Table of Contents
Title page ..................................................................................................... 1
Acknowledgement ....................................................................................... 4
Chapter I Self
Insecurity destroys trust ............................................................................... 6
Desire for experience
not for winning ............................................................................................ 7
Chapter II Love
Unrecognizable flaws .................................................................................. 10
What is love? .............................................................................................. 11
My body became the solution ……………………………………………. 12
Chapter III Religion and beliefs
Religious Demon ......................................................................................... 14
Chapter IV Relationship
What does a healthy family lead to? ……………………………………… 15
Chapter V Society
Sexual Harassment ………………………………………………………... 17
Chapter V1 Nature
A care in nature …………………………………………………………... 20
Chapter VII Life & Existence
Why am I still here? ……………………………………………………… 22
Afterword ................................................................................................... 25
2
Author's Biography .................................................................................... 26
3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Making a book is harder than I thought and more exciting than I could have ever imagined.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of my teacher, Mr. Ralph De Paz,
who allowed us to express ourselves through this task. Also, I'd like to thank my friends Dexie
Salcedo, Casandra Dela Cruz, my mother Odessa Maiquez, and my suitor Jenoah Duran for their
assistance with my book cover; they've given me a lot of time and concepts for creating my title
page more accurate in terms of its content. My beautiful cousin, Hershey Presto for helping me
with my poems and diction. Also, thanks to K&K School Supplies for sponsoring the materials of
this book.
I’d also like to express my appreciation to all teenagers who inspired me to make this book, I
wouldn't have anything to include in my book without them.
To my beautiful and handsome classmates/best friends Rhea Lasalita, Sunshine Golez, Casandra
Doctolero, Trixie Salcedo, James Gestoso, and Ronnel Cepada for supporting my book and giving
me enough strength to finish this task.
I also want to express my gratitude to my stepparents and old flame, who provided me with the
largest lesson and obstacle of my life. Without their lessons, I have no courage and have nothing
to write in this book.
4
CHAPTER I
Self
Insecurity destroys trust
Some people can live without trust, while others cannot. They often trust others more than
themselves—how awful is that? Now, the question is: Are you the one who cannot easily trust
yourself but can easily believe others? Knowing that 40% of people have extreme insecurities
about themselves and do not believe in their own abilities You could be one of the 40% who
compares themselves to others or has a strong sense of self-consciousness—the woman or man
who looks in the mirror and doubts herself. How does the one-of-a-kind person become insecure
despite her priceless smile and special ability when she fails to recognize her distinction? Me to
myself. How much trust do I devote to myself? Why am I so quick to trust them and then forgive
people when they betray that trust? allowing them to judge me, spread humor about me, and
taunt my personality without looking in the mirror? comparing myself to them without them
comparing themselves to me? Reread that statement. It caused my social anxiety; it makes me
afraid of social situations because I'm worried they'll judge me. I became extremely insecure,
which led to feelings of shame and depression. I was accused of inappropriate behavior that I had
never presented. Insecurity destroyed me, and that was the foolest thing I’ve ever done. I didn't
believe in myself for something I could do until I stopped doing anything.
"Why am I insecure?" Sometimes I question myself the same way but cannot get the answer.
Maybe you are seeking for that answer too. People get insecure, especially when she compares
herself to other girls, telling herself she's not as sexy, smarter, or prettier as the other women.
Insecurity can also develop if someone has experienced being bullied, criticized, or traumatized
by an event. It can cause trust issues, depression, anxiety, and stress. This can make us lose trust
in ourselves, particularly in our skills. Someone compliments you on your beauty, but you deny
it. You are well skilled, but you cannot show it. "I am afraid to face people; I can't." But then she
got a high grade in public speaking. An example of someone who has the skills but doesn’t have
the trust. Yet, those are the people we should be proud of! facing your fear and eventually doing
something great. “Why can’t I be like her?” did ask yourself again? Well, my answer is you can,
if you would.
Now, how? How did I overcome it? Eventually, insecurity doesn’t leave me. It still bothers me
sometimes. Well, I guess it wouldn’t leave me in any ways. However, I always do something to
solve it. I always seek for the answer and not letting the negativity eat me. People will judge you,
do not expect them to be kind always. “Be careful of who you trust. People know how to love, so
to leave. People know how to ruin, so to build. Learn to be happy on your own, and be sad all
alone.” A poem made by me. Do not trust them fully, at the end of the day all you have is
yourself and it is far better to stand alone.
Remember what Eraserhead said: "Lift your head, baby; don’t be scared!" Face the crowd, get
rid of your insecurities, develop a strong trust in yourself, and let go of your expectations.
Accepting your distinction is crucial; we all have it. Understanding is the key. Understand your
distinction and theirs. Accept the fact that you know yourself better than other people do.
6
Desire for experience not for winning
I am a 16-year-old girl with different types of achievements. I gained a lot of fulfillment
when it comes to Dancing Industry. We have won WSB Champion 2022 Young guns,
Domination World Champion 2019, ABS-CBN World of Dance Philippines Duels
qualifiers, Grand Champion at Wowowin Doobi Doobi Dapp Dapp Kids Editions, One of
the Eat Bulaga’s Back up dancers, and countless accomplishments. People only perceive
our accomplishments; they are unaware of the challenges or battles we overcame to reach
this point.
“I’m not good enough” “I can’t do this” Those are the questions I have asked myself. We
experienced sleeping in the streets, and we experienced sleeping beside the rail too! We
don’t even sleep sometimes. We practice a lot, we get tired every practice, we gain
muscle pains, and we train a lot, but all those difficulties aren’t enough to win. We tried
our very best, but we lose and lose and lose. We lost a lot of competition, and there are
times where I thought of giving up.
I’ve realized that we’ve wasted a lot of money, efforts, and energy for nothing. At that
time, I didn’t really believe that we could win. However, I realized how happy I was
when I danced. Those experiences gave negative thoughts on me but I didn’t realize that
all those experiences gave me a memorable event in my life. I met a lot of people, we had
fun a lot, and I know I will miss it.
I was able to become the best that I can be because to those adventures. I continued to
pursue my passion and rejoined my group. After that, we compete Domination North
Qualifiers 2018 or 2019. Guess what? We won champion and we are going to represent
our country in Brisbane Australia! That was a delightful experience and we’re so proud
of ourselves. After that, we compete a lot of competition and won a lot of trophies,
certificates, title, and more. But, losing is always there. We don't always succeed; often,
we lose. However, I observed that we simply enjoyed ourselves and participated in every
competition without expecting to succeed. If we win or lose, we give God gratitude.
Winning is a pleasure, yet experiences are what matter most. And just like what
SpongeBob said “It’s not about winning, it’s about fun” Have fun. Love every moment
because one day you'll look back on your mistakes and use them to motivate others. In
two or three years, you'll look in the mirror and be pleased with who you are.
Just like me, I am proud of myself now because I am standing in front of aspiring
professionals, encouraging everyone to endure through their challenges, face them with a
smile, and not be afraid of failing. Always seek God's guidance because he is the only
one who can lead us to prosperity. If you wish to give up, take a break, push yourself
more, and continue on your adventure. Everything is challenging, but if we always focus
on our flaws, we will never succeed. Use your strengths and be passionate about what
you do in order to succeed.
7
“Do not be conscious of winning, always be grateful whether you win or lose because you gain
new experiences that will lead you to victory.” -Kyla Cencio.
Those experiences will help you to build up the best version of you that someday you will use to
attain victory.
8
Unrecognizable flaws
"Loving him is the same as loving the entire universe." a quote written by me. This universe, we
believe, is riddled with flaws. Crimes, pain, corruption, injustice, and numerous other things
blemish this world. People cheat, people leave, and people cause pain. Things, places, weather,
and emotions in this world change and filled with different imperfections. Even with the smallest
thing in this world has flaws. There is no equality, full of criticism, and disrespecting. But, why
are we still here? If this universe is filled with flaws, then why are we kept staying here?
There is something in this world that gives us happiness; you cannot deny that. Just as the
universe, he himself has flaws, makes mistakes, and unintentionally harms me. He lies to others
sometimes in order to be with me—annoying, right? He bullies me, he makes fun of me, he
shouts at others, and it makes me scared. He said that he’s ugly; he has a lot of pimples and
imperfections. He always notices those huge eyebags on his face and becomes conscious of
them. He hates his arm for having too much vain. He hates his nose; he said that it’s too big for
his face. But, why can’t I see it? He looks perfect on me. He’s like the universe that riddled with
flaws but makes me want to stay and enjoy every moment. If there is anything I could compare
him with, it is the universe.
His flaws are unrecognizable, and I kept asking myself what was wrong with him, and I don’t
still know the answer. Maybe other people are right: love makes us blind. He has the perfect
nose, precious eyes, and soft, pink lips, and his skin suits him. He values respect; he treats me the
way I deserve to be treated; he changes the things he has to in order to give me the things that
will make me happy. He sacrifices his time and efforts; he’s kind, faithful, loyal, and everything
that could possibly describe him. "I am insecure," he assures. I am sad, and he comforts me. I
was at my lowest, and he lifted me up despite the fact that he was also at his lowest.
He might be riddled with flaws for him, but he’s perfect for me. If only I could give him my eyes
in order for him to see how I see him, he might be addicted as well. How funny is it, crying for
too many years because of fake love without being aware that true happiness is near? There are
several times where I have told myself that I am not enough for someone like him. But he still
finds his way to show me how valuable I am. He always made me forget, and he provided me
with numerous memories.
But, what if he changes someday? What if, after a few days, weeks, months, or years, he
wouldn’t be the same as he is today? question that came my way several times. "People know
how to love, so to build." I can't predict the future; he could be present now but absent later. I
should be aware of the possible circumstances and prepare for the huge pain. This could be a
happy relationship now, but it could lead to a painful heartbreak in the future.
But I tell myself all the time that he can make it through the bad times, and that if we're together,
everything seems right; everything will be fine. As long as he doesn’t change, I will cherish
every moment with him and love his unrecognizable flaws.
10
What is love?
"Love" defines a lot depending on what people have experienced. Some people say love hurts,
while others say it feels like heaven. Some people say, "If it is not destined, it wouldn’t work,"
yet others say, "It’s you who are making your destiny." They say that love can be the way to
bring out the best version of you. But what if it is also the one who will cause huge damage?
based on my observations? I don’t really know the exact meaning of love either. It made me
confused sometimes, but all I know is that it’s on us—every one of us. It shows, but we aren’t
aware of it. It sometimes blinds us; it causes us to do things we are not used to doing; perhaps
love follows your decision; it is only you who makes it the worst or most precious. I experienced
a lot of what came with it. Love caused me pain, brought me happiness, and also gave me
memories. It could be a good or bad memory. It changed me and brought me lessons that I am
currently applying to myself. In my observation? Teenagers lean more on their relationship, they
invest more trust in their lovers within themselves which results in disappointment. Believing
that someone could fill the gap when in reality, it just worsens the void inside
Before, love did a huge amount of damage to me. But am I sure if that was love? Is it really
love? believing that he is the one who gave me my entire version I sacrificed my career,
education, family, and even religion! What a fool I am! Sacrificing everything for a man who
only wants to hurt me and disrespect my family. A man who cheated multiple times? Love is
blind, right? During that time, all I thought was that love sucked. It made me lose myself and
everything I have. My own definition of love at that time was "Love is pain." Its instilled fear in
me and caused me to doubt my own worth. Seeing someone you genuinely love, who likes your
best friend, loving her ex while dealing with you, felt like hell.
Well, let’s go back to my question: has it ever been love?
I guess it is love—but I love the non-reciprocated person. I loved someone who made me a fool.
It was I who made my love story worse. Why? knowing that he doesn’t care about even one
thing about me or anything else that surrounds him. I hurt myself by continuing to love someone
even though I knew he wouldn't love me the same way I loved him. Yet, those experiences made
me realize numerous things. Love is reciprocated. Why did I say so? You did something about
love, and love will return it. You became a fool because of love, and then love will return your
foolishness. If you treat love well, then it will be healthy for you. Reciprocated, right? But, what
if you did your very best, but love gave you pain? Well, take a look at someone you love; do you
think you aren’t a fool to love him?
Maybe I'm a fool to give love; that's why I had those experiences. Maybe love finds its own way
to hit me over the head with the fact that I am the only one who loves. However, those
experiences made me wiser about love. It helped me realize things that I wasn’t aware of. I am
not old enough to understand what love really means, but I know I can feel it anywhere. You are
the only one who has control over your love story. You are the one who is responsible for
yourself. You are the one who knows what is good for you, and you are the one who can make
choices in your life. It is everywhere. We all have feelings of love for something or someone,
and it has no exact definition. What is love? Love is something you give, not something you
experience.
11
My body became the solution
Nowadays, several teenagers using their body in order to receive the love that they desire. They
used to use their body to please someone. This scenario can cause teenage pregnancy and based
of NDHS, 5% of women 15- to 19-years old asked during the survey period said that "they have
ever been pregnant." Among them, 10% came from the “poorest households.”
Why are they keep on doing it? In my opinion, people who are prone to sex addiction are those
who are stressed, for the reason of the fact that sex relieves anxiety. People get depressed
because of several things including academic, family problems, financial, relationship, and their
self-issues. The people who are experiencing those are prone to sexual addiction that causes
them to do such things that relieves their anxiety. While, several individuals getting addicted to
sex because their family did not give her enough attention wherein she leans on her partner; and
because of their stress, they did something they shouldn’t done.
There are still women or men that gives their body when their partner wished for it in order to
solve their relationship. While, several people sacrifice their body so that people won’t leave
them. They lost their respect in their parents and significantly self-respect. They forgot their
dignity because of love or addiction.
Hebrew 13:4 “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled,
for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” Marriage bed be undefiled, only
married couple are the ones who can do things that normal couple shouldn’t do. Therefore,
marriage is the first thing to commit not sexual activities because it is a sin to have a sex with
someone you are not married with.
Things has its two ways of solution, the right and incorrect path. Just like stress, relationship
problems, or any difficulties has to paths to follow. You just have to choose the right path that
will lead you to success. There is always been a solution if you will think wisely, you can solve
everything without losing your self-respect and dignity.
"Love is using empathy to solve problems, not using the body to solve difficulties." All will be
alright in time; respect yourself. Your body is not a tape that can fix broken hearts. You are not
sure if their heart is broken or if it’s just their eggs.
If someone truly loves each other, every difficulty can be solved with empathy; do not let
yourself be a prisoner of someone’s desire. Sexual activity can be a part of our lives, but don't let
it become normal; as long as you can avoid it, it won't destroy you. You have your brain; you can
control it.
Always ask for God’s guidance in order to help you overcome the things you are experiencing.
12
CHAPTER III
Religion and Beliefs
Religious demon
"Villains will be more conscious of your faith’s flaws than of their own errors."
People are free to make their own decisions in life. They are free to follow whichever religion
they desire. However, unbelievers will see your faith’s mistakes more than their own errors.
They will evaluate your perspective and attempt to oppose it until they’re proved right. They will
act like they’re religious but cannot respect others' religions. There are a lot of religious demons
in this world; they’re in front of us sometimes, but we're not aware of them.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, 79.5% of Filipinos are Roman Catholic, with
2.6% belonging to Iglesia ni Cristo and 2.4% belonging to Evangelical Christianity, as well as
several other religions. Those religions have different beliefs and understandings of God’s word.
Numerous individuals often judge its distinction. They act religious, giving advice to people who
aren’t of the same religion as them.
They teach others to be religious and follow what the Bible says, yet cover up their mistakes.
Some of those teachers have made mistakes or are making mistakes that are being covered by
someone with a high role in this country. They teach others to do the right thing, but the teacher
does not follow the Bible or even what he says. They’re judging your religion because it's
different from theirs. Only a few people can show respect to others, and why can’t the
unbelievers be like them too? Some of them have a distinct mindset, full of comparison, but
cannot see their own mistakes. Others can be told about the value of respect but cannot show it.
We shouldn’t underestimate every religion; we are knowledgeable enough to recognize what is
right and wrong. You have your own decisions in life, so don’t let other people manipulate them,
especially in religion. You just have to respect them without expecting them to respect you.
Those who have insulted your religion are the ones who have a shallow mind. Let them insult
your beliefs; they are just proving to you that he’s not as religious as you.
Respect is not only for religion; respect should be performed everywhere, at any time. We have
our distinctions that should be respected. We have different beliefs, knowledge, desires, and
appearances. Always choose to be kind. A kind person can lose in this temporary world, but it
will bring a big benefit to God.
For the last philosophy in this chapter, "Religion matters, yet morality matters most," Having the
appropriate religion is crucial. However, if you have questionable morals, religion is useless.
Perceive the right religion to survive and learn biblical lessons that will enlighten you. Those
lessons might help you change. Focus on him and let those villains do their part. They are
wasting their voices and efforts on someone that values respect, unlike them, who act like an
empty can, making loud noises but having nothing inside.
14
CHAPTER IV
Relationship
What does a healthy family lead to?
"Wealth is a source of pleasure, whereas a healthy relationship is a source of treasure." Having
an affluent family is an advantage; you can provide for the needs of your household, give your
children the proper education, buy things you want to buy for you and for your kids, and go on a
trip with your family anywhere you want. However, we cannot experience them if we are not
working. Therefore, the parents work hard in order to provide what their family needs. But what
if you worked so hard and got so busy that you forgot to maintain a positive relationship with
your children or parents? And for the teenagers, what if you overdo things you want to do that
make you enjoy your life to the point where you forget about your school and your family?
What is the significance of a positive relationship with your family, and how does it affect your
household and the environment of each family member? Family arguments are normal, but we
cannot normalize a family fighting all the time. It will affect your mentality and even that of your
children. Having a good connection with your family plays a vital role because it helps a family
stay together and provide a good understanding that will lead them to easily solve difficulties.
Knowing your family member’s situation is also crucial; you must be aware of their
circumstances in order to understand and know the help you have to provide. Therefore, this
conversation must be had before starting a family. Have a deep conversation with your partner
about how you handle things in order to know both of your boundaries and to lessen the effect on
your future kids.
A psychologist once said that the more you’re strict with your child, the more they will disobey.
Many children are subjected to parental manipulation, and they are unable to enjoy their lives as
a result of excessive rules. They cannot go outside sometimes and enjoy themselves with their
friends because of their strict parents, even holding phones or gadgets. We understand that
parents are just being strict so that their kids will grow properly, but overdoing it will blind them
to the reality that their child is getting older and needs to explore the world. Instead of limiting
your child's exploration, why not try to teach them how to enjoy their lives with constraints?
Teaching your child good discipline is significant, but we just have to be careful because they
might do something secretly that will soon destroy themselves and your family.
Based on my observation with my parents and as a daughter who experienced the discipline of
both my parents, I understand those children with strict and non-strict parents. One of the things
that brings positive impacts for strict parents is that kids will know their limitations, time
management, house choirs, and many more good outcomes however, it can cause social anxiety
because of low social exposure and self-confidence. One day they will see their difference to
those kids with non-strict parents that will bring them a huge consciousness to try things that will
violate their parent’s rule. For the non-strict parents, this is a hard at first but if you can control it
properly then it can be successful. Allowing your kids to explore but teaching them their
limitations is much better yet hard to teach. It needs a huge time to apply with your kids and
needs attention. Therefore, balancing strict and non-strict rules is much preferable. Allow them
to explore with limitations and be strict on somethings that needs to be strict. Spend time with them.
15
Based on my observations with my parents and as a daughter who experienced both my parents'
discipline, I understand children with strict and non-strict parents. One of the things that brings
positive impacts for strict parents is that kids will know their limitations, time management, house
choirs, and many more good outcomes; however, it can cause social anxiety because of
low social exposure and low self-confidence. They will realize one day that they are different from
the kids who have non-strict parents, and this will give them a huge conscience to try things that will
violate their parent's rules. For the less strict parents, this is hard at first, but if you can
control it properly, it can be successful. Allowing your children to explore while teaching them
their limits is preferable, but it is still difficult. It takes a long time to implement with your
children and requires attention. Therefore, balancing strict and non-strict rules is much better.
Allow them to explore with limitations, and be strict on things that need to be strict. Spending
time with your kids, building a bond, and having a conversation about how their day went will
help you build a strong connection and relationship. That is crucial and needs to be performed
wisely and genuinely in order to attain a healthy family. In this way, it will help you solve each
difficulty by using empathy and good communication with your family.
Last philosophy for this chapter is that “Money can buy material things in this world, but it
cannot buy a positive relationship with your family” – Kyla Cencio.
16
CHAPTER V
Society
Sexual Harassment
“Storm-damaged butterflies are all waiting for the sun to rise” philosophy written by me.
Butterflies symbolizes innocence, storm symbolizes trauma, and sun symbolizes for justice.
Women are experiencing sexual harassment; even men do. They are in the phase of appreciating
their teenage life and not expecting such circumstances.
According to Philippine Statistics, 7 out of 10 women, or 68%, have experienced online
harassment, and 79% have received threats of sexual violence on social media. Those are the
percentages of sexual harassment here in the Philippines. This type of society is not what we
want for our future kids to live in. Even as teenagers, we attempted to avoid this situation, but
there are times when we are unable to do so, and the harasser finds a way to harass. Even if we
want to decrease it, there are still abusers in this world who ruin the dreams of individuals.
Some people say there is sexual harassment because of those girls who wear revealing clothes,
while others say there is sexual harassment because of perverts. Now, why does sexual
harassment really exist? This society, in my opinion, has no respect not only for itself but also
for others. Sexual harassment occurs for a variety of reasons, and here are three reasons that I
believe.
First, depression. When a person is depressed, they are addicted to sex. And those who are
extremely depressed cannot control themselves and do such things, which are against the law.
Having no control led them to violate individual rights. Now, what is the common reason for
them being depressed? For men who are addicted to sex, it is mostly the men who are not getting
their desire from their wife or partner that urge them to have sex with others; cheating is also
involved in this case. Having low sexual activity with someone who is addicted is tough. It might
drive them crazy, and that can be a cause of harm to people. Having past traumas about sex can
also be a reason for addiction, and several people have been diagnosed with depression disorder.
Whether the reason is family, self, love, or traumas, it can lead to sex addiction if they will not
be cured as much as possible.
The second is teasing. Girls can wear whatever they want, but several men take advantage of it.
They feel teased and cannot control their inflamed body. Wearing an outfit is not bad and is not
against the law; I am not also against it. I respect everyone's fashion sense; there's nothing wrong
with your outfit; it's only them who get teased.
The third is pervert. If there is no pervert, there is no sexual harassment. Those people have their
reasons for doing unusual things, but we are not sure if that reason is true. Perversion is all
around us; we are surrounded by it. Even if you’re wearing unrevealing clothes, a pervert will
always be a pervert. They will take advantage of the weakness of a woman and abuse her.
Those are the three major reasons that I think causes harassments.
17
How can we overcome it? As a woman, I don’t want them to experience sexual harassment
because of their suit, because even an innocent child has been abused. But we women should be
careful as well. This society is full of criminals; we are surrounded by them, and sometimes they
are in our household. We cannot fully avoid them because they will always be what they are, but
we should take good care of ourselves and be responsible with our dresses.
For men who are experiencing harassments, I was not the man who was harassed, but I know how
traumatizing it was. Your feelings are valid; even if you are a boy, that doesn’t mean you cannot
experience them. Sometimes we can fight for ourselves, but sometimes they are too powerful or
we are too scared to fight. But to all individuals who are experiencing it, don’t be scared to speak
up, find your way to stop it, and do not lose hope. Justice will be served
someday, and if the world does not serve it, God will.
18
CHAPTER VI
Nature
A care in nature
Our nature is beautiful as heaven, but why does some individuals cannot appreciate it and
doesn’t take care of it? Land pollution increased up to 80% because of human’s activity. They
used a lot of plastics and throw it everywhere that causes pollution, it can also affect the water,
and air. Sometimes, people forgot about the beauty of our nature and just throwing trash on
them. Can we still solve it? How can we solve it? As a teenager, how can I help the nature
breathe?
Solving these situations cannot be that easy, we need to invest more effort, time, and attention to
it. Also, we cannot do it if people are still irresponsible. They often throw trashes, destroy natural
attractions, improper waste disposal, and they also build infrastructure that covers the beauty of
our nature. Those are an example of irresponsible types of humans. And if we can solve it, is a
big question that cannot be answer easily.
However, everything is possible depending on action. We can still solve it if we have the purpose
and action. Now, as a teenager what are the things I can do? We as a teenager have not enough
power to encourage individuals in this world to be responsible. But, we ourselves can be
responsible. Doing a good habit of not using too much non-biodegradable products will help us
lessen the pollution. Having a proper waste disposal is also a responsible thing for us.
Government should also do more projects that enhance our nature, it can make our country more
beautiful. Join to a group of people who do activities that benefits our nature.
Here are some communities you can join. First is world wide fund for nature, their projects don't
only focus on food, water, and climate, but on wildlife as well. In fact, they exert effort to ensure
the survival of the rarest and most endangered species in the country. Also, part of their aim is to
transform lives by providing livelihood programs. It will bring more benefits in our country and
to ourselves.
Second is Earth Island institute it is an international org that jumpstarts programs focused on
hyperlocal and grassroots environmentalism. Their local arm implements the International
Monitoring Program (IMP) which ensures that the country's top tuna companies conform to
industry standards and practices. The organization also hold campaigns against dolphin captivity
and killings. Those are two examples of communities we can join in order to take a good care of
our nature.
As a teenager, we have a lot of things to contribute in our environment such as planting, proper
waste disposal, and acknowledging others to be a responsible human because taking care of our
nature will not only benefit the natural attractions but also benefit ourselves the future
generation.
20
CHAPTER VII
Life & Existence
Why am I here?
When we were at our lowest, we kept asking ourselves this question. questioning your worth,
existence, or life. Confused by the fact that you lived with obstacles attempting to end your life
so that no one like you will exist. How hard was it? Does it feel right?
"Blood will kill your mind but give life to your soul." This world is full of pain and obstacles; we
live with them and often bleed in pain. Our mind thought that we were dying because of the
blood from the pain. We thought that we were dying in pain and filled with blood. But bleeding
will awaken you to your existence and reality. Leviticus 17:11 "The blood signified a life had
been given and sacrificed." Blood signifies life; if you don’t bleed, you don’t live. In the
Philippines, around 2.2 deaths related to suicide were recorded per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019.
That’s a lot of existence wasted. Why did they do that? Are they depressed? Is there nothing they
could do to fix it? Teenagers, in my experience, are easily discouraged. They are depressed
because they lack motivation. It might be because of their past traumas, current family, school,
and life situations, or genetic illness.
We are unsure. But what is the cause of this pain? She herself experienced something she wasn’t
prepared for. She has been diagnosed with several depression disorders because her family has
been broken since she was a 3-year-old girl. After being diagnosed with depression, she got
harassed by the person she'd trusted for 12 years. After a few days, her grandmother died, and
things worsened when she was forced to choose between love and justice. Seeing her mom suffer
made her suffer too. She got away with her family and started to exist in her own world. It builds
up huge trust issues and self-doubt and attempts to end the play. She has nowhere to go and has
suffered alone. How does she overcome it? She doesn’t know as well; she just let the time pass
and applied the lessons she had learned. Even now, healing takes time. She is still in pain, but
she can cry without putting herself in danger. She did question her existence and ask him why
she was still alive. But then she realized that blood reflects your life. In the other sense, pain will
reflect your existence. Ending a life because of an obstacle is a sin. Each thing in this world is
borrowed from him, and he can retrieve it at any moment. What a shame he lent you the perfect
thing only to have you return it damaged.
Why do we exist? Why are we still alive? What is the purpose of our existence in this world if
not to experience those things? Question yourself several times, and here are the answers. Ending
your existence is not the right way to solve problem. We exist to find ways to enjoy our Ending
your existence is not the right way to solve problems. We exist to find ways to enjoy our lives,
not to find a way to end them. Strive to find happiness in this life. Exist with a positive mind that
can fight off negativities. Every moment has a positive purpose for us; we just have to recognize
it. A psychologist once said, "You can think if you would, intentionally." You have your mind,
and you can control it. You have your choices, and you’re the one who is responsible for
choosing what is best for you. In our existence, there are only two paths around every obstacle.
The first one is positive, while the second one is negative. Give yourself a little time to think
before taking a path that will affect you and your surroundings. In order to exist, you must seek
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happiness, positivity, and solutions. The end will come at the right time; let it seek you, but don’t
let yourself seek it.
“Take a good care of everything; it’s all borrowed, even your existence.”
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AFTERWORD
To my readers,
This book contains different philosophies and quite accurately reflects my own experiences,
ideas, and perspectives. A book that young adults may relate to. I wrote this book to illustrate the
situations we often encounter in our lives, it might be about love, ourselves, religion, society, etc.
It also analyzes facts in our actual experiences, mindsets, and actions. An accurate thing we
constantly encounter but never notice or resolve such as belief discrimination, physical
appearance discrimination, and immorality. Furthermore, some of philosophies contained in this
book include lessons on how to deal with or avoid difficulties.
The beauty of nature is also included in this book. Importance of our lives and love.
Also, please bear with my amateurish work because I am not professionally trained in book
writing. However, I made every effort to make this book interesting.
I'm hoping this book will reach you and share with others. In this way, we could improve
ourselves and help others to adopt positive mindset.
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