Finding Strength in the Mess

I knew this wouldn’t be easy. Starting over never is. But today, it feels especially heavy. The errands, the packing, the endless list of things that need to be done—it’s like I’m running a marathon with no finish line in sight.

And then there’s work. A part of me wonders if I should have just taken a leave, given myself the space to breathe. But fear creeps in. What if I lose my job? What if they think I’m making excuses? What if my personal struggles start spilling over into a place where I’ve fought so hard to stay professional?

So I push forward. I drop off the kids’ lunch, I take the phone call with my mom, I juggle everything at once. And somewhere in the chaos, exhaustion settles in—not just the kind that sleep can fix, but the kind that comes from carrying too much for too long.

The hardest part isn’t the to-do list or the physical exhaustion. It’s the fear. Fear of what comes next. Fear of how I’ll hold everything together. Fear that if I stop, even for a moment, everything will fall apart.

But here’s what I’m slowly realizing: Fear doesn’t mean I’m failing. It just means I care. I care about providing for my kids. I care about keeping my independence. I care about proving—to myself, more than anyone—that I can do this. But caring doesn’t mean I have to carry everything alone.

Maybe I can’t take a full break, but I can find moments of rest. Maybe I can’t control how others perceive me, but I can remind myself that their opinions don’t define my worth. Maybe I don’t have all the answers yet, but I know this: I am not going back. I am moving forward, no matter how hard it gets.

And on the days when the weight feels unbearable, I will remind myself—this is temporary. The struggle won’t last forever. But the strength I am building right now? That will stay with me for life. I will get through this. One step at a time.

Rise and shine, my sons!!! Another day for my boys figuring out the ups and downs of growing up. Be BRAVE, but always choose your words carefully. Words are like scissors. They can cut deep and can leave a mark you may not even see. 

Life will always offer choices between right and wrong, good and bad. You’re still young. There’s plenty of time to learn, grow, and make positive changes. But the path you choose NOW shapes who YOU become. 

As your mom, nothing makes me prouder than seeing you choose kindness, honesty, and what’s right. That’s where REAL strength is found. 😘🙏🫰❤️

My TWO Cents

If you’ve been cheated on, remember this: you need to BE SMARTER than the cheater. Everyone even cheaters has a right to privacy. So, posting screenshots of private conversations online can backfire on you legally. Better yet save those screenshots as evidence and use them the right way. File a Violence Against Women (VAW) case if infidelity caused you psychological harm. Don’t waste your energy on social media DRAMA that could lead to slut-shaming or even legal trouble for you. 

Play it smart. Protect yourself. And handle it the right way to get the justice you deserve without stooping to their level. 😉

Gaslighting Is Bullying Too

As a mom, my top priority is keeping my children safe—physically, emotionally, and mentally. I’ve learned that harm isn’t always obvious. Gaslighting, for example, is a subtle yet powerful form of bullying. It’s when someone makes you doubt your own feelings or experiences, which can damage self-confidence and trust.

Bullying isn’t just about name-calling or insults or physical harm. Gaslighting can be just as damaging. And I won’t let anyone do that to my children. I will never let that slide, ever. No one should make them feel less than they are. I teach my kids to recognize this kind of behavior, and to trust their instincts. Stand their ground, and never feel guilty for doing what’s right.

It’s also important to help the gaslighter change. Correcting their behavior, getting them to own up to it, and showing they’re willing to change matters. I teach my kids that forgiveness is important, but only when it’s deserved. When someone shows they’re ready to change, that’s when we forgive.

Letter To My Sons

Dear Sons,

Life will throw challenges your way. Resilience is your superpower. Always trust your instincts and stand firm in what’s right. Never ever doubt yourself or feel bad for doing the right thing. Keep your head high and push forward because every step makes you stronger. 

You’ve got this! I’m always here cheering you on.

Love,

Mom 🥰

Power of Manifestation

It’s incredible how focusing on positive vibes and aligning with positive energy can make amazing things happen. 

Focus on what you want. Put out the good vibes. Stay positive! Manifestation works—keep at it. Then, watch how the universe comes through and work its magic! 😊❤️🙏#OnRepeat #powerofmanifestation

SONA 2024

For political junkies, #StateOfTheNationAddress is a highly anticipated event. I was eager to hear President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent #SONA2024. 

IMO, it’s important to value diverse opinions—whether you support the President or not, listening before forming judgments is crucial. Here are some key points from the SONA:

1. The 🇵🇭 remains vulnerable to climate change but has secured a spot on the Loss and Damage Fund board and is prepared for natural disasters.
2. Over ₱27.7 billion worth of smuggled goods have been seized.
3. Distribution of 100 million kgs of seeds and fertilizers to farmers, boats to fishermen, and vaccines for livestock. Development of solar-powered irrigation systems.
4. INFRASTRUCTURE projects are on schedule, with upgrades to power and internet services. Cyber defense launched, Mindanao-Visayas energy-sharing enabled, and the unified Philippine grid completed. Congress is called to amend the EPIRA law. Budget allocated for upgrading 367 bridges (2 to open this year) and nearly 1,600 roads along Maharlika Highway. MRT-7 and North-South Commuter Railway are progressing, with right-of-way issues being resolved. PNR line operational, and NAIA is being developed into a world-class airport.
5. Enhancing school and day-care feeding programs. DOST is researching nutritious food and drinks, while DOH is launching a comprehensive mental health plan. Support for health-enhancing sports programs continues.
6. Prioritizing immediate improvements in EDUCATION. Focusing on problem-solving, critical thinking, and technological reform. Emphasizing teacher quality with benefits such as teaching allowances, personal accident insurance, and special hardship allowances for public teachers in 2025. Funds allocated for an EXPANDED CAREER SYSTEM for public school teachers.
7. EMPLOYMENT rate has increased. Efforts to improve ease of doing business have shown positive effects. Implementation of a 🇵🇭 e-Visa is next in the digital transformation agenda.
8. Elevating experiential TOURISM through a multifaceted strategy, highlighting Filipino creativity and ingenuity. Development of a seafarers' hub and OFW lounge.
9. Government procurement will be streamlined under RA12009. No active guerilla fronts remain, only weakened groups. The government will honor PEACE AGREEMENTS.
10. Government will adhere to laws, REJECTING Extermination. Reporting a 79% drug conviction rate and ₱44 billion worth of illegal drugs recovered.
11. The 🇵🇭 will assert its rights in the #WestPhilippineSea. Disputes should be resolved through diplomatic channels.
12. All #POGOs are banned, with PAGCOR ordered to wind down operations. Support will be provided to those affected by job losses.

The SONA lasted over an hour, so I might have missed some points. Feel free to point out anything I overlooked.

Overall, the #SONA2024 covered many issues. However, I hope to see REAL reforms and CHANGES after this. Effective implementation of these plans is crucial. Let’s hope the government turns these promises into actions that benefit all Filipinos. 🇵🇭

Note: Let’s promote issue-based discussions and respectful exchanges of ideas! 😊😉👊