riyalfakeh

[riyalfakeh]

waning crescent of life

Like the moon, life comes in different phases. The waxing crescent marks a new beginning, and the waning crescent marks the start of an end. Late adulthood is a waning crescent, the start of an end, which everyone feels sad about. Take the sunset, for example. Isn't the sunset also the start of an end? But everyone doesn't feel sad about it because it's pretty! Like an orange sunset setting on the sparkling blue ocean, the second to the last phase of life is just like that. A beauty!

Speaking of, the beauty I will be talking about today is a young-at-heart lady named Evelyn. I don't know her exact age because she never tells anyone; all she says is she is an 18-year-old, which she has been for years now! Evelyn is in her early 70's; the wrinkles, age spots, and saggy skin don't stop her from feeling young and beautiful.

Even at the peak years of life, everyone's physical health changes, so how about in late adulthood? Evelyn's mobility over the years has slowed down, but not very slowly; it just isn't the same as before. Performing daily activities is not really a challenge for her; she can do things finely on her own, and she can even go out to galas, but of course, it is best to provide assistance to make things easier. She mostly just stays in her room with her husband to watch television and scroll on social media. There are also times when she walks around the house, switching from one room to another, and whenever there are guests, she goes down to entertain them, so walking is her main exercise. Her diet is also monitored, but of course, she still has that rebellious side of her; she loves sodas, but at least she doesn't drink them while it's cold. For her overall health, she frequently goes to check-ups whenever she doesn't feel well, and her healthcare is covered, so it's good.

For her cognitive health, she doesn't really have problems with it. She is not forgetful; she remembers everything, especially chismis! Her mental stimulation is not lacking because she's with her husband all the time, and dare I say, they argue sometimes, so that's somewhat good? In seriousness, having her husband with her is good for both of them because they have each other to talk to. As someone who rose from almost nothing to almost everything, her wisdom aged like fine wine. Her experiences in life, taking care of 7 children, all while being a police officer, contributed to the growth of her wisdom. With the world's technological advancements, she is also indulged in her tablet; she does her Facebook and shopping there, and it's actually a good cognitive stimulus; it keeps her mind occupied. Overall, her cognitive health is amazing, and she is still sharp as a thorn!

They say that as we grow older, we lose connections, but that's not the case here. She literally is friends with people she knew decades before! She still has friends coming over and calling for her! She is also not bad at building new relationships because she can easily make friends with other people. Her being a grandma serves as her main purpose in life; she finds joy in taking care of her grandchildren, even the ones transitioning to their 20s. As someone with many children and grandchildren, her emotional support is strong because whenever she has problems, she has someone to call out to, and I think that's what matters the most.

Despite the company, she dislikes being alone. She likes to call on her grandchildren to have them over; even with just doing nothing, she loves having the presence of others. Especially now that everyone is growing older, some are in college, and some are in high school, she develops a feeling of missing them. She loves it when her house is loud, so she loves it when everyone is gathered, so having this transition must have been hard for her. To cope, she has her dogs, and she loves taking care of them because she is fond of them. Also, despite her age, she loves to play dress-up! She enjoys looking and feeling pretty, and that is so cute! I aspire to be her someday!

Late adulthood isn't just about aging; it's also about enjoying. To love and to live; that's what life is about. The moon and sunsets are examples of how life is still very beautiful as it transitions into something new, and just like that, this post is the new moon, an end to the dev psych Tumblr series, a phase of my life I certainly have enjoyed doing.

[riyalfakeh]

aging like fine grit

I love women.

And when I say that, it goes far beyond appearances or the ideals society has painted for us. It’s about a woman’s energy, her mannerisms, her character—those qualities that shine through even in the darkest of times.

Just like Nanay Evelyn, a 63-year-old single mother of three fine men. She is the epitome of grace, strength, and resilience. When I first met her, I couldn’t believe her age. If I bet all my money, I’m sure no one could have guessed she’s 63. At first glance, she looked much younger than she actually is, still healthy like a teenager, and still chic as ever!

One of the reasons I love women is because of their stories—each one a testament to the strength and fascination of being a woman. When I interviewed Nanay Evelyn, she eagerly shared hers, never letting a dull moment pass during the hours we spent together. My heart broke when she told me she was cheated on by her ex-husband multiple times that ultimately led to a broken family. Left alone with her three sons, she took on the responsibility of raising them by herself.

Yet, despite everything, she rose above it all. Her strength didn’t waver. When I asked her about the physical changes she’s noticed over the years, she laughed and said, “Well, the wrinkles are there, and my knees aren’t as strong as they used to be, but I make sure to walk every morning and eat healthy. That keeps me feeling young.” Her glowing skin and energy spoke volumes about her commitment to self-care.

On cognitive milestones, she shared how her outlook on life has shifted. “I’ve learned to let go of the small things,” she told me. “At my age, I’ve realized that peace of mind is more valuable than anything else. I focus on what truly matters—my family, my health, and my faith.” Her wisdom felt like a warm reminder of life’s true priorities. And I couldn't help but to think of his ex-husband poor choices. Imagine letting a woman like Nanay Evelyn walk out of your life, poor choices man...

When we touched on socioemotional aspects, she beamed when talking about her greatest joys. “Seeing my sons grow into responsible men is my biggest achievement,” she said. But challenges still exist. “Sometimes, I feel lonely. My children have their own families now, and while I’m happy for them, the house can feel quiet.” Still, she cherishes the moments they come together and finds comfort in reconnecting with friends and neighbors.

As I reflect on Nanay Evelyn’s story, I am reminded of why I admire women so deeply. They rise, again and again, carrying themselves with grace and power. As the saying goes, “Here’s to strong women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” Women like Nanay Evelyn prove every day that resilience and independence are not just qualities—they are a way of life. And I am endlessly inspired.

[riyalfakeh]

ADUL(TEH)ING !?!

Everyone has always dreamed of being an adult, having the freedom to do whatever, having money, having fun, and just living in the moment. Maybe the portrayals of adulthood in countless films weren't an exaggeration; it was that hectic but fulfilling after all. It's like being reborn again, but this time, one isn't from a fetus to a newborn but from a fairytale to the real world.

Reality slaps, and it slaps hard; either one has to sulk and cry throughout life or stand strong and tall and face life with that slap mark on the face, and this blog's subject for today, Joy, has chosen the latter.

Joy, a woman in her 30s, says she pays good attention to her physique, practices getting enough sleep, and gets up and works out when life is hard. Now, that's what I call productivity! Of course, as time ages everyone, she also says that her physical capabilities have decreased compared to when she was a teenager. Although her energy level was higher when she was still an adolescent, she says she is more mindful now in taking care of herself, because quote, "Taking care of myself is something I owe to myself, and my children, not to other people". That is so giving very cutesy and very demure! I love that for her!

As for her cognitive development, she says her ability to think critically has steadily progressed, by being more of an empath, understanding people's emotions, and thinking before she acts, this mindset has contributed to her strength to overcome life's obstacles. She also says that she feels she is competent at handling different responsibilities all at once but she also still lacks confidence because she doesn't step out of her comfort zone. In terms of pleasure, she is not the kind of woman who will risk her future just for short-term fun, because she believes that long-term goals are more important than a glimpse of adrenaline. I love how she thinks! I could really learn a thing or two from her!

From the previous description, I think one would know what kind of a person she is! A sensible one! She says she values quality over quantity, so she's a little bit hesitant to make new acquaintances, she would rather spend time with her family and grow stronger in the face of annoyances. I love that so much for her! At this age, she described independence as living a carefree lifestyle away from toxic environments, being debt-free, and being stress-free. I mean, even at my age, I would too! As for her self-identity and sense of purpose at this stage of life, she says self-preservation is important due to her children who have significantly altered her sense of purpose in recent years. That is so sweet and loving! Individuality aside, she sounds like such a great mother!

One of the hardest challenges I think everyone can experience is to lose a loved one, and that is what she said when I asked her what was hers. Financial challenges are also very common at this stage because one is not only enjoying life but also making ends meet. Throughout the interview, I can tell she is the kind of person who has a lot of faith because she says she always has faith that everything will work out. All the negativity aside, she is also full of positivity! She described having great independence and self-reliance to be a wonderful aspect because she acts without fear of criticism and knows that it's ultimately her choice, and for all her accomplishments, she thanks God for it! Not only is she such a strong woman, but she also embodies faith and self-sufficiency, and I think that is such a power move!

[riyalfakeh]

young forever, forever young

They say that in life, we get two dates— the day we are born and the day we leave. And in between, lies a tiny dash— a dash where we shape who we’re going to be. For some, that tiny dash characterizes a whirlwind of self-discovery, where identities are built, passion ignites, and the future begins to take shape. There is beauty in becoming, indeed, as growing exposes us to the marbles of life…it gives us a glimpse of what’s waiting for us. But it also comes with a feeling of uncertainty— an awareness that time is moving forward, whether we’re ready or not. Sometimes, it feels like we want to stay young forever, to keep the simplicity, the wonder and the thrill of the moment. Adolescence has always been described as a transformative period, marked by rapid growth, self-discovery, and noteworthy developmental shifts. Often seen as a journey with a clear beginning, a peak in the middle, and an end. However, adolescence isn’t limited to those carefree moments we sometimes read about in books or see in movies. Because for Marielle, her adolescent journey was not like any other. While many teenagers rush into risky adventures and rebellious acts, Marielle found comfort in a different kind of early adolescence. She spent her early years volunteering in the community, joining school organizations, and creating structures where others might have embraced chaos. For her early and mid-adolescence, she has a structured life– like a robot, strictly balancing school and home. Her world revolved around academics and her strict parents, in short, her world was limited; she didn’t have many friends or much of a social life. Now at 18, Marielle feels like the fun and adventure she’s experiencing right now is all foreign. Sure, she had an active, fun adolescence, but she still questions whether it followed the usual pattern, particularly in early adolescence— marked by impulsive choices and daring experiences. 

She shared how surprising it is to make impulsive decisions and take risks— something she had never done before. Studying nursing and is currently in her second year now, she finally gained the true freedom she’s been fumbling for so long by studying far from home. Grasping the independence for the first time, Marielle found herself suddenly free to explore. She shared how it was the first time for her to travel to different places with her college friends, visiting new places and experiencing the joy of being on her own. Physically, she’s working towards a healthier lifestyle, much different than before. She’s putting an effort in maintaining a balanced diet and a fitness routine, though she admits that she struggles in keeping up with it. Mentally, the complexity of her studies feels like a challenge for her, keeping up with the schedule, and the burdens of pressure. Socially, she’s aiming for new friendships and experiencing what it’s like to connect with others on a deeper level than she could before. Though for her, as much as this sense of independence is deeply satisfying, it also brings the challenge of uncertainty��. The creeping feeling of adulthood and its responsibilities, a reality she sometimes worries for. She’s torn between missing the simplicity of her strict home life and loving the thrill of being free. As she emphasized, growing up is not linear–it’s messy, full of surprises, and it doesn’t always look like a smooth transition. Adolescence for her is not always sweet; it’s sometimes scary. Yet in these moments of risks and uncertainty, she understands that this stage serves as a bridge for childhood and adulthood.  A bridge to make us realize that maybe we’re not meant to stay young forever. Instead, we were meant to find the beauty in the changes that come along with growing up— the freedom, the fear, and the surprises along the way…. Marielle is discovering that growing up doesn’t always mean giving up youth. Maybe it's about holding on to those fleeting moments of “forever young,” while still moving forward to the next chapter— adulthood.

[riyalfakeh]

MIDDLE-ING ALONG

Just like the song, this stage slips through our fingers all the time. Imagine going from 2+2 to 111x111. What a shocker that is! From being covered in dirt because of playing nonstop every day to having to wake up at 7 a.m. to go to school but still having a kiddie snack, if we're talking about the best transitions, I think this one takes the cake.

Speaking of cake, isn't that the best part about birthdays? But also is growing up? This cute, maybe not-so-little boy anymore, named Francis, had so much to say about growing up.

His favorite activity is running, he just really loves to run, maybe because he said he's faster and better at it now. He also said he's much stronger now, his example for this is now he can carry cats which he couldn't do before when he was much smaller, how cute! He is also very interactive; he plays a lot with friends, and most of the time he unknowingly takes charge. He is more independent now and can do most basic activities on his own compared to before when he still needed assistance to even take a bath.

Unlike before, when he was still a 6-year-old, he needed more assistance when it came to schoolwork, but now that he's a 9-year-old, he is so much better at it! He is even one of the smartest in his class! Before, he could play all day long, but now he only plays after school. He also said he loves science, not even exaggerating the word love because even with no subject-related questions, he keeps mentioning his favorite is science. He is very interested in the subject and his mind is full of fun facts! I wish I was still like that, all I think about now is sleep. Of course, just like us, school work also piles up, and during this part of the interview he had so many complaints about some subjects being difficult but most weren't about school but about his classmates, he said they "stress" him out, it's so funny to hear that word from a 9-year-old.

As I have mentioned, he is very interactive, so it would be obvious that he has a lot of friends, but he also doesn't? Does that even make sense? He said that sometimes his friends make him angry but also he enjoys playing with them, so I don't know about that! He said he gets angry a lot, especially with his annoying classmates, but he also usually tries to calm himself down, he said he takes deep breaths. I wish I had that same self-control. His emotions usually affect his social life; he said he often feels "luoy" to other kids who are alone, so maybe that's why he has a lot of friends.

It's amazing how all of us were like this before, and it's also so funny because this stage is the icing on top of how we will grow up as adults. This interview is so nostalgic, I can still remember what I was like when I was his age, juggling being a kid into emerging adolescence; being sleepy but still wanting to play, clothes not fitting anymore, and being naive but also slowly being not. Maybe that's why they call it middle and late childhood; it's in the middle of everything, but it's also too late to be considered a kid and also very too late to wish to be one again.

[riyalfakeh]

curious mind, busy thumbs

Do you ever also find it fascinating how something so fragile and small will turn into something so vibrant and full of life? Like how nature with seeds turning into lush trees or caterpillars becoming butterflies. Children too go through this! Just like Krismark, a 5-year-old boy I recently met through interviewing his mother, Kristine. At such a young age, this little boy already has a curious mind. He's at the stage where his mind is bursting with questions and wonders. Very much curious for her mother to get tired answering all his 'why' questions. Why do birds fly? Why is the color blue, blue? Can we live on the moon? You name it, and Krismark has already asked it! It's like being in the same home with a tiny philosopher who's determined to know all the wonders and miseries of the universe!

Now, here's where it gets kinda interestingᅳ Krismark loves his screen time so much. While other kids are outside running and having fun, you'll find him instead glued to his phone, probably battling some robots or watching videos on youtube. His mother noted that at his age, he gets tired easily when going out. Worried about how Krismark has a very low energy unlike before in his third to fourth year. He sure does like running and playing tag, but he'd choose his cellphone at any day. One thing that truly excites him--Roblox! If only I'd get a peso every time he talks about Roblox? I would probably be a millionaire in an instant. He yaps about it so much that even his mother jokes that it's his second language at this point! Despite his obsession with cellphone, Krismark is a one-little-genius preschool kid. He has a knack for school! Often bringing home perfect scores or only making a couple of mistakes on his tests. Isn't it impressive for someone so young?! But you can see him counting down the minutes of studying until he can dive back into his gadget adventures. He has a clear routine- study first, and then earn your screen time as a reward. It's like a little system of “work hard, play harder.” But it makes me wonder, when did we trade crayons for calculators? And another thing, Krismark has a lot going for him other than his love for gadgets. He's emotionally intelligent for his age, his mother brags that he knows how to handle his emotions well. Unlike other kids, he doesn't throw tantrums in public when things do not go his way. Isn't it impressive?! Krismark also knows very well how to interact with other people, note that he isn't picky when it comes to having friends- may it be boys or girls. He also rarely asks for material things- he's content with what he has (of course, as long as he always gets to play his favorite game).

In many ways, Krismark represents what a modern child is. Curious, smart, and juggling through the world of technology. As children like Krismark evolve, we should keep in our minds that their journey is just as transformative as a caterpillar turning it into a butterfly. Here's to the little ones- whether they're outside chasing butterflies or inside busying themselves on phones, they're finding their way, one 'why' and 'what' questions at a time.

[riyalfakeh]

be still, my heart

The little angels that roam around the earth aren't even the cherubs with wings, the little angels are the tiny humans that can brighten up the whole room with just a smile, and you were a little angel too.

The little angel I will be talking about today is a cute baby boy named John Matthew. A plump and chubby sweetheart who had weighed 3.6kg but now is 7.7kg for his almost 6th month of existence in this world, a world as beautiful as that baby! John is a formula-based baby and at just 5 months old he started his interest in vegetables, now his feedings include blended vegetables! How amazing is that?? A baby loving vegetables?? Grown-ups can't even eat some for the sake of their lives! The 21-year-old mother described John as an "unproblematic" baby, with the baby being someone who loves sleep, I mean who doesn't? and guess what? John has his circadian rhythm set already! The mother had trained John to know the difference between night and day, so John is awake in the morning and asleep at night with a continuous sleep pattern like that's so incredible for an almost 6th-month-old! John is a smiley giggly baby, but of course, as a baby, John is also chaotic, he loves to be in action at all times, meaning he moves a lot, and that's great for a baby's development. Still, as a baby, John is active with his grasping reflexes, plays a lot, and is very interactive with his environment, and from this, for sure, he will grow up as an adventurous, curious little boy! John can also recognize faces and voices, especially his parents, and as curious as he is, John approaches people. Imagine being recognized and having your day lit up by an adorable baby boy! Of course, as a baby, John cries a lot, he may be labeled as unproblematic because he sleeps a lot, but he also cries a lot according to his mother. John also loves to wander or stroll around, his mother said that he is extra smiley when they're out.

As for the parents, they were ready, that's why John was "unproblematic" because they already knew how to handle and take care of a baby despite John being their very first. Questions about John were asked, like challenges they experienced while taking care of him and all they said was that he wasn't that much trouble, I guess they just were really prepared and that's great for both the parents and the baby. John is so going to grow up full of love, certainly! Both parents help each other in taking care of the baby, but of course, as a mother, she's more attached, she loves her baby so much she can't be away from him for too long, and while interviewing the parents I can see that they really do love John so much, and as for the baby, he was really all that his parents mentioned.

As for me, I've always believed that, after the brain, the heart is what a person most needs, but this activity has shown me how, for a parent, their baby takes on new roles as the heart, the center, the life, the hope, and the light. A parent's baby is their everything and everything that happens to the baby also has an impact on the parents, so, "be still, my heart", not only because the baby is the heart and he needs to stay still, but also because whatever happens to the heart has a significant impact on the entire body as well.

[riyalfakeh]

MOMMY SHARK OH DUE DUE DUE

Picture this out, you’re a teenager, juggling school, friends, social media dramas, and now… pregnancy cravings! Yes, you read that right. Meet Jene, a 17-year-old who used to be figuring out how to answer some of her school works to her journey towards motherhood. What an incredible transition!

I’ve seen her in person and I couldn't grasp the thought of how such a tiny young body of hers managed to grow a little human inside! Do you also think that it's amazing? Because I do! Jene is now in her third trimester and is planning to name their baby after her partner. Imagine having to name each one of your Barbies and now naming your baby, oh how time flies so fast!

Jene’s story is one of resilience, love, and learning on the go. When I interviewed Jene through video call, she was just so into it. Answering some questions, sharing her experiences, and… warned me not to do it yet. Just kidding! Jene shared how her early days were mixed with the roller coaster of emotions: from the tender glow of hesitancy to the wonder and anticipation. During her first trimester, her days are a whirlwind of activities. She starts her day with a morning walk, goes back home to prepare for school, and in between classes, Jene attends her prenatal appointments. However, as she reached her seventh month, she decided to take a break from school to focus on her health and prepare for her little boy’s arrival. She was also saying how much she misses dancing on TikTok trends, moving around freely because it was just so hard for her to do it now. She feels tired easily and just wanna nap all day. Jene also shared how much of her partner has been so patient to her since her attitude just turned upside down.

It was hard for her to adjust at first but with the help of her loving partner, parents, and friends—she was able to stay healthy and manage stress. She also shared about her pregnancy cravings, which was no joke! Imagine finding unripe mangoes in the middle of the night? Oh, just kill me! But nonetheless, I know how much she embraces this new role of hers. Throughout our video call, she was just all smiles and ears talking. Sharing how much she gets emotional feeling her baby kick. And as her due date approaches, Jene and her partner have been preparing for the arrival of their little one. She was very mindful of her nutrition, ensuring she gets plenty of fruits, vegetables, and prenatal vitamins. Her journey may be filled with highs and lows but I know it’s going to be worth it for her. Through it all, she’s learned the importance of staying positive and seeking support when needed.