#2010was ... A+! :)

Hello everyone! I hope you guys are in good condition as you celebrate Christmas and greet the new coming year with a blast! I’m back writing (well, I’ve always loved writing... but, this time, it’s more serious. Aye.)

2010 has been a roller-coaster-ride year for me. Ups and Downs. Victory and Defeat. Joy and Sadness. Friendship. Love. Hate. Attitude Problems. Blessings. Trials. Opportunities. This year has made me laugh, cry, hope and endure – in all areas of my life. And for that, I’m writing down all these things I learnt this year.

I feel like I’ve been born again and the three kings have just arrived across my world offering their precious gifts. Let me share you these wonderful gifts.

ATTITUDE. This is the first gift I learn as I go along this 2010. To me, proper disposition counts a lot, particularly when dealing with other people. It is what other people see in you – a mirror that reflects your true self. It doesn’t really matter if you’re intelligent or not, rich or poor or whatever religious group you’re in, what matters is your character that makes people realize how worthy you are, not just of praises but also blessings from above. Great attitude transcends culture, race or gender. Gay or lesbian, Asian or Western, it doesn’t matter. It is how you mingle with people around you without hurting them or stooping down on them – but by building bridges everywhere with everyone.

The second gift I received is PERSEVERANCE. Whatever struggles you’re going through, as long as you stay steadfast, you’ll make it to the end. I admit I easily give up when troubles come my way; however, I’ve always kept the faith. When matters get worse, I always kneel down and pray. I trust Him that He will let His Hands cast away all the trials I encounter – and then I go on persevering. I chose Education not only because I see my potential in this profession but also teaching is my passion. My heart is into it. And I tell you my friend, as long as you love what you’re doing – no matter how many bumped roads you meet – and you have your persevering spirit with you, there’ll be no reason for you no to succeed.

A GOLDEN HEART. This is the last present I acquire this year. By golden heart I mean a show of love, care, forgiveness and kindheartedness. I have been through a lot of difficulties – personal, social, emotional and spiritual it may be. Personality-wise, golden heart is through showing your love to everyone – no matter how rude some people may be. It makes life lovelier when everyone offers each other’s love. Socially, I mean golden heart by forgiveness. Whatever fight you have with your fellow, vengeance is never an option – but forgiveness. Bear in mind that the misunderstanding you have is just a product of the conflict of each of your ideas, beliefs or principles – because in the end you’ll see that when you forgive, you also learn to accept. By far, the most important lesson I gain this year is to have a golden heart. It’s hard when you always carry big baggage in your heart. But when your heart’s golden, life goes on towards a brighter path. Life is short and miserable when you’re feeling bitter and angry. But, with a golden heart, life is short… yet meaningful.

This year, 2010, has taught me to love, to wish, to cope and to act like a matured individual. My journey this year has molded me into a strong, responsible, and a fully-grown Mark Anthony Orpiano. And now that this year s about to end, it still continues to remind me not to be hopeless for another year to come. Instead, it encourages me to look forward to a more optimistic and more fruitful 2011.

Surely, these gifts I will always cherish as I walk along the roads of life.