And here I am again, pouring everything I have in my netbook. I know I’ve always tried to avoid it and simply just write about the places that I go to. But sometimes I find it imperative to just write my thoughts as it flow and hopefully someone finds value in it.
I was reading a couple of comments and blog posts that inspired me to write this post. The thing that got stucked in my head was about the passion of those people to do something that they have always wanted to do and the passion to have something that they want. I want to encourage you to go and try chase it so you could find out if it’s really what you want.
Like you, I’m also a dreamer. And I want to tell you that there’s no such thing as a small dream. And it’s fine to dream something spectacular for you but might mean nothing to others. It’s yours. It’s your dream. You have every right to pursue it.
Let me share with you some of my personal dreams and goals that I pursued and that I let go.
I remember when I was 12 years old, I used to cut out some newspaper advertisements about typewriters and personal computers. They were so damn expensive back then and my parents could not afford to buy one. I’ve always wanted one so I wouldn’t have to rent or go to my classmates’ house and borrow them. I cut them one by one and put them under my pillow and often told myself that I would definitely buy one when I get to save money. After a couple of years, I moved to my grandma’s house and I was ecstatic when they bought my cousin a computer. I get to used it for my school projects. It sounds simple for those who have all the money in the world to buy dozens of it, but for a kid like me (back then) it’s already a huge feat to have one.
I remember that when I was in Grade 6 I often tell my mother that I would want to study in a private high school. I thought that I would have higher chances of getting in to college if I get the chance to do it. She told me that the only way for it to happen is to do good in school and get the top honor so the city government could give us money that I could use for my first year. I took that in mind and in my heart and got myself in a private high school.
I always read books about places in the Philippines and other countries. I like staring at how unique and different the places are compare to where I grew up. I also often chat with the OFWs in the family and asked them how it feels like to ride a plane. And I always ask them what people from other countries are like. I was curious to know what they look like and what they eat, how they dress and how do they say “kumusta”. I told myself, one day, I will go to other countries and eat their food and talk to them and be friends with them and probably ask them to visit my country too. And now I’ve been doing it (on and off) for a few years now.
When I started working, I met people who were living on their own. They bought their own condos and seem to be living the life that I thought I wanted. I worked harder and smarter than I used to. I wanted to have the same thing. I got promoted thrice in three and a half years in just one company and paid for the downpayment of my condo in Pasig. I paid for the mortgage for another one and a half year just to realized that I didn’t want to be stuck in one place and I didn’t want it anymore so I let it go.
I also dreamed about getting an MBA when I was in my early 20s. I got accepted in a public school and studied MBA for a year and stopped after that to focus on my job. I tried it again after getting a full sponsorship for Ateneo and dropped out before the class even started. I also realized that I didn’t want it anymore so I let it go as well.
It’s your dream. Regardless how small it is in the eyes of others, your dream might mean the whole world to you. Do not be afraid to chase it. Chase it to find out if it’s really what you want in life.
I’ll let you in a secret… though most people seem that they know what they’re doing. They’re not. They’re just like you and me. Chasing one dream after another trying to find out if it’s really what they want in life.
Here are some people that pursued and made their dream a reality. Read their blogs and be inspired.
1. Lois and Chichi of We Are Sole Sisters
2. Gay Emami of The Pinay travel Junkie
3. Dave of The Longest Way Home
4. Deb and Dave of The Planet D
5. Nora Dunn of The Professional Hobo
6. Jojo and Gina Antonio
7. Keiichi Iwasaki
And much more! See! You’re not alone. So, go out there and chase yours. And don’t worry because even if the road is rough, you’ll be fine.
Rainbow talaga ang end ng blog post! LOL! Thanks for sharing, Flip! I’m about to chase my dream…starting TOMORROW!
haha cant wait to hear your stories about Varanasi… be careful and enjoy…
Inspiring!
If yours were clippings of computer pictures, for me, I had a list. A list of things that I wanted and places to see. Things I wanted to accomplish every year. And surprisingly enough, when I look into that list again when the year’s about to end, I’d be checking them off one by one.
Thank you for your post Flip.
I’m on the same wavelength with you on this one. I’m slowly trying to live mine right now.
and one more thing: never be afraid to dream BIG.
i agree with you…. especially on the last statement… “never be afraid to dream BIG”
Dream do come true…
“dreams” hehehe
they do
Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.
you’re welcome claudia
Another inspiring post, Flip. There’s a reason why I got stuck in your blog and started writing. Still contemplating on mine but I know I’ll get there. One thing’s for sure, I wanted to explore the world as well. See you around, bro!
keep on writing man…. and dont give up on that dream.. im sure youll see the world…
Bravo! Good Post. Excellent Read.
thank you
Well said Flip! I spent too many years not even realising that travel was my dream, now I can’t live without it =D
same here toninowi
wow ang ganda nman ng pagkakakuha ng pix ng rainbow
thanks
You’re now living the dream no matter how simple it is for some people. I bet some might even think you’re crazy for doing it. Teka, i will write a similar entry
thanks mica… go write a similar entry
lets help encourage people to chase their dreams 
I am sharing this on my facebook page. There’s absolutely no reason to do otherwise so please allow me
sure go ahead
Very well said and written. I love the subject of ”chasing dreams”. It’s not just inspiring, but it’s also one of those things all people can connect with. Keep on writing, dreaming, traveling, and living!
thanks for the well wishes…
Flip,
Wow! That was truly inspiring. I am slowly doing what I have been dreaming of for a long time now and that is traveling. Keep writing those words of encouragement. Sometimes it takes some kind of push for people to move and that exactly what your article did to me. Good luck on your travel and I hope you meet nice and interesting people along the way.
Vi
thanks for the kind words Vi, keep on travelling and keep on moving towards your dream
Another deeply insightful post Flip! Thanks for sharing and for the mention. I can relate to the part where you realize how your dreams can change. After college, my only desire was to work and live in America. When I finally realized that 3 years ago, something inside me told me it wasn’t a good fit. I wanted more. And then I was slowly lead to the life I have now. I have dreamed of traveling long term for 3 years now and the dream hasn’t changed yet. Kudos to people like you who inspire the rest of us to dream and to dream BIG!
3 years of travelling is doable Lois…
I suggest that you start engaging yourself to some online businesses to generate funds 
Oh wow… uhm… speechless. Thanks for including me on that list. I really am living my dream and so is the hubby. It’s such bliss to pursue something you love and do so together with someone you love
Kudos to everyone who has chased/are chasing/will be chasing their dreams!
so inspiring! I’m taking small steps to chasing my dream
small steps but I know I’m getting there soon! 
very well said. one great advise i received from a fellow travel blogger is that life is too short to be miserable. i am presently tied-up doing corporate job here in manila but i guess it won’t stay that long. i miss traveling and that is what i should be doing. thanks for this post.
you’re welcome Oman
Others inspired me to make a travel blog, but few actually inspired me to do the actual traveling and one of those few includes Plif Damon aka Flip Nomad. Ur continuous backpacking adventures inspires me to no end that I plan on doing it next year or in two years time.
the desire to be on the road is like a fire that burns inside… i am sure and i will keep on saying this… you’ll be on the road before you know it… im actually excited about it…
keep the spirit high…
always nice reading your stories truly inspiring you’re one of the people who made me decide to continue chasing my dreams of going to places and trying new stuff. konti pa lang pero not bad slowly but surely getting to it..
tnx flip more power!
Great advice. It’s so true that people seem to know what they’re doing. But it isn’t the case. Just chase your dreams and make changes to your routes as you go. That’s the best way to do it.
Powerful post Flip! Thanks for sharing this. Hindi talaga masamang mangarap at sobrang sarap talagang mangarap. Still working on some of mine and have already given-up on some. I promised myself though to never ever stop chasing after what truly makes me happy.
i love this post. reading it again made me smile. thanks flip, you lightened up my mood. let’s go start chasing! i miss you and i will see you soon! promise!
Flip, this is so inspiring. And I can very well relate. hehe. Chasing dreams, pursuing them, and letting go of the others.