Wednesday, July 8, 2015

ACCEPTANCE and HEALING

     With ACCEPTANCE, comes HEALING.
     In any problems that we are facing in our lives, we always seek for solution. Sometimes, we take a detour in "bargaining" false hopes. Much worst, when we take a break and get stocked with "denial". May it be a family or domestic problem, a breakup in love, a relationship falling apart, a terminal illness or health threat, a financial crisis, and even a problem within yourself. All these troubles that we are going through should be dealt and be analyzed carefully by you initially... for you to come up with a good solution. Divine help through prayers to provide you fair wisdom in dealing with such downfall and moral support from your family and friends or from someone you really trust is a big help in guiding you which direction to take under confusing moments and stressful situations. Hopelessness, despair, and sadness... are normal feelings that may visit us in our darkest hours. But, NEVER make yourself and your mind dwell too much on it. RUN AWAY from it as fast as you can for this may lead you to depression and lure you into committing suicide afterwards. Keep calm for a while and think as you go to the nearest possible solution for your shortcomings. The way to do it is to recognize your problems and never turn it into a monster that will creep you under your bed when you go to sleep. Most of all, resort to "acceptance" as much as possible. Unload your life's burden by accepting it wholeheartedly and turning that acceptance as your permanent solution. Then... "healing" to oneself will surely follow. 
     Smile! Just hold still and be strong. All things shall pass... even problems too :)  

Photo by: Sukito San

Saturday, June 27, 2015

PRIDE and EQUALITY

     PRIDE focuses to oneself while EQUALITY concerns to all.
     June 26, 2015 is the date when the U. S. Supreme Court declared the legality of "same-sex marriage" nationwide. LGBT community and its supporters celebrate as they have waved their hands with rainbow flags. Gay rights advocates have also turned their profile pictures on some social networking sites into colorful rainbow-layered backgrounds. Afterwards, #PrideAndEquality became the trending talked about hashtag among search engines on the net.
     I have nothing against gender equality and it's good to be proud of who you are because it's a clear sign of good self-esteem. No offense meant to anyone... but, "same sex marriage" for me is not an option to show how you love the person. I am pro marriage... but I'm also pro in the sanctity of marriage itself. Well, humans have free will on what he or she wanted to do with his/her life. I have some friends who are lesbians and gays and have lasting relationships with their partners because there's loyalty and commitment without any papers involve. I have nothing against them because as for me... the goodness of one person doesn't depend on the sexuality. But on how he or she deals with the people around him or her. Aside from the fact that they are fun to hang-out with. Anyway, marriage is the legality  of a relationship for most people and it holds a legal right under such human law. Yet, this piece of paper doesn't give an assurance to any same-sex couple the genuine acceptance of the society and some people around them who oppose on the said right. Implementing this law maybe the first step of legally considering same-sex relationship to be recognized out in the open. But "consideration" is different from "acceptance". We are still living in a society where not all are open-minded and most are judgmental of others, not only in sexuality, but also when it comes to race, religion, and social status. True "equality" really has a long way to go in all walks of life. The standard of what is right and what is wrong  is dictated by the social norms, the society, and the majority... and the little voices left  which includes the LGBT community among the few will have a hard time imposing their pride because of the absence of equality.
     Love is for all... and unfortunately, "equality" nowadays still has a price in some point or the other such as discrimination and bullying. And, I still don't know what to conclude on this issue in this ever changing world. Let's see what happens next...

Photo Art by: Sukito San 

Sunday, May 10, 2015

MOTHER and CHILD

     A "MOTHER'S LOVE" is the exact definition of what unconditional and eternal love really means!
     If there is one person that I love the most... it's my mom. I always love it when my mother and I used to have coffee every morning and I will be the one to make her caffeinated drink. We talk anything under the sun on what we have gone through the other day. It makes me feel good when I crack a joke and I can make her laugh or make that glimpse of smile appear on her face. Simple talks and moments that gives bliss in my heart as it radiates to the ambiance of the whole room. A good conversation with my mom with her cuddles and kisses takes me to a perfect state of happiness. She implanted on me and with my siblings how to be a good parent to our future children someday by means of her actions and not by words alone. Setting up on us as a good example with the guidance of our father as well. I am happy and blessed that I have my "Nanay" with me... and she alone is enough as an inspiration for me to strive more and do good in life.
     Being a certified "Mama's Boy" doesn't make you less as a man and shouldn't be shameful at all because I'm proud to be one.
     HAPPY MOTHER's DAY Nanay :)

Photo by: Sukito San

Friday, April 3, 2015

FAITH and RELIGION

     Faith is the real essence of any religion... as religion is the foundation of one's faith.
     I am a devout Catholic and that is my religion. But my "faith" in HIM is above my religion and more than its boundaries because it is a deep personal relationship. Religion on the other hand is the catalyst that introduces man to his faith. But, "faith" for me is more than just a word and deeper to define that only my heart can read and not by my eyes and words alone. It's the trials, hardships, and gratitude in life that purifies one person to light up the spark on his faith in any religion where he belongs. Religion divides us as spiritual life seekers. But all of us has one common faith within us that only differs with its sincerity and clarity depending on the manner of how we hone it ourselves and allow it to change our lives on the good side. Not for ourselves alone but being good to others as well. Some people wanted to look for an explanation and be scientifically-oriented on this matter... and I can't blame them, for we are all entitled of free will for our own life choices. Most of all, FAITH is NOT FORCED... it is felt wholeheartedly without waiting something in return. With no offense meant to anyone, atheist, or any religion... as I respect religion in all forms.
     In my humble opinion, religion is the practice of one's faith. But, faith is the life... not of the religion but of the one who bears it. 
     Be blessed everyone!

Photo by: Sukito San

Sunday, March 8, 2015

COLORS and HAPPINESS

     Life is colorful if we keep on being happy!
     My family used to hang out in my sister's backyard with this boring wall behind. Well, since I've been doing wall murals... I simply painted it with striped colors which is appetizing to the eyes as you can see in the picture. Knowing that my family always bring food and simple snacks while hanging out on this place. Kids in our family as well as the adults loved it and it changed the ambiance of the place from a boring one into a happy yard with a yummy-looking wall behind it. Actually, we already named it as the "Ice Cream Wall". It only proves that colors can really take an effect on one's mindset and feelings when the eyes starts to look on such hues and brightness. I think, our brain and heart is visual in nature. And a happy mind always gives birth to positive views which makes us an optimistic person.
     Bring more colors into your life... because a happy life is a healthy life. Good vibes everyone :)

Photo by: Sukito San

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

CONFIDENCE and SELF-ESTEEM

     Always think that you are worthful... and never give an inch to anyone who will pull you down.
     I've always been the thin and skinny boy in school. So, when I'm capable enough to make myself look better, I grab the chance of doing so. You have to make a way if you really want to attain something. Since, I can't afford to go to gym that time. I used to borrow barbells to anyone I know who already has it. I started doing sit ups and push ups regularly. And it paid off after a year and a half of doing it religiously. "No pain, no gain", as the saying goes. My self confidence and self-esteem starts to improve and boost up because I like what I see when I look in the mirror. It's like the new and better version of myself. And if you feel good about yourself, positive auras and good vibes tends to radiate out of you and people around you will surely notice that. It's not bad to look good that you wanted yourself to become as long as you don't overdo and exaggerate things. Also, it feels good to inspire someone to make themselves better as well because you're a living proof to it.
     All of us are beautiful in our own unique way. Love what you have and enhance what you got.

Photo by: Sukito San

Monday, January 19, 2015

MERCY and COMPASSION

     MERCY is divine when freely given with a heart full of COMPASSION.
     When Pope Francis came here in the Philippines for his PAPAL VISIT within the period of January 15-19, 2015... our family and I made it a point to see the Pope and go to hear his mass at the Quirino Grandstand. His visit has a theme of "Mercy and Compassion", for the Pope wanted to visit and show his compassion towards the victim of the last typhoon and earthquake that took many lives and left grieving families empty-handed in Visayas, Philippines. 
     It turned out to be rainy that day due to a typhoon. But still, people were eager enough to see the Pope personally despite of the bad weather condition. As we head to the mass before sunrise in Rizal Park, popularly known as Luneta, a mother with his two young boys approached and begged us if they can come with us as we commute  and do the long walk in going to the said mass for the reason that she and her kids don't know how to get there. And so my mom, my siblings and I agreed for them to come with us. The closer we get to our destination, the more the crowd gets bigger. Roads are getting congested and overcrowded. Our family is firm in heading  in the front area of the grandstand because we really wanted to see Pope Francis in personal for this is once in a lifetime chance and might never happen again or might took years and decades before this moment repeats itself. But, the mother that joined us ask if we can just stay in the place where we are currently standing because her children can't go on anymore due to tiredness, hunger, and coldness as the rain continues... and we only have our plastic raincoats as protection against it.
     Aside from the fact that they were also carrying big bags and a Sto. Niño image as well. Our family and I stayed because we should prioritize the safety of the children that's with us... although we really wanted to be in front and see the Pope in person. Still, safety should come first especially for the kids.The  most awaited moment came as Pope Francis waved his hands among the crowd... and we failed to see him personally because of the overwhelming crowd.
     We felt frustrated of not seeing the Pope in person. Yet, we felt blessed because we have lived his message which is "Mercy and Compassion", by showing it to the mother and children who got along with us.

Photos by: Sukito San  

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

SHADOWS and SKELETONS

     Shadows of the past will always haunt us back as long as we keep skeletons in our closet...
     Unresolved issues in our lives that has been buried long before as we try to forget it will be forever etched deep within us not unless we free ourselves from it. It will always be a shadow that will follow us as we go on in life. Forgetting it is a temporary solution or more as an escape than solving life's negative issues which we cannot avoid for it is a part our existence. Facing it... accepting it... and dealing it with right judgment, fair wisdom, and forgiving heart will free us from being a prisoner of our dark past.
     I realize that those shadows and skeletons in our lives are there on purpose... and that is to benefit from it as a lesson not to fall from it again and appreciate more of what freedom from our own crosses truly means. 


Photo by: Sukito San

Monday, August 25, 2014

MOMENTS and MEMORIES

     Life is a collection of moments as time turns it into memories.
     It's hard for us to remember the exact dates of our life events... because it's the moment that we truly remember.  Moments are compiled by the heart while the brain filters it and then archive it as memories. 
Shared moments with a loved one... will always be remembered by the heart even the mind begins to forget as it gets old with time. On this sense, moments taught me to treasure them as I enjoy their company... while imprinted memories in my head made me value it even more. It made me realize to never be ashamed or be afraid of showing how I love my family and friends while they're still here with me. Happy and unexpected moments are the ones that can wow us in the future when we suddenly think about it while leaving a slight glowing smile on our faces.
     Create priceless moments because they are the ones that give everlasting memories :)

Photo by: Sukito San

Thursday, July 31, 2014

FATHER and SON

    You'll know that you're a good father... if your son looks up to you as his first and original hero.
     One of my unforgettable moment with my father is when we both lend a helping hand in making a coffee table out of old and scrap wood. We don't really get along with each other that much before but a bonding that took place over this coffee table bridge the gap somehow as we enjoy each others company in one activity. It's like we finally meet at one point without any walls that divides us. 
      Any son can be a father soon... and any father were once a son. So, he will surely understand what his young man feels and have been going through. Likewise, the son will soon realize his father's actions because he too, will fill up that shoes one day when the time is right.    
     By the way, the coffee table on the picture is what my father and I have completely done... and I'm proud of it!

Photo by: Sukito San

Monday, June 30, 2014

RAIN and RESURRECTION

     Rain taught me HOPE in every DOWNFALL. It's like heaven's tears that falls on the ground, then the Earth absorbs it... and gives life to all the living things above it.   
     I love bathing under the pouring rain... most especially when I was a kid. In fact, I still kinda do it sometimes until now that I'm no longer in my childhood years. I think, rain gives us different feelings and emotions depending on the mood, experiences and memories that we've had with it. It might be a shallow topic to talk about. But, it brings back a lot of memories in me. Some are bad... yet most of them are good. Actually, one's childhood is never complete without the experience of playing under the rain. It just makes me feel carefree for a while and unload life's burden. It's like you are being resurrected from dry spell's sweat and dust. 
     Rain cleanse my mind and adds up a pinch of sensuality and freedom as it drops on my skin. As for me, it's God's love and gratitude towards mankind... simple yet the best :)
   

Photo by: Jonelyn Santiago

Sunday, January 5, 2014

DESTINY and DECISION

     We are the maker of our own path... and it's that one big decision of a lifetime which can change our lives forever.
     We normally ask for a sign when we are facing a moment of making big decisions. Some relies their future with what the stars hold for them. But actually, we are the ones who has the final say of what we wanted to do with our lives. We decide on something because we want change and we want to make our dreams happen. We decide because we want things to go on our way... which simply means that we are the one who has the power to shape of what our destiny holds for us. It's what we do today that will dictate of what lies ahead for tomorrow. It's never wrong to ask for Divine providence to provide us wisdom in any decision we make because it encourages us more to pursue for we have something to believe and to hold on to.
     Actually, deep within... we know what we want. We're just busy making alibis because we doubt and not fully trusting ourselves...

Photo by: Sukito San

Sunday, April 28, 2013

RISKING and TRYING

     You'll never know unless you try...
     Life is a learning process and sometimes you have to take a risk for you to have the answers on what you've been looking for. Others are playing safe because of lack of courage to find out on what lies beyond. But who knows!... unless you give it a shot. It maybe a wrong choice when you get there but at least you've learned. You may succeed as well and reap the fruit of your brave act of risking and trying. After all, trying is never ending if we are eager to accomplish something. It's fine to be contented and be happy for what's enough for us. But greener pastures are not for free. Yet, it needs a little encouragement from ourselves to fuel our inner drive in life. "Victory comes to those who patiently wait", as they say, but it will be sweeter if you work hard for it.
     I remember what my mother always tell me that there's NO HARM IN TRYING. We just have to keep on going :)


Photo by: Sukito San

Monday, March 18, 2013

REST and REJUVENATE


     A good rest that keeps you rejuvenated is priceless.
     It's good to be busy and productive all the time. But, a good sleep and rest  at the end of the day is the best gift you can give yourself. If stress is already getting in your nerves and you start to lose your focus and concentration in anything you do, it only signifies one thing... just stop, keep calm and rest for a while. Your mind and body is your own engine, and if overused... might cause malfunction and will get something in return which isn't good when you reach your old age.
     So, aside from a healthy lifestyle... reward yourself with rest and be recharged for the next day:)

Photo by: Sukito San

Sunday, February 24, 2013

BLOOD and FAMILY

     A true family always look out on each other and willing to give a hand to the one with a broken arm...
   Our personality, beliefs and upbringing is shaped first at home and with the family we are living with. I feel thankful and lucky that I grew up with a complete family... not so rich but happy and always ready to back you up in tough situations... in good times and in down times. We were taught by our parents to lift up each other and lend a helping hand to anyone in the family who need it the most in desperate times. A fight or quarrel sometimes is normal in a relationship but true blood always prevails in difficult moments. Others find their families in another home, in friends, in people who's always there beside them during their darkest hours... and I can't blame them. Maybe, family isn't really all about blood relations after all. I believe that family is about deep relationship between people who never pull each other down but with genuine intention of affection and care. Someone who will provide comfort when there is distress. Someone who will celebrate with you on your triumph and even on your simple accomplishments.
     Other people will come and go in our lives... but, our FAMILY will always be there by our side... no matter what.

Photo by: Sukito San

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

HOBBY and THERAPY


     Do what you love doing most and it will lead you to the right path!
     There were times when I'm down and tired from work and school and just wanted to divert myself and my mind away from the busy world. Doing my hobby which reminds me how to be focus on one thing while being productive and creative at the same time is my own dose of therapy against stress. In my case, I'll always end up with my first love... and that's drawing. Currently, I don't only sketch or draw on paper. But on a much bigger canvas and that's our "wall". Anyway, whatever you're hobby and passion is... just go for it. You'll never go wrong for it will always be worth of spending time with.
     By the way, the picture on this post with the bamboo wall mural is a sample of my humble masterpiece :)

Photo by: Sukito San

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

ON FINDING LOVE written by: Sukito


"Love will find its way even to the loneliest person on the planet, all you have to do is to open up your heart where love can perform its magic."
Every time I pass in front of this house just around the neighborhood, I always see this two old couple, around 80 years old or above, sitting beside each other on their house balcony while talking as they were looking from beyond. Well, it seems to me, though I can't hear what they're talking about, that they're still building their dreams together with their sweet touches on each others hand. Reminds me of this one song, "Growing Old With You", from the movie, "The Wedding Singer".
Actually, I'm not going to talk about love story and romantic moments here. I just have figured out how lucky are those who found their lifetime partners whose going to be with them for the rest of their lives here on Earth. Questions started to bother my mind then. How about those who have remained single despite their old age. Eventhough I believe that being single is a matter of choice, I still ponder if it doesn't bother them that no one's gonna take care of them when they got old. What if someone or anyone who reads this right now will never find his or her soulmate? It's just a sad thought for me that anyone can die in bed alone with no one else on his or her side.
Love will always be in the air especially every Valentines day. And this day will remind the heart broken and the lonesome that they need someone beside them. Or maybe they'll try to convince themselves that it's alright to be single. But still, it's quite an undeniable fact that there's something missing that needs to be filled up by someone or by love itself.
Anyway, everything we do in life is our own choice and what we decide is what we become. If we wanted to be with someone else or somebody... it is with our free will and eager effort to make it happen. Finding love sometimes is hard, but acceptance and patience will make it light.
This are just my thoughts and reflections about the complicated world of love, searching for it, having it and letting go of it, with the pain and sweetness it brings. This is real life and we are not living in fairy tales. But who knows?

Sunday, January 8, 2012

A SCRIPTED LIFE? written by: Sukito


"Wherever LIFE will take you, LEARN from it!"
A pregnant woman gave birth to a child after nine months. A child grows. Baptismal, first birthday, second birthday, third birthday, and so on... as time passed by. The child goes to school, nursery, primary, up to secondary years. Making friends along the way. Attraction grows and first crush gets in the way. Falling in love. Then relationship follows... breaking up, ending it, moving on, and making a new one that you can call your special someone, or fighting for that person who made you feel how first love blooms. Going to college. Pursuing to finish your studies while getting a degree. Some gets another degree if they're wealthy enough or just love learning over and over again because it adds up to your title, your additional credential in your biodata. Others find a job after graduating to college. One course is enough especially if you have to work for your family. To give your parents a comfortable life. You can also regard it as paying it back forward to your mother and father for bringing you up the way you were right now. Others find a good and stable job that can provide even for building a new family. Others don't and just keeps on being a contractual, renewing contracts, and finding a new job for the nth time. While some... unemployed and jobless.
Unfortunately, some got lost along the way. Where road is tough and life is bitter. There are many who walks on this world and just taking their last breath who doesn't even know how it feels like to go into school, to even write a name or just read a simple letter... yet learns how to count even the simplest addition and subtraction. Some falls into vices, drug addiction, alcoholism, sex addiction, severe depression, big amount of debts, alone... with nothing on the pocket and with no one to lean on. Those who can't cope up of losing a loved one, who can't let go of fading memories, of torturing traumas that's digging up beneath their brain. Many who fails in life just quit and accepts the failure while others unfortunately loses their sanity and builds a fantasy of their own. Far from all life's troubles and problems... far from reality. But there were those who don't walk away from the game of life where everything for them is a challenge... where hardships strengthens them and burns the fire in their heart. Giving them the adrenaline rush that drives them to continue moving forward. To fight brave and square... and succeeding in the end where life is sweet and unpredictable.
Wedding bells ring and settling down is an option. A lifetime status of being "single" for the others, keeps on searching desperately. Looking for that someone who holds the other half of their heart. Others manages of being alone. They say they were happy and it's their choice. Isn't it? Those who got a divine calling and follow their vocation of being a priest, a nun, or a monk maybe.
For me, life is still a mystery yet a scripted one. Only that we are the one who chooses our own scripts and roles to act. We do not know what it holds for us. Maybe life is just one percent destiny and the rest is what we make it... of what we wanted to be. Life is like a cycle... we live in routines of doing everything within sunrise and sunset, of growing up and growing old, from a single cell into a dust of the Earth. I think, we should seize the day! Make the best out of ourselves in everything we do. Learning a lesson in life's bitterness and rejoicing with gratitude in life's sweetness. One's life victory is not measured by how one successfully lives but by how one rose up in every fall. Sounds cliche but true.
After wedding bells and honeymoons, one will become a mother and will give birth. A new child will be born. And the cycle goes on and on...

Friday, November 11, 2011

SUICIDE... A CRY FOR HELP! written by: Sukito


"People don't die from suicide... they die from sadness".
A normal boy who always smile later found dead in his room, shot himself while leaving a suicide note beside him. A happy and friendly girl, overdosed herself with pills... killing herself after a break up with her boyfriend and she is pregnant. A responsible parent poisoning his/her children and killed himself/herself afterwards because of poverty and financial crisis. A life... wasted because of depression... because of suicide... because of the insensitivity of the people around them.
Suicide is intentionally hurting or killing yourself and ending your life believing that you are hopeless and in deep sorrow. A state of mind in dilemma and great confusion. It is human's way of saying, "I quit". Those who commit suicide has this not in the right path and unreliable mindset... thinking that ending one's life will end up their problems as well, which for me is false and a selfish act. False, because there's always a solution in any problem (though sounds cheesy), only if the one who is burdened will have a strong hold on his/her faith in whatever religion. A selfish act because the person who commits suicide only thinks of himself and how will he be out of the trouble without considering the burden of those he or she will leave after his death. I do not condemn those who have committed suicide, dead or alive, but the act and the thought of it. I'm not trying to be preachy and I don't hold judging opinions about this matter because I've been down there and I know how it feels when you are in a situation where darkness is blacker than black... and you are feeling alone... seeing no one and hearing no one while searching for even the little possible light you can vaguely see. Definitely, people who commit suicide are the persons who's in need for moral, emotional, and professional support and suicide is just their desperate way of crying for help. People who can't even understand themselves on how the way they think, act and feel in any bad circumstances they are into.
I remember one time when I've accidentally turned the channel in one show and they're topic was "depression". In the show, Oprah Winfrey said something about that "depression ' is like getting trapped underneath the building after the earthquake while hearing the rescuers say, "no one's down there anymore, let's go and leave", and they can't hear you no matter how hard you shout and call for help where no single voice is coming out of your mouth as you hear the rescuers' voices fade away.
When you try to balance and ponder the situation, it's not really "suicide" that kills but 'depression". Depression simply means a very deep sorrow and anxiety and emptiness that one feels. Much worst if you have it for a longer period of time within you. So, better never nurture it... in your mind and in your heart. It's a silent disease... like a soul-eating termite that bites each pieces of your character in pain. Until you come to realize that all your hope is gone and you are just a vulnerable dust that will be taken by the deadly wind when it blows and whisper into your head... saying, "hey, you're game is over... quit now!". To make it short, the more you think of your sadness... the more you will dwell in it. And the more you dwell in it, the more likely you will commit suicide. And I can testify that it's true. So, before your sorrow eats you up, divert your attention into something and anything else. Run away from it and do not dare it because it's like a virus that will ruin your system like in computers. It will kill your inspiration, happiness, confidence and self-worth. It will chase you down and haunt you in your bed and lonesome time even in your attempt to escape from it. That is why many of those who have it can't sleep for days or having an irregular sleeping patterns because of overthinking of many negative thoughts, events and outcomes. Some resort to heavy drinking or sleeping pills just to get some sleep. Others resort to eating a lot of junks and sweets with their eyes wide awake 'til gloominess shadows them.
On the other hand, others deal with depression and commit suicide because of old traditions like the "harakiri" in Japan and I do not exactly remember the name but that one tribe here in the Philippines featured in the show, "Che Che Lazaro Presents: Suicide", which any member of them even at the younger age openly commit suicide as their sign of bravery wherein in a civilized world of character measurement, it is a sign of weakness of easily giving up.
Some situation indicates that it runs in their family, in the genes. You can observe this when in one clan or family, all the deaths of their relatives or family members are because of suicide. Quite unbelievable but true in some cases. Scientifically, they call it as bipolar disorder or bipolar depression. They say that its a chemical imbalance which requires professional treatment.

Currently, more teenagers today are impulsive especially in family relationship and love issues which when turned into frustrations results in immediate suicide. Others are because of an "emo" lifestyle which even they don't really kill themselves yet manifest suicidal tendencies on their personality which later turns into their necessity and habit which makes it hard for them not do it anymore because of blood lust satisfying themselves of pain such as being a "cutter" or the one who cuts his/her wrist usually and making it a part of their normal living especially when they are being hurt and rejected.
Moreover, emotionally... traditionally... a lifestyle trend... or scientifically, suicidal tendencies are caused and triggered by depression. Not because someone shows a smiling face doesn't mean he's happy. Sometimes persons with depression hides in a mask especially in front of anyone else. So, family members and friends should be vigilant of one's mood swings and behavior. Most especially if the person starts to withdraw himself from the rest of the crowd or from the world, always alone and doesn't have any drive to do something but to be left alone in his room. Making himself singled out from anyone else.
Of course, you can help... anyone of us who knows someone suffering from this condition can be a big help. You can talk to the person but be careful with your words and don't do prejudging his character and what he's presently going through. It's not just simply talking and put in mind that it's not a "question and answer portion". It needs timing. You can invite him or her to do some activities of his/her interest together with you. then you can do the simple talk within that moment. Share your own personal experience first or much better trust your secret with that person so you can earn his/her trust back... where he/she can easily open up to you. Better yet, if you don't know which word to use... just be a good listener. And it will be a big help even just an outlet for what they have been carrying all along inside them. It will give them relief somehow even you don't have the permanent solution to their problem. Also, try to make them understand that they should help themselves too by holding on to God or to their faith. Of course, for a worst condition and for a much safer aid, the person needs to accept that he needs help... especially professional help, with the combination of minimizing stress, and having a strong relationship with the people around him/her.
As for me personally, it's my faith in God that saves me at the end of the day. I'm not the religious type then... but it's really true. You need to be fierce and brave enough to face the problem. You have to accept it as a challenge and not as a trial that will bring you down. Try to see the opportunity in every difficulty. Adjust yourself to be more positive in life and you will invite a chain reaction of positive results. It's never too late and remember that there will always be an available help for you. Put up a good fight in life and NEVER QUIT!

Friday, November 4, 2011

RESPECT FOR THE DEAD written by: Sukito


This year I failed to visit the cemetery for All Soul's day because of this untimely fever with cough and flu. Anyway, I'll try to make it up some other time. I have the rest of the year to visit my dear ones who have passed away in anytime of my availability. It's the prayers that counts after all and that's what the souls need wherein we can do it anywhere... all the time.
Last year, I have this one unforgettable visit in the cemetery with my family. I saw a beggar who entered and I thought that he's going to beg for some alms for those people who's inside the said place. I prejudged again. To my surprise, he sat as he placed a mat in front of one tomb, put a dirty artificial flowers which he pulled out from his garbage sack in front of the epitaph, lit a candle, knelt down and prayed sincerely. I kept on observing him and it was a long prayer. I've tried to pass on his back just to read the name on the epitaph. I supposed that it was his mother based on the date written on it. I somehow felt goosebumps not because of scary stuff but because I felt his genuine and deep love for his mom that he still honors even death gets in their way. I felt his sorrow and his longing for a lost loved one. People used to pass on the place where he is seated and they looked at him and stared at him from head to foot... seems like they are judging him in something negative notion and some in great pity on him. Just by his appearance, he can really caught the attention of the cemetery goers. Some people especially those nonsense teenagers used to tease him and laugh and make fun of him... and he doesn't mind it at all. I should have done something and have defended him in any possible way against those shallow-minded youngsters. But, I was preoccupied in my thought of many negative outcomes just in case I interfere in the situation plus the fact of little guilt within me because of judging him in the first place. Luckily, cemetery guards came to the rescue and all ends up well. He remained calm amidst that situation where he is the one being poked down and he doesn't care of what others might think about him. I think that what matters to him is how he will show his love for his mother although its not on his side anymore to defend him. Time has come and we were about to leave and I still saw him there while eating some few biscuits with water on the side all alone in front of his mom's grave while doing a slight chat on that stone with the cross. Others might assume that he is crazy and insane. But for me... it was a moving moment which his love for that special person six feet under the ground prevails and appears on his aura. I don't want to get sentimental, but the scene for me was heartfelt. And so the story goes...
Just by observing around when you visit the cemetery specifically here in the Philippines... which is quite shameful and unfortunate to admit, some bring liquors and getting drunk with their peers and creating trouble at the end, others bring playing cards and gamble, some makes loud noises and doing some soundtrip which is not in the right place, others are doing "public display of affection" specifically the lovers wherein it should be done in some place private and outside the territory of the dead, some bring guns and sharp weapons even it's not necessary while having a short temper which later might result into trouble. What I am trying to say is that there's a proper place and occasion in any action we're going to do and we should be responsible for our own actions. RESPECT for the dead is the keyword here and there will surely be a "Rise of the Dead" if it's possible when we never learn which is right and wrong! It's a sincere prayer for their souls... that's what they need.
Belated meaningful Halloween to all.