Living Alone in Japan - so this is adulting: celebrating my birthday alone (visual diary)

Hi!

These were clips of November 2022 to January 2023. I just mainly wanted to document my life in chronological order so when I look back at it, I will remember every detail and reminisce the good old days. Whether it’s a sad moment of my life, (more) growing up (at that moment) or experiencing happy times alone, I want to have the chance to watch it again and be reminded that I have come this far in life.

Last year was the year I experienced a lot of significant things for the first time, all alone. Spending my birthday, experiencing snow, celebrating Christmas and New Year alone without having to experience the joyful festivities with my family. My mother also went back home to the Philippines after 11 long years so I was truly alone here in Japan. It truly was very difficult and different from how I’m used to.

Here, Christmas was like nothing: no decorations around the houses, so quiet all around the neighborhood, no carols singing and no loud noises of yelling people wishing you good luck for next year. All I did was work nightshift during Christmas and New Year which I regretted a lot and would definitely not do this year (so not worth it). Could also not call my family during those moments because my breaktime was at 2AM (still regretting it to this day). [Salute to all OFWs and generally, people who are away from their comfort zones. ] Well, we win some, we lose some ( a lesson learned for me not overdo myself).

I am learning to enjoy the moment and don’tget me wrong, I am not complaining that I’m here… It’s just that it is a very big step forward on this journey of my life that I am struggling to navigate it but I am doing my best. I am very thankful and now, I am slowly exploring new things and planning to travel a little (of course with a certain budget ‘cause I’m broke).

I’m taking my time and that’s fine. I hope we all are.

Joleeen 🍀