Started with a desire to become a writer. These articles are made with wisdom upon hearing God's word to be used as a tool to help people witness His grace and love in their lives as I have. By reading and sharing these blogs, you can help make disciples too as we all share God's wonderful message for us ♡ #inspiredtoinspire
Coming face to face with new challenges and old wounds reopened.
In these moments of darkness, I look up to find any glimmer and sign of hope.
A reminder.
An assurance.
That indeed, my healing would take more than time.”
“Moments” – agatha magsombol
It’s no secret that all of us struggled and are affected by the pandemic. We are in a battle with not just the virus that affected us physically but also the problems it brought upon our mental health. Although we are slowly rising up and embracing the adaptation to the new normal, this event has left an impact on our daily lives that would take more than time to heal. Anxiety might creep in, various thoughts roam around, and you can’t help but have a deeper connection with how you view the world around you.
This poem is quite personal to me since the pandemic welcomed a lot of challenges in my life as well as opening old, painful memories that I’m getting the chance to heal from. 2016 was the year I lost my dad and I know I wrote a blog about him a few years ago but because of being in quarantine for a long time, I can’t help but miss him a lot more. I began to realize how in that year I lost him, I never got an actual chance or time to grieve. At 13, I was faced first with the reality of adjusting to a new life without him – therefore, I had to step up and be responsible at such a young age. I was expected to be strong and carry on, and so I did. At that time, I never knew how important the healing process was. I thought that ignoring what I truly felt was the right way to process and being vulnerable would present me as being weak. So I distracted myself and paid attention to other things rather than allowing myself to grieve. Little did I know that it wasn’t enough.
I know it may seem quite a surprise since it’s been almost 4 years, but there’s a thing such as late grieving and it’s probably what I’m going through. Now, I realized how important it is to allow myself to process my feelings and to admit that I needed more than time to heal from my painful memory. So I’m kind of thankful for this so-called “opportunity” that God gave me. The time he offered my mom and I to be at home together, to process our thoughts and feelings, to welcome a chance to heal, and to help others who are going through a painful time heal as well. It’s not an easy process, we’ll take things step by step, but we’re always a work in progress.
Those glimmers of hope can be a lot of things for me such as talking to good friends, going to therapy, eating healthy food, drinking tea, walking my dog, reading a fun book, listening to peaceful music, watching my comfort show, laughing with my mom, and many more. So I hope you too, can allow yourself to heal no matter what that wound may be, old or new. Your feelings are valid and your mind matters. ◼️❤️
Art is called “dad and i plus the sunset” by me. Made with: Dream by WOMBO. Download the app and create your art too!
Through the static, Through the ashes We were brave. Through the perils Of endless narrow escapes, We're still here. we're still here.
Thankful for another year – for meeting new friends and for having more adventures.
Thankful for the realizations – the growth for the better.
Thankful for the experiences and the challenges – both the good and bad, the things I overcame and everything I encountered this year helped shape me to face the new one with hope and healing.
Thankful for those who believed and saw the best in me – for the achievements and support, a new job, and a new way to honor mom and God.
Thankful for the strength – the healing and nourishment.
Thankful for those who continue to stay – for the gift of family and true friendships, for the fluffy pets who keep us sane, for groovy discord sessions, deep talks on exciting topics, movie/series nights, funny and random conversations, car rides, foodtrips, and all the hangouts with good friends this year.
Thankful for the opportunities – for the capability and heart to help one another in any way we can.
Thankful for the care and a way to start over – for a journey on better mental health and for the hope for greater things to come.
“Something I’ve learned from Supergirl is that you are always stronger than you think you are. There is always an inner strength that you never know you have.”
– Melissa Benoist
Many of you are aware of how I’m such an avid fan of Supergirl. I’ve had my fair share of excitement and disappointment, but this show will continue to remain as one of the things that inspires me in life.
“Now, in each and every one of you there is a light, a spirit that cannot be snuffed out! That won’t give up! I need your help again, I need you to hope… Hope that you will remember that you can all be heroes.”
– Kara Zor-El/Supergirl
Supergirl thought me to be hopeful. Her motto and what she stands for: “Hope, help, and compassion for all.” continues to be something I want to live up to in my life. Every character in the show has an incredible story that teaches it’s viewers a lot of things. Although the main target audience is for young girls, all kinds of people can be inspired by this show, it’s characters, and the cast.
“In order to live we must keep daring.”
– Cat Grant
Supergirl teaches us to keep living despite the challenges, because life can be full of surprises. There’s also a lot of great character development in this show. Mon-El went from a selfish frat boy to a courageous hero and leader inspired by the woman he loves (Kara). Lena (raised as a Luthor) didn’t let her family name and stereotypes get in the way of her to prove that she can be a good person, who is smart with a kind heart. Truth is another value that Supergirl teaches. Characters like Kara Danvers, Nia Nal, William Dey, Andrea Rojas, and Cat Grant helped inspired me on my journey as a writer. The journalist characters in this show use their words to get the truth out and help make the world a better place because sometimes, the pen is mightier than a cape.
“You can’t be all things to all people. All you can do is be true to yourself.”
– Mon-El/Valor
Supergirl also deals with the topics of racism, gender equality, and mental health in a way that’s not too heavy but essentially insightful. In fact, this show inspired me to pursue my dream of becoming a Psychologist in the future. Actors and married couple, Melissa Benoist and Chris Wood (Kara and Mon-El) are advocates of mental health. Wood is the founder of IDONTMIND – a mental health organization and lifestyle brand that fights the stigma of mental health and encourages open and honest conversations because your mind matters. Chyler Leigh (Alex Danvers/Sentinel) is a member of the Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health initiative that encourages people to use their voice in support of mental health. Kelly Olsen/Guardian (Azie Tesfai) is a psychologist who helps deal with trauma and fights for racial justice. She also co-wrote episode 12 in season 6 adding a personal touch by sharing her story that created a lasting impact on how racism needs to be stopped.
David Harewood (J’onn J’onzz/Martian Manhunter) also wrote a book called ‘Maybe I Don’t Belong Here’ on the perspective of a person of color who is experiencing the system and investigates the impact of racism on Black mental health that continues to shape the society. James Olsen/Guardian’s (Mehcad Brooks) story dealt with his trauma because of being bullied and losing his father. His fear and strength enabled him to be a hero and an inspiration to young black kids as well. Nicole Maines (Nia Nal/Dreamer) was introduced to be the first transgender superhero being introduced on TV, taught us that the truth is what makes us strong. “The greatest gift we can give each other is our authentic selves and sharing that — sharing our truth is what makes us strong.”(Nia Nal/Dreamer).
One of the most important relationships featured in the show is the relationship between the Danvers sisters (played by Melissa Benoist and Chyler Leigh) who are related by love and are soul sisters by heart on and off screen. Their sisterhood, along with the friendships between the women in the show continues to promote women empowerment, feminism, and what makes women strong because of our vulnerability and heart.
The Danvers Sisters: Kara and Alex Danvers played by Melissa Benoist and Chyler Leigh
The women of Supergirl
The men of Supergirl also have a wonderful story that empowers strength, support, and equality. Through their solidarity, it shows that each and every one of us is powerful and encouraging.
The men of Supergirl
One of the highlights that Supergirl teaches is the concept of family – how we are stronger when we are united and surrounded by the people that mean a lot to us. Because love bonds us all.
“The pressure is there. But then also is the joy of having that pride and seeing it move young girls and being a role model that she is as a character and carrying that with me.”
– Melissa Benoist
Melissa Benoist on being a role model for young girls
“I hope that it always and forever…shows fans and young women in particular how to be true to yourself and not be afraid to speak up and to empower the people you love around you and really embrace community”
– Melissa Benoist
Thank you Supercast!
This show isn’t perfect. There were a lot of moments where it could’ve been better. But this show is one of the things that created such a huge impact in my life and that I would cherish forever.
special thank you to these 2 fan accounts on twitter for helping me out with the content 🤗:
Waking up in this never-ending cycle, trying to pick myself up and refrain from being idle. But somehow I still can't seem to find my way to get the inspiration I need, yet I still learn to stay. Sometimes I'll do my best but struggle to make the rest. It's during times like these when I ask for patience, not strength. It's times like these when I know what I really need. It's times like these when I take a step back and breathe. I know that I'm not alone. I know we all feel this way too. I know that I can't be the best at everything, the others should have a chance against me. But someday, I believe we'll see the light at the end of the tunnel. Letting go of all our troubles. By being productive and prepared while also focusing on what's going to happen today first. I believe that all of us can because God said so. Because when you're in love, you do not give up easily. I love what I'm doing, so I'm not giving up.
It may be hard to wake up to a new day and start again. But if yesterday was the doing, today will be for the undoing. Our days are numbered, so please choose to live each day by forgiving yourself too. Someday we'll find our way back to the heart of the matter. We'll cast out all of our doubts and work hard for the better. Because in the end, every hardship we face will lead to success in the future. Just take one step at a time and we're almost there.
Special thank you to my friends who wrote their poems/statements! 🤗
”one step at a time and you’re almost there.” – Pam Salcedo
”In every hardship that I am facing. There will be success in the future.” – Allysa Toralde
“If yesterday was the doing, today will be for the undoing. My days are numbered, so I choose to live them by forgiving myself too.” – Jorgine Javier
“When you are in love, you do not give up easily. I love what I am doing, so I am not giving up.” – Denise Basila
”I can because God said so.” – Kryzel Elipane
”Being proactive and planning for the future is ok. But spending most of our time on something that is still not happening may cause us anxiety. Focus on what’s going to happen today first.”- Wayne Nufable
“I can’t be the best at everything, the others should have a chance against me.” – Cesca Picardal
”It’s during times like these when I ask for patience, not strength. It’s times like these when I know what I really need. It’s times like these when I take a step back and breathe.” – Marco Pompa
With a stigma going on around the world, there is a constant need to break it to get people to open up and so their voices and stories are heard. Stigma is the negative stereotype, with prejudice being the result of this negativity. It is the kind of world for many people with mental illness, and they indicate how others perceive it as one of their most significant challenges to a life that is stable and completes them. This is why psychologists and mental health practitioners are advocating for mental health and reminding us of the importance of breaking the stigma, because your mind matters.
Mental Health America declared the month of May as ‘Mental Health Month’ over 70 years ago and now it is observed every year and with awareness, we defeat stigma. We’ve always known that to be true, and we’ll never stop challenging that. (IDONTMIND, 2020, para. 9 https://idontmind.com/journal/8-reasons-why-mental-health-month-is-so-important).
photo from instagram: @idontmind
Social stigma on mental health has many causes and victims are treated differently depending on the type of concern they have. But sometimes, it can be misguided as individuals may be more aggressive or unstable than people without mental health conditions or “strange” in any way. (Davey, 2013, para. 5. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-we-worry/201308/mental-health-stigma)
That is why we are stronger together. United to help and build each other up. It’s still a foreign and somewhat new topic whenever we talk about mental health and mental illness especially in the Philippines. There is a stereotype that if you feel depressed, they just associate it with being sad or a certain change in moods from time to time. But people tend to ignore the reality behind it, that’s why people who experience it have a hard time getting the help they need because of the fear of being judged, left out, or neglected.
“You’re enough, you’re enough, you’re enough, you are enough
Amidst the stigma going on, people’s voices need to be heard now more than ever and it is important for our stories to be shared and witnessed by everyone because it’s more than just sadness or being scared. It’s a feeling of being in a really dark place, not knowing whether you will see the light or not. We are not defined by our flaws and our imperfections make us who we are. That is why it is important to keep sharing our stories and let our voices be heard. Because we all have the power to change a life by speaking up. When we do, we encourage others to do the same and feel comfortable and honest as they share about how they are truly feeling and reminding them that we can all get through this together.
photo from instagram: @idontmind
“We do not have to suffer in silence. In fact, we can make as much noise as we want. And we should! It’s always important to share your story, how mental health affects you personally. Because if we do that, we inspire each other. We lift each other up.”
– Chris Wood
More ways are being introduced in order to fight this stigma and not just by simply talking about it. There are other creative ways to help people, through expressing themselves and identifying how they feel. Today, Poetry is a well-known example of being one of the methods in breaking the stigma of mental health. With a beautiful choice and use of words, one can form an intimate flow of feelings as they write it down. Whenever you write on a piece of paper, there is this undeniable elegance to unburden yourself. And as you write about uncertainty and darkness, misconception and terror, the feeling of freedom releases the weight of your chest and it feels beautiful.
Journaling is another creative way to write down your feelings when you can’t talk about it with someone else. In a way, you’re communicating through your words as you write down your everyday experiences and realizations in a journal. If you have a hard time writing your feelings down, there are other ways to break this stigma like talking openly about mental health and educating yourself about it, so in that way it could help you start a conversation that lets you open up about how you truly feel.
As we continue to break this stigma, more stories about healing can now be witnessed and more voices are now heard. It’s amazing to see how creative life can be with the different methods on how to continuously talk about your mental health and express yourself fully because your mind matters. And with every story shared, we can meditate on the positive things that happen as we do these.
“When you think a positive thought, there is brain growth and reinforcement in your prefrontal cortex—where positive thoughts are developed. With the repetition of positivity, you can strengthen the different neural pathways that stimulate positive emotions, feelings, and actions.”
I realized how important this is, not only because I’ve already experienced it but also because there are people out there who can’t get the help that they need. So I take this topic very seriously because I don’t want others to regret not prioritizing their mental health before it's too late. As we share our stories and express our feelings, we break the silence and the stigma and let the world heal.
photo from instagram: @idontmind
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”- John 16:33 NLT
The mere fact that we are created by God makes us creators ourselves. We are shaped fearfully and wonderfully. We are designed with passion and a purpose. We all have the power to create. We are artists in our own way. We make art through words, speech, & poetry.
Through songs, sounds, & music. We produce art through our palate, using fruits & vegetables. With herbs & spices – food & drinks. We design with colors & canvas – in shapes and sizes. Traditionally or in a modern way. We establish creativity in sports and adventure.
Through fields and the beauty of nature. All of us have the power of art within. The power to create, establish, organize, & invent. We can all create something beautiful. But most importantly, our hearts are our greatest masterpiece.
You are loved. Even at your lowest and weakest. You are accepted. Even when you’re losing. You are worth it and worthy of love. Even when it feels undeserving. You are loved. Loved by God without any strings attached.
All your fears, doubts, and worry. Turned to faith, hope, and glory. All your flaws, mistakes, and scars turned to beauty. Because you are loved by the Almighty.
As I wipe the tears from my face I told myself "I will get better” But it'll be a long process of wanting to be greater.
Slowly, I smiled more, Laughed more, Learned to love myself for who I am The person that God created me to be.
I learned how to value me How to embrace me Maybe this is the love that was meant to be Love that was given to set us free.
So please love yourself and know that you deserve it. Love yourself and know that it is worth it. For self love isn’t selfish. It’s a journey - a constant sign of strength. Knowing how to love yourself, you are able to love and cherish others too.
“Christ’s love is greater than any person can ever know. But I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:19 (ICB)
– literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm; poems collectively or as a genre of literature.
Last October 10 was observed to be World Mental Health Day and what a good way to start the conversations on mental health than by expressing ourselves in the form of words through poetry. In honor of World Mental Health Day this year, here is a compilation of some poems written by me and my friends:
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