Dear Survivor, You Got This!

How are you hanging? It’s been more than a year and yet we’re still here, inside the square boxes in front of us. A box where everything we used to do are now confined in this little screen. You’re actually not in the worst situation, if we are to be really honest about it. You have a roof over your head, abundant food, internet connection, and a healthy family. Really, there’s not much to complain, right?

You’ve been thinking about that for a long time, that you don’t have any reason to complain unlike other people who have it worst than you. But, there are times that you do complain, you rant about staying at home, being stuck at home with work, schooling, household chores, and just about anything you can rant about.

But let me tell you what? IT IS OKAY!

It is okay that you’re safe and healthy

It is okay for you to have a comfortable life amidst the pandemic.

Don’t feel guilty about it because you have fought silent battles only few people knew about.

And you are surviving.. here are some lessons, you might not notice but have grown in you.

Calmness in the Chaos

When the pandemic started, you were very anxious. The times were so uncertain we did not know what could happen. There was fear of your company going down, you losing your job, and not having any source of income. It was nerve racking. You have a family, and you had bills to pay.

To make matters worse, people are leaving. The year 2020 was supposed to be your year, a year of new opportunities, a new job, but it felt like chaos. Everyday you receive bad news, you were always on your toes waiting for what is to come. You wanted it to stop, and be solved but there came a point where you learned to calm down.

To wait before you react.

To listen before you speak.

To control your emotions.

This is what the pandemic did to you. To recognize that bad days come, yes, but they go away too. As long as you are calm and faithful, He will remove all the chaos.

Opportunity amidst the Crisis

Did you also realize you have been open to more opportunities now than ever before? You and your husband started your online selling store, with just 10 packs of siomai, and some tub of Kimchi. Then, orders came pouring and you were busy the whole day finalizing orders, booking couriers, and posting on social media. You also profited from it, which helped a lot in your family’s savings. Until now, you have that money, and anytime you want to sell anything again, you already knew how to do it. That in itself is an achievement. You learned to maximize whatever is in front of you. Turning crisis into opportunity. What’s even better is that you and your husband learned a lot and worked as a team. You are a better couple now because of your business experience.

Rediscovering my Family

As if adjusting during the pandemic wasn’t enough, you and your family had to move to the province. Your childhood hometown in Bulacan because it was safer there. The unit your family was staying was too small and the threat of the virus was to much to take for you and your parents. One of the best things that ever happened to you because the place is bigger, the air is fresher, and you have the support of the people you love the most.

It isn’t smooth sailing but it became a way to rediscover your family. You got to know them once again. You haven’t stayed long enough pre-pandemic and this is the longest you have stayed since you started your own family. It’s like knowing these people for the first time in a long time and it made everyday interesting. You did a lot of fun things with them, sang songs, danced Just Dance apps, did some tiktok videos, ate together, fought, cried, but in all these everything became bearable because of them. Maybe a lot of things are uncertain, but family is certain and that’s the only thing that really matters.

Renewed Strength

You also don’t give yourself as much credit as you should. You work from home, you are asked to do different things in a matter of two months or less and yet you do your best. You make sure whatever task is given to you is excellently accomplished, with that be proud of the kind of employee you are. You know that in whatever position you are, you should do your best and contribute. In a situation like these, that shows character.

And did your forget that you homeschooled your son this whole school year? Yes you did, and whatever your child has accomplished is because of you. You often doubt yourself if you are teaching him well, or if he is even learning at all. But you kept on going, you made sure you teach him what is important, you make time to create activities and fun lessons for him. You did what you can while doing other things as well. That showed strength.

You are strong and you are enough.

“We are all in the same storm, but not the same boat.”

This pandemic has tested everyone’s strength and courage. You might not have it worse but your struggles are never invalid. What you feel, think, and experience matters, because you matter. Be proud of what you have become out of this situation and never ever feel guilty about feeling sad, or hurt, or angry at times. Remember, you get up everyday even if everyday isn’t good, and that is already a miracle. A miracle worth celebrating despite the pandemic.

This story is an entry to Comco Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2: Dear Survivor”. The initiative continues to respond to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis. The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. The “Write to Ignite Blogging Project” Season 2 is made possible by Comco Southeast Asia, with Eastern Communications and Jobstreet as co-presenters, and with AirAsia and Xiaomi as major sponsors.

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