OMG! It has been the longest time I didn’t write anything in
my blog. However, this year has been a very unproductive time for me in
writing. Do not ask me why, because I do not know what the precise answer.
I have realized that after graduating life is literally the
most questioning time since we already be responsible with ourselves. What I have
done? I decided to resign from the last job, travel in some places, take a
course, join an exchange program and involve in some projects. Some people
asked me why I quit from my job, and I just said that I need a gap (year, or
maybe some months).
Actually, taking a gap year is not common for people in the
developed countries. I also believe that we have to get away with any parts of
our daily routine and looking for something new for us before ready to take a
step in achieving our life goals.
According to Huffington Post, there are several reasons why
we should take a gap year. Here there are:
- Realize what you love before you start studying
- Know what’s important in life before most people do
- Get to adventure at your prime
It was really pleasant to be 21 years old, and
do anything with no job, no significant other, no deadline, no homework and no
worries. I am not sure to get it again easily after entering the real life
(read: study or work).
- Be an expert adapting to new places
The surroundings will force us to integrate
into a new society, a new group of friends or cultural norms. And even share
dreams to each other. We might have a chance to learn something we never expected
before.
- Have time to think
Give yourself room to think and breathe,
and be on long train rides or airplane flight from one place to another place
in days spent strolling through new towns. You will be surprised where your
mind wanders when you give it free rein.
- Pick up the pieces you missed in college
It is the best time to refine the specific
skills you feel like you are lacking and sharpen them up for the next stage. For
instance, learning new languages or obtaining a deep understanding about something
that supports your plan of life.
- Make new friends
We can make a new friend anywhere. New
friends mean new perspective on life, will hugely enrich yours indirectly. Also,
we never know will happen in the future. Who knows that a person who met today
will help you in the future?
As the epilogue, yesterday I read a book from Ika Natassa in
the bus TransJakarta. (By the way, she is my favorite Indonesian female writer
after Dewi Lestari). She talked about counterfactual thinking, or in the easy
word we say “what if” scenario. In some cases, it lead us to be more grateful
and knowing the meaning of life. For me, when I remembered what have happened
in the last recent months, I feel so lucky. I am so blessed for deciding to take
this gap after graduated from college. And I am really ready to be a struggler
again for my goals!
