Have you found yourself arriving at work or coming home completely drenched from the rain?
Have you had to wade through floodwaters just to clock in on time?
Are you down to your last pair of clean socks because the rest never had a chance to dry?
Have you ever felt that familiar fear creeping in—the fear of getting stranded, stepping on something sharp, or catching an illness from floodwater?
These scenes aren’t from some disaster movie. They’re our reality, especially during this rainy season in the Philippines. Over the past few weeks, storm after storm has hit many parts of our country hard, especially in Northern and Central Luzon. And we keep moving, don’t we? We show up, we push through, we find a way.
So, let me ask you… Kumusta ka? How are you holding up—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally?
I see you. And I’m proud of you. If you’re reading this, that means you’re still standing. And that’s no small thing.
A Simple Check-In: What Have You Learned About Yourself?
Take a quiet moment for yourself. Breathe and reflect.
What did I learn about myself during these tough past few weeks?
When things got hard, how did I handle it?
Was there a strength I didn’t know I had that showed up?
What did I find really hard—and what can that teach me moving forward?
What am I grateful for about myself? Maybe it’s the fact that you didn’t give up. Maybe it’s the calm you managed to hold. Maybe it’s the courage to cry when you need to. Whatever it is, say thank you to that part of you.
Gratitude isn’t just for the good things—it’s for the growth. Even when things are messy or painful, we can still be thankful for the lessons they teach us. And in doing so, we reclaim our strength.
Now Look Around You: What Needs to Shift?
Take that same lens of awareness and gratitude and turn it toward your environment—your space, your circle, your routines.
What helped me get through the difficult days? A friend who checked in? A neighbor who offered help? The extra rice in the pantry? The flashlight you remembered to charge?
What am I grateful for in my surroundings? Say thank you for the small mercies—the roof over your head, the warm meal, the dry socks, the unexpected kindness from someone.
And then, reflect.
What made things harder than they had to be?
Was there anything or anyone that added to my stress instead of helping me feel better?
Is there something I can do differently next time to make things easier?
What can I start doing now to be more ready and protected if this happens again?
Gratitude opens our eyes to what’s working. Awareness opens our hearts to what needs to change. And together, they help us create better choices for the future.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
Zoom out.
Have we done enough—as individuals, as a community, as a nation—to be ready for times like this?
It’s not just about surviving the storm, but asking: Why do we keep finding ourselves in the same struggle, year after year? Could we be more proactive, more strategic, more united?
The elections just passed last May. Did we make choices that will protect and empower us as citizens? Are the people we chose showing up for us, the way we show up for life every single day?
You Are a Warrior
You wake up every day and face whatever comes your way—rain, flood, traffic, work stress, family pressure, uncertainty, fear, and still… you move forward. You show up.
And yes, we are resilient. That’s a beautiful Filipino trait. But let’s not stop there. You are more than resilient. You are powerful. And you deserve better. ASK FOR A BIGGER BLANKET!
You deserve to live in a place where the systems work.
You deserve a future where your efforts are met with opportunities, not roadblocks.
You deserve leaders who fight with you, not against you.
So keep going, warrior. But as you do, keep hoping, dreaming, and demanding better—not just for yourself, but for all of us.
Let’s remember: every warrior needs rest, reflection, and a reason to keep fighting. Find yours. And never forget—you are not alone.
