Journal Entry #7 [73/365]

"Ang mahay mao man nay makapalig on nato. Kung walay mahay dili ta maningkamot manarbaho"

"Ako sir, dako akong mahay nga wa ko ga sineryoso og skwela. High school graduate ko sir. Kung naningkamot ko makaskwelag college wala unta ko diri karon"

"Sauna mag cutting mi klase para manigarilyo. Tan-awa kung asa ko napunta karon sir. Ga mahay kong wa ko nag tinarong"

"Abi nako sauna lami nang mag tambay ra. Dako kaayog pag laom akong ginikanan nako."

Listening to the crew's conversations about their "what ifs," frustrations, and disappointments made me reflect on my own decisions in life. These hardworking men put in long hours to provide for their families, no matter how tough the job is. One crew member shared that he dreamed of landing a managerial job if only he had gone to college, another wanted to become an engineer, a third one wanted to join the army, and the last person, who rarely opened up, revealed that he had always wanted to become a teacher.

It's easy to get lost in our own regrets and wonder what could have been if we had made different choices. But we must remember that every decision we make shapes our path in life. It's up to us to create the life we want for ourselves and our loved ones, despite the obstacles that may come our way.

There's a Japanese proverb that has always resonated with me: "Nana korobi ya oki," which means "Fall seven times and stand up eight." It's a reminder that no matter how many times we fall or fail, we must always get back up and keep pushing forward. Let's not be afraid to pursue our dreams and take risks, even if it means falling a few times along the way.

☕