When I grow up, I will own a pastry shop and name it “Sweet Temptations”. I will successfully market it internationally because of my skills and experiences in public relations. Then, I will go to parties and have drinks with big talented people, talk about our personal interests with no language barrier because I will be multilingual.

I could remember these little bright scenarios that I kept doodling on the pages of my violet-colored notebook as a child- full of innocence with only pure intentions of wanting to do what I love, making my family proud and showing to the world what I am capable of.

I miss those times.

And most importantly, I miss being a child; carefree, limitless and curious.

But then again, in reality, life is no fairytale-like nor fair just because one is fair.

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I am a product of a broken family. My school years were spent transferring from one school to the other, year by year and sometimes, month by month because of residence and custody concerns. I had a bunch of failed reality and talent show auditions, almost had my platelets down to zero at 15 because of Dengue, was shot by a gunman months later, got hit by a rushing jeepney while on my way home, experienced being bullied for years, gone out with the wrong group of people and had my heart broken by a few trusted ones, Yet, despite all these, having to breath life and to experience its uncertainties and victories, for me, is still the greatest gift that one could ever take.

With some of my troublesome experiences in the past, I have learned to value life and to live with it according to my own terms. Every single day, I offered prayers of gratitude and protection, never failed to pursue the things that have sparked my interests, tried to experience new things even just for once whenever I had the chance to and have built a stronger foundation of myself by reading self-help books, looking up to my role models, constantly dreaming of the life that I want and standing up as an inspiration to my family.

And, just when I was about to step up my game, year 2020 came and had us stunned in all aspects of our lives.

We were tortured physically by the rising number of infected people and deaths globally, abused mentally by our unending anxieties and insecurities, challenged financially with business closures and unemployment, and were tested spiritually with the series of unfortunate events. This year’s battle is indeed hard. But, wherever you are, and whatever you do, I hope you find light in this short message.

We are all survivors, you are a survivor, I am a survivor.

Dear Survivor,

First of all, I want to tell you how proud I am of you! You made it this far and have grown beautifully over time.

You are strong,

you are kind,

you are talented,

you are smart,

you are beautiful,

you are creative

and you are blessed!

During this trying times, I know you have cried yourself to sleep yet woke up better and lighter than ever before. I know you have been overthinking about the health and safety of your family but please, let not worries take you away from focusing on the present. Your patience and stand may have been tested by the people around. Yet, you still managed to smile like a ray of sunshine, untouched by negativity.

I know you have doubted your self many times but I want you to believe in yourself 10x more than your doubtful moments. You may have been pressured from all the things you see on social media but you can always take those as an inspiration to do better and be more. You may have felt unloved, but into the eyes of someone worthy, you are already enough.

If you have to let go of the things that no longer serve you, do not hesitate to make the move; never sacrifice yourself just to please others. Prioritize your inner peace and always remember that the only way to get to Point B is to leave Point A.

I want you to gather yourself up and be stronger than your fears because the world is waiting for you and there’s so much to look forward to. Pursue your dreams and claim it!

[Insert your goals here be it long or short-term. Use present tense and imagine as if you have claimed it already]

Here’s mine:

I own a pastry shop named “Sweet Temptations” and have successfully marketed it internationally because of my skills and experiences in public relations. I have gone to parties and had drinks with big talented people, talking about businesses and other personal interests with no language barrier because I am be multilingual.

Survivor, you made it!

Congratulations!

This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2: Dear Survivor”. The initiative continues to respond to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis.  The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. The “Write to Ignite Blogging Project” Season 2 is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, with Eastern Communications and Jobstreet as co-presenters, with AirAsia and Xiaomi as major sponsors, and with Teleperformance as sponsor.