Another series of my life is beautiful posts…I am sorry if I keep on harping about it that it almost seems like an advocacy but the one most true and honest thing about me is that because of decisions and changes I took for my own well-being, I ended up in this place where everything I see is quite extraordinary. To best describe it, allow me to borrow from a song, “I see life and light… All the colors of the world… So beautiful… Won’t you come with me?…I see birds and trees… All the flowers of the world- So beautiful… Won’t you come with me?” and aren’t these words the best way to describe this very nature themed shoot and look as inspired by how beautiful the landscape was that surrounded me. This is one of my most natural blog posts to date… I have no extensions, my hair is just unkempt but tied up and I have little to none makeup. Allow me also to mention I have no accessories, save for this pretty Birds of Paradise flower and am in my favorite Mandals. Of course the coordinates I am wearing, provide to be the perfect clothing as well as they are very muted and simple. Do you get the dalagang Filipina vibe in this look? I sure do… And just to prove my point, I do not have to be fierce in every single outfit post. Sometimes, I like to just be carefree and as a reminder: laid back doesn’t have to translate to sloppy.
This is the reality: Life is full of setbacks. Nobody always gets what they want. At times, a series of unfortunate events happen when we least expect them, leaving us broken and feeling a little bit insane. The possibilities and the list of these setbacks are limitless: it could be a failed relationship where the love isn’t mutual, it could be a physical injury when a person needs their body to be at its fittest. On other times, it may even be the smallest of personal matters that eventually amount to something so huge and major. These things happen. They are real. If you’re not lucky, they may occur concurrently. What’s worse is that we can never claim to be ready to handle a setback that bolts out of nowhere. We are, after all, just human. At 27, I would like to think that I have already entered the adult world and while that is true, it would be hypocritical of me to say that I have overcome the toughest of setbacks in my life. I know for a fact that there are still a lot of untold stories of setbacks that I have yet to conquer. However, based on my experience, how you react to these setbacks is entirely up to you. You can climb back up after falling into any pit.
Striped Khaki Coordinates: Jhajing Clothing
Mandals: Sewn Shoes
Whatever it is you are going through will come to an end. This is crucial to remind yourself of that fact when it seems like an eternity. Of course, it always seems like the seconds tick a little bit slower during the bad times but it is important that you march through storms with the certainty of blue skies on the other side. It’s all about your point of view. And while it may be true that all good things come to an end, the same applies to all struggles. Do not let temporary misfortune block your mind of positive thoughts because “it’s just a moment… this too shall pass.” Above all, have some hope. Hope for the best, even if you’re one of those people who insists on preparing for the most terrible outcome possible. If you believe in the power of how your outlook can change your life, you know how significant hoping for better days to come can be. It’s life… the fact that you are going through these highs and lows means you have one. It is precious and guaranteed to end at some point. But for now, while you have it…make the most out of it. Don’t waste letting a tiny and insignificant period of it define the rest. When things finally get right, there’s no need to acknowledge what happened or talk about things you would have done differently. The reality is our lives are filled with things we could have done better but you have to know yourself enough that just because things turned out bad does not mean that all the wonderful and awesome things that happened before were worthless. Pave the way for the bigger, the better, the miraculous and the beautiful. It’s ready for you when you are. You will be okay and there are so many exciting things in front of you… let that be enough.
Photos by: Celyn Jaravata
xx, JL
On the note, if you need some retail therapy (it actually helps too you know! But in moderation…always on moderation!) Do visit me and my booth over at the Manila Sundance Bazaar this weeekend (Friday to Sunday) over at the Metrotent, Ortigas.
