bottomlines (stuff i’ve learned in 30 years)
On people:
1. Who we really are does not matter as much as who we try to be; character is that which fills the gap between our nature and our humanity.
2. There is a thin line between self-confidence and arrogance. It is called humility, a.k.a. “pulling one’s head out of one’s own ass.”
3. Noone is insignificant. Not even you (so go and claim your rightful space in the universe!), and not even the people you think the world would be better off without (so stop wishing them dead and go and claim your rightful space in the universe!).
On heartbreak:
1. It will pass!
2. The best kind of closure is the kind that we give to ourselves — it does not depend on hearing the words “It’s over!” from someone else’s mouth.
3. It will pass! Really!
On family and friends:
1. To borrow from Vince: The best friends are those with whom you have no “walls.” This is not to say that you can say anything or do anything to them and get away with it. True friends will stick around even when you’re being difficult or a bitch — but they sure will make you accountable. True friendship is unconditional; but it is not blind.
2. There is no greater hurt than being betrayed by someone you thought of as a true friend; and there is no greater comfort than knowing that there are people who got your back.
3. There is nothing more frightening than having a member of your family put in danger. For me, that is the only thing truly worth worrying about.
On what’s right:
1. There is such a thing as Black and White. But, for the most part, the things people do fall within the spectrum of colors in between. The trick is to know the difference.
2. What we have, but do not need, is not truly ours. When we give what, for all intents and purposes, is in excess, it is not generosity nor charity nor kindness. It is justice.
3. GMA should not be President. But then, was she really ever?
On life:
1. Very little is worse than getting diarrhea and not having a clean bathroom and enough toilet paper.
2. The best things in life are free — what we need money for is to make those non-ethereal and less-than-super things in life not seem so bad.
3. But seriously: The most important moments, the ones which will really matter, are of such nature that they can pass you by before you even realize how precious they are: a good laugh; a perfect day spent outdoors with your lover; a stimulating conversation; flying a kite; a heartfelt hug from friend; a roadtrip with your best buds; your child telling you “I love you”; and those million simple acts of kindness shared between two people… So, keep your heart and mind open, always, so that you are ever aware…
On love and relationships:
Ummm… I think I’ll pass on this one. Wala pa ata akong natututunan dyan! Hehehe…
