harlii.ol.day

There was a time when I found myself bending over backward, trying to fit into molds that others had crafted for me. Back then, my days revolved around seeking approval, striving to make others happy, and trying not to rock the boat. It was a phase where I slowly lost pieces of myself in the pursuit of acceptance, sacrificing my own happiness to please everyone else. But that era is long gone. I reached a turning point—a moment of clarity when I realized that in trying to make everyone else happy, I was only making myself miserable. I was losing sight of who I was and what I stood for. So, I did the hardest thing I’ve ever done: I let go. I stopped worrying about what others thought and started focusing on what I needed. I disappeared from that era of self-sacrifice and embraced a new chapter, one where I follow my own rules and live my life authentically. I no longer let the opinions of others dictate my choices. I choose my battles and invest my time in what truly matters to me. And ...

  A Blurry Situationship That Became a Friendship Snapback to 2010  It all started with an innocent invite—a typical night out with friends, a little drinking, and the usual banter. My friend, Jeff, casually mentioned there would be a small get-together at his friends place, and, oh, by the way, my ex would be there too— with his new girlfriend . I couldn't show up alone, not with my ex flaunting his new relationship. I wasn't about to be the single one in the room while they played happy couple. I confided in Jeff, and he came up with a wild idea. "Why don’t my friend RM pretend to be your boyfriend for the night?" It sounded a bit over the top, but honestly, I was desperate enough to say yes. RM, who I’d only met in passing before, agreed to the plan without hesitation. He seemed to find the whole thing fun—a chance to play pretend, to turn the tables for a night. We laid out the details, kept it playful, and decided to lean into the act just enough to make it belie...

Saying your name brings tears to my eyes because I miss you so much. I never really got the chance to say thank you for everything—the sacrifices, the love, the strength you showed, even when things were falling apart. You always tried your best to give us everything, even when it wasn’t easy, and though your love was tough at times, I now understand how deeply it ran. I cherish the moments when I caught glimpses of your soft side, and I know Kuya Nikki saw it too. You were always so supportive of us, not with big gestures, but with small, strong acts that carried so much love. We felt that love, even when it was hard to express. I love you, Lolo, and I’m sorry that I had to move out to start my own life, leaving you behind. It breaks my heart that I left you alone, but I’m still so grateful that I was by your side in the hospital, even if just for a while, to help take care of you when you needed it most. I witnessed a man who was once so strong, raising four daughters, slowly become ...

 When I think of my mom, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. Over the years, I’ve seen her grow, suffer, and endure, and I can confidently say that God has spent a little more time on her. Every time I hear songs like "God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You" by *N Sync, "A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men, or "Dear Mama" by Tupac, tears well up in my eyes. These songs remind me of everything she’s done for me, my brother, and my sister. They remind me of her sacrifices, her resilience, and her deep, unwavering love. My mom became a mother at just 17. Still a teenager, she was thrust into a world where she had to navigate not only her own trauma from her parents and relatives but also the struggles of raising a child. Her childhood wasn’t a story of rainbows and sunshine; it was marked by pain, instability, and heartache. Despite it all, she pressed on, trying to find her way through a series of relationships, hoping that someone would ...

  Lala Aning, I don't know how you do it, but you never stop being one of the most incredible people on this planet. Your background fully shaped you into the outspoken, no-filter person you continue to be. I am glad to have gotten that from you. The fearlessness to say whatever comes to your mind is bold and sometimes embarrassing, but hey, you have an opinion and you aren’t keeping it in. Yeah, you might ask how things are going in the boyfriend department a lot, but you only want to make sure that someone is taking care of me. I remember You never fail to bring up school and make sure I am doing everything and anything to get ahead. You just want to make sure that I am achieving my dreams because you believe I can. You still tell me I look gorgeous when we video call. You never cease to make me feel special. Never once did I wish for a grandma any different than you. Thank you for supplying me with an endless amount of laughter and memories. You know exactly how to make tears ...

Alone. When was the last time you were alone? With nothing but the distinct thumping of your heart, the ragged sound of your own breaths? When was the last time you realised even silence has a sound?  Society has romanticised the concept of being with someone to a stifling degree. It’s always made to be shown like you constantly need someone with you. Be it a lover, a friend, a parent, a sibling, an acquaintance - but you just have to have someone with you constantly. Why? Society forgets, that being alone isn’t the same thing as being lonely. And it doesn’t stop there. You need to be able to hold a conversation well. You need to be abreast with current issues to sound intellectual. General knowledge ceases to be a thing of curiosity or keenness to learn; it becomes a standard for judging someone’s IQ. You need to be fun, interesting, goofy, witty, sarcastic, humorous; when did human interaction cease being natural and start resembling a job profile? Why do you have to know every c...

A few months after experiencing heartbreak, I found myself reflecting on the journey I had taken. After countless nights of tears, I realized I was walking a different path. It was rocky and challenging, yet as I moved forward, I discovered fragments of myself—pieces that felt broken. With patience and care, I began to gather these shards, gently placing them back into my heart until I felt whole again. Now, I can confidently say that I've moved on and am taking steps forward, signaling that there’s no turning back. While this chapter may have closed, the memories we shared will forever remain etched in my mind. What once felt like a heavy burden has transformed over time into a lesson that taught me resilience. I cherish those memories like precious diamonds, knowing that, as the saying goes, diamonds are forever. My perspective on life has evolved. It’s no longer solely focused on heartaches, financial struggles, or family issues. I believe in the power of self-faith; with it, y...