Photo taken today at around 1:30am.

Feeling a sense of serenity in this quiet time of night.

My conversations today was full of thanks to all those who shared the day that was.

My bff asked me today what were the realizations I had with all that went through over the last 12 months. Here were my answers:

1. It was to show and remind me, “I am always here for you.” Everything that has happened is part of a Grand Plan but sometimes we forget that. In the moments we forget, He reminds us that He is always there to guide in both challenging and rewarding times of our lives. Every minute and every event is synchronized with the grace He provides. And if we let Him lead, we will see the reasons why we went through what He let us go through.

2. “Let Me show you how much I love you.” He shows this through the people He sends in our lives. This experience happened at a time in my life I was already in the road of depression. I couldn’t see my “Whys” clearly. I felt that I didn’t have any sense of control over my life and life was just a series of routines. I was hungry for meaning. I was almost about to let go. Then He sends angels in my life to tell me and show me I am loved. Not forgotten. Just loved. And the little things make the difference in the big picture.

3. Our Time is NOT unlimited. And thinking we have unlimited time is the biggest lie we tell ourselves and each other. The time is NOW. When we love the people around us, tell them. Because we don’t know when our time or their time will end. You want to do something that makes you happy, do it NOW. Because time is precious. Time is what we have but a time will come when we will not a lot of it. So spend it with people who makes our skip a beat; spend it with those who support you; spend those who makes every moment bliss. The time is NOW.

4. Our family at birth and our “chosen” family will be there not only in the highs but most especially in the lows of our lives. I have been independent most of my life. “Needing” is not usual. But Family – both chosen and from birth, declares itself mostly in moments when it is unfavorable, uncomfortable, and imperfect. I am truly blessed to be born in the family God provided. I am blessed having my friends I call my chosen family who are sincere, genuine in intentions and who are not scared to show they care and accept it back.

5. Live and let live. Deliberate choices everyday. Living with good intentions everday and being persistent in meeting those. We can choose the path we go and we are guided by our values. Live it by choice a life we are proud of not by others’ standards but the standards we set for ourselves.

And then we let live. Let others live to be themselves. Let them make the choice. Sometimes we try hard to “keep” them even if keeping them is not good for us. If they choose to spend time with us, they will choose it and we will know. If they choose to NOT spend time with us, they will choose that path and we will know, too. Let them show their intentions. No forcing. Just letting and I think that’s fair. Life is supposed to be fluid. And like water, it should flow smoothly.

Today tells a story of openness. Today is a good day to be alive.

#TheGratefulCompilation #AneurysmSurvivor #Aneuversary #SecondLife