The Philippine Online Chronicles

I didn’t even know why I signed my name on the dotted line that soon. Perhaps it was impulse and my instincts just kicked in. Being impulsive was very uncharacteristic of me. I pride myself as a rationale buyer. I would have gotten mad at myself ordinarily. But it was different this time. It was different because at that moment, I felt I was fulfilling my dream.

Each of us did cultivate dreams when we were young. We did ambition things when we were in college and more so when we started working. As our income grew bigger, so did our dreams. It was natural. We started to have the resources w needed to realize those. But unfortunately, so did our obligations and responsibilities. Before we knew it, our dreams have taken the back seat and the money that we have to fulfill our dreams went to things that gave us no pleasure whatsoever.

My ultimate dream is owning a private island that can rival the Necker Island owned by the billionaire Sir Richard Branson. Mine would even have an air strip for my Gulf Stream jet; a ranch to house my prize horses; man-made lagoon and villas to accommodate my guests. And it’ll be located at the heart of Palawan where just the sea alone is enough to take your breath away.

But at the rate my assets are accumulating, I have to say that I need to downgrade it. And the next best thing I thought of is owning a beach front property. And so when a friend brought this up, I did not hesitate to ask the broker to accompany me for the tripping.

As cliché as it sounds, it was love at first sight. I fell in love with the clear blue sea, the pristine beach and the projects the developers have planned. The product sold by itself and I did not wonder why a lot of the lots are selling like hot cakes.

I debated with myself whether or not to push through with the purchase. I say this year has been fantastic for me so to speak but still, there were some reservations that are natural for buyers.

Can I consistently make the amortizations?

Is this a wise investment? Will the property appreciate faster than what I could earn from other investments?

What if a tsunami happens?

I don’t have an answer for the last one but for the other two, I do. I recall a blog post by Randell Tiongson about pursuing our dreams. Then I realized that these problems will certainly come along but it should not prevent me from making this purchase. My worries and concerns are valid but it should not prevent me from living my dream.

My greatest fear other than failing is regret. I don’t want to look back some time in the future and ask, “Why did I not make the purchase?” Many of the old folks I have talked to regretted not being able to pursue their dreams. Their ambitions which they once held so dearly had long been forgotten. That is something very sad and to fall into that kind of misery is unforgiving.

The most difficult part in every task is the beginning. In this case, it is the first monthly installment. I already paid two months worth of installments. I can say it is rather difficult given that the amount is not a small sum. Still, I am grateful. The struggle helps me develop my character and it harnesses my creativity. The character to continue pursuing a goal despite difficulties and the creativity to raise funds needed when money comes short. Dreams help us achieve these.

Life was never meant to chase our dreams. It was meant for us to live them. The problems will come, yes. But if we are going to focus on those, then we may end up being misers by the time we’re old.

It’s time for me to live my dreams. It’s time to live yours too.