Taking Care To One's Gift of Life

Ongoing nowadays is my recent studies on the field of aged care. And as defined, 

" Aged care is the term for daily living and nursing care services provided to older Australians who either need some help at home or can no longer live independently. Services are generally divided into two categories:

Home care services
Residential care services

    " -source-  https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/aged-care/what-is-aged-care" 

          Australia is an ageing population and many of those who came here were witnesses of the previous wars. Thus many of them are on their 70s, 80s, or even 90s nowadays. And as such, there is an urgent need to take care of them not just on their individual homes but also on the various residential care centres all over Australia. 

          Further, we have discussed several topics already on our class. And one thing that is always mentioned repeatedly by our mentor is that life on itself is such a wonderful gift- a precious one that ought to be treasured. 

          Thus, before we indeed learn to take care of other people's lives, it is but important that we learn how to take care of our own lives. Nowadays you can find from the social media, TV news, hard print media that many abuses are happening and this results to people being hurt, being immobile and even dead. It is such a sad reality and this poses a serious challenge to each one of us----all the time we need to maintain that balance and harmony within our bodies. We should never make anything that can destroy our lives and that of others. 

                                           

Why Do People Wear Masks?

          Self-preservation: that's exactly the reason why people tend to wear masks. Constantly, it is man's natural tendency to protect oneself and prevent any harm to happen. Harm can come to anybody and it takes numerous forms such as physical, emotional, psychological, and others. 

          Since birth, one is already surrounded by people who protect him from any harm. And one is told since younger stage to adulthood to prevent from harming other people. However as part of growing up, no one could avoid being harmed or hurt by external and internal matters. As a result, people tend to wear mask to prevent from being harm.

         Try to ask oneself, "How many masks I wear in myself?, What kind of mask do I wear on this or that  occasion?",  and other questions.  When one is just with himself, he tends to be the most natural in him and devoid of  any reservation, he can show to himself his true self. However, as he goes with others like friends and buddies, then he also tends to present a different kind of personality.

         And when he is facing another group of people like the elders, he also shows a different kind of persona. One can count of several kinds of masks that he is wearing on various situations as well. One of the prominent reasons of this is that he tends to preserve his self by doing so. Another reason is that the person is scared and apprehensive that if he will show the true self, others would not accept him. 

          Being accepted by others is one of man's primary needs so it is then very essential for anybody to feel comfort and welcomed in the presence of other people. At the end of the day, what counts most is the reality that one allows himself to be an instrument for other people's growth. 

                                                    

Count Your Blessings

Guest Post: 

Blessings are most felt when they are less expected. 

          Two years ago before the graduation, I almost ended my life for I believed that I would no longer be one of the students who would finish with Latin Honours. I am not blaming my extra-curricular activities but I really spent more time in SSC. I even skipped classes before. I was so irresponsible. I also got discouraged during my first class demonstration. I kept asking myself why is this happening to me. This was really not me. On November 2014, I got the chance to go to Baguio and attended the PACSA National Convention and seminar workshop for student leaders. 

          I did not expect that there would be a poster-making contest. I was a bit hesitant but there was someone on my mind saying that I have to join because that would be my last competition as a student. I took a deep breath and decided to join. I passed the screening and was able to represent Central Visayas in the National Poster Making. 

          I asked God to guide me. I even begged Him to let me win the competition. I did not know if it was a coincidence because my mother put some of my art materials in my bag. I did not notice it until the day of the competition. I remember there was a girl who kept on telling me what were the right things to do. I ignored her. It may be applicable to her but would never be in my case. I continued and was able to finish earlier. 

          In the evening, one of the organisers approached me and asked me to explain my work. I just explained it with all my heart. I could not remember the whole detail but I told them that everyone can lead as long as they are ready to serve. To cut this story short, I had an early flight back to Cebu and sad to say I was not able to attend the closing program. However, while on my way home, Maam Vona texted me that I won as the Champion and she would just give me the prize to the adviser from CTU- Argao. God granted my wish. He answered my prayer. From that day, I have been inspired to do my best. 

          But life would always test you. The pressure was really on me especially that my family and friends were expecting me to graduate with flying colours. I was also expecting but I had the feeling that I would not as victorious as before. I cried for so many days and smiled when my mama would ask me about my status as a candidate for graduation. 

          I was too negative. I let myself suffer from these useless doubts. One day, Maam Deev Ohna asked me to come to her office. I was literally shaking and wanted to cry. I thought she would say sorry for I did not make it but she gave me a wide genuine smile instead. She congratulated me for I was one of the graduates with Latin honours. Then I started to cry. God was so good. God was really so good that He still gave me this. All those fears were gone and I was excited to share the news to my parents. Apart from it, I also received a special citation as an SSC president for 2 consecutive years and recognition for winning the National PACSA poster making contest. 

          It has been two years since then. But the memories are still fresh on my mind. To all people who are feeling the same thing. I would tell you to stop and start trusting God's plan for you. Believe in yourself and stop thinking negative. Smile and get ready to the unexpected blessings to come. 

Guest writer: Jake Bocado

                     (Jake is a nephew of mine who finished his studies with flying colours. He also received several recognitions before as signs of his achievements)