Just like that

 

By Alex M. Eduque

Published Jul 4, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Jul 3, 2026 05:38 pm

IT'S THE SMALL THINGS

And just like that it is July. The first half of the year is over. Another six months, and we will be welcoming a new year again. When you are a mom to a toddler, and you look back at the past six months and gage it on development, then six months must be one heck of a long time because my son seems like a whole new human being as compared to the beginning of the year. So much can, and has happened in the last six months in life itself as a whole. As always, there were gains and losses, but ultimately, I am grateful for my cup overflows – with what, and who truly matter.

It is inevitable that in life we encounter stress. If it were possible to avoid stressors, then why would we even thread through the tough times? Life without stress would be perfect, and ideal, but it is sadly, impossible. What I have come to realize though is that while we cannot foresee the future, nor control how things turn out, we do have the capacity to determine what is worth worrying about, who we let in to our lives, how, and who we choose to spend our time with, and have some plan of sorts.

Becoming a mother has made me become more discerning and mindful of how I spend my time. And since I have become more intentional, I have found that happiness comes to me faster – albeit in a calmer way, it is constant, and at the end of the day, that is what we want – an uplifted spirit, and a good mood. Of course not every day is a good day, but we must not forget that we somewhat have the ability to control the stressors around us, in terms of what and who we will allow to affect us. At the end of the day, while we cannot control everything, we can control some things, and so why wouldn’t we?

One thing I have also come to realize in the midst of slow days and long weekends that give me time to reflect and introspect is that we must not ever undermine the effect of stress on ourselves. While stress itself is not a direct cause of sudden death, a plethora of studies have shown that extreme and/or chronic stress can have a severe impact on one’s body and organs functions overtime. So to say that stress does kill has truth behind it because it may not be considered a cause of death per se, but via a combination of factors, it can lead to physical strain (cardiovascular collapse, immune system suppression due to hormonal impact and unhealthy coping mechanisms being the most common) and eventual death (Mayo Clinic).

Lastly, faith. The older I get, the more I see the importance of faith in ones life. At my most helpless moments, and those times that render me speechless and can practically bring me to my knees, there is no other way to turn, but in prayer. It is, however, just as important to pray in times of triumphs to give thanks, and in the mundane as well. Prayer soothes the soul and gives an incomparable calm.

Just like that it is July. And just like that, comes the realization that we have the capability to control not everything, but what we can in our daily lives. Let us make the most out of the second half of the year. Let us maximize our moments, pray everyday, and listen – to those around us, and most especially to that voice within us. Let us live with meaning and intention. Let us put purpose at the forefront, and really ask ourselves: what is worth stressing over? And really, what truly matters?  

On February the fourteenth

by Alex M. Eduque

IT’S THE SMALL THINGS

This coming Tuesday is Valentine’s Day. Traditionally, we celebrate Feb. 14th – or as hallmark and Hollywood culture supposedly dictate – with a significant other. This is perhaps why Valentine’s Day has also given rise to the notion of Single Awareness Day when really, it need not be the case. Of course, as a high school student, the girls who received grams and roses were always the “cool girls,” and Feb. 14th was yet another excuse to highlight that invisible crown they sported. It was not until I got to college in the most cosmopolitan city of New York when my eyes were opened to the reality – Valentine’s Day celebrates all sorts of love and relationships. Not only the types we knew and were accustomed to, but even the most mundane – if one can even dare label a relationship as such. From friendship, to romantic love; sisterly love, parental love, the list goes on – my opinion of Valentine’s Day since transformed to becoming one that is yet another excuse to make those special ones in your life feel loved. After all, love wins. It always has, and always will.

For many, the path towards finding true love – regardless of the type – is not a linear one. After all, it would not be as exciting if it were. It is more of an adventure of trial and error. For many, it takes a lot of heartbreaks and earthshaking moments that question reality before finding the one. But in the end, it is how we transform this pain that we have lived through and endured into bettering ourselves as individuals that matters. The trials and hardships we go through shape us. Pain, in no way, is pleasant or pretty, but if we choose to turn it into growth, then it can become one of the most beautiful experiences and life-changing lessons we will ever know. 

And then there is the strong bond of friendship which ultimately, is cemented by love. In our lives, just like finding “the one,” we also go through a lot of betrayals until we find our tribe – our people who will stick it through with us, and by us, through hell and high water, come what may. In this day and age, friends like that are not easy to find, and I have learned that you will know once you have found them. And when you do, hold on to them, and never let them go. These are the friends who will be tone deaf to the rest of the world on instances when they may go against you, and will unquestionably blindly fight for you even when you are not around. These are the friends that give you the happiness and contentment that numbers will not. The ones that remind you that as we grow older, though our circles may grow smaller, the ones that remain are the keepers – the truest of gems that add only sparkle to our lives. The diamonds, whose love will just grow stronger through the test of heat, time and pressure.

Of course, there will always be familial love – the kind that should be, and is forever. These are the people who know you at times perhaps more than you know yourself. Who have seen you through all your phases and changes, yet accept you regardless of how you look in the morning. These are the people you can be most openly yourself around, yet, can also sometimes be the ones you tend to mind the least. If there is something I have discovered in the recent years, it is that we must give utmost importance to those who will stand in front of a bus for us in any situation, and these people, you will most likely find first (and in some cases only) within your family.

So as Valentine’s Day rolls around this year, do not think twice about those who you love. Show them, tell them, and let it be known. There is no better time than now.