I did not grow up with a dream or any sort of aspiration. I do not know if this is because of my short attention span that nothing really held my interest for long. Or maybe because I was always on survival mode. I would like to believe it was because I was not meant for anything that existed.

Who would have thought that 5 year old Ria who excitedly entered kindergarten some 38 years ago would end up typing away her thoughts on a Tuesday morning? And consider it as “work.”

Back when I decided to blog it was nothing more than an outlet for my thoughts and feeling to be read and shared. It started as a newsletter of sorts. I asked my friends and classmates if they wanted to read my rants and essays from Philo and Theo classes. Yes, I was that kapal. A few handful gave me their email addresses so I could send them stuff now and then.

Occassionally, I would drop a line or paragraph discussing politics and current events. And my cousin encouraged me to start a political blog. And the rest… is history. Kinda.

Now, here I am some 20+ years later, still typing away. Maybe I am talking to no one. But I did not care back then and I still do not care now. Blogging has brought me places. Literally and figuratively. It has given me opportunities I never even thought nor dreamed of. I have tasted it’s highs and lows. And I have met the most interesting people along the way. Had the privilege of conversing, sharing, and learning a lot of things along the way.

If I were to tell myself something… to the Ria then, to the Ria now, and the Ria in the future, stop (over)thinking and start doing. Not everything has to be perfect, excellent, or the best. Embrace failure. Let mediocrity creep in once in a while. Have fun for the sake of having fun.

I have been drifting in the wind, letting it take me places I never thought I would end up at. And I sometimes forget it is something unique and enjoyable. My life is mine to live and enjoy.

So as I enter my mid 40s, I continue to drift in the wind. Letting it take me to wherever it wants to take me.

Live. Love. Learn.