one thing i love about substack: people actually write 🙂‍↕️ there’s so much substance, so many perspectives, and so much to learn!!!

the last time i had an account there was back when it was still twitter. i left in 2020 and honestly never thought i’d come back.

i only made a new account two days ago, and somehow i already have 50+ posts and a few reposts 😭 i guess that’s just how madaldal i am.

i also took the time to curate my algorithm there, so now my feed is filled with the kind of things i actually enjoy. i think that’s why i’ve been loving it so much.

happy friday, tumblr friends 🤍 i’m so happy today!!!

saw this on tiktok, and i couldn’t agree more.

the older i get, the more i realize how true it is. if you don’t know who you are, it’s so easy to let other people’s opinions define you. but once you’re grounded in your own values, not every comment, criticism, or misunderstanding has the power to shake you.

i commented on one of my college friend’s my day today and complimented her. she was one of the smartest people i knew in college, but somehow we never made each other feel like we were competing.

looking back, i wasn’t the type to study all day, but i still managed to keep my grades up (and down? HAHAHA) while balancing life as a varsity athlete. in our group, i was one of the silliest too, yet people always told me they admired how i handled both academics and sports. i didn’t realize it back then, but i’m proud of that version of me :,)

i also remember talking to her back in 2024, when i was hurting because someone kept trying to tear me down in front of other people. she listened, then reminded me who i was.

she told me, “ameg, you’re you. you’re palaban. you don’t let people walk all over you.” and somehow, i needed to hear that.

i think that’s one of the greatest gifts a friend can give you. not just celebrating your wins, but reminding you of your strength when you’ve forgotten it yourself 🥹🥹🤍

this is one of the biggest ways i’ve seen myself grow. once you learn how to speak up and stand up for yourself, it’s hard to go back. the courage builds on itself.

growing up, some people thought i was maldita. now, i don’t mind being called maldita if it simply means i know my worth and i don’t let people cross my boundaries.

i remember working for someone who drained me so much that i cried every time it was almost time for my shift. i only lasted six months, and that’s when i realized it was never just about the money. no paycheck is worth sacrificing your mental health.

the day i submitted my resignation letter, i felt the biggest sense of relief. it was scary, but it was also the first time in a while that i chose myself.