Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Transition

Transition. It makes us all feel uneasy.  We are creatures of habit.  Mammals are creatures of habits.  Some mammals adapt better than others.  Same as plants.  The most flexible plants can stretch and stay alive despite strong winds.

Thinking back to the many times I've had transitions, I have to say I've overcame them all. For better or worse. So there is no stress anymore. No fear.

The most impactful one was when I was in the first grade. My best friend was Melanie and she asked me, "What will I am going to do?" She was moving away. I don't think I had a best friend again for some time. Then, I switched to public schools in the 5th-6th grade. 

I think the worst transition was moving yet once again to catholic school because my mother wanted me to be confirmed.  Stability is not something I knew. I guess God was preparing me for something bigger.  The Foreign Service career.

The worst transition of all was when I was already in my senior year. I've been in two different high schools. Then I was going to a 3rd one when my mom saw how depressed I was, she asked for me to return. 

There were other times, such as the times when I had an opportunity for an art program and I quit. I also quit when I got a part in the play. I ran away from fear. I ran away from feelings of awkwardness.  

I've come a long way and this final transition into life should be a happy one. No stress. No pressure. No one to push or blame me.  I can finally live...and be free. 



Sunday, November 10, 2024

A Can of Worms

Me, in 2013 at 38 years of age

 I decided to do a collage of my pictures at every decade for my upcoming 50th birthday in June.  Wow. I had no idea what that would have resulted in as I went to sleep and woke up at the wee hours of November 10.  Only memories a near 50-year old can process. It includes, the 'good, the bad, and the ugly.'

Turns out a had a major self-esteem issue.  I often wondered how my cousin who had a huge impact during my adolescent years played a part in the shaping of my self-esteem. She barely spoke English, but she was the desired one, had more friends/boyfriends I ever had.  In my dream, there were actors, one well-known one (brother/sister) Willy and Kathaleeya Mcintosh. I thought they were the model of perfection. They were both charming and beautiful. I grew up in the 1990s idolizing these folks. They appeared in my dream as the object of my affection and how Willy didn't even pay attention to me. The fact is, there's humor behind this. People, I'm not Thai. I look Thai but I don't even have an ounce of Thai in me. I have a Thai accent when I talk.  If I go to Thailand now, I'll be concerned about covering up so I don't get bit by mosquitos.  This is the punchline of all. Why do I compare myself to Thai people and models. Why do I compare myself at all? 

I am my own person today. And gosh darn it, I am loved for it.  We are all different human beings with diverse culture, background and memories. And though I lacked what I considered, "love and attention" by the world's ideals, I am loved by the one who matters.

You Say, Lauren Daigle

Lyrics
I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enoughEvery single lie that tells me I will never measure up
Am I more than just the sum of every high and every lowRemind me once again just who I am because I need to knowOoh-oh
You say I am loved when I can't feel a thingYou say I am strong when I think I am weakAnd you say I am held when I am falling shortAnd when I don't belong, oh You say I am YoursAnd I believe (I)Oh, I believe (I)What You say of me (I)I believe
The only thing that matters now is everything You think of meIn You I find my worth, in You I find my identityOoh-oh
You say I am loved when I can't feel a thingYou say I am strong when I think I am weakAnd you say I am held when I am falling shortWhen I don't belong, oh You say I am YoursAnd I believe (I)Oh, I believe (I)What You say of me (I)Oh, I believe
Taking all I have, and now I'm laying it at Your feetYou have every failure, God, You have every victoryOoh-oh
You say I am loved when I can't feel a thingYou say I am strong when I think I am weakYou say I am held when I am falling shortWhen I don't belong, oh You say I am YoursAnd I believe (I)Oh, I believe (I)What You say of me (I)I believe
Oh, I believe (I)Yes, I believe (I)What You say of me (I)

I believe