What makes life bearable? It’s a question that often pops up when you’re trying to find reasons to live. Sometimes, in the coldness of the night, it doesn’t let you sleep. It bothers your thoughts and distracts you until you lose focus. Unknowingly, it consumes you.
While it’s normal to feel sad and suffocated at times—especially now that the COVID-19 pandemic totally changed the way we live and kept our actions limited—there are certain ways we could help ourselves get back on our feet and find a purpose.
Breathe.
From the harshness of the reality that not everyone would understand, take a moment to let all your feelings out. Talk to a friend and ask them how they are doing or grab a pen and scribble the pain away. Either burn the pages or keep it until you’re ready to look back. Don’t keep it bottled up inside you.
Try something new.
Sometimes, it makes you feel better and empowered. Go on, learn how to cook the dish you saw on the Internet, grab a book and read, discover new songs to listen to on Spotify, wear the dress and don’t give a d*mn about who’s going to bat their eyelashes. Don’t keep the same cycle and step out of your comfort zone.
Have something to look forward to.
It could be as simple as waiting for your next Shopee package to arrive or something more meaningful as getting to grab a coffee with your friends in your favorite coffee shop next month.
Accept that not everything is under your control.
Some things could go haywire but that would not mean that it is your fault. Be kind to yourself and go on. If things don’t go the way it should, then pivot.
Life was never simple to begin with. It will always come with challenges and it’s up to you on how you’re going to win it. In the flow of emotions that get to you, go against it. Always remember that life, although flawed, is actually beautiful. Above all else, keep in mind that you matter. Your value won’t depend on where you stand right now. The power to make your life better is in your hands. You’ll only be happy when you choose to be because you are your own hero.
Artwork by Giovanni Jimenez Angara of Rotaract Club of Lucena South
