Declutter That Mind

I’ve already proven to myself that I can do all things through God—landing a job in the city I never imagined reaching was the first proof. From private to government work, I kept pushing forward because I had courage and discernment. Yes, I lost my fire for a while. I let boredom, stagnation, and laziness take over. I drifted with no direction, and I admit that before God and myself. But that is not where my story ends. I remember who I was—full of spirit, determined, unstoppable. That person is still inside me. All I need is to wake the tiger within. And when I do, I will rise again—stronger, wiser, unstoppable—not just in reaching my dreams but in serving God with all my heart. So rise, self. God is not finished with you yet. The best is still ahead.

The warm sea breeze brushed Rosi’s skin as she sat on a weathered trunk along the shore. Her hands sifted through the fine, powder-like sand while her feet burrowed into its heat. In front of her, the sunlight danced over the glimmering surface of the water. It was the middle of July—a time when the Philippines should have been under the spell of the southwest monsoon, the “habagat,” with its fierce waves and cloudy skies. Yet, on this day, the weather was surprisingly calm and inviting.   The whole family had come to celebrate the birthday of Uncle Romi, her mother’s younger brother. Such gatherings were rare, happening only on birthdays or Christmas—sometimes at home, other times by the sea like today. Protected by a generous layer of sunblock, Rosi stayed uncovered beneath the blazing sun, her gaze fixed somewhere far away, her mind drifting even farther. Her mother called her name several times, but the calls seemed to sink into the waves.   From the kitchen, Mr...