I Became Like This

It’s Like This by Boy Abunda

 

I Became Like This

I loved novels, biographies, all books over 400 pages. Yes, loved, until the idea of living in the real world struck me and left me with no choice other than to suck it up and live with less and less fantasy. My mind was etched with thoughts that I would succeed and have my own ‘happy ending’ only if I learn to let go of my personal bubble and imaginary world – books.

I began my way of what I thought was real life and left reading altogether at the back of my mind. I was sure of this until my recent trip to a local National Bookstore. Mr. Boy Abunda’s book was published and on the market. My boyfriend gave it to me as a gift because I was a fan of the host, but I did not think highly of it until I began to scan and read the pages. Then I realized, books and life may somewhat be different concepts, but in the end, can be relevant and connected. This book became an eye-opener and restarter. I was reading and experiencing the words simultaneously. Books can change lives, and life with books is the first step in understanding why.

1.                 I learned how to dream on my own. At the top of my list was to give Nanay the best life.

We all have had our fair share of selfish desires in living the life we dreamed of -whether it is having the most expensive car or even the most beautiful house. But is giving back to your beloved mother, who went out of her way to give you the most comfortable stay in her womb, the warmest place to grow, and the safest hand to hold, part of your list? It’s nice to make her know that you love her just as much. Now go and hug your Mom!

2.                 The only way to manage pain is to feel it. Never deny it. Embrace it until it loses its power.

One thing I always tell my peers whenever they come to me for break-up advice is to accept the pain with open arms. Be thankful that you are feeling this kind of emotion whether it’s grief, anger, or, sadness. Your pain is concrete evidence that you are alive, and only a blessing in disguise. It will only last a while, embrace but never let it dominate your life.

3.                 I got to where I am because there was no other way.

Is the pressure becoming unbearable when observing the fact that people you were within the first steps are now excelling in their desired fortes? Suddenly, you are back with the basics. Rest assured because the path you are taking is entirely yours and not someone else’s. Detours and rest stops are all part of the journey, and the timeframe of your travels will not be the same with everybody. You will succeed.

4.                 I loved, and I lost. I learned everything I could. I regret nothing.

Admit it. You aren’t human if you never experienced the loss of something or someone. It was a subtle line in reality as it shows that in life, we must learn how to let go if we want to grow. We must be clear with what we want and take risks at certain times because the world is not at all fair, and that’s what makes it just to everyone.

5.                 It takes courage to stay true to your core.

It’s not easy to grow up in an environment where you are always asked to put your best foot forward when all you want is for other people to appreciate your ‘less polished one’. It’s hard to understand the concept of society only to love the standard of a majority and neglect the ones considered as flaw or less accepted norms. You have to grasp the idea that not all people will like you, but it does not mean that you will do the same, because if that will be the case, then you should love yourself even more because it takes extreme courage to stay true to your core.

In the course of understanding people and their way of life, you will understand yourself.