2008 for me.

An Odd Change

Late into my 30th year on earth, I’ve noticed my body starting to show signs of aging and something was happening to the way I think.

I don’t contest decisions and actions I am told to do as much as I used to.   (Except when they ultimately serve no purpose.) Including the (sometimes) uncomfortable ones like engaging relatives in conversation and doing the chores.  Either my brain cells are dying or I’m more at ease now with it all!! 

Don’t get me wrong though.  I am not stagnating into the mundane.  I am not becoming dull.  (At least I think I am not!)  But something just turned off or on in me when November 2008 came around.

Freelance = Just Another Job

I’ve only held a full-time job for four months. I’ve been a freelancer for a long time now.  It’s great, I know.  But I’ve realized that creating work for yourself is way cooler.  I’m not just talking about creating artwork, I’m talking about generating business.

I’m launching my business next year because I’ve finally convinced myself that what I wanted to do, what I wanted to build, how much I wanted to make – needed a proper vehicle.

I’ve already registered the business name.

No one can BE who I want to BE but myself.

In 2008, I realized that I’ve been quite obsessed with HOW TO DO things.  Makes me a very technical teacher, but kinda empty as an artist.  I am now aware that it is how I largely enjoyed educated myself (I like how-to books) .

But I’ve the how-to-draw books phase has largely passed.  This year 2008, the books I’ve read have been financial books, business books, marketing books, career books.  And while it may seem like a stretch to some, but I’ve learned from those books that BEING is much more effective than DOING. That the WHAT TO BE is more important than the HOW TO DO.

Quiet Bow to New Year

For me, the new year will arrive as solemnly as it did last year.  My world has changed since my brother’s marriage last year 2007 and my father’s stroke this year 2008.  Circumstances are ugly for the economies around the world, and corruption makes my Philippines stink.  It’s by God’s grace I don’t drown in an ocean of my own sarcasm & cynicism.  But I manage to splash a few puddles here and there.  2008 has been very hurtful so I’m pretty sure 2009 will be better for me.