Five Months

“These scars that reveal you were broken once also show that you still stand.” – Brijesh

It is now five months since I got out of the hospital.

And I have been hurt the most in this season of my life.

Physically, I was required to rest and take it slow for the last five months. My brain operation left a big “battle scar” and my hair has started to grow back from where my head was shaven to give way to the operation. I have minimal restrictions physically and was finally given clearance to gradually get back to my normal (focus on the word “gradual”). It required mental agility to understand and accept that my situation is beyond my control. That while we control our bodies, when it gives up on us even if the spirit is willing, we need to give it time to heal. It needs time to reset and we need to let it take its time. It also called for realizations that I would have not thought tangible till it happened to me. It was my tough time.

Emotionally, there are internal struggles that I have gone through that challenged and broke me. Some pieces I needed to let go even if those were pieces I would rather care for and keep. There are internal battles that led to crying bouts because I was refusing to surrender to this moment of my life. Moments of uncertainties, and discomfort because of the lack of balance, of misgivings and overdoings. It was my time to regroup and appreciate the process of healing inside.

Fast forward to today, I am happier where I am. My healing time I realize is a redirection – my physical healing and more emotional healing, too. What has kept me afloat all through these months was the acknowledgment that there is a Higher Power that cares and endlessly support me in my struggles. And that is reflected everyday through the people I meet and spend time with. I have never questionned my Faith in this process. There are times that I got angry because I was not in control but only to realize that all the while, there was a BIGGER plan than what I was anticipating. All I had to is to listen to what was being said to me.

All I had to do is surrender.

And there are lessons in this process –

I learned more about forgiveness not only of other people, but forgiveness of myself on things I did and should have not done; of options I chose or failed to choose; to just trust that everything happens in its divine time.

I learned more about generosity – that I also need to be generous with myself as I am generous with others. We get what we deserve and we don’t tolerate being shortchanged.

Lastly, I learn that the breadth and depth of this life is fascinating. It is short but can be worthwhile if we choose wisely on how we want to live it, seek the grace how to live it and surrender to the fact that there are things we can control and there are things that are being worked on for us.

I am grateful for the time I spent to regain what I lost and do MORE of this second life I am given a chance to live with these lessons shielding me and my heart.

I am ready to be back. Let’s use our time to create little ripples. See you all in a few.

#TheGratefulCompilation #AneurysmSurvivor #SecondLife

Mindfulness Yin Yoga with Chris Su

Concluded the 2-Days of the Mindfulness Yin Yoga Intensive Workshop. Intense days indeed!

Learned a lot from Teacher C and my classmates. It was interactive, and will inspire and challenge you. Chris explained the details well. What a great two days it has been!

Day 1 was all about Understanding, Accepting and Letting go. We are not in control of many things but we are in control of what goes on inside us.

Day 2 resonating thoughts: All about Surrender. Some poses may end up harder than it looks. Some poses will turn out better than it looks. And some poses are more needed than others depending on the body’s and mind’s needs. Sometimes, it requires a lot of more heart to try it. There are some parts that require more work than others. There are some that are already in our comfort zone.

The point is to let the body stay still. And let the body as is. No pulling. No pushing. Just let the process take over. Let the healing be.

I am yet to understand deeper how the balance of yin and yang blend in with each other.

But one thing is for sure – Aside from Ashtanga, I have fallen in love with Yin Yoga. Especially the mindfulness meditation part of it.

Another reason to be grateful this week. 🤸‍♀️🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️⌛❤🧠🧚‍♀️👌

#TheGratefulCompilation #AneurysmSurvivor #SecondLife @ Beyond Yoga Serendra

More Than a Watch

Watch UP

My years in UP Diliman were some of the most rewarding years I had growing up. It has taught me to stand on my own, make desicions for today and the tomorrows, and live with rewards and consequences. We were not rich growing up but my parents did all they could to provide what we needed. As always, I am grateful for them.

Worked part-time when I was in college to sustain and live up to requirements when my allowance was not enough. I was a student assistant in a dorm; I was an English tutor; I was a typist and a transcriber of interview tapes (yes, tapes!) And many more. These taught me patience, perseverance and dedication to the job and the people I support. It has taught me to drive towards excellence all the time and to strive harder when things get tougher.

Because those were hard times, I was not able to buy my own college ring (because we couldn’t afford it). I was only able to buy any UP merchandise when I was already working.

I have always considered my graduation as a shield to chase the dream and to do better for my family and those who depended on me. My parents were very proud when I graduated with honors.

I have no regrets. Those experiences have molded me to who I am today. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn, for the opportunity to test how far and deep I can go, and for the opportunity to shine at my best despite of the failures that came my way. Go with peace and trust God. Surround yourself with people who unconditionally support and love us. That makes it worthwhile.

That is why I opted to take part and get these commemorative watches to show my pride and thanks. Thank you, UPD, for all the teachings about life being tough and realizing now that if we strive more and try to treat life with humility and strength, life will love us back.

Ako, isang Iskolar ng Bayan. University of the Philippines Diliman, 1997-59261.

PS. Been receiving messages where I got these from the time of posting. You may contact JJ Se. Romeo D. Se Jr.

Go Isko and Iska! 😚☺️😍

#TheGratefulCompilation #AneurysmSurvivor #SecondLife #UPD #IskolarNgBayan #UPOblationWatch

Two Years Ago…

Taken 2017 vs. 2019.

It was a struggle not just physically but emotionally as well. I was going through a lot of stress. I was unhealthy- was not eating right, not sleeping right. That was the year, my doctor prescribed 1 week rest because blood pressure was shooting up uncontrollably. Reason: Stress.

I was in denial that something was wrong until I saw how that was impacting my skin. That was a year I struggled with breakouts and acne and my skin was very dull. I never had issues with acne when I was younger. So having those as an adult, is very uncomforting. It also was already impacting my self-esteem and confidence.

After my birthday that year, I made a commitment to myself – to take back control. Take back my health. Take charge of my body. Ensure I get back my good skin.

What I did? Proper exercise, lots of water, did intermittent fasting, stuck with avoiding my food intolerances, and get into a skin care routine that focuses on double cleansing, and revitalizing the skin. I still struggle with good sleep but I am really trying! 😉 Seeing old pics continue to inspire me to strive to be healthier.

Surviving aneurysm is my biggest blessing this year. As I recover and heal, I gradually go back to my usual activities – work through getting my pace back to exercises; try to sleep better; eat right. I also try to tell more stories of hope and gratitude from my experience.

Doesn’t hurt to strive be a little more beautiful everyday, too. My ‘bestfriends’ – Klairs, and Wishtrend get delivered hassle-free by @beautymnl. Everyday and done consistently, we get back our bright skin back!

And lastly, how do we make maintain positivity? Gratitude. Being thankful for everyday to whom we owe lives to. He is good all the time. Trust Him. And let’s do everything in His name. And you will be surprised, how that transforms our lives – skin-deep and not.

#TheGratefulCompilation #AneurysmSurvivor #SecondLife #LoveBeautyMNL

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