Rise up, dear Survivor

Dear Survivor,

You've gone through a lot and it's been harder this year.

I know you have struggles, and you almost lost yourself.

You're hurt, you cried, you're wounded, and you fall.

It's all right, you can cry, it's okay to be hurt.

But then, you hunger for more.

Making mistakes enables you to learn.

If you fell down, learn to rise up.

If you cried, learn to wipe them off.

If you're hurt, learn to be stronger.

You always have an option.

You can always choose to be wise, and brave.

Face it, don't be afraid.

Stand up with your limbs, your heart, and your mind.

Pray, it works. Talk to the people who care for you.

Shout it out with all your might.

Release your inner power. Be what you want to be.

Work on it. Be patient.

Be kind to everyone around you, don't be afraid to ask for help.

Comfort them if they need you.

And it will all fall into place, in the perfect time.

I was contemplating myself while I write this poem. 2020 until now has been very hard for many of us. While I think I was privileged compared to many, there are still ups and downs while I look back. There have been the lowest of lows when I whine alone but then I clear my mind. They say that you can see more when your mind is clear, which may be true. So I think that is a great opportunity to fill the clear spaces in my mind -- read more, watch more, eat more. My body's hunger is not just physical, but also for my spirit. Food, entertainment, experience, and prayer enable me to grow.

I wish that I can impart something. I want to take part. I'd like to give my best potential and I want to inspire. I am very thankful for the people who've been there for me. They inspire me to become happy, to do what I am capable of doing.

This post hopes that I can inspire you, dear reader, to reach your potential. I also hope we can help each other to move forward and go up.

This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2: Dear Survivor”. The initiative continues to respond to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis. The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. The “Write to Ignite Blogging Project” Season 2 is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, with Eastern Communications and Jobstreet as co-presenters, with AirAsia and Xiaomi as major sponsors, and with Teleperformance as sponsor.