Write through your Soul

Let your soul wander and your mind wonder.

[writethroughyoursoul]

I now accepted the challenge, Freed me from the judgments, Cruel words, tormented mind It is okay... that is fine.

Change is free and constant, Seal it, heal it, people are truly blind, All they can think of is... How to ruin one's life?

-ASTER

[writethroughyoursoul]

Tips for Studying from Home

Tip No.1 Establish Daily Routine

Wake up early about 30 minutes before your upcoming class. Make sure to eat a healthy and filling breakfast after that, wear formal and suitable clothes for the class. Treat it as if we're in a face-to-face set-up, having a routine will surely help you to have a great day and it will organize your whole day's activities without having trouble with what you need to accomplish, and there's not much time to waste.

Tip No.2 Have a Dedicated Study Area

Each one of us has our own space in other areas of our home. For you to have a fun and exciting online class, it is much better to have a dedicated study area where you can stay there comfortably and decorate it according to your preference. A clean, organized and eye-pleasing study area will influence you for the rest of the day.

Tip No.3 Always Take a Note

Once the online class starts, it is much better to put aside your gadgets that are not needed either a cellphone, laptop, iPad, etc. Most especially your social media accounts. Avoid unnecessary movements and chores, make sure to know what you prioritize for the day. Every day is a great opportunity to learn so you should jot down the lessons that are being discussed because it would help and be a great source of information/review for an upcoming assessment.

Tip No.4 Make yourself Physically Active

Health is our number one priority. Include physical activities in your daily routine. Do some stretching, walking, and sightseeing, do it in between your classes with the permission of your professors, it is to keep you awake and attentive. Now you're ready for the next class.

Tip No. 5 Don't Forget Your Social Time

After classes, check your social media accounts if there's an important message. While spending your time socializing, making it sensible, and engaging yourself in something that could help you grow, social media can either be a distraction and or a good platform but most of the time it isn't like that, anymore. Always reconnect with your family and friends as part of enjoying your social time, having a conversation with them could help you recall the purpose of your life and feel motivated especially this time where we all suffer through the pandemic and education becomes more inaccessible.

Tip No. 6 Create a Study Plan

Creating a study plan is important, this will help to make the schoolwork easily accomplished. Listing down things that you need to accomplish in the next few days. You can easily find what, where, and when to start. You can also share it with others either your best friend, classmate, and your schoolmate, and encourage one another because achievements in life are much sweeter when you're with them from day one until graduation.

Tip No.7 Eat 3x & Sleep 8 hours a Day

After the whole exhausting day, refrain yourself from doing unplanned things(stick with the established routine) especially if it is not that important. Eat your dinner, wash up and then go to your bed for you to have long hours of sleep. Just a reminder, make sure that you only consume healthy foods that have a great benefit to the body to be physically and mentally active. After 8 hours of sleep, wake up and refresh yourself and start doing your routine.

Tip No. 8 Do Not Multitask

In doing household chores and fulfilling the responsibility as part of the household, choose the time and day that you don't have a class to do all of the chores. Let your parents know your schedules to avoid distractions, unnecessary movements, and chores while you are having an online class. Practice focusing on one thing at a time and handle your time properly. -ASTER

[writethroughyoursoul]

LIFESTYLE: LOCKDOWN

A year had passed in a blink of an eye. I can still remember the situation we've all been through. I found myself staring at the window with misty eyes. It is tearing my heart into tiny pieces, seeing the world engulfed with the darkness that seems to be inevitable. Imprisoned in our own houses handcuffed by the new protocols, covered with a mask, loaded with despising the smell of sanitizers, anxiously waiting for the food ration to arrive. I thought it would be easy to adjust to the situation, but the whole year had worsened. God put us to a test on how strong and long we will last. Unfortunate calamities came through the threat of volcanic eruptions and intense typhoons which killed human lives, animals and destroyed millions of properties. Food in short supply, the societal classes between the rich and the poor had widened, chillin' like a villain and enjoying the luxury of life, abundant food served. Restless feet, voices that cannot be heard, taking chances, and other opportunities outside to ease thirst and hunger. Realizations have entered my conscious mind while sipping a cup of coffee and inhaling its aroma, living the same world and dilemma but a different lifestyle. Oh to be living on cloud nine, but this is the reality no one can avert. One sure thing to do is to cope up and always start the days fresh and new. The farther and longer the pandemic would last, all that matters is our growing faith in God. Ever since it happened, there's something inside me feeling upset and annoyed because there's a point in my life that I want to change and achieve. Making the most out of my time during the pandemic, finding new hobbies and a good lifestyle to adapt to. To be active and healthy during the pandemic crisis, my second brother adopted a cute little puppy which helped me and my family as well to forget those times that we both had a hard time to spend almost our free time. This cute little white with a brown spot on his fur, a puppy named Kobi gave us a whole new world and colorful days to spend with. Taking him outside for a walk once in a while and abiding by protocols and taking lots of pictures to treasure the moment. The shuttering sound of the camera, for the reason why I love taking photos too and commemorate the day that had gone and a lingering emotion that I felt. Living in this life, picturing the calendar flashes right into my eyes, days have gone by and the night is still gloomy and dark. I've been staying back and forth in the small four corners of our house for so long, my home. Yet, finding ways to spend countless times and cooking has been my favorite thing to do. I love the prepping sound of cutting onions, garlic, and vegetables, the sizzling sound of meat, the sautéing pan, and my family members' lovely smile as a token of appreciation. For now, I know most of us are having a hard time dealing with this dilemma and the pressure and burden of making a change for the country and the world. Change is in our hands whether we like it or not, it's like a superpower of a hero in famous marvel movies. But in reality, humans are the real heroes, and the superpower that we have can be and should be used from time to time. The pandemic crisis taught us to be tough and wonder why such things kept on happening over again, and have we learned the lesson that the pandemic had given? Part of many people's lifestyle is to check their phone and unconsciously spend most of their time on social media platforms sharing their concerns, agony towards the people in the higher position regarding their actions in the crisis and emerging problems in the country. Their voices can be heard but the actions cannot be seen, this doesn't make sense. Undeniably the gap had widened and worsened, they say no one should be left behind but how sure we are that no one was left behind. Whatever I do, all I can think of is the people left in this situation. Getting closer to the end of the darkness, all wanted to see the rainbow of hope, hearing people's laughter while stomping their feet and freely touching their friend's shoulder,

eating outside without a plastic barrier, and hugging someone when it felt like the world turned its back. Hand and hand chasing for our dreams, choosing lifestyles and paths to walk through without leaving anyone behind. One day, waking up with wet eyes and a pillow, this was just a nightmare that I don't even want to remember. May the changes in our life begin now.

-ASTER

[writethroughyoursoul]

LOVE IS BLIND: A SELFISH LOVE

One chilly and cold night, a sound of a child crying out loud could be heard. She was desperate to run through the playground to hide, someone calling her "Ella, please hear us out first. Don't do this, my daughter." While crossing the road, she was hit by a taxi driver and then... "Please, Doctor, do everything you can to save my daughter. I don't know what to do, help me Oh God!" A serious situation happening at the emergency room, the child was in severe condition, the doctor was trying to save her. After how many minutes, she was saved, and her parents were restless while talking to the investigator to investigate the case of her child. "Have you seen the plate number of the taxi, Ma'am?" the investigator said. "No, things happened fast but I think the driver was under the influence of alcohol, his car was wiggling and luring to left and right," said her mother. "We'll do everything to resolve the case, thank you for your cooperation." The investigators leave the hospital. Unfortunate things happen the day that the child knew her parents decided to divorce. The doctor approach them and said: "Ma'am, we did our best but the impact that was done was severe and it damages the veins in her eyes. Sorry to say, but she wouldn't be able to see again, she's now blind." Her mother was left in awe. She resented herself for what happened to her daughter. Time passes, 11 years after the accident. Ella and her mother were back at the hospital, they've been visiting once a month for a check-up and getting information about the eye donor who wants to donate eyes for Ella. "Ma'am the donor kept on changing decisions; I will let you know once it's final. So far Ella was in a good condition and ready for an eye transplant." He gladly tells Ella and her mother. "Thank you for your kindness, doctor." Leaving the hospital, Ella held her mother's hand, upon the shining ray of sunlight her smile can be seen. She was happy upon hearing that any time soon, she would be able to see the world, again. "Mom, are you bothered? You don't have to worry about me, it's alright I can still wait even after another 11 years. I will." They both headed home. One afternoon, Judith, her mother prepared lunch for her children and to comfort Ella. She asked her older son, Cher to look after her dish as she was going to check if Ella's awake. Judith was excitedly hopping her way upstairs to check Ella who was listening to jazz music. She knocked on her door and slightly opened it. “I’m coming in, Ella” She saw her lovely daughter and as the wind blew the curtain through the window of her room. Ella’s hair flips, and her beauty shows right through her pure soul. Judith reminds of her when she was a teenager like Ella, it made her emotional upon seeing Ella suffering from their mistakes. Ella was into jazz music, listening to it once she woke up in the morning. It helped her clear her thoughts and put peace through her mind and soul. "Oh, my lovely daughter! You have a heart for jazz music, just like your father. Prepare quickly for lunch, I have something to tell you." Judith was excited too. "Yes, mom. I'll be there as fast as I can." They both giggled. Abundant food serves in a rectangular shape table good for the whole family. All delighted to smell the aroma of freshly baked macaroni pasta, Ella's favorite dish. "Sister, come here I'll guide you to your seat," said Cher who was excited to taste every dish served. She replied: "Hmm... I can sense your excitement over the food, Cher thank you so much." They are all together, laughing and chatting, catching up with each other. And then Judith suddenly remembers something she wants to tell them, especially Ella. "Alright guys, can I interrupt for a minute? I have something to say to your sister, Ella finally... She now has a donor. The doctor confirmed it to me. "Oh really, Mom! I am happy for you sister." Ella was happy upon hearing the good news but can’t deny that she was worried. "Mom what if he changes his mind, what if..." "It's alright, I thought you said you can still wait until another 11 years?"

she jokingly said. "We have to strengthen our faith from now on. I believe, this time." Ella replied to her: "Just to make sure I want to meet my donor mom." "I want to thank him and know what makes him decide to donate his eyes." Judith was wondering whether she would let her daughter meet her donor. It would be hard for her if he changes his mind after they meet. She does not want Ella to lose hope. Phone ringing, a man was disturbed by its sound, tossing, and turning around his bed while a ray of sunlight touches the skin that awakens him. He reached for his phone. "Hello, this is Roel. Who's this? He answered the phone with a raspy voice. " Ahm... Sorry for disturbing you, I am the Doctor from St. Teresa's eye hospital. I just wanted to inform you that we already contacted the mother of the donee. Do you want to meet them in person?" Roel jumps out of his bed as he nervously replies to the Doctor. He stuttered and put down his phone. Roel doesn't know what to do, he restlessly walks back and forth in his room. He seems worried and scared about his decision. Back in time, Roel found out the truth. His father went to his school to take him home after school hours. "Oh, son here!" "Sorry for waiting, I just did something." Roel smells the alcohol stinks from his father. He knew that he drinks before coming to his school. He questioned his father. "Dad are you drunk; I can smell alcohol in you." He was a little irritated. "I just sip a little, I wasn't drunk. I would've come here and got you a ride if I was drunk," said his father. Roel continues to question him, "Dad how true that you killed someone by accident before because of your irresponsible drinking while driving?" His father was surprised to hear that from him. "Aren't you going to take responsibility for what happened? How long will you hide and face the consequences?" "I never thought that way, I didn't run away from the accident. I was scared to be away from your mother. You know she was sick and up for eye surgery when that unfortunate thing happened. I don't know what to do, I can't help it." There was a fast car approaching, Roel and his father got into an accident which caused his father’s death. It was another painful memory for him. Roel decided to meet his donee's family. He's nervous to death thinking that he will meet the family of the victim of his Father's reckless driving. He sends a text message containing: "I'm on my way, Mrs. Judith. I'm sorry it would take some time." Mrs. Judith was busy early this morning preparing everything for their visitor. She's grinning and felt excited while humming as someone knocked on the door. They warmly welcome him to their house, opening the door he sees the ever lovely, Ella who was then patiently waiting for him. Roel can't imagine that Ella would be this pretty. He suddenly felt guilt and sadness seeing her suffer what his father did. Time slowed down; he was stunned by her beauty as if she fell in love. "No, stop it Roel. Think about what your father did to her." He quietly talks to himself. Their lunch was full of conversation. They get to know each other well. Roel decided to not say anything about his father and the accident. Roel visited Ella’s house to catch up with one another. He always assists Ella whenever she needs him. Their days and nights repeat. As another year unfolds right into their eyes. Slowly, step by step they develop feelings for one another. As the calendar flashes in a blink of an eye, years and years have passed. In present years in 2021, Roel confessed his feelings toward Ella. They’ve known each other for a very long time. Somehow, they’ve forgotten about her eye surgery but Roel promised him that he would give her his eyes. It just turns out for good that she had fallen in love. How great it would be to have each other’s company. Ella felt the assurance of having Roel by her side. But it can't be denied how worried she was if the time has come that Roel would be leaving and have his eyes, one that only remains a gift from the one he loved. No one can’t break true love. Roel and

Ella told Judith about it, and she gave them her blessings. She wasn't against their love, after all, Roel was a good man but he reminded him of his promise to Ella and her as well. “Promise is a promise, Mom. I love Ella as much as you love her, I won't let you down. Think of it as another gift I could give to her. This was the only thing I could do to pay for...” He slips his tongue and forgets that he hasn't told everything yet, the truth about him and his father’s mistake many years ago. They happily ended their conversation with a warm hug. 5 years passed. They have created a lovely family consisting of 2 children, a daughter, and a son. Despite Ella's condition, she is patiently and willing to wait for more years. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with Roel and her children. They've been living peacefully for 5 years and things went a change. While rummaging through her husband's stuff, a recorder fell on the ground. Not knowing what it's, she reached for it and the recorder played. She heard a voice, recorded by her husband, Roel. The message contains: “Ella, by the time you are listening to this. I am sorry and to your family as well. I am too selfish; it is all my fault. I should've not let myself fall in love with you. My father wants to surrender himself by the time the accident happened. He just wanted to be on the day my mother's eye surgery was held. Now that they are both gone, I just wanted to pay for his sins. I indeed loved you, but I didn't know that this would be very hard. Please forgive, even though I didn't deserve your forgiveness for everything that I've done.” Ella was surprised, she was left in awe and disbelief. She threw the voice recorder and began to cry out loud. "No, this can't be true." It seems like the world has stopped and another bad news comes from his brother calling from the hospital. "Ella, your husband was in the hospital. He was involved in an accident going to Mom's home." said his brother who was panicking now. She was going to the hospital but suddenly told the driver to change direction. While going away from the heartbreak, she called her mother. "Mom, do you know... that Roel's father was the one responsible for the accident that happened to me?" she said it while containing herself from what happened. "I just heard that he wanted to meet me before his accident happened and I guess he planned to tell me about that matter." said her Mother. "This can't be true. I can't believe this was happening to me." She began to cry. "Ella, as much as I wanted to give justice for what happened. Roel is gone, and the Doctor is asking me if you would still want to be Roel's eye donee." Judith sounds worried. She knew this would be hard for her daughter. “Where are you? Let’s talk about this in person. You can’t do this alone.” “He made a promise, Mom. I thought he loved me, but it seems like he didn't care about my feelings at all. He loves himself more than me.” Ella felt betrayed, they were both blinded by love. Six months after the misery and traumatic situation, Ella’s children were in Judith’s care. She’s taking the kids for a shower when she receives a call. It was from her daughter, Ella who had been away for a long time. “Mom, it’s me Ella. I’m coming home, I have a surprise for all of you. I’m sorry for leaving, I’m good and ready to face everything now.” She said while her voice was shaking, she teared up a bit. “I’m glad you’re coming back. I’ve already prepared everything for your OB Foundation that you said.” Judith was delighted to hear her daughter happy, again. In the airport, a place where either you would be separated and or reunited from your loved ones. The sound of airplanes landing through the runway, which excites the kids who are waiting for their mother to arrive. Kids hopping and giggling with each other, no words can't express how they’re longing for their Mother’s embrace. “Children, Mom’s here!” Ella shouted with joy. “How nice to see your faces. Mommy can see now.” Ella’s voice cracked. “Ella, I cannot believe this! Can you really see us now?”

You’re now seeing the world. Judith was obviously surprised. On the way home, Ella tells Judith exactly what happened after she left the country. “Before I leave after the incident, I’ve been waiting for OB Foundation’s confirmation about my eye surgery. I left the country not just to move on to life, but the surgery was supposed to be done in the United States of America. After the recovery they want me to be part of the foundation and to serve as a living proof. I did, and I always wanted to give back to people and to the world. Even before, although I can’t see the world, I knew how painful it is to see the world and its people suffering. With the help of the foundation, I started a new whole life, again.” Ella reminisces about her hardships it was painful, indeed. After a couple of days, Ella’s family decided to go to the church and to visit her husband's tomb. Hand in hand walking the streets with her children grin ear to ear. She tightly holds their hands as she feels guilty and sorry for what happened and that at an early age they’re separated from their deceased father. Ella parted ways with her husband, leaving with a heartfelt message that she always wanted to tell. “We’re too selfish Roel, we were both blinded by love that leads our lives into miserable ones. I know how much you loved me, and you know how much I loved you. I’m sorry, it took a lot of time for me to accept all of this. I refused to have your eyes and I've already decided even before things happened; it is the only way I could think to repay your love to me. Until we see each other again, Roel.” I hope that the story was able to touch your heart.

-ASTER