I was on the third day of my period when I went to work as usual but around lunch time, my tummy ached and I could barely move as usual. There were a lot of customers that morning and I was there to help the new staff as they continue on with the training.
The pain was excruciating. I decided to go to the office and sat still but I couldn’t. I asked for mom’s help. She bought pain killers and got me a hot pack.
In those moments, I didn’t think twice. I asked if I can go home and lay in bed.
It was my first time to experience such great pain. I experienced cramps before but it wasn’t this great.
Our househelps were all very comforting. They told me they have gone through the same. What assured me was the thought that everything will be okay after I have taken medicine and rest.
While I laid down hushing myself to sleep, there were a lot of thoughts that have gone through my head. Mostly these thoughts were about being grateful for having a home and the luxury to have this down time. I was grateful that I could spend the afternoon with my aunt–to have stayed in her room and nap comfortably.
But for the first few minutes, I couldn’t sleep because I still felt the pain. I became a bit emotional and cried. I cried softly as I prayed to God. I asked God to heal and restore me so I can still be productive. I also thanked God again for my family who became a source of comfort.
I realized why some women needed to take a leave when they’re having their periods. Sometimes, we just need to hit the pause button. Sometimes, we just need to listen to what it needs. On these days, it needs more rest and a little more care.
I can’t believe I am turning thirty this year! The past decade, I realized that I have been trying to get to know myself better by trying whatever I get my hands into. This year is no exemption but I have learned to set boundaries and discipline in order to keep myself grounded.
With a lot of upcoming trips, I am already scared because my schedules would definitely be messed up. I always thought I would thrive in routines and having a clear set of schedules to follow. So before the chaos begins, I listed down some of the basics that I should be doing in a day.
Spending time with the Lord. It is definitely a must! I always ask God to give me wisdom on how to do things because I am incapable without His direction. I still fail most times but by His grace I am getting better.
Doing skin care. I feel more confident when I know that I look presentable so I make sure to get proper hygiene always.
Getting good sleep. Thank God I am able to sleep better now or maybe I’m just too tired from work.
Spending time with my family. I always look forward to hearing their stories and seeing their goofy faces at the end of the day but more than that, I’m thankful that I can see and talk to them even in the most awkward time of the day when I am quite busy because we work in the same area.
Journaling. Writing is therapeutic. It also feels good to look back I was thinking on a particular day. Sometimes when I get bored, I browse my old articles even when it seems that no one is reading.
Giving gratitude. Thanks to my friend Dayan, I got a dated notebook so instead of putting it to waste, I dedicated it to be the gratitude journal where I write things that I’m grateful for each day.
Eating on time and eating right. Ever since having a breakthrough on a business trip, I learned to get rid of my trigger foods. I’m still struggling a lot in this area because sometimes it is hard to resist. Having too much acid meant I need to get rid of spicy foods, food with coconut milk and sweets. I hope to get better this year.
Connecting with my support system. It is always refreshing to receive messages from my sisters, relatives and friends living far away. I love how technology knit us closer together despite the distance.
And lastly exercise. I already got colds and coughs twice this year! I feel sad that I can’t exercise more than I want to however I’m grateful that I get to walk with family at least a week.
I hope to stick to the basics even at the end of the year
I woke up pretty early today because of my upset stomach and maybe because I was too excited to walk with nature again. This morning, I just realized that we haven’t actually gone out the past two months of 2023. It was also my first time to stroll with my sister and mom!
As we were about to head out, I asked my sister to drive in lieu of me. She reluctantly obliged. Then, as we were walking, she had her ear pods on. She said I was too blobby and had too many comments on everything I see so she had to put that on. I also brought my camera with me so that I wouldn’t miss any photo opportunities around.
We did not finish the trail for my mom asked us to go back already. We were quite a bit late because my dad was supposed to join us but the last minute said he couldn’t because he wasn’t feeling well. The sun was shining so brightly but the wind was also strong. I came prepared with a hoodie and a cap but they weren’t.
On our way back, we were greeted with a white carabao blocking the way. My sister was a few meters away from us so when she stopped I got a bit scared. We were stuck for a few minutes. The carabao meant no harm but wanted to eat some leaves on the other side of the road.
When there were some children passing from the other side, we also took the courage to cross the rope.
When we finally reached were we parked, my sister was looking for her driver’s license inside her pocket but found none. She could not remember anything so she brushed the idea to look around. We also thought she left it somewhere at home so we went back already.
The moment we arrived she announced that her driver’s license wasn’t there. I was sure I saw her with it earlier before we left but wasn’t able to see where she put it.
She decided to went back and was quite a bit agitated with the missing license. I went with her because I felt guilty for asking her to drive instead of me. We were silent on our way back to Inorogan. I was silently praying that we could find the missing ID. She was about to go to a party alone tonight but with the missing license, she couldn’t.
As I was praying, I realized that maybe God used the missing license to tell us that she shouldn’t be driving alone tonight. God might have allowed it to protect her from unwanted accidents.
Still, while we were looking for the ID, I was praying. Hoping we could find it.
We went back a bit disappointed that we found nothing.
While driving on the way back, we were already thinking of solutions–how she will be able to secure a new license and how to go about tonight.
The moment we arrived, we searched some more. We looked beneath the stairs, furniture and the car. We found none.
My mom decided to ask my dad to drive her tonight. I felt relieved.
And just this afternoon before they left, a staff called us to tell that someone posted on Facebook about her missing license. We both were so happy about the news! Again, I felt relieved and so thankful!
Today I realized that we can always look at things differently. I also realized that we should be thankful of every moment despite having lost things.
After all, these are just material things. The more important stuff are family, life, health and faith. We could always gain them back, recover and renew things.
I wouldn’t say it is a misadventure because we learned (and have exercised) a lot!
Also sharing some more photos because I would like to remember them too.
Nature & Reflections 