I had been through all these years. There were so many things I was supposed to do, should do and even have to finish but everything was piling up in the back of my head. Only when something extreme happened, I revisited those ideas and wanted to get it done and get it done within hours.

The key reminded me that 2024 is not the year when I have to postpone things. It’s not the time to push things into the back of my head like I used to. I had the habit of procrastinating and it’s time to really let that go. Whatever the unfinished business of 2023 must be done in 2024 as soon as possible.

The key also reminded me that time is really precious. A lot of things can be done within hours, minutes and even when there is a problem, we still can find ways to fix it. At least, that’s what happened to me where because something can be done within minutes, I had the habit to just postpone it in fear I have nothing to do afterwards. While in reality, there are a billion ways to keep me occupied, busy after one task is done.

The key is also a reminder that money isn’t something to be afraid about. Just go get the business done and when you’re short in money, somehow doors of possibilities will be open. When I was going to fix the key, I was caught up with how much it would cost and whether my cash would be enough. Well, apparently it was enough although it was more expensive than what I expected. And the point is just start first and worry about money later.

The key also reminded me of how freeing it is to be extremely independent of help and reliant on others. As though it is contrary to what I was learning, 2023 was the time when I relied on help from loved ones and close ones. I asked way too much help and I never liked that feeling at all. So, 2024, I should get back on my feet again without needing to ask too much help or put myself in a position where I need one.

Last but not least, the key reminded me that I am capable of doing things that I thought I couldn’t. Technically I am a stranger in this town and have almost no knowledge on how to move around. But it reminds me that I can blend it at any place easier and find my way around. I just googled the place where they duplicate keys and found some. Thought I ended up texting the owner and waited, I eventually got my business done.

I realized that in 2023, I’ve been pretty much taking things easy and spending my days idling. I haven’t really worked as much as I want and that’s OK. But it also made me realize how much I enjoy working and the independence it comes from. I enjoy being busy, staying up all night for a reason that I think is important and while I am getting a lot more comfortable being in public, it’s something I am looking forward to for my 2024 adventure

That’s all my reflection from last year to welcome 2024.