Happy Birthday

CELEBRATING her 54 years, my best friend Angel, exults in the journey of her life.

Reflecting on her experiences, she is the epitome of a mid lifer who constantly searches for the meaning of life. Sitting on her table as financial advisor in the Ortigas economic hub, she quietly writes down her thoughts and ideas. She gave me permission to share with all of you, dear readers, here in Pampanga, her insights.

We love you Angel. May the light from Jesus Christ heart smile on you always. Happy Birthday from your family, friends and familiar NGO associates! Dacal a salamat for the love, light and learning you share with us!

Let us now listen to her story.

Angel’s Message

“These are my reflections on my 54th birthday. First, there is the feeling of gratitude for all that has been. I thank the Lord for all the people who care for me, my family and friends. As I grow older, I realize the importance of family. You see, when I was younger, there was that time in my life when I gave more importance to the external world -- work and my circle of friends. Experiencing difficult times taught me, that in times of crisis, I ran to my family for encouragement and support. It is only with the family where one can experience acceptance and unconditional love. It is here that I can receive, as well as give.

Making a life review, I reflect about the roads taken and not taken. There were events that happened to me, making me a victim of circumstances. For example, I faced this financial dilemma three years ago. Wanting to pursue my doctoral goals (PhD in Psychology, Miriam College, Quezon City), I had to borrow funds from family to support my ambition.

Thereafter, I realized that I am an active agent in my own life, that I can take responsibility, that I can make choices. This means that I can actually chart the course of my life. I can dream, create targets and goals, and identify steps to pursue my coveted agenda. Also, I needed to define what were meaningful engagements, what makes me happy. I asked, what is my personal mission? It did take a while for me to define what this personal mission was, because I discovered that a personal mission is something unique to each individual. My mission is to support myself and others to live full lives.

Second, there is a feeling of connection to people and causes.

I am happy that I maintain connection to the community. I always inquire about what is happening to our country, my city, and my community. I need to understand what is happening to us, inquire what needs to be done, and join hands with groups to address gaps, issues that affect every Filipino and Filipina. I am happy that I am socially involved.

I would like to encourage people, especially the young generation to get involve with what is happening around them.

Even at a young age, you can make a contribution, you can share, you can create meaningful projects that make a difference in people’s lives.

Third, there is a feeling of challenge and hope.

Experiencing my own crisis and transitions I realized that I have a tough spirit. Many times, we just have to let go and let God.

This is true especially for those times, when circumstances become too heavy for us to carry. Our belief and faith is a gift that makes us survive even the most trying times. In these moments, we may need to ask help from others. People around us do care, oftentimes, they extend their hands of compassion.

I accept and celebrate the past. I stand by my present. I look forward to a future full of hope. Thank you for being with me on this journey.”

Again, Salamat dear Angel for your words of inspiration. To all our readers, have a blessed Sunday.

Email me at malutgueco@yahoo.com