It was by choice that I declined two invites to go out of town for the Holy week. Not that I am the best in everything or that my choices are far more grand than others. It's just that I knew what I needed in my life right now... I need to meditate.
Holy week for me is an exciting event wherein I could have a chance to contemplate on the God who continually reach out to me amidst the chaotic world and confusing variety of philosophies and pseudo-theologies. (Being born in a family with lots of books, I tend to read a lot)
Those who knew me (or rather thought they knew me) decided that I needed this or that in order for me to be happy. Suggestions from different people came pouring in, from people who are sincere in their efforts to guide me to 'happiness'. At times, I believe them, but at the back of my mind, I was restless. There was a nagging feeling that cannot be silenced.
I came to realize in the silence of the walls of the Church and the guidance of the recollections and retreats that I attended, that I find comfort and clarity of my purpose when I immerse myself to the study of God who I believe made every cells in my body function as He planned it in the greater scheme of things. Only then have I come to catch a glimpse of pure happiness that is untarnished and not fleeting as some temporary joys the secular world offers.
I dare say, my choices may not be appealing to all, but it is the best thing that ever happened to me. I wanted to be at the forefront alongside the people who have fought the good fight and died for what they believe was right. Holy week for me is a time to recharge my soul in union with my Creator.
I am not a fan of short term happiness, and I am not afraid to be labeled as weird and odd just because I refused to follow what most people do. For me, happiness is the feeling of an undying hope, and the knowledge that you are alive for a reason much nobler than what mere people decide you to be.
It is easy to judge others as inferior when they do not concede to what we believe in, but for me, the true measure of joy is what good it does to one's soul. I would rather die looking for the eternal bliss, than lose myself to temporal joys which are often times meaningless in years to come.
I look up to great people who already found inner peace and make them my guide in determining my decisions, making them my role models. I try to emulate their discipline and adapt it in my life.
On some occasions, some people belittle me and think they are much more accomplished because they experienced a lot of "fun" and advised me to do the same. I had detours in my life, and I must admit that the devil may care attitude of the youths give us lessons as we go through the course of life, but I don't believe in being stagnant and not moving on from mediocrity. I believe that until you fulfill what you have come to accomplish in this world, you cannot be truly happy. You also outgrow these 'joys' and trying to bring back its glory is futile.
The pursuit of meaningless happiness in repetition doesn't make any sense at all. Detours are only a waste of time when you already know what you want out of life. Make one mistake and take the lessons you need in order to do better next time. Make progress, that is the only way to be able to reach happiness in its totality. Get out of your comfort zone if you must, even when it means being laughed at for not joining the pack.
Believe in your path for you are the only one who knows where you can truly be happy... there's no one who can hinder your progress to greatness but only you. People and unfortunate circumstances cannot do anything as long as you refuse to let go of your goals and dreams. Be brave amidst endless mockeries and close your ears to the endless discouragements people throw at you.
Turn the tables with your perseverance until your stubbornness prove that they were wrong about you. Lead them with your great example, refuse to allow them to put out your fire. And make this world a better place to live in. Fight for your dreams... life is short, and there's only one chance for all of us to prove ourselves. Cut yourself out from the rest. :)
Face the world with a new fuel of determination! Fight a good fight! Shine your Light! Happy Easter to all! ^_^
No comments:
Post a Comment