Another mission checked off our family’s list this year—we finally renewed our passports! It had been over a decade since we last had them updated, and this time, it was extra special because our youngest applied for his very first passport. Back when we were just a family of three, our first (and last) trip abroad was to Hong Kong. Our eldest was just a year old then. Since that trip, life got busy, and renewing our passports kept getting pushed back—year after year. Booking a passport appointment these days isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Everything has to be done online, and every time I checked the DFA website, the slots in the satellite office near us were always fully booked. Eventually, I gave up trying—until a colleague mentioned DFA San Pablo City in Laguna. It's about an hour and a half (or two, depending on traffic) from our place. Out of curiosity, I checked their schedule and, to my surprise, found several open slots. I didn’t waste a second—I booked o...
After
a short break from blogging due to health issues, I’ve come to realize just how
much our mental and emotional well-being impact our physical health. What
started as a simple muscle spasm and occasional palpitations—things I had often
dismissed as normal after a long, tiring week—gradually became a wake-up call
that I could no longer ignore.
Before
the end of 2024, my schedule was packed. Between preparing for a sports fest
where our office was the host and physically training with my team, I felt a
deep sense of fulfillment in strengthening our bond and working towards a
common goal. But just as I was basking in that satisfaction, I received
unexpected, difficult news. Wanting to protect the holiday spirit for my loved
ones, I suppressed my emotions, focusing instead on supporting those who needed
me. The exhaustion caught up with me, and by Christmas break, I was down with
the flu.
I
usually schedule my annual physical exam after my birthday, but since I had
just undergone one in October, I decided to skip it. As 2025 rolled in, I was
hopeful. Good news after good news came my way, and I thought I was finally on
the path to healing. But my body told me otherwise. As my children’s exam
season approached—an event my husband and I typically share responsibility
for—alongside mounting work deadlines and unexpected stressors, my back pain
and palpitations worsened. That’s when I finally decided to seek medical
advice.
I
consulted multiple specialists—cardiologist, OB-GYN, gastroenterologist,
orthopedic doctor, and even a rehabilitation specialist. I underwent physical
therapy and numerous lab tests. To my relief, all my results came back normal,
except for a minor issue in my colon that required medication. Then my OB-GYN
said something that struck a chord: “All your symptoms seem to stem from one
thing—stress.”
It
was a revelation. I had always believed I was good at managing stress, but
perhaps I had taken on more than I could handle. In one of my son’s study
reviewers, I came across a line that resonated deeply: Suppressed emotions
can manifest as physical illness. It made me reflect—how many times had I
ignored my own needs to prioritize everything and everyone else?
This
experience taught me a powerful lesson: no matter how physically fit you may
appear, no matter how much you think you can handle, your body will tell you
when it’s time to stop and take a break. Pushing yourself beyond your limits
doesn’t make you stronger; it wears you down.
So,
to anyone going through the same thing—listen to your body. Take that rest when
you need it. Set boundaries. Learn to say NO when you must, because
constantly giving without recharging drains you not just physically, but
emotionally and mentally as well. Prioritize self-care, and don’t hesitate to
seek professional help when needed.
Above
all, remember that you are not alone. A strong support system—whether it’s
family, friends, or even faith—can make all the difference. And if you feel
like there’s no one to lean on, know that God is always there, walking beside
you through every challenge.
I
know I will be okay, because I trust in His plan for me. And if you’re
struggling, believe that you will be okay too. Healing takes time, and it
starts with the choice to take care of yourself.
#MentalHealthMatters
#SelfCare #ListenToYourBody #HealingTakesTime #FaithAndWellness
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