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I've been asleep for too long, I will let the light stream in and wake me up from my personal avoidance of figuring out my calling in life. In relation to my figurative slumber, I will also commit to having better sleep in the literal sense. Faded into a cycle of being tired and sleepy, I am going to start sleeping on time and waking up when the sun shines into my room so that I may have the energy to work and consciously face discernment about my life.

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A lot of my hate comes from me thinking others should be a certain way, but that shall be no more. I shall accept the short coming of others and understand that everyone has short comings and I must not try to enforce change on others. I do my part and say what i have to say, those who choose to listen can follow, but there's nothing to be done for those who don't

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Family traditions and expectations can be toxic, exhausting, and too much yet these teach me so much on being the change I want to see in our world. My family continuously challenges me in areas that I never knew I would be able to overcome and further pushes me to do the more loving choices in life.

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In this world full of noise and chaos, it seems as if everyone has gotten caught up in their own little worlds. We oftentimes fall into the dangers of talking too much and speaking more than listening. Thus, during this time, I will be a generous listener by turning my attention more to other people and listening with an open heart and mind. I will also be more attentive when listening to God's message and calling.

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Team picture during my first Ultimate tournament. :)

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Going out of my comfort zone [Alexandra Ranielle D. Gallego | THEO 13 - J2] 

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Going out of my comfort zone [Alexandra Ranielle D. Gallego | THEO 13 - J2] 

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As someone who is unathletic, joining a sports organization (or trying out any sport in general) was daunting and scary at first but turned out to be a pivotal experience in terms of getting to know myself and giving myself to other people. Getting out of my comfort zone and trying out something new taught me how to be open to changes and to learn from and deal with other people. Through this, I noticed how I started embracing things new to me wholeheartedly and I think this is a step towards being able to choose the more loving option in my day to day. :)

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Seeking out opportunities for growth! [Riane Soon THEO 13-J2]

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Seeking out opportunities for growth! [Riane Soon THEO 13-J2]

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I have a bad habit of comparing myself to other people, recognizing my faults and shortcomings until I beat myself up and wallow in self-pity instead of actually doing something about them. It wasn't until I hit rock bottom and received encouragement from my support systems that I finally decided to work on myself and seek out the opportunities to improve myself, which in this picture, is me getting accepted to Ateneo CODE, a safe space where I can serve other youth leaders and organizations, learn, and grow! As an aspiring physician, being well-rounded would definitely help in becoming a more loving person to the people around me.

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These first three weeks of school have been so busy and draining, yet I still tire myself out by spending my free time in unhealthy ways (e.g. by aimlessly scrolling through social media). I could more wisely and more lovingly using this time to catch up on sleep, check up with my friends or orgmates, and do the things I’m passionate about like writing and making art with others. Rather than lying to myself by saying “I don’t have enough time to do [this or that],” I want to insist on “making time” so that I’m more intentional about what/who I’m spending my day on, with, and for.

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Inspiring Others [Enika Maninang THEO 13 - J2]

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Inspiring Others [Enika Maninang THEO 13 - J2]

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Choosing the more loving option is not something a single person or even a small population can attain. For me, becoming a more loving person includes not only recognizing, helping, or sympathizing with other people but also inspiring them to do the same for others. In this way, even the smallest of actions of a loving person will not simply end with a few proximal people but rather induce a snowball effect within the society and help them realize that being a loving person does not require a grand gesture from a person as it only calls for you to do the more loving option not just for yourself but also for others.

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This fast-developing world is full of stress and pressure for having the thinking of being not as good as others. I would want to be more expressive and at least lessen one's burden or brighten one's day through my compliment. Everyone has their unique shining point that I would love to discover and point out and deserves to be complimented.

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Earlier this afternoon, I came across the quote, “The only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” Recently, I have been having second thoughts about my future, particularly the career I want to pursue, primarily because I do not feel completely certain of what lies ahead. But then again, is there really anyone who knows what lies ahead? I don’t think so. With this realization, I am reminded not to be afraid of taking risks. Alongside working for and with others, those are what make life more exciting and fulfilling, after all!

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The Gift of Presence [Queency Angela J. Velasco THEO13-J2]

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The Gift of Presence [Queency Angela J. Velasco THEO13-J2]

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One takeaway I have from the years of lockdown and not being able to interact with other people is that time is really precious. So as my way of committing to do the more loving option, I promised myself to always show up despite some  hindrances I might encounter, because I realized how much someone’s presence can help other people in coping with whatever they are going through, and how it can brighten up someone’s mood. I believe that the gift of presence can affect a person so much more than we think.

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I realize that I sometimes unconsciously project my personal insecurities and resentment toward other people occasionally, which in turn, damages my relationship with them. I don't think that I can be equipped enough to help others if I cannot even help myself. Thus, the more loving option I can take on is to improve my relationship with myself, as it can allow me to improve my relationships with others. I want to take care of myself better so that I can treat and serve others better too!

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Gaining confidence [Erin Margaret G. Diadula | THEO 13-J2]

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Gaining confidence [Erin Margaret G. Diadula | THEO 13-J2]

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One of my struggles with life in general is that I am often too hesitant to do what I truly desire or take on big opportunities because of my constant fear of failure and negative judgment from others. If I truly want myself to grow, develop oneself, and eventually discover my one true calling, then I should not let my worries about a future that is too uncertain to hinder me and break me down. Rather, I shall build up the confidence to take on any challenge that comes my way, remaining strong regardless of the outcomes.

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Being more patient with myself means accepting that I am human and that I can make mistakes. As easy as it is to say, I have a lot to work on in terms of allowing myself to experience life, to not be so hard on myself in doing the things that I do. When I am able to be more patient, I am allowing myself to also be more free and more open to growth!

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Stop waiting [Amanda Roque | THEO 13-J2]

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Stop waiting [Amanda Roque | THEO 13-J2]

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I've always been the type of person who would always be so passionate about certain things, but never being confident enough to completely and wholeheartedly pursue these. Upon realizing this, I do think it is important for me to start prioritizing what I am passionate about or what I want to start doing and integrating these into my life without needing the nudge or go signal from others. I think this "waiting" problem stems from the fear of failure or the fear of change and I know that in order for me to overcome these fears, there is no other way than to sometimes stop caring about what other people are going to think of you, because at the end of the day you don't need the validation or opinions of others to dictate what keeps you happy.

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Internal Reflection [Daniel Maramba | Theo J2]

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Internal Reflection [Daniel Maramba | Theo J2]

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The reason why I chose mahjong as my picture is that I find it to be a good representation on my out look on life. Compared to a lot of strategy board games, luck heavily influences mahjong. Just like in life we do not always have the choice to choose why is dealt to us. One thing I mainly find myself doing in mahjong is recognizing what tiles i have and what strategy best I can do to win, just like in life I must acknowledge the blessings, skills and  I have so I can help improve myself through by learning and helping through my experiences with people.

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Family Ties [Theo Antonio B. Henson] THEO 13-J2

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Family Ties [Theo Antonio B. Henson] THEO 13-J2

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One loving choice I would want to choose more often is how I would cater and care for the well-being of my loved ones and how I should be more hesitant in making choices wherein they could feel left behind or lost from the bad decisions I make. I would like to as well build confidence in myself and others to trust what is right for one another and to not disappoint anyone. As well to enrich a loving relationship with them would suffice since they will forever be my partners when I go through the hardest moments in life.

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Setting Boundaries [Jadyne de Jesus THEO13-J2]

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Setting Boundaries [Jadyne de Jesus THEO13-J2]

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In college, I found it hard to to refuse opportunities in events as I wanted to appease schoolmates around me as well, and also, have for myself, a fruitful opportunity to grow in experience. This took a toll on me as I became burnt out and I lost my initial resolve. I reflected and went through time, learning to be more compassionate to myself; I learned to set boundaries and exercise love that is fair to myself, and the others around me. <3

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Holding My Breath and Taking the First Step [Ysabelle Heart Bustamante | THEO 13 - J2]

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Holding My Breath and Taking the First Step [Ysabelle Heart Bustamante | THEO 13 - J2]

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I am at that point in my life where I have been consistent in doubting my abilities to be able to cultivate my passions and advocacies. There is a saying that goes, “the first step is always the hardest,” and I agree with that statement completely. I always hesitate to take the first step, doubting if I will ever measure up to the heights that I want to reach. I have chosen a photo of the iconic Roman Colosseum because I have remembered the quote, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” which implies that great success does not take form overnight. I believe I have this inner desire to immediately succeed, that is why I am so hesitant, and also because I am afraid of failing. In sum, in choosing the more loving option, I am choosing to take my time in laying down the foundations for the greatness that I want to pursue.

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While I’ve always wanted to help people through my words and my voice, I believe an important quality I must have is the ability to listen and empathize. When faced with an emotional problem, I tend to flinch away, my words completely lost to me. However, if I want to be a more loving person, I will have to begin to listen and empathize - because at times I have to remember that some people are not looking for words of encouragement, but rather a reassurance that they are being listened to and cared for.

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These days, I’ve been noticing that many of my peers are burnt out due to the upcoming finals season. It is not much, but the least I can do is give them a warm hug whenever I see them in order to offer them a brief reprieve from their stressors.

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The Power of Guidance [Raygan Manahan THEO13-J2]

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The Power of Guidance [Raygan Manahan THEO13-J2]

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Growing up, other than my parents, there are several individuals whom I've also looked up to and who have always been there for me throughout my character development and in times of forming decisions that affect my life and future. Whilst they encourage me to listen to my heart and reflect on the consequences of my actions, they constantly offer their time to share their piece of advice. It is truly something I've become appreciative of throughout the years and also a goal that I wish to do to others, as well, especially those that are in dire need of guidance. Hence, I've also done the same for my friends and family members, and even those whom I've just met on rare occasions.   Hence, this act also made me realize my desire which is to continuously show empathy and extend a helping hand to others to be guided and redirected to the path they wish to be on and reach their goals of personal growth because it would make a positive impact on their lives. Hence, I find fulfillment in performing these acts and becoming more loving.

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Listening to Myself [Bea Luna THEO13-J2]

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Listening to Myself [Bea Luna THEO13-J2]

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The past few weeks have been quite difficult. On top of braving my academic and professional goals, I have also been facing some personal challenges. A big portion of this is having to deal with my emotions. As an indecisive person, I often go to others to seek help and advice on what to do and how to deal with this big burden of emotions I have been carrying. However, sometimes I also forget to listen to myself — the first person I should have consulted with regard to how I want to move forward. I am happy that recently, I realized this shortcoming and have been listening to myself — what do I want for myself? Do I need time? Perhaps some space? Maybe rest? Whichever my answers were, I made sure to consider and follow them. This is a big step for me, as I've always been the person who loved to do things for others, but rarely for myself. I'm happy I'm choosing to love myself more, the same way I love the people around me.

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Lifting others up [Iris Castelo THEO 13-J2]

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Lifting others up [Iris Castelo THEO 13-J2]

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The more loving choice that I would like to consciously choose more often is to lift others up and to help them become the best version of themselves. I feel that helping others will also help myself in a way that I am able to find my own strength to do and be more for otehrs. After all, personal growth cannot happen without the guidance of the people around me, nor without my decision to do more for them in return.

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Shift in perspective [Makeisha Forbes THEO13-J2]

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Shift in perspective [Makeisha Forbes THEO13-J2]

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I plan to do the more loving choice by being kinder to myself. I always used to think the worst of myself and was always my worst critic. There were no positive thoughts in my head about myself and this was affecting my behaviour and outlook in life. I was unmotivated to do anything and I was closed off to others. However, now I choose to shift my perspective and catch myself whenever I would think something negative and turn it into something nicer. This has been working out well for me so far and I have been doing it for a week or so and already noticed significant positive changes in my lifestyle. I find that I am happier and am more open to new experiences. I am able to create more meaningful connections with others as well. The great thing about this is that it does not only affect me but it also creates a positive impact on those around me as I radiate love and positivity.

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Always, in all ways [Cai B. Lim, THEO 13-J2]

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Always, in all ways [Cai B. Lim, THEO 13-J2]

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My response to God's call to do the more loving choice is to continue "to Kythe" in my own ways, even outside of the organization. In times like these, I really see empathy going a long way because oftentimes people do not really need to hear or find a solution to their problems but rather just someone that would listen to them, reassuring them that they are not alone in the battles that they face. For me, to Kythe is to love and this entails showing empathy to all the people around me.