How has your perspective on life and appreciation for it evolved over time?
Life is awesome; however, I also have gained a realistic perspective on it. Life is not easy, and no one is born to have an easy life. However, people on the spiritual path, such as myself, are equipped with tools and techniques to help us make our lives relatively easy and surmount obstacles. I have always had the flaw of looking at the glass as half-empty and envying people who had things I did not have. However, I have learned and am still learning that God’s supply of blessings is infinite and, therefore, that He has enough for everybody. Although I have become a more grateful person now in my adulthood, I’m still a work in progress in the area of contentment with life. Whenever I focus on my blessings, it gives me a sense of inner peace. I also make an effort to look at the bright side of things that I don’t have/no longer have. After all, there is a positive side to everything, even difficult situations.

What are three things you cherish at this moment and why?
These are three of the many things I cherish:

• 1. Bonding with my family- It provides a sense of belonging and togetherness. Family is very important to a person’s life because that is where all the core values of love, acceptance, and respect, among other things, begin. After all, a person’s first support system is usually comprised of the people at home. Not to mention, friends may come and go, but family is forever. Family bonding activities, whether done with everyone or just one (or a few members) at a time, foster closeness and improve my relationships with them- both of which will last for a lifetime. It helps to develop healthy camaraderie with the family because it can help one carry over this kind of relationship with people outside.
• 2. Relationship with God- God has planned out our whole life stories for us, and we need Him to hold our hands as we tread life’s path with Him. He is someone whom a person cannot live without. It is vital to depend on God because we can’t live a wholesome life without His guidance. Plus, only He can satisfy all our needs when not even our parents, spouses, siblings, or children can. I personally value my relationship with God because I see Him as my constant guide and compass in navigating life’s road smoothly and, of course, in being less given to sin. Having a strong connection to Him allows me to be a better Christian/Catholic and face the future without fear. I know my future is uncertain, as it is with everyone. So, prayer helps me to surrender all my anxieties and overthinking of the future to Him and trust that only He knows everything that will happen to me in the years to come. Basically, God being sovereign is the only one who can control everything.
• 3. Time for solitude- Self-care is very important to me because I need sufficient solo time otherwise I will have serious burnout and emotional exhaustion. In fact, many times I need more decompression and solitude compared to many people because excessive socialization would not do good for me. This is true especially since I am highly sensitive to people and their energy (and want to avoid overload). Plus, having solo time gives me the chance to recharge so I can have enough love and energy to give to other people. That being said, having solo dates outside my house at least once a week is very helpful.

What project or creative activity are you working on or have you worked on that brought you joy, and what are the reasons why?
For the past month, I’ve been working on a couple of manuscripts- ie stories. It brings me joy to write stories, especially because they provide answers to questions I have had about family and life in general. Most of my stories revolve around family relationships, something I consider vital to human well-being. Besides, the lives of the characters (whether they’re real or fictitious people- and in one of the stories, I am a character in fact) are inspired by many of the happenings in my own life. Thus, I can identify with the characters in my stories and experience family life through their eyes, making these people and events relatable.

How would you advise someone struggling to find things they value in their life?
I would like to advise people to do some self-discovery, like identifying their passions, interests, and core values. If they develop this self-knowledge of what makes them happy and what motivates them to get up each morning, this will serve as a stepping stone to identifying core values. Then, knowing one’s core values would enable them to discover their purpose.

Parting Lessons

• Embrace the Journey of Gratitude: Life is a mix of challenges and blessings, and learning to focus on what you have, rather than what you lack, brings inner peace. Gratitude is not just a fleeting feeling but a lifelong practice that deepens with time, helping us navigate both the highs and lows with grace.

• Find Strength in Solitude and Faith: Solitude and a strong connection with your faith can be powerful sources of strength. Taking time for self-reflection and nurturing your relationship with the divine can guide you through life’s uncertainties and help you maintain a sense of purpose and calm amidst chaos.