My 2022 Goal Inspiration

_{Picture edited in Canva.}

I know it's a little late to be writing about New Year resolutions, I gave up on that for quite some time now, actually. I just set goals for the year instead. And this year, the inspiration came from a huge piece of land, cow manure, and bright sunlight on my skin. I've always been a laid back person. I don't really plan too far ahead for the reason that no one knows what will happen in the future. It's different when you have kids, though. You have to make sure they are well taken care of, have a peaceful place for them to play in close to nature, and have a place where they can be themselves unapologetically. I have to admit, my eldest is already six years old and I'm just planning all this now. But thanks to my friends, who kidnapped me last week, I found clarity.

_{Candid shot of my "kidnappers" 😁}

Okay, okay. I wasn't really kidnapped. It's just the term I use for when my friends succeed in taking me with them to their escapades, it's kind of like kidnapping me from my kids. Hahaha! Good thing my sister didn't have work that day and agreed to take care of my kids while I was gone so my friends and I can go to the Dela Llana Farm to harvest some veggies! My friend's family owns 28 hectares of land and they dedicated some of it to farming. Imagine, 28 hectares! They have calamansi trees, rows of eggplants, green chilies, ghost peppers, siling labuyo, lemon trees, pineapples, tomatoes, Chinese kangkong, and spinach! Yeah, he likes chilies a lot. That's my bestfriend with the tomatoes, by the way.

There were also ornamental plants that he's planning to sell once he's able to supply to plant shops in the city. My mom was in awe when she saw the plants, she's a certified plantita (a person who loves to collect plants) herself. They have rubber trees, different variations of Alocasia and Mayana, and a lot more!

One of the highlights of the place is their shipping container house. We didn't get to go inside because the goal of the day was to harvest the veggies. I forgot to ask him if I could see the inside, too, since I was so amazed by how vast their property is. Maybe next time, I won't be too distracted and even post another blog about it.

_{The side of the farm house, of course, with the model in the picture. 🖤 Photo credit}

Looking at the whole place, with the sun brightly shining and sweat dripping down my cheek, I thought to myself, "I will work my ass off to have something like this - a land, tiny house, and vegetable garden of my own." It sparked excitement on how that journey would play out, and the challenges that I would face to achieve that goal. It may not be possible to have it all this year, but I would definitely start working for it. I'm claiming it!

_{From farm to table 💚 Green chilies in the Chickpea Stirfry, Chinese kangkong and tomatoes in the Shrimp in Sour Soup, and Fried Eggplant with Spicy Shrimp Paste.}

Growing up, you'll realize you don't need a lot of friends in this world. Just a few true ones who inspire and help you be the better version of yourself, and make living this life worth while.

_{Group picture!😁}

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the pictures as much as I did taking them. What about you, what's your goal this year? Let me know in the comments. 😉 Until my next story!

_{*Pictures are all mine unless stated otherwise.}