jerichoprince

[jerichoprince]

Compassion without accountability isn't kindness; it's enabling. Loyalty without reciprocation isn't friendship; it’s a leash

You could spend hours, days, months trying to help them, listening, supporting, and being patient with their struggles. You could give them your energy, your time, and your understanding, hoping that maybe someday, just maybe, they’ll realize that you were never their enemy. That you weren’t trying to force them to move on, but to move forward. That you weren’t dismissing their pain, just refusing to let them drown in it.

But some people don’t want healing. They want permission to stay broken. They don’t want honesty, they want obedience. As long as you nod along to their perspective, you're safe. But the moment you challenge their thinking, no matter how gentle, no matter how well-intentioned, it’s labeled as a betrayal.

Suddenly, you're an enemy for not completely subscribing to their black-and-white thinking. Suddenly, the person who’s been rooting for them all along becomes the villain, simply for pointing out reality.

Every moment of support, every ounce of care, every late-night conversation, it all disappears; rewritten overnight into a betrayal that never happened. Suddenly, you're the problem, the one who never truly understood, the one who "didn’t respect their healing."

It's ironic. The same people who cry loudest about being betrayed and abandoned are often the first ones to walk away when they don’t get exactly the response they demand. They call it setting a boundary, but it's actually an ultimatum. They call it protecting their peace, but it's really protecting their narrative. It's manipulation wrapped in vulnerability, using pain as leverage, using trauma as an excuse to control how others behave.

I used to believe that reason, patience, and empathy could bridge any gap. That if I just explained enough, listened enough, gave enough, things would make sense. But now I see some people don’t want growth, they want control. They don't want accountability, they want validation. The moment you stop agreeing to their narrative, they cut you off and paint you as the problem.

So let them go. Let them rewrite the story in their head where you’re the enemy. Let them twist reality if they must, if that’s what helps them sleep at night. You don’t have to prove them wrong.

At the end of the day, my peace is my responsibility, not their convenience. And walking away doesn’t make me cruel, it makes me free.

[jerichoprince]

It either works out how you want it to, or you've tried and doesn't work out as you planned but life still moves on, or the absolute worst case scenario is you die, and I'm okay with that.

[jerichoprince]

Dear future me,

I promise I'll take care of the person we'll both be eventually.

[jerichoprince]

Farewell, Spinach

To our dearest boy, our smallest, most gentle, sweet, and caring chihuahua. You left us too soon at just three years young. The world feels heavier and darker now, as if you took the brightness with you. And I will never be the same again.

You were always the most well-behaved one, quietly on the sidelines among the other dogs, almost unnoticed. But now that you’re gone, it feels like a significant part of our home’s warmth is gone. I didn’t realize how much your presence filled our lives. And I'm sorry.

Our home feels emptier now, even the other dogs seem to share in the sadness.

I deeply regret not giving you the attention and love you deserved. I wish I had taken you to the vet sooner and brought you home earlier

I will carry on for you, hoping that if there is a just God, we’ll meet again someday, among the stars. And if there isn’t, and we can’t, then I will fall into the nothingness proudly, because we will already be long gone by then, and I will, like a coward, just surrender to the oblivion of forgetting.

But I will live, knowing you’ll always be here with me. Even if not physically, our love transcends physical boundaries. Your life was a gift, a reminder of the purest form of love and loyalty. I will honor your life by living mine with the same joy and love you showed me every day.

You will always be a part of me, and I will carry your spirit with me, cherishing every moment we had together. And with your passing, I’d gladly offer you any part of me you take with you—my scent, my voice, my love. If only love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

I hope you’re happier now, more than you were in this cold, dark world. You were such a creature of joy. How much brighter your light must glow in the place where souls are free.

I love you, my Pinch. Always and forever. Thank you for everything. Goodbye.

[jerichoprince]

I recently found myself torn between my belief in human decency and the realization that not everyone shares the same values. It has always been clear to me—that I’d rather be a naive fool who believes in the goodness of people than a cynic who sees the world as a dark and unforgiving place.

I’ve always been the type of person who sees the best in others. Maybe it’s because I’ve always dreamed of a world where kindness prevails, and rejecting this reality dominated by fear and suspicion.

Because there's just something deeply comforting in believing that people are, at their core, inherently good. It’s a belief that’s guided me through many situations—sometimes to good outcomes, other times not so much. But as I’ve learned, it’s not enough to simply believe in the goodness of others; we also need to be aware of the reality that not everyone acts with good intentions.

This realization hit me hard recently when I found myself helping someone out and be there for them, only to discover later that their intentions might not have been as pure and genuine. It left me feeling a bit betrayed, questioning whether I shouldn't've trusted them in the first place. But here’s the thing: even with this experience, I still don’t want to lose this part of myself.

I’ve realized that, it’s okay to be both optimistic and cautious. And they’re not mutually exclusive. I can still believe in the best of people, but I should also listen to my instincts and recognize when something doesn’t feel right. It’s not about becoming jaded or losing my optimism; it’s about being smart with where I place my trust.

In the end, I’d still rather live as someone who believes in the goodness of others. But now, I’m learning to do so with a little more awareness. It’s a shift, a subtle but important one, that allows me to stay true to my values while also looking out for myself and the people around me. And maybe, just maybe, that’s how I help create a world where decency truly does prevail—by being both kind and wise.

[jerichoprince]

“The best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.”

—William Wordsworth

[jerichoprince]

Not tall enough. Not muscular enough. Not fit enough. Not handsome enough. Not masculine enough. Not sexy enough. Not wealthy enough. Not confident enough.

The pit of insecurity, lack and not-enough-ness is bottomless when you focus excessively on what is missing instead of what you already have.

[jerichoprince]

So, Ashley asked me an interesting question the other day: would I rather take 15 million pesos but only live until the end of the day, or receive nothing but continue living? It caught me off guard, but my answer was clear: I'd choose the latter without hesitation.

Then she said something that made me pause. She told me that starting today, I have to treat each day's worth as if it were 15 million pesos. That got me thinking. Do I really need to assign a monetary value to each day to appreciate its worth?

Because the truth is, I already see each day as a priceless gift, appreciating the little things and valuing the moments I have. And if I were given another gift tomorrow, I would appreciate it just as much as I did yesterday.

But then I couldn't help but wonder, what if I had no choice and had to choose the former option? What if I knew I had only one day left to live with 15 million pesos in my pocket? Would I do anything differently? It's a tough question to answer. Honestly, I don't think I would do anything out of the ordinary or something extravagant. I would simply, just live, how I always lived, appreciating the moments, and being grateful for what I have.

I'm not sure yet what to do with this realization yet, but I wanted to write it down as a reminder to appreciate the value of each day, regardless of any external circumstances, and to live fully in the present moment. Money may come and go, but the time I have is truly priceless.

[jerichoprince]

Yesterday, I lost my Lolo, and I didn't know how to process it. I didn't know how to react to the information. It was almost as if I didn't care, which made me feel guilty and confused.

As I attended his funeral earlier, I struggled to come to terms with my emotions. I went to pay my respects, but what I saw there only made me angry. Lolo was incredibly thin and it was clear that he had not been taken care of properly. I couldn't help but feel anger towards my lola for starving Lolo, especially given that he had suffered a stroke. I also felt resentment towards my mother for not allowing Lolo to live with them, despite their capability to take him in. She knew that my grandmother was mistreating him, yet she did nothing about it.

As I sat there, I struggled to remember the good memories that I had shared with Lolo. Instead, all that came to mind were the bad ones. 

To make matters worse, I felt that my dad was being fake with his emotions. He seemed more concerned about appearing emotional and caring, rather than truly honoring my Lolo’s memory. It only added to the anger and frustration I was feeling.

Despite my anger, I still hope I can find a way to honor Lolo’s memory and cherish the good times we shared, But as I continue to reflect on the situation, bitterness lingers in my heart. 

I still can't help but feel disappointed that my family failed to take care of him properly. It's a harsh reminder that even those closest to us can sometimes let us down. It's important to cherish the time we have with our loved ones, but it's also important to hold them accountable for their actions. 

I’m still flooded with regret for not spending more time with Lolo and showing him how much he meant to me. I wish I had bought him a music player and loaded it up with his favorite songs, but it was all too late now.

Sorry, Lolo. Thank you for everything. Goodbye.

[jerichoprince]

Financial Advisor.

Have you ever felt like you lost your identity in the name of your job? That's exactly what happened to me as a financial advisor. I was required to put on the "salesman" persona 24/7, always trying to impress my clients and prospects.

There was no boundary between work and life, and I was constantly in a state of work, from waking up to going to bed. I was never used to being rejected day in and day out, and it took a toll on my mental health.

I began to see people as mere sources of income. If I couldn't make a sale, I felt like they were wasting my time as the pressure from my managers was unbearable. I was constantly being pressured to reach the quota, then to qualify for bonuses, then to win awards, then to win bigger awards by increasing my client base or commission, and the cycle would continue. And when I hit a roadblock, all I felt was shame and guilt.

It was a daily struggle to maintain self-respect, set boundaries and hold onto my beliefs while navigating the pressures of this highly competitive field. I often felt like I was constantly having to step on others, tell lies, and make compromises that left me feeling like I couldn't look at myself in the mirror.

The challenge I faced as a financial advisor was finding a balance between earning a livelihood and providing genuine help to my clients. I always approached my clients with a desire to educate and spread financial literacy. But this led to the dilemma of how would I earn a living if all my clients were poor, but at the same time, how could I truly make an impact if all my clients were already wealthy?

But the real kicker was the pervasive pretentiousness in the industry. It feels like a multi-level marketing scheme, with speakers presenting themselves as "mindset-grindset-guru-capitalist-I-am-better-than-everyone-shills." Preaching their success as proof of their superiority. It was motivating at first, but after a while, the pattern became all too familiar and it just felt draining.

Glad I realized that stepping away from the insurance industry allowed me to rediscover my passion and purpose. While my income may not be as substantial as before, I now take pride in what I do and am able to express myself through my work, and that's something money can never buy.

I've come to appreciate and be proud of the work I do, as each project holds a piece of myself. 

It's incredibly fulfilling when clients compliment my work and show appreciation for the effort I've put into helping them. These small moments of validation and recognition provides immense satisfaction, making me realize that the money I earn is just a bonus to the true reward of doing what I love.

It's super important to find a way to balance making money and doing what actually makes you happy. I'm lucky enough to have the privilege to follow my heart, but I have to remember that not everyone has this same opportunity.

[jerichoprince]

3 years earlier...

I can’t believe how close I was to being consumed by the toxic ideologies of the alt right pipeline and the manosphere. It's not just the toxic self-help, but the entire culture that surrounded it, promising quick-fixes and easy answers to complex problems.

I remember feeling desperate and lost, trying to find my place in the world as a financial advisor. I was desperate for answers and solutions, eager to improve myself and my circumstances. However, I realized that the path I was on was a dangerous one, leading me further away from true self-discovery and fulfillment.

I was consumed by the toxic notion that success and happiness could be achieved through brute force, willpower, and a rigid adherence to a set of prescribed rules and beliefs. This way of thinking was not only damaging to my personal growth but also harmful to those around me.

But thankfully, I woke up and realized the error of my ways. I got out quick, before it was too late. I was able to recognize the danger and distance myself from those beliefs before they had a chance to completely consume me.

Looking back on it now, I am grateful for this realization and for the strength to break away from such toxic influences. I have since found more meaningful and fulfilling ways to help me grow and find my place in the world. 

I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and for the growth that I have experienced as a result. I now stand firm in my own beliefs and values, and I am confident in my own abilities and worth.

[jerichoprince]

Dear future self,

I hope you're holding up. I've been exploring the concept of existential optimism and I wanted to share my thoughts with you.

To be honest, it's not always easy to find meaning in life. It can be hard to see the purpose in our struggles and hardships. But, that's where existential optimism comes in. It’s about acknowledging the harsh realities of life, but still choosing to find meaning in it. 

It's about understanding that we can't control everything, but we can control how we react to it. And that's a powerful thing. It's not about ignoring the darkness, but about choosing to see the light amidst it.

It's about recognizing that it's okay to make mistakes, and it's not the end of the world. It's about understanding that we're all going to face difficult choices and that it's okay to make the wrong one as long as we learn from it.

Existential optimism is about understanding that we're all going to die someday, but that doesn't mean our lives are meaningless. It means that every day is a new opportunity to make the most out of life, to choose whether to play it safe or take a chance.

So, future self, wherever you may be, I hope you're still choosing to find meaning in the journey. And if you're not, well, that's okay too. Just don't forget to find humor in life's messiness. It'll help you to keep things in perspective and make the journey a little more bearable.

Cheers!

[jerichoprince]

When I choose to see the good side of things, I’m not being naive. It is strategic and necessary. It’s how I’ve learned to survive through everything. I know you see yourself as a fighter. Well, I see myself as one too... This is how I fight.

-Waymond Wang

[jerichoprince]

I lost my dogs.

As I sit here and write this, my heart aches with a pain that I can't even begin to describe. I miss my dogs so much, and it feels like a part of me is missing too. They were such wonderful companions, and I'm filled with regret for not taking better care of them.

I often wonder what they're doing in doggy heaven. I like to picture them playing with our past dogs and getting treats from our late loved ones. 

To Scallop and Scratchy, I want you to know how much we love you. You were more than just pets to us; you were family.  I'm sorry for not being the best owner I could have been. 

I hope you know how much you were loved, even in those moments when I wasn't able to give you the attention you deserved. You brought so much light and love into our live, and we will always cherish the memories we shared.

As I close my eyes and think of you, I can't help but feel a deep sense of sorrow. The pain of losing you will always be with me, but I'll keep your memories alive in my heart forever. I love you guys more than anything in this world, and I can't wait for the day when we'll be together again.

[jerichoprince]

Mahal ko sila at ginagalang ko sila bilang magulang.

Pero nang dahil sa pinapakita nilang karakter, nawawalan na 'ko ng respeto sa kanila. 

Ano pang silbi ng pagpapaaral sa'tin kung sila lang din mismo ang pilit na nagpapaka-mangmang? 

Ano pang silbi ng pagturo nila sa'tin na masama ang magsinungaling at magnakaw, kung gagawin nilang mabuting halimbawa ang mga sinungaling at magnanakaw?

Ano pang silbi ng pagpapalaki nila sa'tin nang maayos kung sila lang din mismo ang magpapakita sa'tin ng maling ehemplo? 

Aasahan pa ba na pagkakatiwalaan parin natin ang kanilang mga gabay matapos nilang ipakita ang ganitong klaseng asal?

[jerichoprince]

Lots of people go into competitive fields for idealistic and even altruistic reasons, but these environments make people desperate. Things like self-respect, boundaries, and having inconvenient values and morals are frowned upon if not outright punished.

What will you do when you can’t look in the mirror because of the people you’ve had to step on, lies you’ve had to tell, and dicks you’ve had to figuratively or literally choke on to stay afloat in your field?

How will you reconcile this cold reality with your original vision of doing something meaningful, changing the world, and being yourself?

In the face of what it all costs, will the meaning even matter? Will it make you happy? Is this really the only way to find fulfillment? Or have you just been spending your time around people who cling to that idea for dear life, because they’re too terrified to face what it would mean if it were to be a lie?

What if instead, it’s a guarantee that you’ll have to forget who you even are and endlessly disrespect yourself to chase a projected version of a “dream” that doesn’t exist in the first place?

Please be honest with yourself.

[jerichoprince]

I can never truly know what you're going through, what your thoughts sound like, what your emotions feel like, what it feels like to be you; but believe me when I say this: I understand.