Of Glasses Broken

I got to taste the feel of real feelings in a simulation of life last week, when I attended ALC along with 48 other brave souls. One of the strongest key takeaways I got from the retreat was my view of the commitments I make in life.

Reading from an old magazine, I came across upon a quote that pretty much preaches about agreements that we make – to ourselves and others.

I quote:

"Sir, I do not share your faith. But if I did - if I believed what you say you believed - then although England were covered with broken glass from coast to coast, I would crawl the length and breadth of it on hand and knee and think the pain worthwhile, just to save a single soul from this eternal hell of which you speak."
~Charles Peace

Charles Peace was a career criminal in England in the 1800s. He committed numerous burglaries and was ultimately convicted and hanged for murdering a man. Charles made the statement above to a reverend that visited him prior to his execution. It was the reverend’s job to give Peace the opportunity to confess his crimes and save his soul prior to his execution.

It came so strongly to me, as weeks ago, I made a commitment to a dearest friend which I broke rather deliberately. My intentions of living up to it proved to be unworthy, simply basing from the results I produced. Based on results as the benchmark to conclude, intentions were absent to begin with. This is so, because in the realm of possibilities, I could have driven myself steadfast to the agreement I made.

It takes incredible commitment to accomplish big things in life. Whatever your cause, you have to fully commit yourself to it and believe enough in it to risk everything to make it a reality. We often go about our mission in life on autopilot. We approach even vitally important matters with half-heartedness especially when it takes years to see it through to completion. In what do you believe? How committed are you to your cause? Will your present level of commitment be enough?

Apparently, the reverend provided this type of service for the prison regularly. It might have become somewhat routine to him. Apparently, this was obvious to Charles Peace. The reverend’s passion and commitment to his faith obviously did not shine through to Charles. He was not convincing.

We cannot persuade others and get them behind us in our cause, no matter what it is, if we lack passion and commitment! We must demonstrate our commitment to everyone around us. They have to see it in our actions and hear it in our voice. It isn’t so much the words you say as it is the way you say it. You don’t have to be an eloquent speaker to persuade people, but you do have to be able to convey your passion to them. They have to feel it.

Charles Peace did not feel the reverend’s passion and therefore he was not convinced. Maybe this is why others aren’t jumping on the bandwagon of your cause. Maybe they don’t feel your passion. Have you lost the fever?

Obstacles will always arise to block us from attaining our goals. However, if we are truly committed, then we will not be deterred. Notice that Charles says if he believed, he would crawl the length and breadth of England across broken glass to convince others. In other words, he wouldn’t hold anything back. The pain would be worth it. He would go the distance and do whatever it took to meet the demands of his cause.

Are you giving it your all? A good cause will demand sacrifice. There will always be a struggle to accomplish anything worthwhile. Pain is a part of the game. What are you willing to give?I imagine the reverend reflected heavily on Charles Peace’s statement to him. In fact, I think it probably haunted him. Was he truly committed and passionate about his faith? This was a question he had to wrestle with. The reverend had dedicated his life to his cause, but had the flame burned out?

It often takes something like the reverend's encounter with Charles Peace to rock us out of our sleepwalk. Where are you at in the level of commitment to your cause?

Would you crawl across broken glass?

Of Mismatches and Misplacements

One of the random pictures I took on our way to Sonya's Garden in Tagaytay for Ate Leni's birthday:

Pasta and Bar are heartbroken. Their partners cheated on them.

I wonder why would I need a Dolby Digital surround sound while eating pizza?
Also, what is the (.) dot doing there, by the way?

Of Tomorrows, and Another-Days

They say we are only given challenges that we can handle. They say that the “unmoved mover” and the universe have their own way of awarding us things that we could bite and chew which decide our fate. But may I ask by which standards do these awards are being benchmarked against? By asking, do I necessarily question my faith? And by asking, do I thwart myself out of driving a point?

Fate and faith are separated by a thin line. Philosophers would argue that we decide our fate as we were given the liberty to live our lives the way we see it fit. Given that liberty we are also making ourselves accountable for our actions so that later on we can be judged based on these actions carried out with will and volition. But faith teaches us to accept that there is a greater design - a design that puts us in a destined place in the larger scheme of beings. And that the mere existence of this design teaches us to believe that things that are meant to be will be meant to be; that things that are not meant to be will never be meant to be. That is a whole new story versus the latter, if you ask me. Around us are battles that we need to fight - battles that will very well define our destiny. Whether they’re destined to be our fight and whether we’re destined to win or lose is something that we could only make a hypothesis of. But here’s a two cents worth on that matter - I remember one person saying 'we only fight battles that we could win'. I agree. These are battles that are material to how we become a substance more than a mere existence. While some will say that failure teaches certain values of maturity, I have my reservations against failing just to learn. A lost cause provides enough precaution before it blows out of proportion. A dead end usually winds up before it cuts you short. So, is it worth to live and fight another day? I say take the hint, cruise along and die another day. I asked 'by which standards are challenges benchmarked against' as I would like to understand why do we need to take the hit on such inexplicable levels. Fate. Destiny. There you go again. But seriously, I am intrigued and fascinated why such tests must come in like torrential rains pouring as hard as it could, flooding ones’ shabby condition, exacerbating what seems to be an already deplorable state? In an attempt to put reason behind the interplay of cause, causalities and the whole nine yards, we either end up more confused or making lame excuses for the very things that have dampen our spirits. Now, where do we lean on moving forward? Do I daresay I make my own fate as I decide which battles I can only fight, or has the great design all figured that out, that a destination has been written and predestination decided nevertheless?

Today I resign from all of these. Tomorrow is another day. Or maybe I’ll do it tomorrow for the morrow after tomorrow, is yet another day.

Of Fears and Hopes

It’s Easter Sunday, and a quote from a friend’s facebook handle caught my awareness:

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.
- Robert Flatt

One of the spiritual messages that Easter brings is the gift of resurrection, which the scriptures say was brought about by the atonement of Jesus Christ. He made resurrection available to all mankind and it is a reward free for all. I am not a religious devout or any sort of a pious person but this message of Easter thrills me, as for me, it is also a message of hope – hope for better things.

This Lenten message holds true, and was demonstrated through a recent event in one of my dearest friend’s life. In my previous post, I referred to closures as something not totally necessary in ones moving on. I still hold steadfast to that premise, but I am but happy that my friend was brave enough to seek out that yearned-for closure from his most recent relationship. To drive quickly to my drift, he went on, threw off the bowlines, and sailed on in search of that closure.

He did not find closure. What he found was something even better. He found hope. What he found was a person in need, a person who is broken and needs fixing. My friend stood tall and extended his hand for help, and offered hope. Whether they officially end up being lovers or getting back together was brushed off the picture. What is important now is my friend is going to be there for that person, and be an instrument in God’s hand to make him whole again. They both have started from somewhere now, and hope is shining bright.

In the course of these events, my friend defied FEAR - fear of rejection. Fear of being hurt. Fear of what the other party will say. Fear of putting oneself out there ‘on the line’. Fear of the unknown — what COULD happen! But it was not enough to hinder him to the point of inaction. The fact remained, that if you do not put yourself ‘out there’ sometimes, you won’t get anywhere. No risk, no reward.

Many times we allow an obstacle to get in the way of reconciling. It’s just too easy to say “oh well, I tried.” But on the flipside there are actual solutions. That’s right, every one of them. Despite what the gurus would have you believe, there are no solutions that work 100% of the time, simply because we all possess free will to do as we please. My friend knew what he wanted and bravely went on with it. Having that said, he defied the inability to overcome obstacles.

He has also defied pride. In my friend’s case, there were things said and done in the course of their relationship - things that caused so much pain in him. He could have clung to his pride and recover and cope from those things said and done. It is a basic human desire to be right. Nevertheless, he did not see it that way. He did let pride prevent him from moving to the right direction. He was able to demonstrate humility, and it served him best. Humbling and opening himself up to that special someone made him overlook past mistakes and forgive.

I have heard said that our hopes should always be greater than our fears. Yet again, I have seen it play out in action from this demonstration.

I really like how Robert Flatt put it – start over, no matter what the circumstances may be.

Of Doors Left Ajar

It is truth that when we say that the relationship is over often it truly is not. We know of persons who split up years ago, and yet one of the partners (or even both) cannot seem to let go emotionally. What makes parting difficult is not physical absence – rather, it is the letting-go-emotionally. The memories, the good times past - all these and many more factors make it very hard for some people to let go of a relationship. This is why there follows a period of mourning after the parting which for some did not end with a period. It is also true that many couples go on in a relationship after it is over. The factors mentioned above keep them from walking away from potential happiness.

Closure is a HUGE issue. We all want something to end completely. We all want answers, to understand. We often hang around in a relationship, doing damage to ourselves, because we are looking for that moment when-it-all-gets-clear; when we finally say what we mean and what we feel and finally feel heard by him/her. When we feel a chapter has closed.

Only, it hardly ever happens that way.

We can end up spending so much of our lives waiting for, looking for, praying for, listening for, asking for, demanding, envisioning, thinking about, and writing about…Closure, which never happens.

And then here’s the question to ask - Is Closure necessary? Is it really all that is important?
I say NO. We most often, will never get closure, and perhaps that’s a very good thing. Perhaps that’s the way we learn to be softer, more fluid and flexible - To roll with the punches, and to be surprised. Perhaps this is where we finally learn to give up control.

So - there we are. Don’t NEED to close anything. Leave all doors be, let air move through, around, against, up and down all the open and half-closed and slightly ajar and slammed shut doors of our lives, until the doors finally disappear on their own, from misuse. Let the cobwebs gather around the old patterns, let the old pain drift away, let things crumble as they will.

No closure - just movement. Moving forward, onward to Happy-Ever-After.

I wrote of this account for a friend who deems he needs closure from a recent relationship. This is not to go against what he thinks is best for him, but maybe an option or a thought he might want to ponder. Point being? Closure is not a prerequisite of moving on.

As a friend, I will bless the day when this friend of mine finds happiness in love, whether behind closed doors, doors left ajar, or doors left open.

Of Finding and Mending Me

Rm. 618, WCC - my halfway house (January 19 - March 20, 2007)

I am not sure where I am generating the courage now to actually write an account of a two year old distant past. Have I mustered the audacity and valor in a shady atmosphere that has already spanned two years?

January 19, 2009 marks the second anniversary of a tragedy that changed my life forever. Two years had drawn close since that day and maybe, just maybe, it is now time to let the pain go. I don’t even know if two years is too soon but I will try to fade the dim memories away.

Year 2008 was more of a healing year for me. It was a treacherous journey of finding, lifting, and mending myself. By a supreme power, I was sent angels and sentinels so to make the bumpy road still passable. He laid stepping stones across the raging river. My angels and my stones – these are the people who helped me pull through a life that has never been too kind.

Below is a list of people who cheered and are cheering me on, and some notes on why I deem them imperative to my repair.

1. My mother, Elizabeth. She has tremendously showed charity to me during the days I was in the hospital and the whole stretch of my recuperation and more so beyond. We might not have an A1 excellent mother-son relationship, but thank her for all that she has sacrificed for me. I regret it that I cannot be the son that she wishes me to be. I know I am difficult to love, but I will be forever grateful because you still do.
2. My dad, Rolando. I have always regarded him as my hero. I am thankful for all that he has sacrificed to make sure he delivered me good life. I feel sorry that I am not able to become the son he wishes me to be.
3. My sister, Den. My lifetime is not enough for me to let her know how grateful I am for all the things she has shared to me. This person stood up strong for me plenty a times. It is comforting to know that she is just there within my reach.

4. Dave, my siter's fiance. I am thankful for this man of faith for inspiring and encouraging me in so many ways.
5. The Guanzons. The whole pack. I forgot something was painful every time they were in the hospital to see me. Laughter-is-the best medicine holds true.
6. Sirach and Juna. For the times they brought the kids to the hospital. The dimension of the hospital room changes every time Gel and Johan were there.
7. Nini and Felvs. This couple has spent all their days off from work for the whole two months to see me in the hospital. They even spent Valentines ’07 in my hospital room. Thank you, because those visits meant a lot to me. Wedding plans were practically sketched in my hospital room (laughs). I still regret it until now that I was not able to host your wedding program. Glad to have done the toast, though.
8. My Ninang Wealthy. She is my number one fan. I am grateful to this wonderful person for being my strength all through out.
9. My Ninang Wealthy’s family, Kuya Mario, Jam, Martie, and JP. Especially JP – loved the prayers.

10. My EFY Family. Ate Len, Ate Ron, Ria, and Zen - These people have been one of my main sources of fun and strenth. I tahnk them for everything, including the Sodoku. Kuya Deo - who was far across my reach then, texting all the way from Japan, making me laugh.
11. Anna Mae. It was God’s blessing that she was already my boss during that time. I am forever grateful for her tremendous support and love. Things were crazy in the office back then, but she was never too tired to assist me with everything I needed for the filing of my leaves and benefit claims. She also made sure I had a job to go back to. Mae has turned my worries to lemon drops.
12. UP chums – July, Yna, Anne, AJ. My old friends who came to see me right away the moment they knew of what happened.
13. People from the Quality who paid me visits – Pau, Mitch, Glory, Reb, Phing, Chloe, Darlene, Marlon, Boibits, and Rose. They deemed me worthy of their time. I knew how busy in the office during those times was, but these friends of mine managed to see how I was.
14. People from Training who paid me visits – Jan, Allan, Bee (and Mark), Monty, Duane (and Majo), and Ron.
15. People from the office who were not able to see me, but texted forever, wanting to know how the going was – Jiro and Reggie.
16. My Chase trainees, waves 11 – 21. Coming back to the office from my hiatus was such a blast because of them, my boys!
17. My PayPal Trainees, Waves 36 – 42. I have won lots of new friends from this pack.
18. Jayson. He is one of the best friends I made in the recent years. I began my close correlation with him when I reported back to work, practically still sick. Working with him as my boss was like a therapy. He will always be significant in my getting-better. Agyaman. When I was in a bumpy situation latter part of last year, he offered me a half-way house.
19. Yuri. For being the kind of friend he is to me.
20. Ryan. For everything that went well… and for those that did not, I am thankful to this man. You are still one of my best buds. Tita Dalen, Lola (who is now looking down on me from where she is), and Manang – they are family to me, and it will remain that way.

I have been carrying a baggage which is too big for me to carry alone. I am glad there are people who have been putting on my yoke from time to time to make sure I make it.

Maybe two years is too soon for the picture to become a faded memory… But now, I am seeing streaks of mist. Good sign? Maybe, just maybe…

Of Mismatches Made in Heaven & Wishes Made Upon Someone Else's Star - Chronicles of Unrequited Love (Part 4)

In your hands is a very precious creation so fragile, so valuable that if you keep on holding it, it either stays or falls apart. But you love this creature so much that letting it go would be comparable to letting go of your life as well, so much that sometimes you wished it would always be there, so much that you tend to be selfish so as you could make it stay for as long as you want.

There comes a time in our lives we chance upon someone so nice and almost perfect and we just find ourselves getting so intensely attached to that person (sometimes even without realizing it). This feeling soon becomes a part of our daily lives and eventually guzzles our thoughts and actions to the extent that we lable it as one of those too-good-to-be-true- things. Then, in our desperate attempt to get closer, our efforts are still futile and we still feel sorry for ourselves.

I heard it said, “Never let your heart run your life". As much as you can, always be sensible and let your mind speak for itself. Try to listen not merely on what your feelings are evoking, but more importantly listen to reason as well. Letting go of someone doesn't necessarily mean you have to stop loving, it only means that you allow the person to find his/her own happiness without expecting him to come back or in some worse cases, love you back.

Letting go is not just letting the other person free in the real sense of it, but it is also setting yourself free from all animosities, hostility, and resentments that have been lingering long in your heart. You have to let go because the bitterness often diminishes the strength and weakens the little hope left, making our lives more miserable than ever.

If I lost you today, it means that someone better is coming tomorrow. If I lost love that doesn't mean I failed in love, probably it was another mismatch in heaven.…or I just might have wished on someone else’s star.