In a song originally recorded by George Benson in 1977 and popularized by Whitney Houston, it says that “learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.” True indeed, nobody, even your (in)significant other can’t love you more than yourself. So, as the year comes to an end, take time to commune with nature, talk to the Universe in silence, listen to your heart, clear your mind of the evil thoughts that enter it once in a while because it will hinder the good vibes much needed by your body and soul.
The first step I thought of to achieve “the greatest love” is avoiding toxic people. They are the kind of people who hate you because you bruise their ego by letting them know how insensitive they are. They hate you because you discover something malevolent about them or their next of kin and they want you to just keep silent. Haters gonna hate no matter what you do, no matter what you say so just leave them at that. You have no obligation to please them!
In a recorded Homily by Fr. Jowel Jomarsus Gatus which I accidentally chance upon on FB, he said “Stop pleasing your haters” to which I absolutely agree. What he said is in consonance with my belief that we need to stay with people who love us for what we are and not for what they want us to be. Remember that each one of us is unique and we are not obliged to change ourselves to please other people, especially haters.
The next step is to take what is rightfully yours – happiness, peace of mind, progress and growth. Do not allow anybody to dictate upon you what to do with your life. If you feel like singing, sing. If you feel like dancing, dance. If you want to go places and you can afford it, do it. As long as you do not hurt other people, do what makes you happy. If someone is causing you pain – physical, mental and emotional, let them out of your system for good and move on with your life. There is so much in store waiting to be discovered and be enjoyed.
Just lately, I had the opportunity to be a youngster again. I went horseback riding with my grandchildren and it was fun. Then I realized that I can still do it and that my age is nothing but a number. Next time I’ll join them in walking around Sampaloc Lake, the distance of which is just a little more than three kilometers. Catching early morning sunlight and breathing fresh air far from the smog of the metropolis is not only good for the health but a good chunk of loving yourself.
So, if you are down and troubled and you are neglecting yourself, wake up! Regain yourself. Remove the clouds in your vision so that you may see the beauty of the light. Do your nails and your hair. Use your favorite perfume. Listen to your desired music. Laugh with your friends and on top of it all, tune in to the great power of the Universe and thank God that you are still alive.
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
