A few days ago, as the new year was approaching, all I read on FB and Twitter are posts saying how thankful they are for how 2011 went so well and so amazing for them. It made me think "How was my 2011?" and "Which things am I thankful for?". And it took me a while to find the answers.

This is my 2nd time to celebrate the coming of the new year here in US and I know that the celebration here is far different from ours back in PH. And it just made me sad and focus on things I don't have right now. People often see only the negative things and forget to be thankful for things which are still going right. No matter how much this sounds as a cliche, it's really true.

I tried to reflect on how 2011 went for me.

1. We are a complete family. Another year was given to me to spend time with my family and I couldn't be more thankful for that.

2. Materially blessed. Since I came here in US, I was able to earn a lot more than what I was earning before and this allowed me to splurge a little for myself and my family. I was able to buy stuffs that would make us happy or should I say compensate for the fact of living away from home?! I can say that retail therapy really helped me a lot, helped us a lot.

3. Wanderlust. Early this year, I was able to go back home and it was the highlight of my year. It was a blissful feeling to see family and friends again and experience the life I had before again. Towards the 2nd half of the year, I had a back-to-back trip to LA and NY. And on the last month of the year, we had a trip to St. Augustine and spend some quality time with my parents.

4. Giving back. 2011 hadn't been a good year for my ate. She had a difficult time and I was sad that I am not beside her when she needed me the most. I never had second thoughts on helping her out financially. I felt that it was my purpose in life to help her since I am financially capable now. I am thankful that even in my own little way, I was able to help someone who I've treated like my own sister. I believe in good karma and I my mind just wouldn't be able to bear a thought of not helping one in need when you have the means to.

And as this new year starts, I am giving US another shot. Maybe this time it'll be better. I am hoping that it'll be. I guess my 1 year and 11 months stay here in US was able to open my eyes for all the possibilities. I maybe a mind-over-heart person, but now I am pretty sure that I am using both. I know that where I am now is good for me and I feel that where I am now is where I am supposed to be. There's something inside of me telling me that there will be something special that will happen. I can't explain it, I just know.

Happiness is a choice and I choose to be happy. :)