100 Letters To My Future Self

16th Letter: 365 Questions Part II

31. If the average human lifespan was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

That’s so harsh. But maybe, I don’t want to spend the rest of my life working. But then, I wouldn’t have any money. So I’ll probably work and then spend all my money on things that make me happy.
I wish life is that simple though.

32. What do we all have in common besides our genes that makes us human?

Our pain. Although it differs, I’m certain that no human is capable of not having pain. We all suffer.

33. If you could choose one book as a mandatory read for all high school students, which book would you choose?

I would choose The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman.
It tells a story of an adult man visiting his hometown again after so many years since a tragedy happened when he was only a kid. The story goes a long way as he recalls past events leading to that tragedy and remembers long forgotten memories of his childhood days. I'd like this book to be known by high school students because it’s something that could advise them about growing up and lead them into having different but amazing perception of being an adult. The style of words used in the book is quite amazing and emotional. There are lots of quotes there that could really make you think hard, and some others that are also motivating. Plus, the ending is a tear jerker, but it’s worth it. It’s a weird kind of book, and I want teenagers to take a look at the weird side of life to realize what we’re actually missing all this time.

34. Would you rather have less work or more work you actually enjoy doing?

More work, as long as I enjoy it. Because once you enjoy doing something, you don’t really get mentally tired. You could get tired physically, but you love it because it’s worth it, and your mind loves it too.

35. What is important enough to go to war over?

My family. If anyone tries to harm them, I swear on my blood, sweat, and tears that I will never forgive them and I will fight them and kill them if I have to.

36. Which is worse, failing or never trying?

Never trying. It means you have the chance but you didn’t even try. You will never know the outcome of something and you will spend the rest of your life wondering what could have happen if you did try. Never trying is torture. Failing may be a disappointment, but at least in failing, you know the outcome of  what you did and you learn as well.

37. When was the last time you listened to the sound of your own breathing?

I don’t really remember. I don’t listen to myself when I breathe.

38. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

Dealing with depression. Most people would want to feel better but I won’t. I’d like to feel everything, and understand the reason behind it. I want to accept darkness wholeheartedly, find its roots and learn to master it. I want to write it down and pour all the words that are jumbled in my mind into a piece of paper to make sense of the confusion I’m feeling. That way, I could find some ways on how to deal with it better once it comes again.

39. What does ‘The American Dream’ mean to you?

I’m not American so I’d like to change it into “The Filipino Dream”. A Filipino dream is quite simple – to study, work, get successful, travel, settle down, build our parents a good house, and stuffs like that. For some, it’s to serve the country with pure heart. To me, a Filipino Dream is being able to do good to your country even when you’re not really serving the government, and if you can’t think of anything good to do to your country you just have to do good every day, like for example, not breaking any laws, throwing your garbage properly, being kind to your fellow citizens, and doing your work honestly, because these are the acts that matters most. Most people, who work in the government, say politicians, would question you and ask what you can contribute to society and if you can’t contribute, they’ll think of you as trash. But you’re not, I swear. If you can’t contribute anything, at least be good. The country’s betterment starts not in the politicians’ hands but in the hearts of its individual citizens. And I hope many people would understand that.