To die without regrets

ONLY the examined life is a meaningful life. 

Sure, things sometimes happen to me. 

But most of the time, I make things happen. 

I plan my life. 

I reflect on my life experiences, and I plan the future based on my understanding of my life so far. 

When things that seem to come from nowhere happen to me, I always reflect on them. 

I try to put them in perspective, and reconfigure my plans accordingly. 

That’s why I feel I’m always living the best version of myself. 

I seldom repeat my mistakes. 

But when I do, I am aware of it, and often have a reasonable explanation. 

I am positive that I am always better today than yesterday. 

And I’m pretty hopeful that I will always be better tomorrow than today.

*

I used to be the kind of person who respects road trips by getting off grid, and just enjoying the experience. 

But I guess I have been changed a lot by social media. 

These days, I take photos everywhere I go. 

Even compose poetry, and make social media posts, and check ins. 

I guess one of the things I would definitely pack on a spontaneous road trip is my iPhone, which also serves as my camera, and word processor. 

Then, perhaps my charger. 

I’ll definitely bring my wallet, too. 

In case I would be expected to pay something, or prove my identity.

*

I don’t live with much regret nowadays. 

So if I were to die three hours from now, I’d be okay. 

I’ve always maintained a good relationship with people. 

I’ve kept my friends and relatives where I want them to be. 

My mother and my siblings are a little tough. 

But I have long accepted that if my own family can’t appreciate me, that’s on them. 

I’ve always kept my communication lines open to them. 

I reach out to them every once in a while. 

(They can be toxic, so I don’t really push it.) 

But I always accept their calls. 

If they don’t call often, that’s on them. 

Sometimes, I feel that my family only calls me when they need something. 

As opposed to my random calls to check on them, and just to say I love them. 

I’m fine with that. 

We are not a typical tightly knit Filipino family. 

But I’ve seen all kinds of families in various parts of the world. 

So, if we are dysfunctional, I know we aren’t so bad. 

Would I regret not telling my family I love them often enough? 

No! 

They’ll likely be sorry they didn’t tell me enough that they love me if I were to die three hours from now.

*

I don’t need anything fancy if I could build an “unlimited resources” treehouse.

I just want it simple, rustic, sturdy, and would have enough space for four people.

Ideally, the treehouse would only be for me, and my sweetheart.

But I’m not ruling out a threesome or foursome.

Anything more deserves something bigger than a treehouse!

At this time, I want all my properties consolidated in my hometown of Dumangas, Iloilo.

So yeah, that includes a rock-and-roll treehouse. (500tinaga@gmail.com/PN)