mariyahysabelle

[mariyahysabelle]

Why We Cry When We're Sad

Hey there,

Let’s talk about something we’ve all experienced but maybe never really stopped to think about: crying. Specifically, why do we cry when we’re sad? We’ve all been there—tears streaming down our faces during a tough time, whether we wanted to cry or not. And while it might seem like just a physical reaction, crying is much deeper than that.

So, what’s really happening when you feel sad, and your body responds with tears? Let’s dive into the science and psychology behind crying, and by the end of this, I hope you’ll see that crying isn’t just an emotional outburst—it’s an essential part of how we cope, heal, and connect.

1. Crying is an Emotional Release

First, we need to address the most obvious reason we cry when we’re sad: it’s a form of emotional release. Sadness, like other intense emotions, can create an overwhelming amount of pressure inside us. It’s almost like there’s too much emotion to contain, and the body has to find a way to let some of it out. And that’s exactly what tears do—they give us an outlet for all the pent-up feelings we’re carrying around.

You know that feeling after a good cry, when it seems like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders? That’s your body letting go of emotional tension. Crying helps to process the pain we’re feeling in a more manageable way. It’s like the body’s way of hitting the “reset” button on our emotions. You’ve probably heard the term “emotional catharsis” before—crying is one of the most natural ways to experience it.

2. Stress Relief: More Than Just Emotional

But there’s more to it than just releasing emotions. Did you know that crying actually helps to reduce physical stress too? When we cry emotional tears, our body is doing more than just making our eyes wet—it’s getting rid of excess stress hormones and toxins. That’s right. Emotional tears are chemically different from the tears you shed when, say, cutting onions. Emotional tears contain higher levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which build up when we’re upset.

When you cry, you’re literally flushing these hormones out of your system. This is why people often feel a sense of relief after crying, even if the situation hasn’t changed. Crying helps bring our stress levels down, both emotionally and physically. It’s like a natural way for the body to say, “Okay, we’ve got to let some of this stress go.”

So, the next time someone tells you that crying is a sign of weakness? You can tell them that it’s actually your body’s way of reducing stress—like a built-in stress detox!

3. Our Body’s Physical Response to Emotional Pain

Ever wonder why you cry during heartbreak or after losing something important? It’s because emotional pain triggers the same areas of the brain that process physical pain. Yep, the brain doesn’t really make a huge distinction between emotional and physical pain—it reacts similarly to both.

Crying when you’re sad is your body’s way of responding to that emotional pain. It’s almost like when you stub your toe, and your body instinctively reacts by releasing tears. The difference is, this time, the pain isn’t coming from your foot—it’s coming from your heart, your mind, or your soul. But the response? It’s pretty much the same.

By crying, your body is reacting to emotional hurt in a way that helps you process the pain. This connection between physical and emotional pain is why, even though sadness doesn’t “hurt” in the physical sense, it still feels heavy, and crying helps relieve some of that weight.

4. Crying Signals to Others That We Need Support

This next point is something that goes back to our evolutionary roots: Crying is a way to communicate. Think about it—when we cry, especially in front of others, we’re sending a nonverbal signal that we’re in distress. It’s a universal call for empathy, care, and support.

Humans are social creatures, and we thrive on connection and community. When someone cries, it often triggers a compassionate response in others. It’s as if our tears are saying, “I’m struggling, and I need comfort.” That’s why, when we cry in front of someone who cares about us, we often receive hugs, soothing words, or just a listening ear.

Crying builds social bonds. It allows us to express our vulnerability and invites others to share in our emotions, offering a chance to strengthen relationships. So, crying isn’t just a personal experience—it’s a way of connecting with others on a deeper level.

5. Release of Endorphins: The Body’s Natural Painkillers

Ever notice that sometimes, after crying, you feel surprisingly calm or even a little better? That’s because crying can trigger the release of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers. Endorphins are those feel-good chemicals that help to numb both physical and emotional pain. When you cry, your body recognizes the emotional distress and starts releasing endorphins to help you cope.

These endorphins don’t just dull the emotional pain—they also create a sense of calm and well-being, which is why you often feel lighter after a good cry. It’s like your body’s way of rewarding you for letting those emotions out rather than bottling them up inside.

6. Crying Helps Us Process and Heal Emotions

Crying isn’t just about releasing emotions in the moment; it’s also about long-term healing. When we suppress our sadness and hold back our tears, those emotions don’t disappear—they get stored inside us, waiting to be processed later. Over time, this can lead to emotional blockages or even physical stress symptoms like headaches or fatigue.

By allowing ourselves to cry, we’re giving our minds and bodies the chance to process what we’re feeling. Tears help us work through complex emotions that might otherwise stay buried. It’s almost like going through a healing process, step by step, every time you cry. You’re releasing the emotional weight bit by bit, allowing yourself to move forward rather than getting stuck.

So, What Does This All Mean?

Crying is so much more than just a reaction to sadness. It’s an essential part of how we cope with and heal from emotional pain. It’s a physical and emotional release, a way to lower stress, and a natural mechanism for processing what we’re going through. It’s also a signal to those around us that we need support, a way to bond, and a tool for emotional healing.

Next time you find yourself holding back tears because you think it’s a sign of weakness, remember this: Crying is your body’s way of healing, processing, and letting go. It’s one of the most natural and healthy responses to emotional pain, and it shows strength in your ability to face what’s going on inside rather than suppress it.

What Can You Do?

If you’re feeling sad and the tears come, don’t hold them back. Allow yourself to cry and let your emotions flow. It’s part of the process of healing and finding relief. And if someone else is crying, recognize that they’re reaching out for support, even if it’s without words. Sometimes all we need is a little understanding, a comforting presence, or someone to say, “I’m here for you.”

Crying is not a weakness. It’s a strength in the way we navigate our most vulnerable moments. Let it be what it’s meant to be—an outlet, a release, and a step toward healing.

[mariyahysabelle]

The Power of Small Gestures

Issue #3: Lessons from a Facebook Reaction

Photo from Google

In our increasingly digital world, social media platforms like Facebook have become integral to how we communicate, share our lives, and seek validation. Yet, amid the constant flow of posts, likes, and comments, we often overlook the profound impact that seemingly minor interactions can have on our emotions and self-worth. To illustrate this, let me share a recent experience that underscores the significance of small gestures and the insights they offer.

Picture this: a young woman navigating the complexities of online social interactions, decides to update her Facebook profile with carefully selected photos. The process is deliberate—she’s excited to share glimpses of her life and eagerly anticipates the reactions from her friends, particularly from someone special to her. After posting her pictures and waiting with bated breath, She checks her notifications to see how her post is faring.

Her excitement quickly turns to disappointment when she notices that the person she hoped would acknowledge her post has liked a photo of one of her friends instead. This small, seemingly insignificant detail hits her hard. Her mind races with questions: “Why not my photo? Why not me?” She begins to compare herself to her friend, questioning her own worth and beauty. This moment of disappointment and self-doubt is a powerful reminder of how deeply we can be affected by others’ reactions, even when they seem minor.

She initial response is to shut down her social media, turning off her phone in frustration. This reaction is a common one; when we feel hurt by what we perceive as a lack of validation, our instinct might be to retreat, to protect ourselves from further emotional pain. However, this reaction also highlights a critical insight: our self-esteem and sense of worth can become dangerously tied to external validation. The "likes" and comments we receive often hold more weight in our self-assessment than they should.

But the story doesn’t end there. Later that evening, She receives a new notification. This time, the person she was hoping to impress has reacted with a "wow" to one of her photos. Although the reaction may seem like a small thing, it has a profound effect on her. The simple "wow" brings a wave of relief and joy, lifting her spirits and altering her mood. This shift illustrates another crucial point: small positive interactions, no matter how minor they might seem, can significantly uplift our mood and change our perspective.

So, what can we learn from her experience? First and foremost, it’s important to recognize the powerful role that small gestures—whether positive or negative—play in our emotional lives. We often place a great deal of significance on these interactions, investing them with meaning far beyond their apparent simplicity. This tendency can be both a source of comfort and a source of pain.

Secondly, Her story underscores the need for a balanced view of validation. While it’s natural to seek acknowledgment and approval from others, we must remember that our self-worth is not solely dependent on these external markers. The "wow" reaction, while gratifying, should not become the sole measure of our value. Instead, we should strive for a sense of self-acceptance that is independent of others’ opinions.

Finally, let this experience be a reminder that our emotional responses are valid but should be viewed through a lens of self-compassion and resilience. Small gestures can indeed impact us deeply, but they should be seen as part of a broader context of self-worth and personal growth. Embracing this perspective allows us to navigate the ups and downs of social interactions with greater emotional stability and insight.

The next time you find yourself anxiously awaiting a reaction on social media or feeling disheartened by a lack of validation, reflect on the lessons from her experience. Appreciate the small gestures for what they are—moments of connection and feedback—but don’t let them define your self-worth. Your value is inherent and should not be dictated solely by the ebb and flow of online interactions. By understanding the power of small gestures and maintaining a balanced perspective, you can cultivate a healthier and more resilient sense of self.

[mariyahysabelle]

The Unfinished Story: Reflections on Unspoken Affections

In the quiet solitude of the night, sleep came gently, carrying me into a world where memories blurred with dreams. There, in the hazy realm of my subconscious, I saw him again. We were back in the classroom, sitting at our old desks, where we had shared countless conversations and moments of laughter. That place, once a symbol of promise and hope, now felt smaller, weighed down by the echoes of our younger selves and the lingering words we never fully understood.

His eyes, filled with a mix of longing and melancholy, met mine. "I've been waiting for you," he said, his voice soft yet haunting, a reminder of something deeper—something left unsaid. The words cut through the silence that had grown between us over the years. My heart ached as I replied, "I've been waiting for you too." And in that moment, I realized that these feelings, these unspoken emotions, had followed me for longer than I wanted to admit.

We sat there, two souls unknowingly trapped in the same limbo, bound by a promise that was as unclear as it was unbreakable. The dream felt vivid, but the emotions it stirred were even more so. When I woke up, the weight of it all hit me like a tidal wave. How could something left unspoken hold so much power? How could a simple promise, one made so many years ago, shape the way I felt in the present?

I’ve always struggled to articulate what I felt toward him—the words never seemed to fit, or perhaps I was too afraid of what they might reveal. We had both believed that time would eventually bring us back to each other, that our bond would transcend any distance or silence. But now, as the years have slipped by, I find myself questioning whether that belief has held me back from living fully, from embracing new opportunities and new people.

The promise we made feels like a weight around my heart. I wonder, often, if we’ve outgrown it. If what was once so clear in our youth is now just a beautiful illusion. Despite the years, despite the silence, his presence lingers, a shadow in my thoughts. I’ve never been able to let go—not because I can’t, but because I haven’t allowed myself to face what’s truly hidden beneath my silence.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of pink and orange, I sat by the window, lost in thought. The memory of that dream played in my mind like an old, familiar song. How long had I been carrying these feelings without ever fully acknowledging them? How long had I allowed this silence to control me? I realized that what I needed wasn’t a reunion with him, but a conversation with myself. I needed to finally give voice to the feelings I had buried.

So, I began to write. Not a letter to him, but to myself. I wrote about the dreams, the memories, the unspoken emotions that had been quietly shaping my life. I admitted to myself the hope that still flickered inside me—that maybe, someday, our paths would cross again, that maybe the promise we made would still hold meaning. But I also confessed my desire to move on, to break free from the past and open my heart to the possibilities of the future.

These words, once locked away in silence, have given me clarity. While I may not have all the answers, I’ve come to understand the importance of acknowledging what lies beneath. It’s not always about finding closure with another person; sometimes, it’s about finding peace within yourself. The feelings I never articulated have shaped me in ways I never imagined. They’ve taught me about the strength of silence, but also the power of finally giving it a voice.

As I continue to move forward, I carry with me the understanding that some stories remain unfinished, not because they are incomplete, but because they belong to a different time, a different version of myself. And perhaps that is where they should remain.

Thank you for reading and being a part of this journey of self-discovery. If you’ve ever held onto something unspoken, I encourage you to explore what lies beneath your silence. You may find, as I have, that there’s more to the story than you ever realized.

[mariyahysabelle]

When Friendship Crosses the Line

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Friendship is the foundation of love,” but what happens when friendship unexpectedly crosses that delicate line into something deeper? This dilemma can creep in slowly and silently, catching us off guard as we begin to feel something more than just companionship for a close friend. It’s a situation that many of us face at one point or another, where the lines between friendship and romantic affection blur, leaving us confused, unsure, and often scared of what’s to come.

At first, everything seems simple. You meet someone, you become friends, you share stories, secrets, and experiences that bring you closer. It’s comfortable—safe, even. But over time, as you get to know this person better, you find yourself thinking about them more often, smiling at their quirks, and feeling a subtle pang of jealousy when their attention drifts elsewhere. These are the early signs that your emotions may be shifting beyond the boundaries of friendship.

This shift, however, isn’t always welcome. Many of us find ourselves in situations where expressing these newfound feelings could be risky—especially when the other person may not feel the same way. So, what do we do? Do we take the leap and confess? Or do we keep it to ourselves, silently nurturing these feelings while trying to maintain the friendship we’ve come to cherish?

This is where the dilemma lies. On the one hand, you risk losing the very friendship you value, which may be irrevocably changed by the admission of romantic feelings. On the other hand, keeping these emotions bottled up can be just as damaging, both to yourself and to the relationship. The longer these feelings remain hidden, the heavier they weigh on you. The simple, carefree bond you once had with this person starts to feel complicated. Suddenly, you’re second-guessing your actions, questioning their motives, and feeling an awkwardness that wasn’t there before.

Let’s dive into the heart of this struggle: What should you do when friendship and love overlap?

There’s no universal answer because every relationship is unique. But here are some things worth reflecting on:

Honesty with Yourself

Before you even consider talking to your friend, the first step is to be honest with yourself. Acknowledge what you're feeling—without shame or guilt. It’s normal to develop romantic feelings for someone you’re close to. But once you've recognized these emotions, it’s crucial to examine them. Are you looking for a romantic relationship, or are you just attached to the comfort this person brings into your life? Sometimes, the lines can blur because we are longing for connection, not necessarily romance.

The Risk of Speaking Up

If you decide to express your feelings, know that the relationship may change—there's no avoiding this. Some friendships can withstand the transition, and some even thrive in a romantic context. But others may fracture. Are you prepared for that possibility? Will you be able to accept the outcome, whether it’s positive or negative? If your friend doesn’t reciprocate your feelings, can you handle the potential awkwardness and, in the worst case, a drifting apart? The answer may depend on the depth of your friendship and how secure both of you are in communicating openly.

The Price of Silence

On the flip side, keeping your feelings hidden isn’t necessarily a foolproof solution. Bottling up emotions can lead to frustration, resentment, or even distance as you try to suppress your desires. You may start avoiding your friend out of fear that your feelings will slip out, or you may feel pangs of jealousy when they give attention to others. Over time, this can create a silent rift between you and your friend, even without any words exchanged.

Protecting the Friendship

Sometimes, the best decision is to let the friendship remain as it is. Not every feeling needs to be acted upon, especially when it could disrupt something valuable. In these situations, prioritizing the bond you share may be more important than pursuing your desires. This isn’t a sign of weakness or cowardice—it’s a mature recognition that some relationships are better left untouched by romantic intentions.

Being in this situation forces you to confront the complexities of human relationships. Love and friendship don’t always play by the rules we want, and feelings don’t come with guarantees. What seems like a perfect romantic setup from your perspective may be entirely different from your friend’s viewpoint. And even though it’s difficult, it’s vital to respect their feelings and boundaries, even if it means you have to let go of the possibility of romance.

Moving On, Without Losing Connection

What happens if your feelings are unreciprocated? It’s painful, yes, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. Instead of allowing rejection to define your relationship, it’s important to navigate the healing process. Give yourself time and space to let go of the romantic hope without distancing yourself from the friendship. This process can be tough, but over time, you can learn to reconnect with your friend on the basis of the strong bond you once had. It may not feel the same at first, but deep friendships have the ability to recover, provided there’s mutual respect and understanding.

Life doesn’t offer guarantees in love or friendship, but the choices we make in navigating these complex feelings can define who we are. Sometimes, it’s about taking a risk and being honest, knowing that what will be, will be. Other times, it’s about protecting the friendship, recognizing that some lines are better left uncrossed.

The key is balance—balancing your feelings with respect for your friend’s emotions, and knowing when to step forward or when to take a step back. Love doesn’t always have to be declared. Sometimes, the truest form of love is in quietly letting go, in choosing friendship over personal desires, and in finding contentment in the connection you already have.

In the end, it’s not about winning or losing in love. It’s about growing—learning to embrace your feelings, even if they go unspoken, and appreciating the beauty of the relationship, in whatever form it may take.

[mariyahysabelle]

Sometimes, the feelings we develop for a friend can be a secret burden, causing us to question whether to confess or remain silent to protect the relationship.

[mariyahysabelle]

When Friendship Turns to Love

Navigating the Pain of Unspoken Feelings and the Struggle to Preserve What We Have

In a quiet corner of the street I often walk down, I reflected on how you once thought we were nothing more than friends. Back then, I never imagined we would get to know each other so deeply. Until the day we learned each other's likes and dislikes, and I realized the true value of our friendship.

We built trust in each other. The simple "how are you" that turned into meaningful conversations, the times we shared joy and sorrow, the promises to support each other. Whenever I was cold, you gave me your jacket; when I was sick, you became a healer, striving to make me well.

But then, a time came when I couldn't hold it in anymore. There were days when I couldn’t hide what I felt. I don’t know how to tell you, but I can’t keep it from you any longer. I like you. I wish you knew that what I feel is more than just friendship.

I worry if it’s wrong to like you, especially if you might get upset or simply not care. Maybe you don’t even know or you’re just insensitive. I don’t want to tell you how I feel, fearing it might affect our friendship. Above all, I don’t want to ruin what we have because of these feelings.

I try to preserve our friendship even though it’s hard for me to pretend everything is okay. I thought about distancing myself, about not joining the group anymore, because I’m scared. Scared that I might fall for you any moment now.

I don’t know if it’s okay with you if I love you, or if, in reality, you can’t reciprocate. I know that all you can offer is friendship. But even so, you know that I’ve been happy during the times I was with you, being the reason for my smiles.

Now, I admit I like you, and because of this, I’m hurting. It hurts to think you’ve replaced me with someone else, that you no longer care for me, that I’m no longer the reason for your laughter.

I don’t want to seem bitter, so I try to be happy for you. I’m happy even though I’m hurting, happy even though you’re with someone else. I’ll try not to let it affect me, so now, things are somewhat okay between us.

I’m sorry if I can’t fight for my feelings for you. I’m scared that if I do, I’ll be the only one fighting. Now, I’ve learned to move on, even though it’s painful.

I hope you won’t use me as a fallback, because it’s hard to gamble if you already know you’ll lose in the end.

[mariyahysabelle]

Untold Affections: Revealing What Lies Beneath My Silence

Let’s talk about something we often overlook—those unspoken emotions that we carry for years, sometimes without even realizing it. You know what I mean. The thoughts, the feelings, the "what-ifs" that swirl in your mind but never find their way into words. Today, I want to challenge you to think about the weight these silent affections can carry and how they shape your life more than you think.

Let me share a personal story. In the stillness of the night, I was pulled into a dream—one that’s been recurring for as long as I can remember. There we were, back in the classroom, sitting at our old desks, surrounded by the remnants of a time when life felt simple, full of possibilities. But this wasn’t just any dream. It was a doorway into the past, a past that refused to let go.

He was there, waiting for me, just like he always was. And when our eyes met, there was a tension, a mix of longing and regret. "I've been waiting for you," he said, his voice soft, but carrying the weight of every unspoken word between us. And I responded the only way I knew how: "I've been waiting for you too." We were suspended in that moment, stuck in a cycle of waiting, of longing, of promises never fulfilled.

Here’s what I realized: that dream wasn't just a reflection of him. It was a mirror held up to my own silence, my own reluctance to face what I had left unsaid for so long. How often do we allow ourselves to be bound by a promise, by a hope, or by a feeling we’ve never dared to confront?

Think about it. How much of your life is shaped by the things you haven’t said? How many relationships, opportunities, and experiences have been held back because you were waiting for the "right time" to speak your truth?

For me, this unspoken bond had become a chain. It was a promise we made to each other, that somehow, someday, we’d find our way back. We believed it would transcend time, distance, and silence. But years passed, and life continued without us realizing it. Yet, the weight of that promise remained, tugging at me, even as I moved forward.

I’ve learned something crucial here: silence is powerful. But that power can work against you if you’re not careful. By refusing to acknowledge those emotions, by not putting them into words, we let them control us. I was letting a distant memory, a fading dream, hold me back from embracing new possibilities. And maybe, so are you.

Now, let’s talk about breaking that silence. It doesn’t have to be grand or dramatic. For me, it started with writing. I began to write—not to him, but to myself. I poured out everything I’d been holding inside. The dreams, the hopes, the lingering thoughts of "what could have been." And through that process, I realized something profound: those unspoken feelings were never about him. They were about me. They were about my fear of letting go, my fear of stepping into the unknown.

Here’s the truth: the feelings you don’t articulate have a way of lingering, growing, and shaping your decisions without you even noticing. You might think you’ve moved on, but until you face those emotions head-on, they’ll continue to influence your life in subtle ways. They’ll hold you back from fully embracing the new experiences and people in your life.

So, let me ask you: what are you holding onto? What are the unspoken emotions in your life that you haven’t had the courage to confront? And why are you letting them dictate your future?

It’s time to give those feelings a voice. Not necessarily to the person they’re tied to—but to yourself. It’s about acknowledging what’s been buried and understanding its role in your life. Only then can you truly move forward.

Now, don’t get me wrong. This isn’t about closure. It’s not always about finding some neat, packaged resolution. Sometimes, the things we leave unsaid don’t need a perfect ending—they just need to be acknowledged. They need to be understood for what they are: part of your story, but not the whole of it.

As I continue this journey, I want you to think about how much power you give to silence. How much of your emotional landscape is dictated by what you’re not saying? I’m learning that peace doesn’t come from holding onto promises made in the past. It comes from facing the truth within ourselves and allowing that truth to evolve as we do.

So here’s my challenge to you: Take a moment. Reflect on the affections you’ve left untold, the emotions you’ve never put into words. What’s holding you back? And what could happen if you finally let those feelings surface? You might just find that the key to your future lies in revealing what’s been hidden beneath your silence all along.

Until next time.

[mariyahysabelle]

Discovering Peace and Purpose Through Life's Pressures

It's been four months since I embarked on this journey in Luzon, and wow, what a ride it has been! From the exhilarating highs to the challenging lows, the pressures and pains to the moments of excitement and disappointment, this experience has been nothing short of a rollercoaster.

Lately, I've been grappling with the idea of resigning, feeling that it might be the only way to escape the mounting work pressure and personal frustrations. The daily grind has been relentless, each day bringing its own set of challenges that seem to build upon the last. The weight of every task and expectation has been pressing down on me, leaving me feeling overwhelmed and unsure.

One week in particular stands out in my memory. The stress from a major project seemed unending, and despite my best efforts, I felt like I was falling short. My patience was wearing thin, and the pressure began seeping into my personal life, creating a storm of anxiety and frustration.

During this tough time, I had a heartfelt conversation with a colleague who had faced similar struggles. Over the phone, we shared our experiences, and her own journey through these challenges added a layer of melancholy. She spoke of her own decision to resign and move on, even offering to bring me along. Her words served as a reminder that I was not alone in this struggle.

Simultaneously, a friend who was in constant touch with me reached out with comforting verses and words of encouragement. Knowing I was going through a rough patch, he sent messages of hope and strength. His support was like a gentle hand on my shoulder, offering comfort when I felt most vulnerable. While his kindness provided temporary relief, the underlying frustrations continued to resurface.

It was during a moment of deep reflection that I began to realize resigning might not be the answer. Instead, I needed to address the root of my frustrations. One evening, while chatting with my boarding mate during dinner, he offered impactful advice: “Don’t expect everything to be handed to you; be thankful for the opportunity and the experiences you gain. When it comes to work, just do your part and give your best.” His words made me pause and reflect on why I took this job in the first place.

These conversations helped me see that while the challenges were real, they also presented opportunities for growth. In the end, I understood that seeking resignation was a temporary fix, but learning to navigate and overcome these challenges was a more enduring solution. The journey was not just about finding an escape but about finding the strength to face and rise above the difficulties. With the support of those who truly understood and cared, I realized I had the resources within me to turn these trials into opportunities for growth and resilience.

Suddenly, like a lightning strike, I remembered the day I lay in bed, sick all day, praying to God and surrendering everything to the Almighty. It was December 31st, and I was fasting, asking God for a job. I had become so anxious, especially since I hadn’t found work after a month of unemployment. I recall how hard I cried that day, pouring out all my worries.

I also recall traveling with my friend to General Santos to take an exam. The memory is still vivid—the conviction of humility I felt while riding on the bus, like a whisper deep within my soul saying, "Humble." And another voice, so comforting and loving, whispered, "Wherever you go, I will always be there for you." That peaceful conviction filled me with happiness.

Then I remembered the conversation I had with a friend at Lantaw Marbel. He asked me if this was truly what I wanted, and I said, "Yes." And the last moment with my best friend at the 7/11 convenience store—it was so profound, a moment of truth and wholeness. That bond, the friendship, everything we shared, is something I will miss the most.

I also remembered the night when Kuya shared with me his thoughts. He didn’t fully agree with my choices and asked if I was truly happy. I replied, “Yes.” It was hard for me to leave that moment because I knew Kuya was saddened by the idea of us leaving, and deep down, I felt the same. But in the end, Kuya shared a message filled with wisdom, along with a lesson I learned from his wife—both of which I will always carry with me wherever I go.

Then, Ate Jen and her husband Kuya gave me something that truly moved my heart. I also treasure Ate Neneng, who always knew my story and wanted to know everything about me. I love her so much, and I know I’ll never find someone like her. She gave me something I still treasure, and to this day, we stay in touch.

As for my childhood best friend, we didn’t have a final conversation. I think he withdrew for a while because of things that weren’t meant to be said, but now, we’re okay.

Similarly, I remembered the blessings from loved ones before I left, the meaningful conversations with close friends, and the unwavering support from my family, especially my mother.

Deep within, I felt a calling to this path. While it’s natural to express frustrations, it's also a chance to reaffirm what’s right and true, standing firm despite the challenges. I recall a moment when I was in the car unwinding after a particularly rough day. The sun was setting, and the wind was blowing, and in that quiet space, I began to question everything. As I sat there, I recalled the word humbleness.

Despite the struggles, I've glimpsed the beauty and grace of Jesus throughout this journey. From the high cost of living to workplace hurdles, I’m continuously reminded of how blessed I am. I'm grateful for the people who supported me and for the encouragement to “be blessed and be a blessing.”

Pressure is inevitable, but overcoming these challenges here will equip me for future endeavors. Just as we learn to manage small problems, we must also handle larger ones with wisdom and grace.

My heart is full of love, joy, peace, and gratitude—a reflection of Jesus’ presence in my journey.

In this moment, I’m reminded of these powerful verses:  

Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”  

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  

1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”

Through all of this, I’ve seen that life’s challenges are not meant to break us but to shape us. Every trial, every frustration, and every moment of doubt serves a purpose. It’s in these moments that we grow stronger, more resilient, and more aligned with our true calling. The pressure we face today prepares us for the blessings and responsibilities of tomorrow.

When we trust in God’s plan, even when the path seems uncertain, we can find peace knowing that every step has meaning. We are never alone, and His grace is sufficient for every challenge we encounter. Let us embrace each moment, knowing that through the highs and lows, we are being refined and prepared for greater things.

Stay strong, keep the faith, and always remember: where there is struggle, there is also growth. Where there is hardship, there is also hope. And wherever you go, God will always be with you.