The Dangers of Reproduction
Teenage pregnancy, also known as adolescent pregnancy, is pregnancy in a female under the age of 20. Pregnancy can occur with sexual intercourse after the start of ovulation, which can be before the first menstrual period but usually occurs after the onset of periods. In well-nourished females, the first period usually takes place around the age of 12 or 13.
Teenage pregnancies and teenage motherhood are a cause for concern worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 16 million girls aging between 15 and 19 years and about one million girls younger than 15 years give birth every year.
Nowadays, the vast majority of teenage pregnancies occur in low- and middle-income countries characterized by poor health-care services; therefore, complications during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum phase (e.g., 42 days after birth) are the second cause of death among girls aging between 15 and 19 years worldwide. Additionally, it is estimated that some three million teenage girls undergo unsafe abortions, which may result in consecutive reproductive problems or even death.
Fifteen years ago, The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reported that worldwide every fifth child is born by an adolescent mother and 80% of these so-called teenage pregnancies occur in third-world countries. Although in traditional societies the majority of these pregnancies are socially desired, several studies have pointed out the enormous risks which are associated with teenage pregnancies such as anemia, preterm labor, urinary tract infections, pre-eclampsia, high rate of cesarean sections, preterm birth, and low birth weight infants and even maternal and newborn mortality.
Teenage pregnancies, however, still also occur in high-income countries and despite much better medical care teenage pregnancies are also considered risky and policy tries to avoid too early motherhood. This is not only due to medical problems, but first of all the social consequences of teenage motherhood. Therefore, the analyses of causes and consequences of teenage pregnancies have been the topic of much research and debate.
The Consequences
Pregnant teenagers face many of the same pregnancy-related issues as other women. There are additional concerns for those under the age of 15 as they are less likely to be physically developed to sustain a healthy pregnancy or to give birth. For girls aged 15–19, risks are associated more with socioeconomic factors than with the biological effects of age. Risks of low birth weight, premature labor, anemia, and pre-eclampsia are connected to biological age, being observed in teen births even after controlling for other risk factors (such as accessing prenatal care, etc.)
Teenage pregnancies are associated with social issues, including lower educational levels and poverty. Teenage pregnancy in developed countries is usually outside of marriage and is often associated with a social stigma. Teenage pregnancy in developing countries often occurs within marriage and half are planned. However, in these societies, early pregnancy may combine with malnutrition and poor health care to cause medical problems. When used in combination, educational interventions and access to birth control can reduce unintended teenage pregnancies.
Teen pregnancy is often unplanned and challenging for the future life of mother and child. The increased risk of health problems for both mother and baby occurs during teen pregnancy. Teen pregnancy impacts adolescent development in all aspects: physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development. Negative consequences resulting from teen pregnancy include low income, increased school dropout rates, lower educational levels, and increased rates of substance abuse (Garwood, Gerassi, Reid, Plax & Drake, 2015).
Sleeping Problem
The sleep quality was affected by pregnancy symptoms emotional problems and nightmares. Although this may apply to all pregnant women, these types of problems are commonly found in teenagers who had a hard time coping up with their situation.
Stigma and Discrimination
Felt being discriminated against and treated unjustly by family members, friends, and/or community.
Financial Difficulty
A child having a baby as a teenager is more likely to face critical social issues like poverty, poor education, risky behaviors that lead to poor health issues, and child welfare. The financial cost of teens having babies is financially devastating. Educational attainment is difficult for the teen mother and this leads to decreased economic opportunities and earnings throughout their lifetime. In 2008, public spending for births resulting from unplanned pregnancies total an estimated $12.5 billion (Akella, D. Albany State University, 2015)
Therefore, we could infer that the teenage parent mostly suffers from financial difficulty due to their unwillingness as they aren’t ready for such responsibility. Family isn’t on their list yet so they are financially struggling.
Single Parent Homes
Children born to teenage mothers are more likely to have social and emotional problems. When girls are born to homes without a father figure in the home they tend to spend a great amount of time trying to seek out and obtain the love and affection that they didn't receive from their father. Males need a male role model so he can have a general idea as to what a man does and how he should govern himself. The father figure is very important because males growing up in teen single-parent homes are more likely to become gang-affiliated, get involved in crime, become incarcerated before the age of 25, or be dead before the age of 30. (Mosler, 2011)
**Others**
There are more to these lists that a teenage mother could agree on. Being a parent alone is challenging because you are raising a life how hard could it be for a child especially for those who did not have these phenomena expected?
How can we minimize teenage pregnancy?
Eliminate rape cases
Let us all remember that there are several cases of rape that resulted in an unwanted pregnancy. Young girls are not an exception to this. In fact, in my observation, we have the most numbers of youth being impregnated by this abomination. This may be not the top reason, but this is also one of the major causes why several youths are undergoing an abortion and going through these hardships. Teach our boys not to have a lewd attraction to someone else who's not willing to interact with them. Let's eliminate these stigmas and raise our future children to be respectful.
Educate children about sex.
Isn't this issue always a hot topic for debates? I stand to believe that we must be freed from our conservative ways and learn how to teach our children about the risks and information about this. As we grow and as society develops, the future generations are curious, bold, and adventurous enough to discover these facts on their own. This education starts with their guardians, we have to open their eyes that sex isn't a taboo subject. It is a natural interaction of two people to produce. If we are going to prevent this topic from getting in our conversation, what will change? If no one is gonna point out the misconception, how would it be corrected?
Allow contraceptives and raise awareness regarding reproductive health.
Let's set ourselves free from conservative thinking and adapt to the situation and long-term problems that we are facing. This is all about being educated and well-aware of the things we could possibly do to prevent and decrease the numbers. Parenting is a very heavy duty and a lifetime commitment, we must always be informed of its consequences and educate us to cope up with the situation if ever we are one of the young parents. We must raise our child in an environment where everything is properly taught so he/she could be someone who will have a future she will never regret.
**If you ever met someone who had their child at a very young age, do not let yourself make them feel like having a child is wrong. Yes, we are in the wrong timing and a wrong place but a blessing will never be something to be hated. We are all victims of uncertainty and I strongly believe that having a child can not hinder someone who has dreams for their lives. Life does not stop nor it does exclude you. We are all a mosaic of our mistakes and flaws and it can give birth to a wise and new person if you want.**
Life is valuable. We can not let ourselves succumb to temporary pleasure in exchange for a lifetime commitment we have no clue about. Use your voice to raise awareness. It can start with you.
The Philosophy of Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is a kind of identification or classification of moral actions. It is a consequentialist moral theory that judges whether an action is moral or immoral depending on the results it produces. It prescribes actions that result in happiness and neglection of pain. Utilitarianism describes happiness as a person’s ultimate goal. This theory will say that an action is morally right if it produces a result that in the happiness of the majority in a society or a group also called the principle of utility. Utilitarianism doesn’t give much of importance to the means, nor the intention, it is always the results that matter. In application, if a person is suffering from a moral dilemma of killing an evil individual to save the rest of the people in a community, utilitarianism will tilt in doing the killing to produce satisfaction and happiness for the majority.
Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill
As I’ve researched this matter, I learned that even these two persons are utilitarianists, their views are very distinct from each other. Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarianism does not define or classify the level of happiness a person could have. Instead, he is tilted into a quantitative angle that calculates the measure of pain and happiness and subtracts them to identify whether it is right or wrong. It is also called felicific calculus. On the contrary, John Stuart Mill considered the qualitative angle that utilitarianism has. He gave a distinction between the pleasures that require mental faculties that only educated humans could obtain and the pleasure that both animals and people could experience (bodily pleasures). He labeled it as higher and lower pleasure. For Mill, higher pleasures are more valuable than lower pleasure. In this idea, his famous quotation was born and said,” It is better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a pig satisfied.”
The Differences between Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism
According to what I’ve researched, this is one of the differences between Jeremy Bentham and John Mill as Mill continues to criticize and enhance Bentham’s idea of Utilitarianism. Bentham’s applies the principle of utility to any situation and individual meaning that it also permits abhorrent acts (Act Utilitarianism). On the other hand, Mill modified it and introduced rule utilitarianism that looks to potential rules of action. Rule utilitarianism allows us to refrain from acts that are potentially execrable. It says an action is right as it conforms to a rule that leads to the greatest good. For example, killing a person intentionally to donate his/her organs to multiple in need disable a person is a form of act utilitarianism since it provided more happiness for the greatest number of people, but the rule utilitarianism will get in a way and will state that killing is wrong and will try to. For me, rule utilitarianism gives more consideration to means, stabilizes the morality of an action, and give much fairness in a decision.
The History Of Nation
The Significance of Nation
In the monarchy of Europe, the medieval era had phenomena that sparked up the development of the concept of a nation into something called a nation-state. Back in the ages where people do not have a solid grasp of the concept of a state, they did not consider themselves as a part of a nation but identifies themselves under a region and a local lord. People then believe in the ultimate authority of God and therefore held into catholic beliefs. The monarchy at the time is in the process of consolidating powers and wanted to take control over national churches for this. It led to an establishment of protestants. There have been a series of disputes over protestants and the catholic that sparked up a thirty-year war. Afterwards, the concept of loyalty toward the English nation-state was born that was proceeded by the concept of Sovereign state when the Peace of Westphalia ended it. The medieval era gave birth to phenomena that created a huge impact on taking the sense of state to people who have little knowledge and interest in this matter.
French and American Revolution's Contribution
**Revolutions are always a product of the eagerness for change for a nation standing for their common decisions either for freedom, political change, or equality.**
Nationalism was born in the American Revolution when the British colonies of America gathered, sought independence, and declared the United States of America. French Revolution, on the other hand, had their nationalism rose when the third state—the commoners found out inequality in an odd way. They broke away and formed their own representative body called the National Assembly that even though sparked disputes and war, gave birth to a document called the Declaration of Man and Citizens that was greatly influenced by the American independence that included basic human rights and provided a limited monarchy. Even at the end of the French revolution, at the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, the idea of nationalism had spread across and outside France encouraging and binding people to fight for their lands and create a revolutionary action against oppression/ repression.
14th and 15th Century
Between centuries up to the 17th, Europe established a foundation of discoveries that led them into expanding their territory and economy. That age is called the Age of Discovery. However, about the 14th and 15th century, European kings began to claim greater powers and to tighten their control over large territories. In connection to the commerce and trade, one example would be when Europeans invaded and colonized the Canary Islands during the 15th century, converting much of the land to the production of wine and sugar. The expanding of lands and discoveries made the way for the rise of trading crops and slaves and commerce.
Art That Leaves Dent
Creativity, in a technical language, is a built-in system planted in our brain for us to use, enhance, and maximize. For us to develop and augment the use of it, we have to practice using it regularly. When we are using our own original ideas in creating beautiful things casually, you will start having a passion for making things aesthetically pleasing in your own eyes. Since creativity isn’t a thing that humans can modify and add boosters, we have to manually improve this by using it normally in our everyday lives. Do everything with a twist, do not settle for the norms and boring. I do not imply doing artistic works every day like painting, writing, etc. I meant every little thing that may need a design, or you may pull off a creative stunt, do it.
**Creativity and Imagination**
These two terms are long ago connected to each other and are deeply rooted in understanding arts. For us to connect and understand art, we must think like the artist. Be imaginative in observing the strokes and meanings and somehow think beyond the figures and shapes. Only then you can decipher and relate to it. Look at it from the eyes of the artist, do not settle for visual appearance, and take the function, meaning, and relevance of the art shown using your own creativity and imagination.
**Why is the creation of art a product of creativity and imagination?**
Creativity allows us to do something meaningful with our imaginations Imagination is our way of thinking beyond the limits and the sought-for art that is not present in our senses. Meanwhile, creativity is the act of turning new and imaginative ideas into reality. These two are interrelated in creating meaningful and unique art. Art has its roots planted in our minds, with our own senses and perception of beauty.
**How can you utilize the arts to express yourself, your community, and your relation to others and with the earth?**
Art has different forms but has the same intentions, to express, make a chance, and communicate. In my own opinion and situation, it is using a platform for the benefit of you, your community, and the beliefs you stand for. I would like to put my own example in this matter. In the year 2019, I had the chance to compete in the annual journalism competition called “LIYAB”. It was held in PNU and it has 900+ contestants. The topic given to “Pagsulat ng Lathalain” was the *daily life of commuters*. It was my call, it was the time for me to maximize the situation and the literary art that I will be made to extend my thoughts and my own perception. Instead of writing down a commuter’s struggle, I struck the part where I am deeply connected and has the biggest impact in making that piece, a winning piece.
*A driver’s* *dilemma* *every day* is what I chose to elaborate on. My father is a driver and I have seen his struggles daily as he withstands the dangers of roads to earn money for a living. I had to make the piece focused on the community of drivers and myself. It was a sudden change of plans, but it did pay off. I wrote down the heat, danger, patience, and perseverance that a daughter of a driver can only see. I wrote down a different perspective from the people struggling under the classes and yet had the strength to go on with their lives. That moment, I took the biggest risk, but I did not regret any of my choice of words nor topic. The mere fact that I had the chance to speak up for the community that fed me from a large platform that can be read by professional individuals, it was more than satisfying.
My point is, art is never limited. It has an invisible border and the only thing that can be considered as a hindrance is you. To utilize an Art, you must travel your creativity and break the limits. Overcome and be brave enough to let it communicate for you, your community, and the environment. You must have a clear goal and every piece of it must be made from your emotions. To maximize the purpose of art, you must make it speak for you.
In what category do I enjoy doing?
I consider myself as an artist not because I was labeled with that but because I create art as a passion. I am an artist simply because I create art in limitless forms and advocate. Ø I belong in the literary and performing arts. I can classify my talents in those categories. Performing arts because I used to led musical stage plays and made myself a member of our campus’ choir. I also love playing stringed instruments for the purpose of leisure. Literary arts because I am fond of words and meanings. Since I was in middle school, writing contests had always been my field of passion. I had a fair share of achievement when it comes to creative writing that’s why I consider myself a literary artist.
Do you know that **Art is incorporated with soul-making?** Vague? Let me discuss.
**What is soul-making?**
If you are going to define it only by having these words, it implies a continuous seeking for a personality inside of you. In my coherence, soul-making is the application of your inner creativity into something you believe defines you and gives you leisure. It is putting a piece of memory, belief, and something valuable that naturally comes out from you. It was like a reflex of connecting to others by the use of your masterpieces. In figurative language, I will address this as one of the magic of art.
**What are the types of soul-making?**
The categories of soul-making are Crafting Images, Crafting Stories, Crafting Instruments, Crafting Movements, Crafting Techniques.
**Crafting Images** is an activity wherein a person creates a literal image into reality. It does not necessarily a visual art like painting, drawing, etc. Likewise, writing poetry, novels, and telling stories orally are some forms of literature that give life to the image you’ve created. It is somehow considered an outlet of emotions and a soul-searching instrument. For example, a dark theme sketched by an artist might be a product of her frustration or just wanted to share a bit of the darker side of her world.
**Crafting Stories** is the medium of some people in interpreting their inner selves with the use of words, rhymes, and letters. It might be a form of argumentative or position paper which states your stand. In my own interpretation, I will give editorial essays as an example of this.
**Crafting Instruments** is one of the categories that are hard to decipher. The instrument’s magic is amusing. The sound of plucking strings pull of bow or even piano keys pressed can bring so much emotion that we are unable to interpret. Music has its own way of bringing the deepest emotions we have hid for a long time. Transforming any found or used object into a musical instrument allows one to discover harmony and balance to produce a sound that is entertaining, enhancing, and magical. An example is the feelings Chopin’s Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 never fail to deliver every night especially when I myself had the chance to play it.
**Crafting Movements** has a much broader sense. According to our discussion, every aspect of our life is a performance. In my own interpretation and application of arts, it is the form of soul searching wherein you’ll use gestures to interpret the anger, happiness, sadness, or whatever that’s been lingering inside of you. An example is Theatre plays, specifically, musicals. It is amusing how much emotion you can let out by singing and dancing to a song so dramatic.
**Crafting Techniques** is tilted to a more technical side wherein practical attributes and resourcefulness may intervene. This is the use of evocative descriptions of experiences and explorations. This encourages us to seek outside of norms. For example, is stationary.
An Artist That Proved The Power Of An Art
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.biography.com%2Fartist%2Fleonardo-da-vinci&psig=AOvVaw1_hy__Ntj160I5hwds63_m&ust=1608183032484000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCPDZgefi0e0CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD
Leonardo Da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian polymath of the High Renaissance, generally regarded as one of the greatest painters of all time. He is popular for his classic and full of paradox art ‘*Monalisa’*. *The Last Supper* is the most replicated religious painting of all time, and the drawing of the *Vitruvian Man* is often used as a cultural symbol.
He is also known for his notebooks, in which he created sketches and notes on science and innovation, covering a range of topics, including anatomy, cartography, painting, and paleontology. Leonardo's collaborative works make a contribution to later generations of artists rivaled only by that of his contemporary Michelangelo.
**How does he able to derived his seven principles in arts?**
As far as I have researched, ‘*How to think like Leonardo Da Vinci’* is not written by him but a researcher *Michael Gelb*. For me, Michael saw these principles on Leonardo based on what he’s been showing all throughout his life. Leonardo was known for his controversial arts wherein it implies his fearlessness, boldness, and eagerness for more of what his world can offer. In this case, Gelb saw words to describe him and be able to share them with the community. His principles were reborn and will continue to mold each aspirant.
H**ow do you apply each of the seven principles in your growth?**
As I am tracing down each principle’s significance, I can infer that these teachings can help me grow in a much-freeing environment and thinking. I can apply these not just in arts but in real life and to my development as a person. Do everything with thrill and seek every angle that can lead you to opportunities for discovery. Live my life in a continuous curiosity and a balanced mind, and keep everything analytical while enjoying the aesthetics of it.
**How important is the Da Vinci principle of our society nowadays?**
His principle is vital to our society for it is to forge a mind like his. Not to offend anyone, but some arts of today focuses on beauty, in visuals, and slightly disregarding the impact it can create. Artist must know how to seek for truth, controversies, and paradox and be able to place it in an art which can change lives and introduce a new perspective.
"Human For Sale"
Curious? We are about to tackle a sensitive topic and I am hoping everyone could continue to feed their mind with opinons, courage, and grit.
HUMAN FOR SALE; WHAT DO YOU MEAN?
Trafficking in persons is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. Every year, thousands of men, women and children fall into the hands of traffickers, in their own countries and abroad. Almost every country in the world is affected by trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims.
Article 3(a) of the Protocol on the Prevention, Suppression and Punishment of Traffic in Persons defines traffic in Persons by the means of a threat or use of force and forms of coercion, kidnapping, deception, misuse of power or vulnerability or the granting or receiving of or receiving of the recruitment, transfer, port or receipt of persons. Exploitation shall cover, at a minimum, the exploitation of others by prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or organ removal.
Terrifying? Imagine the terror every victim has. When I was a kid, there is a popular story in my town to keep the children from playing too far or too late. They say that there is a white van that kidnaps little kids to take its organs and sell them. As a kid, I was terrified. In fact, I am still terrified as I realized that that wasn't a tale. It is the bitter reality a lot of people face.
Elements Of Human Trafficking
The Act (What is done)
Recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons. There are a lot of actions that could connect to human trafficking as long as you are violating their right to be free and decide for their own life. Also, selling people for your profit.
The Means (How it is done)
Threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to a person in control of the victim.
The Purpose (Why it is done)
For the purpose of exploitation, which includes exploiting the prostitution of others, sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery or similar practices and the removal of organs. Terrifying right? How could anyone practice dissecting their own kind for the sake of their wealth.
Criminalisation Of Human Trafficking
Article 3 of the Protocol on Trafficking in Persons defines the phenomenon of trafficking in persons as being coherence and agreement around the globe. Accordingly, Article 5 requires domestic law to criminalize the conduct set out in Article 3. The language of human trafficking is not precisely the subject of domestic legislation, however it should be adapted to give effect to the concepts in the Protocol, in line with the domestic legal system.
In addition to criminalizing trafficking, the protocol on human trafficking also requires:
· Tentative of committing trafficking
· To be involved in an offense as an accomplice
· Organizing or promoting trafficking to others.
The broad definition of trafficking set out in the Protocol should be adopted by national legislation. The legislative definition should be flexible and dynamic in order to enable the legislative framework to respond efficiently to trafficking.
· Both transfrontier and national. · (not just cross-border)
· For a variety of useful purposes (not just sexual exploitation)
· Victimizes men, children and women (Not just women, or adults, but also men and children) It is important to know that this kind of crime doesn't classify people as weaker kind nor stronger one. We are all prey as long as we are human and have our value.
· Takes place with or without the participation of organized groups of crime.
Social Concept of Human Trafficking
Society can be connected to human trafficking because it is the platform where everyone is interacting. When we are interacting, we thought that some person we are talking with is trustworthy but even for a stranger. In different types of human trafficking, everyone can be the victim of it. Example trafficking for forced labour many people are victims because of the word of “kapit sa patalim” sometimes even though we know that the work or job isn’t good we go for it because we wanted to earn for a living. Society is a very demanding territory that has danger luring around you. Society could mold environments that continuously shape a criminal's mindset.
One example again is forced criminal activities including theft, drug cultivation etc. We do it for money or brainwash. Another example again is removal of organs now a days this is trend they do kidnap; they remove the organ and sell it to a higher price. Last example is the people smuggling this is common to the provinces because of the low income they get in their work in urban cities. Someone could sell properties such as animals, land or anything just be where you were told to just to become a feed to their gruesome ideas. In overall, human trafficking are happening because we are lacking of money. We go for the situation wherein we think that it can be the means for us to survive.
Political Concept of Human Trafficking
Politics is the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power. while Human trafficking is the action or practice of illegally transporting people from one country or area to another, typically for the purposes of forced labor or sexual exploitation.
These two are connected to each other because the government sends foreigners overseas to become domestic helper. Being a domestic helper is part of being a slave because you have to obey your boss's commands. Ofws contribute to the country because of its huge remittance to the country that our government is benefiting. They should only value the money that comes into our country because of the fact that they should use it properly and not have to pay for it so that the politicians are also in power because they are taking advantage of their political status.
Be aware of the signs of human trafficking. Being educated on signs that could indicate someone is a victim of human trafficking increases the likelihood of reporting and could give a voice to victims who do not feel comfortable speaking out for themselves. Signs that someone is a victim of human trafficking come in several categories. Poor work and living conditions, poor mental health and lack of control are some of the main areas to look for. If you think the person you are talking to seems sketchy try to back track and be less enthusiastic or refuse right away.
Hold events to raise awareness. Raising awareness for human trafficking can also get more people involved and interested in joining the fight. It can create a chain reaction, leading to more people lobbying, fundraising and educating themselves. Regardless of what the event is, they are efficient ways to raise awareness for a cause and gain new followers.
Meeting with or reaching out to local, state and federal representatives informs them that their constituents are passionate about fighting human trafficking, and brings the issue to their attention. This increases the likelihood that they will do something about it. The more people come up to the government, the more the government will notice the problem and will hopefully do something to lessen the victims in human trafficking and eventually put a stop to the problem.
In every possible way, you can always help. Yes it is a very massive and intimidating danger that we are trying to eliminate but a journey always starts with a single step. I am here to create articles to serve as an eye opener and to spread awareness. Start with informations, action, monitor and evaluate.
Your concern and action could save a life. Use your voice as a writer and an influencer. Raise awareness to stop this madness. In future, we could all live in a world where you could walk in the streets at 3 AM without fearing anyone to take you somewhere dangerous.
Let's make it possible!
Could anyone be a sponsor of mine? I'm curious how this works. I am told that it is a win-win situation. How is that?
Woman Of Hope
She’s a forty-two-year-old woman who dreamt of being someone who could attend to the wounded with a white gown and a stethoscope but never had the chance to do so. Engulfed by the extreme poverty and lack of courage to take a risk, she accepted her unfortunate reality and embraced the life she was offered to have. She’s currently a seamstress in a humble local gown shop.
She complained of having her back hurts after work but never forget to make an elegant top at the end of the week for me. She hated her wage for it wasn’t that much but never failed to provide every need that I have with a lot of excess and assurance.
My mom doesn’t have the sweetest smile but had the purest heart that hugged me every breakdown I had. She doesn’t have the brightest diamond earing but a calming bowl of soup on rainy days. She was shy for her palm that has been pricked by needles and life but has the hands to keep our family together. Our house wasn’t the finest nor even made out of concrete, but the only thing that matters is how she was able to make it a home.
I am always mesmerized by how a feminine body with a small frame could hold balance and value to keep us from falling apart. I realized the virtues she had thought me, from closing the lid of the mayonnaise jar to pre-marital sex, never required a degree to be valuable. She never needed to be a medical practitioner to blow air in my scratched knees. She never needed to be validated by social standards to be a successful person. I just want us to take into our minds that being a parent doesn’t require intelligence and wealth. It is a series of compassion, sacrifices, empathy.
Her existence is a mosaic of hardships, battle won by herself, sacrifices, tears, hope, and unfortunate life. It was devastating and unfulfilling for a normal person who only had one life to live but for me, it was the most beautiful thing I ever saw. All of distinct experiences turned into something stronger and bravier to keep her shattering value intact. I have always admired my mom. Not because she gave birth to me but because I can see how wonderful a person she is.
She's my personification of goals and love. A river of flowers and gold would never be enough for ny gratitude.
If the time is right, I'll have her cherish the fruit of her hardships, the birth of her hope and the love of her daughter.
Value Without Numbers
***At a certain point, we allowed numbers to dictate our value.***
This is a bitter reality some of us deny. We might be living our days being unaware of this. Do you ever wonder why people starve themselves to fit in with the desired waist measure? or maybe how students deprive themselves of sleep to keep their ranks up? or how we are labeled with our net worth?
Are we still deserving without a set of numbers that declare our existence?
This might be vague, confusing, and senseless because numbers were discovered to create boundaries, limits, and define things that words can't. Is it impossible for a human to live and love without these imaginary binds? Is it impossible with a beauty standard that defines your appearance with your height and weight? Is it unrealistic to ace without impressive grades? Is it too good to be true to create a world where we are not trying to be someone else that we are not? Why are we depending on ratios?
Stop the mindset of labeling person after person 9/10, 8/10, 5/10. You are not a cereal nor a movie to have such identity plastered on your forehead. You can't be rated by the size of your waist nor the length of your hair.
The idea of marriage before 30 is sickening. Live a life where you do things when you are ready. Don't decide on things impulsively just because you are pressured.
Do not let people tell you that you are too late for this and that. You should not be dictated when to graduate, when to have kids and when to have a lifetime partner. Time is endless but ours are limited, but that doesn't mean we have to live a life rushing things.
Create your own definition, satisfy yourself, and not the social constructs. You are a person of your own.
I don't intend to abolish the concept of inspiration and motivation based on these. I just want to point out how difficult it is for a person like me to cope up with social standards that define your worth based on a set of numbers that you achieve. Too much of these deprives us of doing what we love and enjoying things we must.
Dreams and goals are great, but you are you. You can't let numbers define you.
Magic of Letters
**Have you ever received a letter?**
Letter carrying sentences that was handwritten. Do you a gree that it has a magic that it can only bring? The penmanship's flaws, staggering lines, and unidentical spacing are some imperfections that made it perfect.
I once sent a book that contains my one year compilation of letters. I gave it to my first boyfriend. Boys tend to hide their emotions toward something but that was the first time I saw him genuinely tear up because of the present I gave him.
He said that for him, it was more than just letters written to impress. It is a mosaic of my efforts, love and art compiled into a tiny piece of paper.
You see, our world has become too high tech. Although all this things made modernly was impressive too, the thought of doing things from your own strokes and pen makes a difference.
I had a fair share of experiences in writing but there is no situation that exceeded the satisfaction of seeing someone's face brighten up because of my metaphors and phrasing.
As a writer, it is one of my priceless possession and memories.
Sleeping Pills
It was like a destructive tornado amidst war, a different level of hell in chaos, and is a pandemic that devours life and destructs sanity. It was like a bomb thrown in a river, shocking everyone with the silence of it, not until it exploded. COVID 19, how far can you go?
For the last few weeks, everyone is chained, terrified, and in anguish. It was all over the news and the planet. How horrendous it is thinking how a virus that cannot be seen by the naked eye can turn the norms upside down. It affected millions of hapless people, be it at any class or any age. At this time, money can’t buy our safety from it. The vaccine was too far from our reach. It was sudden and life-changing.
It's been months and a few days, I can see our dinner servings getting smaller, our bills pile up, and how hard it is for us to cope up without any source of income. Every night as I scroll down on my feed reading furious people, I can hear my mother’s sob and I was wondering why do I feel a lump on my throat as my eyes are damping with tears. She’s having panic attacks, struggling to sleep without her sleeping pills. It’s like it’s the only thing that can help her escape. That’s where I saw the hell right in front of my eyes. Dreadful it is to see how people suffer from overthinking because of the pandemic, how sad it is to look at our table without the same delicious dish we used to have. It was hard, seeing any other man from my environment offer themselves into illegal transportation just to earn for their breakfast.
*I was thinking if mom would like to lend me some of her pills.*
”When would it halt? I don't feel good. Will they take me? What if they take me? *”* I clearly remember the look on her face when she uttered those sentences, scared and eyes pooled with worry. “You are fine. We are all going to be fine, *”* I said realizing how the front liners chose to fight for us, for me and my mother.
Our year has started not quite right, it entered like how Pandora freed a curse dressed like a present. It was formidable how we chose to survive beyond struggles. Mesmerizing seeing humanity grows, and just like the myth of Pandora, hope stays still. It was there, and it was meant to be there for us. It was arduous, but as I see my terrain with flames, I found warmth.
**Resiliency wasn't the key, but it kept us alive.**
@Azrael