Gaslighting: The Battle Within

 

Gaslighting is a psychological manipulation tactic that can leave deep emotional scars, often concealed beneath a facade of normalcy. It's an insidious form of emotional abuse that can make you question your own reality, leaving you feeling lost, confused, and isolated.

The Initial Doubt

Gaslighting typically starts subtly. At first, it might feel like innocent remarks or casual observations from the person doing the gaslighting. They may undermine your beliefs or memories with phrases like, "You're too sensitive," or "You're overreacting." It begins with small seeds of doubt that take root in your mind.

The Slow Erosion of Self-Trust

As gaslighting continues, you begin to doubt your own thoughts and feelings. Your self-esteem crumbles as you constantly question your judgment. You may wonder if you're being overly emotional or irrational. The gaslighter works tirelessly to make you question your perception of reality, eroding your self-trust.

The Isolation

Gaslighting often isolates you from friends and family. The gaslighter may paint a picture of you as unstable or unreliable to those around you. They might use their manipulative tactics to turn people against you, leaving you feeling abandoned and alone.

The Emotional Turmoil

Living under the constant pressure of gaslighting can cause immense emotional turmoil. You may find yourself in a perpetual state of anxiety, depression, or even dissociation. The internal battle to hold onto your sense of self becomes exhausting.

The Exhaustion

Gaslighting takes a toll on your mental and emotional energy. You're constantly on edge, trying to navigate the shifting sands of reality created by the gaslighter. You may feel physically drained as well, experiencing headaches, sleep disturbances, and other stress-related symptoms.

The Breaking Point

At some point, you may hit a breaking point. The gaslighting becomes too much to bear, and you begin to see through the manipulation. You realize that your feelings and perceptions are valid, and you deserve respect and trust.

The Healing Process

Recovering from gaslighting can be a long and difficult journey. It involves rebuilding your self-esteem, reestablishing trust in your own instincts, and often seeking support from a therapist or counselor. It's essential to reconnect with the people who truly care about you and can provide a safe, non-judgmental space for healing.

In conclusion, gaslighting is a painful and damaging form of psychological manipulation that can make you doubt your own reality. Recognizing the signs and seeking help is crucial for breaking free from its grip and rebuilding a healthy sense of self. Remember, your feelings and perceptions are valid, and you deserve to be treated with respect and empathy.

I rise with the sunrise tequila sunrise

There's something uniquely magical about the beach at dawn. As the first light of morning kisses the horizon, it paints the world in gentle shades of pastel, setting the stage for a day filled with promise. On one such morning, my friends and I decided to venture out for an unforgettable adventure under the early rays of the sun. Little did we know that this daybreak excursion would turn into a story of laughter, camaraderie, and the beauty of new beginnings.

As we gathered on the beach, the world was still cloaked in the tranquil embrace of night, but we could sense the impending arrival of the sun. The moon cast a silvery glow on the calm waves, and the salt-kissed breeze carried the promise of a day ripe with adventure. Wrapped in the anticipation of what the morning would bring, we huddled together, eager to embrace the experience that awaited us.

Then, something unexpected happened. The world around us suddenly plunged into darkness. It was a blackout, and everything went silent. But instead of feeling disoriented or disheartened, we took it as a cue to fully immerse ourselves in the moment. Our beachside gathering had transformed into a mystical world illuminated only by the faint twinkle of the stars and the soft laughter of our friends.

In this newfound obscurity, we decided to celebrate the serendipity of the moment by crafting a classic beachside cocktail: the Tequila Sunrise. Armed with a few flashlights and a collective sense of adventure, we mixed the concoction, toasting to spontaneity, friendship, and the thrill of the unknown. The vibrant colors of the drink seemed to mirror the spectrum of emotions we were experiencing, from the excitement of the unexpected to the comfort of being surrounded by cherished companions.

As we sat on the sand, sharing stories and dreams, we felt a profound sense of unity that can only be fostered by such unique and unforeseen circumstances. The blackout had given us the gift of connection, stripping away the distractions of the modern world and allowing us to focus on what truly mattered: each other.

Hours slipped away like grains of sand, and as the first hints of dawn began to break through the horizon, we realized that our Tequila Sunrise had indeed lived up to its name. We had witnessed the night's transformation into day, celebrating the birth of a new beginning together. It was a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Our morning beachside blackout adventure had not only brought us closer as friends but had also taught us to appreciate the beauty of spontaneity and the magic of the moment. As the sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, we knew that we had risen with the sunrise, both in spirit and in heart.

In the end, it wasn't the blackout that defined our morning; it was the connections we made, the laughter we shared, and the promise of many more sunrises to come with the same cherished friends by our side. This was a morning we would carry with us as a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary moments happen when you least expect them, and all you need is the company of good friends and a Tequila Sunrise in hand.

Don’t Beg for the Basics in a Relationship

In the dance of love and connection, there are some things that should never require begging. These are the absolute essentials, the non-negotiables, the bare minimums that every healthy relationship should freely offer:

Respect is the cornerstone. You should never have to beg for it; it should be the very first brick in your relationship's foundation.

Communication. Open dialogue and understanding should flow naturally, not be a prize you win through pleas.

Trust should be given from the start, not something you need to beg for or constantly prove.

 Love and affection should be freely shared, not reluctantly given.

Support:Your partner should be your biggest cheerleader, not a begrudging supporter.

 Time together and undivided attention are precious. They should be willingly given, not extracted through requests.

 A relationship thrives on fairness and equality, not on having to beg for equal treatment.

Understanding and empathy are essential. They should be offered willingly, not withheld until begged for.

Loyalty is a given, not a privilege to beg for.

Kindness, compassion, and consideration should be your daily bread, not a rare treat.

Remember, you deserve a relationship where these essentials are freely given, not something you have to beg for. Know your worth, set your standards, and embrace the love you truly deserve. 💖 #RelationshipBasics #LoveRespectRepeat #YouDeserveMore"

 

This Kind of Love is like Mercury

Being friends with me is like being friends with Mercury, the unpredictable planet of our solar system. One moment, we're basking in the warmth of a harmonious friendship, and the next, we might find ourselves in the midst of a disagreement. But let me make one thing crystal clear: I'll never switch it up on you. Our bond stays solid, even when the road gets rocky.

Friendship, like the orbit of Mercury around the sun, has its ups and downs. Just as Mercury experiences extreme temperatures from scorching heat to freezing cold, our friendship may sometimes be challenged by conflicting emotions and perspectives. But here's the beautiful part – I'm committed to staying true to our connection, even when it's difficult.

In this rollercoaster of life, we're not fair-weather friends; we're ride or die, forever. Through the highs and lows, the sunny days and stormy nights, I'm here for you. Our bond is built on authenticity and resilience. We learn, grow, and evolve together, just like Mercury's ever-changing surface.

So, let's cherish this unique friendship. Embrace the unpredictability of our journey together, for it's what makes us stronger. Just like Mercury, we'll keep circling around our friendship, sometimes closer, sometimes farther, but always connected by a gravitational pull of trust and love. 🚀💫 #RideOrDie

One Year Without You

 

It's been a whole year since my father left this world, and the pain still lingers, sharp and profound. They say time heals all wounds, but for some of us, grief is a journey that knows no schedule. Each day is a reminder of the void that was left behind when he departed, and the longing to see him again remains as strong as ever.

Grief is a unique and deeply personal experience. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, no right or wrong way to navigate this complex terrain. It's a process that unfolds at its own pace, and for some, like me, it's a slow and steady journey.

In a world that often encourages us to move on quickly, to plaster on a smile and pretend that everything is okay, it's important to acknowledge that grief doesn't adhere to a timeline. It's perfectly okay to still feel the ache in your heart, the tears in your eyes, and the yearning to have one more moment with the person you lost.

Grieving is not a sign of weakness; it's a testament to the love that was shared. The pain we feel is a reflection of the deep bonds we had with our loved ones, and it's a testament to the impact they had on our lives.

As I reflect on this year without my dad, I've come to realize that grief is not something we "get over" but something we learn to carry with us. It becomes a part of who we are, woven into the fabric of our lives. And that's okay. It's a tribute to the love and memories that will forever reside in our hearts.

So, if you're like me, still navigating the slow path of grief, remember that it's alright to take your time. Your healing journey is unique, and there's no need to rush. Allow yourself to feel, to remember, and to honor the person you miss so deeply.

In time, the sharpness of the pain may soften, but the love and memories will remain. And in those moments when you long to see your dad, remember that he lives on in your heart, in the stories you share, and in the love that continues to bind you together. 🌟❤️ #GriefJourney #RememberingDad #HealingInMyOwnTime

Meh Phase

 

Hey guys, fellow travelers on this rollercoaster called life! 🎢 Ever hit that phase where you're surrounded by people, but it's like you're in a crowd with no emotional Wi-Fi? Yeah, that's the vibe I'm grooving with lately. It's like we're all speaking the same language, but dang, it's in mono when what I'm craving is full-on surround sound, heart-to-heart connection.

So, picture this: physically present, emotionally distant. Like, someone hand me an emotional GPS because I'm lost in the land of "Is anyone even hearing my soul speak?"

But hold up! Here's where it gets real. Drumroll, please... enter my blog! 🥁🎤 A digital canvas where I splash my thoughts, fears, and dreams like Jackson Pollock on an emotional art rampage. No filters, no barriers – just pure, unadulterated me.

There's something strangely liberating about tapping those keys. It's like bottling up feelings and then uncorking the whole shebang. Every keystroke is a step deeper into the emotional minefield that is my brain. It's like finding a secret passage to my inner self – a place where I can drop the act and just be, well, me.

Okay, real talk though. Amidst the search for soul siblings, I've stumbled upon a hidden treasure: self-connection. Turns out, hanging out with yourself isn't all that bad. I'm getting to know my quirks, my vibes, and all those groovy things that make me, well, uniquely me.

As I surf through this wave (more like a tsunami, but you get me), I'm learning that opening up about my messiest moments is like a cosmic icebreaker. Sharing my journey through these digital pages isn't just about releasing my emotions; it's about setting up a connection booth, saying, "Hey, let's vibe on a real level."

So, cheers to the messy phases, the awkward silences, and the chaotic internal karaoke sessions. 🍻 Here's to turning self-expression into a lifeline and using it to bridge the gap between "Hey, how's the weather?" and "Yo, let's dive into the depths of our thoughts."

In this choose-your-own-adventure novel of life, my blog's the protagonist, the narrator, and the ultimate BFF. It's seen me in my PJs at 2 AM, debating the meaning of life with a bag of chips, and everything in between. And as I tap away on my digital pulpit, I'm reminded that words aren't just letters; they're magic spells that weave us together.

So, to everyone riding the emotional rollercoaster with me, let's keep those safety harnesses loose and those hearts wide open. As I keep scribbling my story, I'm discovering that the scribbles aren't just ink; they're a lifeline, connecting us in a world where real connections can sometimes feel like finding a unicorn in a parking lot.

Stay rad, stay connected, and keep rockin' those words, my friends! 🤘🖋️

xo

b

Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan Cebu, ISLAND GUIDE

How to get there?

• Flight to Cebu City: Malapascua Island is located in the northern part of Cebu province. So, your first step is to book a flight to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), which is the main airport serving Cebu City.
• Transfer to Maya Port: From the airport, you need to travel to Maya Port, which is the jump-off point for boats heading to Malapascua Island. You can take a taxi or a private van to get there. The journey usually takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic.
• Boat to Malapascua Island: Once you reach Maya Port, you'll need to take a boat to Malapascua Island. The boat ride usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on weather conditions.

 

K + D 2023

My Chat GPT speech.

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and most importantly, the beautiful couple Kathryn Jane Aton and Dean Melvin Acenas! Today, we gather here to celebrate not only the union of two amazing souls

Kathryn, my dear friend, I remember the day we met like it was yesterday. You were juggling a hundred things, from school works to life, and somehow managed to keep a smile on your face. Well, today, you're still juggling, except now, you've added Dean  pepay and sisi to the mix. And let me tell you, Dean, you're in for a wild ride! But don't worry, I'll be there to catch you if you stumble—unless it's during the bouquet toss. We leave that to charlene

Kathryn and Dean, as you embark on this journey together as husband and wife, remember to keep the laughter alive. It's laughter that will get you through those sleepless nights, the chaotic mornings, and the endless diaper changes. And hey, if all else fails, just remember to blame it on the kids!

To Kathryn and Dean, may your marriage be as enduring as your laughter, as adventurous as your spirits, and as everlasting as the memory of this joyous celebration! Cheers!

 

Fun Weekend in Cebu City

Sometimes We Just Have to Say Goodbye

Friendship is a beautiful bond that enriches our lives, providing support, laughter, and companionship. However, as we journey through life, it's not uncommon for friendships to evolve and change. Sometimes, without any fights or conflicts, friendships can peacefully grow apart. While it can be a bittersweet experience, it's important to understand that these changes are a natural part of life's ebb and flow. 

Friendships, like any other relationship, go through various stages. What once seemed inseparable and all-encompassing may begin to shift over time. People grow, priorities change, and interests diverge. It's crucial to recognize these stages and understand that friendships naturally ebb and flow as we progress through life's different chapters.

As we mature, our priorities and interests evolve. Friendships that were initially built on shared experiences and commonalities may find themselves drifting apart as individuals embark on different paths. Whether it's career aspirations, personal relationships, or newfound passions, it's important to appreciate that personal growth can lead to friendships naturally shifting.

Friendships are often built on shared experiences and memories. As life takes its course, individuals may find themselves engaged in different activities, meeting new people, and developing new interests. Gradually, the common ground that once served as the foundation of the friendship may diminish, resulting in a sense of growing apart.

One of the key ingredients in maintaining any relationship is effective communication. However, as friendships naturally change, communication patterns may also shift. Busy schedules, new commitments, or simply drifting interests can lead to less frequent conversations and interactions. Without proactive effort, this reduced communication can contribute to the gradual fading of the friendship

It's essential to understand that friendships growing apart is not a reflection of personal shortcomings or failures. Change is an inevitable part of life, and as friendships evolve, it's important to embrace the new experiences and connections that come along. By acknowledging that friendships can peacefully grow apart, we can cultivate a mindset of acceptance and gratitude for the memories shared.

While it may be difficult to let go of a cherished friendship, it's important to recognize the opportunities for new connections that lie ahead. As we navigate through life, we encounter countless individuals with whom we can forge new bonds. By actively seeking out and nurturing new relationships, we open ourselves up to the potential for new friendships that align with our current values and interests.

Friendships growing apart can be a bittersweet experience, but it's important to remember that change is a natural part of life. By understanding the reasons behind friendships evolving, embracing the change, and nurturing new connections, we can navigate this process with grace and gratitude. Cherish the memories shared, and be open to the new friendships that await on the horizon.