In one of Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD’s books — Just a Moment — he asks a powerful question: “Was there a moment in your life when you experienced God in a very real and personal way?” My answer is a wholehearted yes — not just once, but many times. I didn’t grow up religious. I wasn’t taught to rely on God’s grace. As a child, life felt messy, hopeless, and out of control. I wanted to grow up fast so I could fix the things I hated most — especially the way we were living. Back then I didn’t know it, but God was already working behind the scenes. The first time I truly felt His presence was in 2008, when I passed the bar exam. That year, the passing rate was unexpectedly adjusted — something I saw as God’s perfect timing. Honestly, if that didn’t happen, I don’t know how I would have survived it. It was a turning point that made me believe God sees us, hears our whispered prayers, and knows how much we struggle. From that day, I promised myself to live ri...
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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