When you step into something. How to cope when you’re about to be overcome by anxiety.

Cebu Island, which I arrived at all alone, was simply lonely.
They say it's a resort, but that's when you come during the day with fun companions.

At night, in complete darkness, taxi drivers are constantly trying to rip you off.
Amidst all that, if you find yourself in a situation where you have to search for accommodation, even heaven can look like hell.

Someone said, 'Any place can be heaven depending on your mindset,' but I didn't want to believe that, at least not right now.

I had come to Cebu Island to set up a school.
With the guidance of a certain real estate company, we partnered with a Korean language school and got started.
For that purpose, I flew for 5 hours for contracts and negotiations.

However, the language school contract wasn't finalized yet, and the accommodation hadn't been decided either.
I didn't know what the future schedule would be, so for now, I just had to meet up with my partner.
However, the deadline for opening the school was already set.

I had just met my partner, and I didn't know a single person there.
My colleagues and partner weren't exactly trustworthy yet, and friends were out of the question.
Still, I somehow optimistically thought that things would work out for the time being.

At first glance, it might have seemed like a situation where anyone would naturally feel nothing but 'anxiety'.

In reality, I had an unparalleled fighting spirit and determination.
Although I was a little surprised by the darkness of Cebu Island, I wasn't intimidated.

After just a few minutes, once I got used to the night, even the ruined-like cityscape started to look like a magnificent view.
There's something about unfamiliar foreign lands that never ceases to attract people.

The taxi driver said he'd introduce me to a good inn, so I let him guide me.
I paid a little extra in tips, but it wasn't to the extent of being ripped off.

Inside, an old man who looked unmistakably like a homeless person greeted me with a smile.
Coupled with the darkness of the inn, it looked exactly like something out of Resident Evil.

Listening to the explanation, it seemed the price was also incredibly cheap.
Thinking it was the first day and couldn't be helped, I headed to my room.

Honestly, I was relieved that it was still on the better side.

The toilet paper on the bed was a kindness from the host.
In Cebu Island, there's no toilet paper in toilets everywhere.

By the way, not only does the shower only have cold water, but the toilet won't flush unless you pour water from a bucket.
On my first day in Cebu Island, I realized I had taken a completely different route from sightseeing.

In reality, all troubles and unfamiliar environments can be thoroughly enjoyed if you get into the right mindset.
It might be a situation where it wouldn't be strange for anxiety or fear to well up.

However, feelings like anxiety arise because one hasn't made up their mind.

Anxiety creeps in because you step into it with a half-hearted feeling.
If you step in with firm resolve from the bottom of your heart, not a speck of anxiety will arise.

So, when I'm uncontrollably anxious about something, I make it a point to make up my mind instead.

When you feel like you're about to lose to something, settle down and make up your mind.
Decide in your heart that you will absolutely accomplish your current mission.

Then, strangely enough, you'll be able to enjoy any situation.

The next day, for some reason, I was in Manila.

Due to some mistake, the meeting was supposed to be in Cebu, but it ended up being in Manila.
Manila is the largest city in the Philippines, a two-hour flight from Cebu Island.
Hearing the news late at night, I immediately booked a ticket and boarded the plane without getting much sleep.

I thought it was unreasonable, but strangely, even the hassle felt enjoyable.
Being made to buy a plane ticket right after arriving is an experience you might only have once in a lifetime.

Whether it's fun or tough, we're fighting in one way or another.
Everyone, throughout their lives, ultimately lives while fighting something.

Therefore, those who can enjoy that fight are probably the happiest.
If it's a choice between enjoying or not enjoying, I want to be on the side that enjoys.

I think the ticket needed for that is resolve.

That night, all the members who had joined held a party.
Everyone opened their favorite drinks, blasted music, and toasted.
The Philippines is said to be called 'Asia's Latin'.

Along with their smiles, all the experiences had somehow turned into special memories.