One of my friends on Facebook (who is actually more of a passing acquaintance) has been moaning for the past year or so about how unlucky he is, how boring his life is and how nothing changes. I suggested he move away from his small town if he hated it so much. He pooh-poohed the idea, saying "Oh yeah, as if it's that easy". He has no ties and he is young and intelligent, so it really would be easy for him to change something about his life but he hasn't. I find that a shame.
He wrote a status update recently about it being rubbish that you make your own luck. I agree with that to an extent — there are some things that are just out of your hands. But what I don't agree with is that you have to deal with your circumstances in such a negative way. You don't have to sit back and accept your lot.
I've been thinking about this a lot. I'm turning 27 this New Year and I am determined that it won't be a depressing event. I don't want to start dreading my birthday just yet. But New Year always makes you reflect on your life and the closer I creep to 30, the more I find myself reviewing my achievements.
I don't have a house, I don't drive, I don't have any savings and I'm single. In plainest terms, I am homeless, jobless (by choice, admittedly) and partner-less. That's not a great thing to reflect on.
Maybe it's because I'm wildly optimistic or perhaps it's because I have an overactive imagination, but I try not to dwell on the negative aspects of my situation. Instead, I like to wonder how it will change next year. It's quite thrilling not to know where I will be working and living or who might be taking me out for dinner. The world is my oyster I suppose.
This time next year I could be sipping on coconut juice in Bali or dancing on the beach in Rio or perhaps I will be camping under the stars in Mongolia. After all, I was single, jobless and homeless when I moved to Cambodia and it has been a lot of fun. It's a bit early to discuss New Year resolutions but mine will be to grab opportunities and have lots of fun.
For me, when things aren't going well, it's a chance to change something. What's the alternative? Moan "woe is me" to all your friends on Facebook? Some of the best things that have happened to me, have happened just after something that seemed devastating at the time.
And when things are bad, there is everything to play for. If I had a long-term partner, I would probably be too busy, snuggled up on the sofa watching DVDs, to even think about travelling around the world. Sure, having a partner is great, but I'm not going to sit around moping about not having one (well — only every so often). And having a house would be lovely, but there is something appealing about shoving some stuff in a backpack and not knowing where you'll sleep that night. That said, I'll be asking for a sleeping bag, not homeware this birthday.