to the person who has always been MOM ENOUGH to weather life’s storms, to the queen of our home, to our mother…we love you very very much! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! ššŗš (Taken with instagram)
the next rock and roll hall of famer! (Taken with instagram)
Of Doctors, Of Doctors-to-be…Of Self
How often do you look into the mirror and ask yourself how you are? How often do you listen to the murmurs of your inner voice? How often do you contemplate about the chink in your own armor, or self-needed changes and your possible actions? How often, indeed?
Oh well, forgive me for asking āhow oftenā when it is notionally more appropriate to use āhow seldomā. Ā Nowadays, self-reflection is given very little importance, almost reaching to a point of being absolutely inconsequential. Only a select few find this action worthwhile. And by action, I mean the process of observing, evaluating and discriminating the nature one holds. But for doctors, doctors-to-be, or in fact, any human being, self-reflection should be given a more concrete and conscious effort. For doctors especially who should know that they are not just mere dispensers of medicine and treatment; for doctors who should know that they are (or should be) vehicles for healing themselves through the therapeutic use of selfā¦the therapeutic use of self, which again, ideally begins with the non-spontaneous and willful self-reflection.
Through the exploitation of oneās character, it is easier to take grasp of actions and reactions. Introspection also gains for the individual a thorough, and a more in depth knowledge regarding oneās weaknesses and strengths. Knowledge one can act upon ā to become a better person and to become a better person for others. In unfortunate circumstances however, there are those who are critical to self but non-receptive to interventions. It must be known that self-reflection ought to be coupled with action. It is the mastery of both which leads to a chain reaction. First, being a master of oneās self, and then being a master of relating to others.
And as final note for doctors-to-be, it is only when you have completed the chain that will you have the right to mimic Hunter āPatchā Adams, and say, āSir, I want to be a doctor with all my heart.āĀ Because only by then will you be able to serve the very definition of the word ādoctorā.
Miracle on 34th St while waiting for NEW YEAR! :) (Taken with instagram)
WHAT MAKES THE RIGHT WRONG? A reaction to the Bioethical Presentation ‘if the PRICE is right’
A friend once asked me this question during a random and casual tete a tete: What makes life so valuable? Dumbstruck by the profundity of such a simple but hard-hitting question, I gave my answer in that interrogative tone most people use when they are uncertain. I asked/answered in reply, āDeath? Inevitable death?ā To my surprise, he nodded in agreement.
Indeed, life is given much value because we all know that it only has one final conclusion ā the fated death.
The issue about the sale of human organs is one about death and delaying it. But, how far would man go to postpone death in order to prolong life? What price would man be willing to pay?
I believe that the extent to which a dying person will go in order to preserve oneās own life can become immeasurable. Thereās no saying as to what a man desperate-for-life is capable of. Thereās no saying as to what he can/will do. One of the farthest men can go is to purchase an organ, to replace the old one and yes, repair his bodily damage - but why farthest?
My religion states that the body is the temple of the soul, and due respect must be given to it. Therefore, every single body is holy, and if I thoroughly understand this statement, I should know that other bodies must be respected, too. Thus, hypothetically, if I were on the zenith of death, I still cannot preserve my life and provide a āwonderful homeā for my soul, not even on the worst of circumstances, if it is at the expense of another.
However, medically, I have been made aware that although organ transplants cause anatomic deficiency on the part of the donor, it doesnāt lead to physiologic malfunction. Therefore, there is really no grave detriment caused on the donor. What cost then can qualify organ purchasing as āone of the farthest men can goā?
There is this thing we call altruism. By the words of my theology professor, it simply means selflessness. To receive an organ out of charity does not bring about any damage to the donor. I specifically say any damage because it can come either physically, emotionally or spiritually. However, when one coerces another in order to receive an organ, the donor becomes deprived to employ his own will. Manipulation is a form of emotional harm. Nobody in this world ever has the right to coerce, and the responsibility to allow thy self to be coerced and feel coerced. Coercion in the present day usually comes in the form of dollars and pesos. It is, in other words, putting a price to an act which is evidently un-right/wrong.
To finally answer the question, what cost can qualify organ purchasing as āone of the farthest men can goā? The answer is quite simple. It is the word āpurchaseā adorned after organ, because organ purchasing will never equate with organ donation. While the latter is legal and moral, the former isnāt. Organ purchasing or organ trade defies religion, the law and the conscience innate in man alone. And if it is that defiant, why should we practice it?
Again, death is inevitable. Life is valuable. However, we are only captains of our own life. Therefore, we canāt have others pay in order to delay our death, and prolong our life. Unless of course if they will it, but then again, we never ever set a price, because in the first place, it is setting a price that makes the right wrong.
This Year, Christmas and the coming New Year
A lot can happen in a year.Ā And when I say a lot, I mean A LOT.
One can go from being a typical employed adult, to being a bum, and back to chasing dreams as a student.
But if you ask me if there are regrets, the answer is quite simple.
NO.
Why? Well, itās because opportunity is a gift.
Though, Iām not here to blab about opportunity, and chance, and all the available synonyms there is.
Iām here to give thanks and to pour out my overflowing gratitude.
Andā¦
To make it known to everyone how extremely blessed I have been this year, even when it didnāt feel like it when the year started. Itās funny how our lifeās state can change in an instant.
One can go from being miserable to being just plain able- able to laugh, live and love.
I know there is so much drama in this narrative.
But frankly, itās difficult to contain all these excess sentiments when you are feeling extremely blessed.
Iāve had a great year. Dear reader, I hope youāve had a great year, too!
Since, I cannot be certain whether I can blog again come Christmas and New Year, let me say my greetings this earlyā¦this very early.
Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! :D
A letter…
I address this letter to a friend who has been hurt or is still probably hurting. (And maybe, for those other people who can make use of the words below)
Dear Friend,
I know you are in pain. Given your circumstance, who wouldnāt be?
I know there are numerous things running inside your mind; thoughts which are hard to keep still. Peace (no matter how much you want it to envelope and overshadow the rancor) is still eclipsed by the resurfacing feelings of anger, denial and regret. I know you are overwhelmed by the sudden inflow of negativity and sentiments which are, in your current situation, extremely unwarranted. But, as humans, we are limited and we donāt really have the means to undo the hurt and the pain. We are however, capable of recovery- of moving on. Although it is not as easy as saying it (or writing it), it is nonetheless still possible.
Friend, I pray that you receive the gift of recovery. I pray that you will find reason in your experience, and that you will be able to veer away from the emotions that cage you- rage and resentment. I fervently hope that you will be able to forgive despite the depth of the wound ‘he caused’ that pierced your heart. I pray that you will be able to accept the situation and learn from it because only by then will you gain understanding about the beauty behind your experience.
Friend, I have faith in you. Have faith in yourself, too.
And have faith that the good Lord will offer you another more beautiful, more momentous love story.
Sincerely,
Ni
Ā ļ»æ
Ahh Kelly Clarkson's back! Finally! (Mr. Know It All)
After *&@*# years…Kelly Clarkson’s finally back with a brand new single! And suffice to say…a brand new sound! And though I totally cannot relate to the lyrics, I am still completely mesmerized by this song! :D Go Kelly! :D
(Source: kellyclrkson.com)
REGRESSION
Yesterday, I thought I was mature. ..
ā¦that I have grown
.ā¦that I am no longer susceptible to pain or hurt or any other spirit-dampening feeling
.ā¦that I can recover real fast and plaster my own wounds
.ā¦that I can forgive, forget and mean both
.ā¦that I can say NO, and not feel guilty
.ā¦that I can reason and act on my reason
.ā¦that I can liberate the thoughts that cage my ambition
.ā¦that I can accept reality with pleasure
.ā¦that I have learned to epitomize wisdom
.ā¦that I can stand unguarded by the emotions that keep me safe.
But today, I chose to curve my back forward, bow my head, and enclose my flexed knees with my arms.
Today, I chose to be a kid.
LOVE defined (by the high schooler me)
I found another article I wrote during the late high school years. Iām ambivalent whether to feel amused or dismayed by this write-about-the-obvious piece. (Kidding!) Anyway, if you donāt mind reading through a high schooler’s perception of love, well go ahead and read. But, remember, you have been warned! (I kid, again!)
When it comes to love, everybody is an idiot. Whether you admit it or not, we all suck up to this gravely addicting phenomenon. It is because we are all in search for it. We are wanderers whose aim is to come across that one person whom we can give ātheā love and take ātheā love. And unless we find it, we never give up. Love, in this sense, becomes a clichĆ©.
Unfortunately, love doesnāt work like magic. It doesnāt appear in a snap or by a wave of a holly wand. It takes time. And as obvious as this is, it takes patience.
A number of us people have gone through the phases of love. Not every one of us came out victorious. Love may be unrequited. That is why; love is not entirely about happiness rather it involves tears and sometimes even lots of it. We often sulk and submit ourselves to depression and regret. We even bargain, and yet, love remains unpaid.
However, this isnāt enough reason to turn people into cynics. Because no matter how much one is deprived of love now, itāll still someday go knocking on the door.
Love has this certain trait of being elusive. It hides before it is sought.
For anyone who is in search for love, only one thing must be put to mind. Just keep on searching.
After all, love despite its tricky means has its own unique way of creeping in.
And when it does, all we have to do is fall.
Of questions and reflections
A few days ago, I came across a friendās article aptly titled āWhere Do You Belongā.
The depth of his narrative made me ponder about my own life and drove me to ask myself the exact same questionā¦where do I belong?
I found a certain feeling of comfort when I heard my inner voice answer, ājust where you areā. But the same thing cannot be said for all people.
I know it seldom happens when your visions- the innermost yearning of your heart, lie on the same equatorial plate with the current- your reality. It is however, never impossible.
Iād like to believe that I am an attestation that somehow and in ways strange and unknown to many, Mr. Dream and Mr. Reality is still capable of exchanging his and hellos.
I applauded my friend for owning the courage to tell the world (I think cyberworld would be more appropriate) that āwhere he is, is not where his heart isā. Thatās just downright courageous, right?
When most people opt to wallow in misery, and nag about their unfortunate condition, I guess due credit must be given to those who try to find acceptance with whatās dysfunctional (sorry for the lack of a better term), and decide to do something about it. Because after all, the reality that you want will never come ahead of your dreams, but chasing your dreams and making it a reality is highly possible.
Only the fainthearted and the fearful donāt believe so.
I still cling on to the fact, and this rather personal belief, that mankind is mankindās best resource, or to be more specific and blunt, you are your best resource! The will, the drive, the motivation or however anybody calls it, lies within you. So, do not be in content with whatās making you miserable. God doesnāt want you to be unhappy.
There is a road that can be taken, one that leads to eradicating the words āwant toā in the phrase āwhat we want to haveā.
By then, when someone asks you āwhere do you belong?ā- Ā you can proudly sayā¦āto the place Iām headed toā.
I’m a what? A wizard!Ā
(Had to stop studying for around about 30 minutes just to accomplish this - Woohoo!)
