lessons in life

"In the eyes of a child there is joy, there is laughter
there is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the future.
For the lessons of life there is no better teacher
than the look in the eyes of a child."
-- Air Supply's The Eyes of a Child

i have to keep going, if not for myself, then at least for someone else...

shortly after i graduated from college, a kid cousin told me something which up to this day reminds me that, no matter how i deny it, i have a responsibility.

she sat beside me, leaned against my arm, then decided against it. instead, she looked up and initiated a conversation.

kid cousin: 'teng ateng...
me: hmmm?
kid cousin: gusto nako pagdako nako, parehas ko sa imo.

awwws. i was tempted to tell her that she was just pulling my leg, but i saw the sincerity in her eyes when she blurted out that last line and i ended up speechless. there i was, secretly contemplating about finally becoming a bum and along she came to tell me that she wanted to be like me -- along came a kid who saw me as an example, a kid who's not aware of my flaws, a kid who didn't know what i was really thinking of at that time, a kid He sent to remind me of a way to live my purpose.

i cannot let her down. i cannot let the world down. i have to do more, be more and make myself better.

-¤-
some of the things i jotted down
...in 2003:

detach yourself
from people, events, & situations that will bring you down.

detach yourself from materialism.

enjoy and share life; celebrate small victories.

when making decisions, seek His will
otherwise you are not living your purpose.


...and in 2004:

listen to your passions and learn from your mistakes.

be conscious of your growth as well as other people's.

do not fret too much;
you are gifted with the power to make things better.

you are human, do not forget that.