Alone in a Crowd (July 23, 2008)

I recently went on a trip with members of my family. Aside from bonding again, the trip was eventually a way to de-stress and a day off from worrying and working. As we all arrived enthusiastically armed with food and bags, we settled and started to have some rest.

What struck me was the period of loneliness even if I was with a crowd. I found it eerie and worrisome as I always end up being on one side of the pool or being alone in almost all situations. The scenario reminded me of my school days where I was always alone. I became a loner and an introvert all through these times.

I was in the company of people I had known for years since most of them were my family members. It was such a saddening experience that I had to be emotionally and physically away from the fun and companionship they were having throughout the day. I was alone in a crowd.

Everyday is a Learning Day (July 20, 2008)

I am always encouraged by inspirational thoughts and stories and it moves me to do better with my everyday dealings. One tip I read from a friend's e-mail states that, "Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime."

True that we are always beset with problems but some are of little relevance that we have a tendency to make them big. Some are petty and easily solved. While there are that concerns our lifetime as it is recurring and sometimes, irrevocable. Indeed, problems are around but we can always do something about them.

I was always shy when I was in middle and high school though I had been voted for many positions in school. It also happened when I was in the university until I started teaching. I thought I will be shy and lacking in self-confidence for the rest of my life but I made a plan to let go of myself from this bondage. I looked for a solution.

So when life is difficult and troublesome, solutions are there. God will not allow us to carry the weight of the world if we cannot deal with it. Problems come, they stay, but they also go.

Babushka's Doll (July 15, 2008)

Babushka’s Doll vividly shows in a literary way a reflection of one’s own personality. It was like a mirror image activity in drama class. The doll becomes the reflection of the little girl’s rude attitude towards her grand mum.

We have annoying traits that we think are cute or permissible. We will only realize them when someone will point them to us. It is in other people’s eyes that we see ourselves. They serve as our mirrors. Some may even imitate our idiosyncrasies and later on we get annoyed with it.

It is better to see our faults or wrong doings by waking up our senses and being mindful. It might not be very accepting for us to see and admit our faults through others’ eyes.