Of hopes and dreams

People of my age, it is common that we experience a roller of emotions and feelings because of the different encounters of the diverse environment that we frisk from one to another.  As for me, I can attest this to be true. Being able to manage our emotions are essential to use humans in a way that this can greatly affect how we respond and interact with the environment or the community that we participate in. Here are ways that I can manage such surge of emotions in response to the environment that I am a part of.

When emotions are extreme or a little extra :

Let it all out and find your breather - Emotions shouldn’t be bottled up deep inside your heart. If you’re happy, then laugh. If you’re sad, then cry. If you’re angry, then shout it out. But take note, it’s important that once you let it all out, you won’t trouble others. You can either write what you’re feeling down or go tell someone how you feel. You can even do exercises, meditate or any physical activity to keep your emotions at bay and to remain at a tranquil state. Don't forget to breathe in and out.

Dont act upon your emotions - People tend to make massive decisions when their either too happy, to sad or too angry - decisions that they most likely regret because such decisions are made impulsively and without evaluation. Emotions tend to filter our thoughts

Think outside the box - when reacting towards a situation, always remember to look at the bigger picture - too see at different point of views. Everything that happens, good or bad, have a higher purpose - a purpose that we may not understand. Even through an emotional outbreak, believe and trust that there is something better or an ultimate purpose that you will make soon understand.

Ask for guidance - we are saved by our faith, even in the darkest moments. Trust that the divine will always be with you, show you what you must do, and save you from situations we can't endure.

LEADER-FOLLOWER

Being a leader is not only a mere title - its an honour and a responsibility. It’s not just taking charge of a certain group or organisation but its more on making the most of the group by motivating everyone to take part in reaching a certain goal for the good of all. Being a leader is also being a server, in a way that by leading, you are being of service to others and giving a helping hand. Leadership is also sen as a responsibility because you are entitled to lead and therefore responsible to whatever me may happen or be done by the group. Being a leader entitles you to a power to become a voice - and we must always use that voice correctly and justly.

Being a follower is in parallel in being a leader. Being a follower does not necessarily mean that you are under a person in charge and therefore should just blind follow what the leader has to say. A follower is an active participant in a group. Each presence and participation of an individual totally affect the well-being of the group. The leader and followers must work together to fulfil goals.

How to become a good leader and follower:

Learn to communicate

A group is made of individuals who are different but have the same goal. Being diverse individuals, we all have different ideas. The leader and followers should always be open to ideas, suggestions, reactions in the group. Remember, communication is the key that makes all relationships clear.

 Take action

Words are meaningless without actions to prove and give meaning to it. Walk your talk. This applies to both the leader and the follower in a way that there should be taken action by all, not just the leader or not just the followers themselves. Everyone should participate in taking action.

 Be flexible

Leaders and followers should be able to adjust whenever necessary - make the inevitable changes and be able to switch or shift roles gracefully. Being flexible also means being able to adjust to the different characters and personalities contained in one group and therefore create better relationships among member of the group.

Know your strengths and weaknesses

By knowing your strengths and weaknesses in a group enables you to know what you need to work on and develop with the use of your strengths and capabilities.

Learn from mistakes

Mistakes make relationships stronger and wiser. Accept that not everything may go as planned and learn how to accept these mishaps to make room for improvement the next time.

 Be passionate about your work

Work cannot be effectively done by the group if there is no deeper force that connects or binds the group to the work that they do. As they say, love the work that you do, and it will  love you back.

I know that there are still many ways on how to become great leaders and followers, but as for now, this is all that i am capable to give. Remember, that being an effective leader and follower depends on how you perform as an individual and work together as a group. 

           Nowadays, I have become more stressed than ever. Everything just feels so rushed and so planned. It’s a bit suffocating to think that everything is being forced on to me all at once and I don't know where to start.   Nothing feels natural and spontaneous anymore. I’m tired of going through the same routines everyday and everything seems to become more difficult to take in. I know that all of these tiring days and stressors are just temporary and minor, but i cant help but be affected by it.          I know that I’m supposed to keep going and be positive that everything is gonna be okay, but all these stressors are coming to me all at the same and a girl can only take so much. I’m trying to be more optimistic but everything is weighing me down. I can’t fully focus and concentrate anymore and it only frustrates me to think that because I’m distracted, the work I do can’t satisfy even my own standards. I’m afraid of what this might do to me if this continues.  I don't know if i still have the strength to handle even more. Please tell me how to deal with this. I can’t tell myself to do things anymore.          Maybe you can help.

                                                                       Waiting for you,                                                                                           Issa.

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Dear Issa,

Hi Issa!          First of all, I would like to thank you for coming to me to seek comfort and advice. As your ate, I am more than willing to help you. I’m not really good at this but I’ll do my best.

        Issa, being stressed at your age is normal. You are a teenager and as what others say, teenage years are the most crucial phase of one’s life. I understand that your stressors root from different factors like your studies, friends and family. I know where you are coming from. Yes, it’s difficult to stay in the game when you even doubt yourself. It is hard to cope with all the demands of the people around you. It’s even more frustrating when you fail to fulfill their expectations. 

        However, I want you to know that no one is in control of you. Only you can decide for yourself. When you feel tired, take a moment to breathe. When you want to spend time with yourself, go on. Then, when people question and judge you for taking things slowly, do not listen to them. You don’t have to be in a hurry. Do it one at a time.  

        It’s okay to fail and make mistakes. It’s okay to disappoint. You can never escape failures, Issa. I believe that they are essential to life. They have a purpose which is to serve as a reminder that you were strong enough to surpass them and as a guide on how you will handle the possible challenges that you will encounter in the future. And when you fail, don’t be too hard on yourself. You can cry and be sad about it for a moment but just don’t make it last. 

     Do not waste your time worrying about things you can’t change. Instead, focus on things that are more important and avoid committing the same mistakes again. 

      You are growing. Stress will always chase you. However, do not let it consume you. Never let it be in control of your actions and emotions.  Most importantly, you are not alone. You have those people who truly care for you. They will be your source of strength when things get out of hand. They will serve as your breather. 

       Also, you have an Almighty Father who loves you despite all your flaws. Turn to Him and He will gladly listen to you as you are His precious princess. With this, I would like you to remember Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I pray that this verse will serve as a constant reminder that He is always in control and that you only have to trust in His plans for you. 

       Issa, I wish you well in all your future endeavors. Stay strong and optimistic and all your efforts will be fairly rewarded. I will always be here for you!

This Works for Me Too!

Most people, they want a love that’s ideal and perfect - where there is no wrongs, no pain, no error and rejection. This is why some people are not satisfied with the love they receive. That’s not the kind of love i want. I don't aspire for a love that’s perfect, because i know that human as we are, we are not capable of carrying out things that are flawless and ideal.

I’m hopeful for a love that can accept not only what is beautiful and pleasing - like good looks and a great personality, but also the flaws and blemishes that make a person unique from everyone else; that not only cherish the bliss that is shared but can also withstand downpours. A love that can be put into trial and would still work out and become stronger and better; a love that makes all the inevitable pain and aching that comes with loving worth it.

I aspire for a love that makes me feel alive - something that can make all typical notions feel special and important; where suddenly all that was once dull and grey is now bright and full of life - maybe even magical.

I know that there is only one person who is capable of giving love that is eternal, perfect and true - our Saviour. Only God is capable of loving fully and unconditionally - without error.

But in this temporary world, we are given people that are capable of loving us and that we should love in return - our family and friends (and maybe in the future, someone more significant than others :) )

This is my family, It’s little and broken... but it’s still good.

Just kidding my family isn’t broken. I just wanted to make a Lilo & Stitch movie reference *laughs*

On a bit more serious note, our family is composed of people of different quirks  who constantly fight and love each other through every day. 

We’ve been through all the up and downs, and we’re still here for each other. 

This works for me!

Most days, I have the tendency to be stressed even about the smallest things. Maybe its because I love it when everything falls into place. Whatever is in lieu of what i have imagined and hoped for it to be, i tend to become stressed or disturbed by such. So, let me share to you how I bust my stress or relieve how I'm feeling.

 Taking long hot showers

Normally, when I’m really stressed - when I’ve reached the point wherein I can no longer focus or do my work efficiently, my immediate solution is to take a long hot shower. Although I know that its not exactly the best habit to do because of the amount of water I choose to waste, I just really  have to do it because it relaxes tensed parts of my body and allow me to feel refreshed and energised. It almost makes me feel like all my stress is washed along the water that flows down my body and it also helps me think clearer.

Listening to music and singing

Whether what genre it may be: classic, soul, rock and etc; music will always soothe me. I would lie down and stare at the ceiling and let the music overwhelm my senses. Most of the time I would sing along to songs that express how I truly feel. I think its a way that I can express myself without having to share my burdens to others.

 Reading and writing

I’m aware that this sounds like an a part of the English curriculum but I do like to relieve my stress through reading novels, poems and other forms of literature. It makes me feel that I am temporarily allowing myself to become another person and enter into a new world where everything is different. It allows me to forget what I am stressed about for the meantime. I’m also fond of writing and pouring my soul out on paper including figments of my thoughts and i keep and hide them in a box.

 Sleep

This is one of the basic and proven techniques to relieve stress and its a common solution by many - including me. Sleeping for even just for a few hours will always give me the energy I need to do what i do more effectively and efficiently.

Sunsets and sunrises

As cliche as it may sound, I’m a girl who loves watching sunsets and sunrises There’s just something so symbolic and beautiful about watching sunsets and sunrises, It make me think that all the struggles and stress will just temporary and that it’s never too late to start anew.

Laughter

I like to be with people who make me truly happy and those whom i love the most. Laughing makes even the worse scenarios feel lighter and become more bearable. By laughing and being happy, I have then a less heavier and a more positive approach towards the stressor. Also, my puppies make me very - as in very, happy.

 Breathe

Dear Future me,

Recall all the times you’ve thought of giving up and remember that you made it through and you have gone this far to back down. Keep moving forward and don’t let anyone or anything hinder you from becoming better. Don’t let yourself be driven by what other people say. You know who you are and what you can become. Don’t let others change that.

Know that whatever may be, everything is gonna be okay. It always has, and it always will be. Don’t be too anxious about things that are bound to happen. You’ve been through enough to know that it does you no good. Remember to always hope for the best and look at the brighter side of life. Failures are only minor setbacks and there is always something greater ahead of you. All the pain, suffering and challenges are temporary.

Dont be too harsh on yourself. Sometimes things don’t turn out the way we want them to be, and that’s okay.We just have to accept reality. Just learn and move on from experiences. Life goes on and so should you.  

Always remember to trust in the works of the Lord. He will never let you down.

Love, Issa.

MORALE BOOSTERS

FROM PIA

Go Issa!

FROM RAYJIE

*raises fist*

FROM ELLA

Trust with all you mind, 

Believe with all your heart,

 Achieve with all your might

FROM ANGEL

Dream big 

Set goals

Take action

FROM RAWIA

HI issa,

 Pag buhat nag pt nimo kay hapit na ang deadline.

Bye! 

FROM RHANDY

Ice cream/forever seatmate, 

Thank you for everything from grade seven until now -  for everything that you’ve done and I hope you stay the same and I also hope that this year we can become closer because you really are a great person.

FROM ELEAH

My dear issa,

 Always believe in yourself because when you believe, anything can happen. Love you!

FROM KHRIS

Hi sai!

Dumdumi nga miskan unsa naman gani kalisod ang mga butang, kay maintain gihapon imong standards and always do your best kay halos tanan butang imposible hantod imo siyang buhaton ug never give up ug never say die.

FROM JAMIE

Sai, well* laughs* kuan sai, love tika dayon kabalo ko nga makaya nimo  ng stem kay bright man gud ka sai and kabalo ko nga dili ka mugive up.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER GOALS

What matters most in life is not your destination, which road you take or how far you can go; its the people you choose to be with throughout the journey and who you are with them. -Issa Barrera

Expectancy

“Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” ― Alexander Pope

Expectations are hard to handle. Although it’s quite flattering to think that people believe in what you are capable of doing that’s why they have expectations of you, but sometimes it’s just too much take in. The pressure it gives me is suffocating at times and it gives me so much anxiety. I admit that I do not work gracefully under pressure. Expectations can also be very painful especially if such expectations are not met. Because of this, other’s expectations of me can become my own expectations. Whenever I cannot meet these expectations, it hurts and wounds bits of my being to think that I was not able to do what I believe I could.

As far as I can remember, I have always been expected much from my parents and from people around me. I was always pressured and taught that I need to do all things in perfection – to have no room for error. That’s why I grew up to be very anxious about making mistakes, and very conscious that I might make a fool out of myself. I’m tired of complying with what they want me to do. I’m tired of being afraid to do what I can without thinking of what other people might have to say. I just want it all the burdens to stop. I want to do something without everything on my shoulders.

MANDALA

Yin and Yang

“Sun and rain, so different. Yet, by working together do they create harmony and life.”- Fa Zhou, Mulan

The world is composed of a delicate balance of opposites. Of good and bad, gentle and tough, sunny and shady, sound and silence, body and soul, dark and light, appearance and reality. Although opposite and very distinct, one alone is not enough, you need both together to become whole and appreciate its wholeness. The balance of nature and spirit keeps us alive and going in this world. As Joy Bell C would put it, “The dance between darkness and light will always remain - the stars and the moon will always need the darkness to be seen, the darkness will just not be worth having without the moon and the stars.”

My name, “Jo” which comes from my dad “Jose” means “God is gracious”. “Isobelle” means “God is my oath” and my nickname “Issa”, in Arabic is Jesus and mean “God saves”. Although i’m not really fond of it, because of the way its sounds (like that of a person in the 1800’s), makes me happy because it reminds me of my faith.

Growing up, I’ve have been through so much during my tween years. I would like to tell you but i dont want you to think that i still make a big deal out of it. Although that time was very dreary for someone who’s only about 11 years old and that it gave me so much anxiety and insecurity during my highschool years, I’m somehow still thankful that it happened. It taught me that I can stand on my own and that other’s judgement about me dont really matter. It taught me that I should become a person for others. No one was there for me, and as much as I can, I wont let anyone i love feel the same.

But right now, i choose to become happy. I choose to always see the brighter side of life - to become hopeful, to chase dreams and to make others happy even with the smallest things.