Shainne Hostalero

I haven't written anything here since forever but I'm very glad to share that I'm ending this year in a good note. Of course, like many of you, this year wasn't perfect, we just made every single moment count and we only count those things that really mattered the most. This year, I am happy to gain another year of life. I have finished my graduate studies, I was kind-of praised and satisfied of being able to do my job in the academe efficiently, and I have given the opportunity to create and explore more adventures with and for Happy Shift. It was not easy. My road to #sablay2019 was not all rainbows and butterflies. I always thought that I was terrible at doing work in my chosen field. But I think what makes us survive is to wake up each day and decide that we will fight and we will do anything - you know, whatever it takes. I know I should not be happy about eliminating some people in my life but it feels lighter to do so. I had the courage to ditch toxic peopl...

The day has come. I'm in no training wheels anymore. After this weekend, I'll be moving to a new location, quite farther than the current, but this is where I should be and the reason why I was trained beforehand. It is bitter-sweet, if I may say. It's nice to know that this is growth and gives me a sense of (more) independence to challenge myself to decide and do things mostly my own at this point in time. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't doubt myself, I still am until now, and I know I still will. On the other hand, it is hard to leave people (of course, not entirely because I'll be just moving) I've been with for half of 2019. In fact, they helped me to know myself better and gave me a direction of who I really want to be - as a person and as a leader. It was and still a tough road for all of us. I'm confident that we all share the same sentiments, and it's great to receive assistance and support from people I didn't expect in the begi...

"Those are tidy shelves," I so thought to myself. I was walking inside a thrift book shop to find inspiration of, maybe, what I want to do next about my life. I must say, browsing books there quite gave me a sign of direction; or so, I believe. I am still at a lost about life. Majority of it is still about my degree(s) - there is always a compelling art to what should  or could  come next after the other. They say it is not what you achieve, but what you overcome. I am pleased that if I repeat it to myself, I will become at ease. Browsing through books, some titles sparked ideas and ideals for me. Sustainability, Education Administration, Social Entrepreneur, Career, to name a few. Maybe those words were hints from the universe of where I should put my efforts and attention to. When I was in my early 20s, I'd like to believe that I will get answers when I turn a little older. I hit 25, and I did not get answers. I am on my way through the big 3-0, and certainly, I...

Thanks to Labor Day, I have finally got a chance to watch another movie - and no, it's not Avengers: End Game, but another film that stars Mark Ruffalo, 13 Going 30 . I was a teenager when the movie was released. I remember relating to how we wish we are mature or old enough to live the life we always wanted - like real grown-ups, doing whatever we like, going to places where our parents or guardians do not permit, or having to meet someone we can relate more with - be in a relationship with, or even marry. I turned a little 30 a week back, and I think it was quite timely for me to see the film. Like Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner's character), I wish I also had a chance to go back to a time I most wanted or have the opportunity to change a life's decision. Haha! Aren't we all are, at some point? While I may have a few regrets, I'm also grateful to reach the age when I don't fear much at all vis-a-vis to life back then. If I am asked today, I can afford to lo...

In the past, I also had a fair share of handling finances improperly. As an adult, bills are inevitable and totally overwhelming at some point. One thing I learned through the years is that it is not how much you earn, it is how much you save and invest. When I was in my early 20s, saving is part of my monthly/bi-monthly plans. I save at least 10 to 20 percent of my salary. I know this could be ideal, but I also know that it was not enough. I enrolled myself in graduate studies in a state university - though it is not that expensive compared to other private universities, it also needed planning. Apartment rent took a big chunk of my budget, especially in Manila. The rate is too steep, but the convenience is priceless since it is near where I was working and accessible whenever I need to attend meetings, conferences, or the like. I was a struggling millennial. I was living to pay the bills. Aren't we all are? Continuously, I have learned what could work from what could not. H...

Lately, I've had enough of people. Well, some. They seem so toxic for me, and I know, and I don't want to live my life feeling like this all time. I've lost many people in life (literally), and that made me more firm in thinking that life is... indeed short. More than a year ago, I lost my uncle. He was my confidant through all these years, and it was sudden that he passed away. Up until now, I cannot talk about him without shedding tears and feeling sad. There are lots of ifs, buts, and what could have been. It was and still so painful. I felt like I've lost a friend. I can only count the people who have been with me when I was down and who never left my side through all the pains and aches in life. Maybe three? Never a lover. Honestly, among the ones I have dated in the past 'til the present, I haven't found a non-judgmental individual. Like the one who will love you at your worst. Maybe this love I've found all along was shallow. Perhaps I haven...

2018 was one hella challenging year for me. The depression, the questionable life, and other challenges. I went to a whirlwind of emotions and workaholism. LOL. I have managed to survive, anyway. Business was good in 2018, and I hope it continues. I have discovered so many things about myself, too. Things that I did not even notice even way before. I think that was what reflection can do for you. My experiences are humbling. I was always being reminded to remain simple, get my feet to stay on the ground, and cherish people who want to be part of my life. I have managed to eliminate people who only remember me because they needed something or purely bored and I was the nearest person whom they can bug and willing to entertain. I have had enough. Bahala na kayo sa buhay niyo! Hahaha! I started 2019 with flu. I thought 2018 would spare me from any form of sickness, but NO. The universe has its own way of reminding me that I am only human and I need rest, too. I worked non-stop for t...