Dear Self
Written by Elizabeth Kaye Corpuz
One year has ended, and a new one has just started.
You might have a good year. It might be your worst, also. For me, I want to remember 2017 as a good year, despite all the stressful events. Indeed, the year has helped me grow, but not without drama; and I forgot to live for some time.
The subject of memory always fascinates me. Perhaps, humans are naturally forgetful. So, instead of a New Year’s resolution, which I’ll eventually forget in the long run, I made a list of reminders that hopefully will help me get through 2018 peacefully.
SLEEP
Some people may function with little to no sleep, but with someone like me, sleep is the most treasured thing. I could go on for days with little rest, but when those stressful events arise, sleepless days are a big “no.” I need to have good, quality sleep. Otherwise, my brain will be deprived, and I won’t function well. Sleep is such a wonderful mechanism of our body. Do not take it for granted. Someone without any sleep will turn into a monster. Sometimes, the only solution to a problem is sleep.
PRAYER
When life becomes tough, I tend to sideline this. No greater instrument can resolve an issue than to connect with God. You don’t have to be pious to do this; you only need an open heart.
PEACE OF MIND
I genuinely believe this is one of the most significant achievements one could attain. Not everyone can experience it. Peace is more than consistently feeling calm and tranquil. It is more than living a good, quiet life. Peace is the serenity amidst all the chaos, guarding your core against unwanted turmoil. This is entrusting all you have to God.
PATIENCE and UNDERSTANDING
I must admit I am not a patient person, but as I age, I learn to develop the wonderful tool called “patience.” This is quite an excellent instrument that helps you think through annoying situations. It comes along with understanding. We have differences, but we are still living under the same sky, so a little pinch of these two will avoid any possible damage.
HORMONES
When I am feeling weird, there’s a big chance that my hormones are toying with me. Certainly, women can relate to it during their menstrual period. Moodiness was a myth to me back when I was young, but when I finally experienced the change, I understood; and it was not a joke. One day, I had a big emotional outburst, and I felt as if I were riding a roller coaster. Then a week after that day, my red-letter day came. It’s not only hormones; when we are not feeling well, we tend to be irritable. It is good to pay attention to your body, to your health, as this may also affect your relationship towards others.
ANGER
Let the fumes exhaust. Do not build up the pressure and let it break you. Master the art of releasing anger in a healthy way. I have yet to master it. But, when I know I am reaching the breaking point, I try to circumvent the situation, if possible. Know the roots of that wrath, and try to rectify it. It is much better to live without a heavy load in your mind and heart. However, there are times that a sudden explosion is inevitable. Just be brave enough to face the aftermath.
RECOGNITION
One way or another, we want to be recognized, to be validated. Unsolicited recognition is a good boost to self-esteem. However, if you are doing something for the sake of being recognized, then it is only being done for the sake of pride. Do what you have to do because there is a great need for it. If you actively seek recognition, you’ll just be disappointed because you might not get it.
NEEDS
What you need at the moment will be available at the time when you need it. If your “wants” cannot be materialized, then maybe it is not yet the right time, or maybe the particular want is not good for you.
DREAMS
Despite your situation, hold on to your dreams. In life, you will probably find yourself returning to them again and again – sometimes on purpose, or sometimes by accidental circumstance. Dreams and goals are what keep us moving. Your goal could be as simple as eating ice cream or hugging your loved ones. It’s okay if it isn’t your dream to become a CEO. We have different wants, different ways to reach our goals. Just hold on to your dream. If you think that you will not be able to achieve it, then take a look at how hard you have tried to achieve it. Maybe, you’ll see that along the way you have become a better person. It’s about the climb.
ROUTINE
There are varying degrees of routine in our lives. Somehow, there is a negative connotation to having a routine – as if your life is dull if you have the same set of daily activities. This is one of the things that makes or breaks me. I need a routine. I want a routine. It’s the kind of routine that you set your mind to do and your body to adapt to. This is not simply a strict way of living by the numbers. When I am not working along my routine, I become disgruntled. Find your routine. Just find the things you want to do, and do not cram them into an overly tight schedule. Learn to compromise your routine.
RELATIONSHIP
Though you cannot fathom the dynamics surrounding every relationship in the world, believe that your connection to others lets you live. They may inspire you or infuriate you, but no matter what, those relationships are important to your being. You fight your battles, but you need strong support, which you will find in those relationships. In the end, humans are relational. However, learn to let go of the relationships that are toxic.
ENJOYMENT and APPRECIATION
When stress and anxiety take control of us, we tend to neglect these two simple things. How could we even be able to enjoy the moment if we are bombarded with due dates and whatnots? Even so, take time to appreciate your surroundings. This is the best time to take a break. When was the last time you looked at the sky and noticed how beautiful the sun shines? When was the last time you felt the wind rushing through you while the trees were swaying? Being too passionate is consuming. Relax and move a little at a time. Enjoy and experience each moment.
ENVY and JEALOUSY
The not-so-little green monsters I always have inside me. The green monsters we all have. They propel us either to hate ourselves or to hate others. They lurk inside, but I think we have to befriend them and turn them into inspiration.
TECHNOLOGY
The Internet is, quite possibly, one of the best inventions ever. Most people are glued to their phones nowadays. I consider it as an instant companion, and it is my tell-tale sign that I am incredibly stressed. It is my escape mechanism – rather than trying to analyze my issues. Be wary of becoming too attached to material things.
CHALLENGES
More often than not, challenges are frightening; but put in a different perspective, they are the opportunities that allow us to become better. It is only up to us whether we will use challenges as a means to grow or as a way to become jaded by this world.
IMAGINATION
I have tons of ideas. I like to imagine. I bet you also have ideas. Maybe, daydreaming is okay once in a while, but to live off of your imagination is not effective or healthy. We always want the best for ourselves and, yes, we always imagine we are in the best position. But do not make the figment of your imagination your reality. The more we imagine, the more we think that it is our reality, when in fact, it is the opposite. Learn to accept things as they are. Daydreaming feeds on unnecessary thoughts. It is fatal when you live in your fantasy rather than be courageous in facing your reality.
BREATH
Amidst all the turmoil, just breathe. Take in a lot of oxygen to calm your senses. Have you ever felt that you have no right to live? Just breathe, and you’ll realize that you do. No one is in charge of your breath, only you (unless you are intubated). Breathing is living, and your life depends on how you make it.
HUMOR
I agree with this common saying: “Do not take life too seriously.” Have a good laugh, and learn to see humor in every situation because life has its own unique way of presenting itself to you.
BALANCE
Try to achieve balance in everything. Leaning too much towards one side of something is dangerous. You might become too greedy or too self-centered.
So, these are the reminder’s I’ll be following for 2018, and I hope you’ll find them helpful too. Have a meaningful 2018. “Fighting!”
The Author
Elizabeth Kaye Corpuz says she likes Psyduck because she is always at a loss, just as he is. She is someone who is trying to witness the unfolding of the universe before it’s gone.