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| Gina Juarez, Binanuan Igbaras Iloilo Philipines |
Why did I choose to be this? What molded me today? I need to be tough in order to survive.
"You look carefree and easy now, huh!" someone described me.
“Well, that’s how life should be, right?”, I replied.
When I started working in the year 2014, I hardly sleep and the maximum was 4 hours daily.
I have compromised my health to cope with many things and to keep learning new things.
I used to prepare for my day job at 4 am, and need to catch a ride quickly so I can arrive 10 minutes before 5 am.
Commuting to work early in the morning was tolerable, but not the danger I have to deal with every day.
I remember when I got robbed right in front of my eyes while going to work. It was a nerve-wracking experience and a fateful morning. It took me roughly 3 hours to regain my senses. I was trembling and numb. I was shocked and felt helpless.
In one instance, I was soaked and miserable during heavy rain and still needed to report to work, wet and freezing enduring the flooded streets of Iloilo City under my broken umbrella.
It was my first-ever full-time job after I finished college. It was easy and fun, however, the schedule was too early. The salary was good and the workplace was fine. I gained valuable experiences from it, gained many friends, and opened me to reality.
One funny moment was when the boss caught me cutting printed cards during my break time and gave me a thumbs up.
"Always make use of your spare time on valuable things."
Sleep was my main issue. I was physically active, and abusive, and believed I was always robust.
I was young and hyperactive. I bombarded myself with a lot of physical work and mind activities. And for me, though I was always tired and hungry, it was the most satisfying time of my life.
Throughout my learning stage, God unfolded plenty of opportunities for me to engage and develop.
I was gradually leaving my job around the end of 2017 and completely resigned by the first quarter of 2018.
I curated and applied the learnings I have gained from different helpful people.
God allowed things to happen smoothly, and I was feeling confident.
Our struggles in life come at different levels. Stand tall and own it, because it will mold you into a better person.
Remember that we can always decide to stay low and continue the suffering if we wish to. These were created to mold us and become better individuals. Continue to learn and grow. Have humility and continually be open to learning. Success comes from bittersweet beginnings.
(Deep breath)
The experiences I had was something so dear to me. I am proud of what I went through.
Now, with my flexible amount of time, while feeling easy and free, I can exercise and train like crazy in the beautiful parks of Iloilo City.
Time has become my form of luxury. I am less troubled and more capable of living.
My life has become pretty simple and I have extremely simple joys. Blooming flowers, bushy trees, smashing waves, fine sand, pretty cars, magnificent clouds, and sleepy cats and dogs on the streets, simply makes me happy.
Having a cup of coffee in an open space is my kind of extraordinary. With a clear and joyful heart, life has always been wonderful.
"Simple yet worthwhile", is the life I want to have.
As we endure the daily surprises of life, simply learn to be always kind, patient, and prayerful.
In times of trouble, stay meek and composed with God.
God has granted me undeserved grace. He has made me whole and sound. Without Him, I am nothing.
I hope you like my story. Take care.
If you do, please do leave me a message or a comment on how you feel about your own life experiences.
Thank you for taking the time to read. Cheers!
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| Gina Juarez, Iloilo City Philipines |