Victorious

2014 © Dana Eve Valencia

"To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life." 

【The Secret Life of Walter Mitty】

Woot woot! As 2014 comes to a close, I reckon it's just fair to celebrate our personal victories and relish our sweetest feats.

I remember a few months ago I received a heartfelt message from a lovely lady, thanking me for being an inspiration to her two daughters. I was speechless for a moment. I did a silly little mental victory dance when I learned that my snapshots and stories stirred the sense of adventure in her girls and encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones.

See, I believe that in life there's no greater test of the human spirit than beginning a story without knowing how it's going to end. To step into the unknown, to find the balance between holding on and letting go, to smile even when the waves of fear are churning within, to be a fighter — these are the things adventure has taught me. And being able to help awaken this sense within other people through my simple Instagram posts is something that I deem an accomplishment—an unexpected one at that.

So here's to all the adventures and battles we've faced and fought, big or small—be it a mountain, a school project, a sales quota, a marathon, a fear, an illness, a typhoon, a heartbreak, or heck, even a lawsuit. I think each and every one of us deserves to pop a bottle of champagne for being such awesome troopers.

Wishing y'all a more eventful 2015! May we all be Ambassadors of Adventure!

#TheLegenDannyDiaries

Short-lived Wonders

2014 © Dana Eve Valencia

I've always considered Japan as my second home. And its pristine charm, in which I never fail to find peace, is unparalleled in my eyes. Hakuba, this mountainous village in the photo, is just one of the many magical spots that certainly make one just sit down and sigh.

So just imagine how heartbroken I was when I heard from my friend Kousuke that only very recently an earthquake struck the region—destroyed homes, barns, roads, and all—which made it impossible to reach this part of the village again. 

This reminded me that nothing has been built to last forever as nature could be harsh. And quite amazingly, in no other culture will you find the short-lived beauty of things as valued as in Japan.