What I have learned so far

I KEEP changing my topic. I keep writing down sentences and erasing them because I realize that I will not be able to finish what I had wanted to write for lack of having anything to say or yes, inspiration.

I have been sick again. My lungs squeezed out of its usual fill of air and so I struggle with breathing properly. I am totally so out of my element. That’s what happens when you’re not getting enough oxygen to your brain. Uh-oh.

This is the drama of my life. Eternal infirmity. Gosh. I hope not. I somehow believe I can probably reach sixty years old. Which brings me to my question of the week.

How are you today?

No really. How are YOU?

I just think it would be sound to ask yourself the question and not get a generic answer. When somebody asks us how we are, we often blurt out a ready “Okay lang” or “I’m good”. We really don’t give it much thought because we ask and answer the same question several times a day. Somehow, the question has lost its significance.

When I am alone and not doing anything, I would often find myself saying, “I’m fine.” Whaat? In the first place, who asked the question? Most days I really don’t too much about it but then there are times when I get to thinking a little bit deeper. I engage in myself -- conversations. If I start out telling myself that I am fine, there must be something wrong somewhere that I am missing.

Sometimes we become too involved with life’s intricacies that we forget about ourselves. We set out goals to achieve for a better life in the future that we often neglect present concerns. You know it’s true. You work hard, strive hard only to be stricken and forced to slow down. You know that happens! Then we are left to wonder what the heck happened.

We are a creature created to function on many levels. We keep track of so many things the same time we need to do a million other things that we have learned to live on adrenaline and caffeine to get going. I think there should always be a corresponding down time to each highly strung moment. Aren’t you stressed out enough yet?

Sometimes people forget we are human. Sometime YOU forget that you are human, too. And when life’s challenges start catching up with you, you might find yourself robbed of precious “me” moments that could have helped you relax and recharge. There is nothing wrong with wanting a good future and doing what you can to achieve it but don’t forget that you not only have a body to use, you have a mind to cultivate, a heart that needs keep beating for the happy thrills in life and a soul to feed with the good stuff a wonderful life is made of.

Maintaining a good balance in all the aspects of your life takes time and practice. I, too, am still learning how best to achieve it. There are so many ideas in my head on how, but nothing beats getting the chance to test it out and see which one works best.

I guess life begins when you know and realize that living is not that easy. You need some experience--laughter, pain, anger and tears all packed and parceled like a gift with a red bow so that you will learn to pay attention. I am middle-aged and at this age, I can say that I have started seeing what life is. It is true, at some point, life does begin at forty. You sort of get the idea of what you should have, not only materially, but also in terms of things that money cannot buy. Well, along with body aches and pains, arthritis and reading glasses.

Youth is indeed wasted on the young. Sigh. How they run and jump and live life like there’s no tomorrow! They should definitely enjoy it while they are young. If I had that strength and amazement at this stage of my life, I can achieve so much! Doesn’t it make you laugh watching them act like they own the world and that they know everything, much like you when you were younger? Some things never change.

I don’t pretend to be an expert on life. But for now, this is what I’ve proven to be true:

1. Be nice; even to strangers. I know the times are tough and there are crazy people so I cannot blame everyone for being extra careful to the point of aloofness. Still, you know you find yourself in moments when you can say thank you, offer help or just smile. Do that. You never really know what it can do for you or for the person you give it to, you just might have changed someone’s life.

2. Respect your body. It is the temple of your soul. If some parts are broken, a part of your soul may be too. I am learning the hard way. I am trying to make it up by trying to eat healthy and exercising but I am having a hard time doing so. Hopefully, I still have time. Eat the right food. Get enough sleep. I used to tell them “okay lang yan!” Duh. I take medications more than my Mom (who does not take any at all unless she is sick which is seldom). Who’s sorry now? (Me, huhuhuhu)

3. Remember your lessons well. Whether in school or in life keep tabs on what you are taught. We do not always have the opportunity to learn some things. Some are only taught once. When some lessons keep repeating itself, ask yourself why. There must be a morsel of knowledge that you have yet to discover or realize. Don’t feel too bad if you fail because it makes you stronger and more vigilant. Hang in there when the going gets tough because it will pass.

Always appreciate what you have at any given time. Be thankful for your family and friends who will always be there to support you and/or teach you a thing about life or two.

Lastly, love yourself. Love yourself dearly. Not in a narcissistic way but in a way that you allow yourself to grow as a person as well as the people around you. Learn to let go when you need to and change for the better if you have to! Have a Happy Sunday! :)