Define: dreams

On September 8, 2001, I made a list of dreams.

1. Be a doctor

2. Be a barrio doctor at least for a year, preferrably in Batanes

3. Write a script/screenplay and see it shown

4. Live in extreme cold for at least a month

5. Write/publish a book

6. Have a restaurant/food business

7. Go around the world/visit the tiangges around the world/go around the Philippines for a year

8. Live in NY for at least a month

9. Fall in love

10. Singapore

 

At an unknown time later, I amended these.

1. Write a book

2. Make a movie

3. Go around the Philippines for a year and join events

4. Be a photographer

5. Sew my own clothes

6. Visit Batanes

 

I want you to know, my dear, that dreams can be amended. When you're older and you can understand movie storylines, we will see Pixar's "Up" for you to see what I mean. Dreams can be amended, and when you do amend them, it doesn't always mean you're giving up on your dreams. It can mean that you've become a different person, and you're comfortable with where you are. You'll hear a lot of people telling you to get out of your comfort zone. I agree with that. However, I once heard a speaker, Chot Reyes, coach of the Gilas Pilipinas, a national basketball team who went on to compete in the big leagues of international basketball some years back, talk about the "gift zone". You have to be mindful of the difference between your comfort zone and your gift zone. Comfort zone is when you have gotten used to doing things a certain way, and are no longer interested nor courageous enough to try new things. Gift zone is when you have found what makes you trully happy, whether it's a relationship, a profession or a hobby, and you're contented with where you are. The difference lies in your emotional state, happy and contentment being key.