Why You Should Be Proud as an Introvert

I was in first grade when my teacher brought me in a room full of kids rehearsing for a dance. Apparently, she was expecting me to join them and prepare for the End of the Year program. I was standing at the corner for more than an hour just staring at them much to her chagrin.

When I was in high school, a teacher told me that my younger sister has better ‘Public Relations’ and she advised me to mingle more with my schoolmates. In my last year of high school, I won as president of the school government organization. How did I do it? My sister campaigned for me in the entire school.

Growing up, I could not understand why speaking came naturally for my younger sister and whenever we’re with a group of people, she fits in perfectly. I, on the other hand, stayed quiet and never initiated a conversation.

I hated delivering speeches or being at the limelight. Still, I won awards for public speaking and even became president of Public Speaking Society back in college. However, it takes a lot of mind conditioning before I could do it.

One day, I stumbled upon the word that best describes me- an introvert. I used to think that it was sort of a deficiency but through the years, a deeper part of myself made me realized it is not.

I am an introvert and it’s perfectly fine if I didn’t like speeches or initiating conversations. It’s not because I could not do it. Discernment comes first- should I say it or not?

I am an introvert and it’s definitely okay if I don’t prefer working in a group. It’s not because I could not do it but I thrive more working by myself.

It’s okay if you don’t see me mingling me with the horde of unknowns. Believe me, I enjoy the company of friends but I’d rather spend some quiet time ‘observing the world.’

I am an introvert and it’s probably not the best thing knowing that I live in an extroverted society but I gather my energy from within and I am focused on inward turning than seeking out external stimulation. The world of an introvert is just more meaningful, more peaceful, and closer to the unknown utopia.

Yes, it’s okay to be an introvert. As Ghandi puts it, “Speak only if it improves upon the silence.”

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Nails In The Fence - Inspiration Peak

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.    Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. 

          

Finally, the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence.  The fence will never be the same.  When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out.  It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there." A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

The Truth About Suicide

Missed hugs.
Missed kisses.
Missed words.
Missed kindness.
Missed life.

The picture was still vivid which seemed like it just happened yesterday. Blood from a slashed wrist as a result of attempted suicide by a family member. In between sobs and painful words, she expressed her desires to end her suffering. Yet, I could not understand. I don’t think I ever did or I ever will. And there the problem lies, the lack of understanding.

Suicide is a very sensitive topic that no one wants to discuss, but it is a prevalent problem that needs to be addressed. A recent study shows that over the last 30 years the suicide rate in young people has more than tripled.

What drives a person to end his/ her life? It is easy to make judgment that the problem that precipitates it is probably so mundane. However, I always believe that people who were driven to end their lives were lost in the abyss of confusion, pain and anger in an unfathomable depth.

It is REALLY a sad situation.

A person might have everything including success, fame and wealth- Kate Spade, Robin Williams, Anthony Bourdain, to name the few- but nobody is spared from the sad reality of suicide.

According to the WorldHealth Organization (WHO), an approximate of one million people die from suicide, which represents global mortality rate of 16 people per 100, 000 or one death every 40 seconds. It is predicted that by 2020 the rate of death will increase to one every 20 seconds.

That ‘family member’ who tried to end her life several times surpassed that period of struggles in her life. She got a degree and faced the demons that plagued her for so long but I am still at a loss of completely understanding the battles she fought.

Although the truth remains that 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a mental illness at the time of their death, we can still make a difference by being a sincere listener, offering a gesture of humanity, and giving a gentle smile. We don’t know what each person is going through and a small act of kindness might save a life.

Farewell to the beautiful souls who perished during the times when their hearts were clouded with sadness and despair.

If you or a person you know is thinking about suicide, here's a number you can call:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call 1-800-273-8255
Available 24 hours everyday

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Kris Aquino vs Mocha Uson

Two topics that are highly profitable in the world of blogging but I don’t normally write about- religion and politics. The current trend suggests that people nowadays are so divisive that they do not engage in intellectual discourse. When your views differ and you express it either in social media or personal discussion, it would mean losing your friends and family.

Photo Source: https://www.dailypedia.net/2018/06/netizens-react-on-kris-aquino-vs-mocha-uson-social-media-war/ 

However, the much discussed Kris Aquino-Mocha Uson fiasco goes deeper than politics. The fallacy is not lost on the way perspectives are taken in both sides. The two do not enjoy a highly respected past- Kris with her controversial relationships and Uson with her provocative dancing and singing jobs while grabbing private parts of men. But, who cares about the past? Apparently not Uson since she does not fare as well either at the present proliferating fake news which spreads faster than the worst epidemic in the world.

What is the truth?
In a time of universal deceit- telling the truth is a revolutionary act. Was the kiss accosted to the late Ninoy Aquino bears the same malice or intent the current president gave to the OFW? By using the old video of Aquino moments before he was shot death, did Uson show the real picture of the comparison? The truth of your answer of course will set you free.

What is just?
No matter who or what you support, I believe in supporting first what is just and fair. Was it fair to use an old video of the person who could not defend himself anymore since he’s dead? Your answer would show how fair and just you are.

What is the real discourse?
The real discourse is not the personalities involved. It is the callous disregard of the dead person who could not defend himself. It is the illogical comparison of two situations bearing no similarities at all. It is the abuse of position since Uson is a government employee paid for by the taxes of the Filipinos. 

“But you can't make people listen. They have to come round in their own time, wondering what happened and why the world blew up around them. It can't last.”
― Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

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New Jersey- New York- Philadelphia- Canada Trip (Part 4)

Summer 2018 was made so special with our road trip across three states, two countries, one iconic landmark, and one nature's wonder.

Our last day was equally special since it was my birthday. David disappeared after we got back home from the mall the night before to get flowers, cards, and gift for me. We were filled with excitement because our last destination before heading home would be Niagara Falls.

The scenic views from Philadelphia and New York to Canada were indescribable. Walls of rocks, beautiful trees, and pristine lakes kept us entertained. As always, we just followed the route from Google map so imagine our surprise when the map ended right in front of a residential house!

After a little bit of research looking for the proper route, we finally arrived at our destination. Niagara Falls was the most beautiful place that I have ever been. Even when we were still at the car looking for the parking area, we were already so overwhelmed with emotions. It was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday with the person I love so much. The three falls are part of the Niagara River, which forms the U.S./ Canada border all the way from the city of Niagara Falls up to Lake Ontario. American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are on the American side of the border, and the Horseshoe Falls is on the Canadian side. We opted to see the Canadian side.

The temperature was almost 95 but whenever we stood right at the part where the mist was, it dropped to about 60F. We felt sad that we were able to stay for about 30 minutes only. We had more than six hours of drive on the way home and it was getting late.

The Port Huron border was packed with cars and we were at the bridge for more than an hour. I felt bad that my husband was the one driving the whole time of our travel. He was beyond exhausted and when a deer jumped right in front of the car when we were near Grand Rapids, I could not believe how fast he stopped! We were both shaken thinking of what could have happened if David was not able to stop. It was past 11:00 p.m. and he was driving since 7:00 a.m. Thankfully, we arrived home safely closed to midnight.

For most people, traveling is all about that adrenaline rush brought by the excitement of seeing new places, meeting new people, eating new foods, and basking on beautiful surroundings. Traveling is not a panacea but it does give you a clearer perspective about life in general. For me and my husband, it is our time to talk and enjoy the moments uninterrupted by technology and worries of life. Plus, don’t forget the joy of seeing a very dear friend.

Part 1:
http://www.ninabuenanichols.com/2018/06/new-jersey-new-york-philadelphia-canada.html

Part 2:
http://www.ninabuenanichols.com/2018/06/new-jersey-new-york-philadelphia-canada_6.html

Part 3:
http://www.ninabuenanichols.com/2018/06/new-jersey-new-york-philadelphia-canada_54.html

Part 4:
http://www.ninabuenanichols.com/2018/06/new-jersey-new-york-philadelphia-canada_84.html

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