Broken Pieces
Tonight, I pick myself up again
With my shattered pieces on the floor
From words I got that cut like knives
Here I am again, bleeding.
Now I came to wonder,
Why does it take much time to build
But only takes few seconds to break
The confidence I have in me
Disagreements really do happen
I know, but sometimes is unjustifiable
For someone to hurt your entire being
While explaining their point
Not to prove them right
With the words they tend to throw at me
But I believe that I should also be treated
With respect, just like everyone else.
—A. E.
Purpose
Sometimes I wonder,
What really is my true purpose in this life
For some days all is well, and some ain't
Like rain after a sunny day
In today's generation,
Productivity equates to success, they say
The pressure of accomplishing something
Does change people in a way
And so here I am, uncertain
Which path to take, which people to go with
A question that mostly bothers my head is,
"Am I doing the right thing?"
But I know I'm young,
I move at my own pace and there is no rush
Tomorrow is for me to explore and find out
So I'm making the most of today
—A. E.
Identity Check
Who were you
Before the world told you how to dress
Dictating the length of your skirts
Or the piercings you wear on your ear
Who were you
Before a friend told you were too fat
While you're in your favorite pants
Wearing all the confidence you have
Who were you
Before social media asked for too much
Demanded fleeky brows and nice busts
In exchange of favorable comments
You have complied enough
To this society's problematic standards
Maybe it's time to finally ask yourself,
"Who am I?"
—A. E.
Leaves
I once believed that people are like leaves
Full of life, carefree — just like that
But it's not all sunshines like today
Time comes wherein it will definitely wilt
Like leaves of a tree, I am dependent
To the people who loves me fully
Dependent for affection and care
For me to grow as a better individual
Like leaves of a tree, swaying smoothly
The wind is my fate and I follow
To where it brings me from here
I trust, I will conquer things on my own
But like I said, it's not all sunshines here
When my time comes, I will leave
I'll bring good memories with me
To remember how great yesterday was
—A. E.
Tips on How to Stay Sane This Quarantine
Disclaimer: The following is from my personal point of view, I am not certain if this is applicable to everyone but hope it helps. Read at your own risk.
I know this year has challenged us in so many ways we never thought was possible in the first place. We were able to grasp things in one hand while neither of us prepared themselves for what is about to happen. Who knows what tomorrow brings? We will never be sure of it.
So now, here are some ways I was able to cope with stress during these trying times:
1. Avoid online toxicity.
- We are all aware that social media has been our companion especially this quarantine. While others have been expressing their frustrations about their lives as well as the happenings around them, may we never feel guilty to block, unfollow and mute people's socials if they're bugging your peace. Protect your mental health at all costs!
2. Occupy yourself with things that will develop your character.
- As far as the online world is concerned, you still have a life behind your Instagram photos and your Facebook posts. Try reading a new book, discover a new hobby or go back to your old one, learn new recipes, and many more. You are never too old nor too young to explore your capabilities.
3. Identify/Find your own breather.
- Finally. This one's very important. I believe that we cannot only find toxicity in socials but can also be in our own homes especially that we are stuck with the same people everyday. You must be lucky if you're in good terms with them. So, I suggest you find your breather. May it be a person but if you find it hard to trust anyone, a pen and a paper would do. Be careful who you vent to, always.
These are just some of the many ways to handle our current situation. Amongst all the trials life has to throw at us, may we remain still and never get tired of hoping for better days. Storms don't last forever.
Keep going. We're all in this together.
— A. E.
@alestrx_
