It gives me the strength to process and overcome frustrations.
NANCY CHICHIOCO RAZON
Since the Pandemic, I’ve considered myself a Plantita—a person who enjoys taking care of plants at home. It supplements my painting hobby. Being a newbie in plants and not having a green thumb, I preferred taking care of leafy, green plants that would require very low maintenance.
After the election day, I felt dazed, distraught, and disgusted because of the results being flashed all over and what seemed to be untrue. I then thought of expressing my emotions through painting—using my indoor foliage as the subject.
As I was working on my art, I noticed that it was difficult to get the momentum to paint. I couldn’t find the groove while trying to blend my acrylic medium with the canvas. There was resistance in me. Something was blocking me from flowing with my creativity. In a moment, I caught myself staring at my plants. I became aware of their glossy leaves; their colors were still green, though the edges showed some shades of light brown. And unexpectedly so sturdy, even though I was remiss in watering them for quite some time, defocused on bringing them out for sunlight and even took them for granted.
These were happening in the past weeks as my days became hectic. I juggled between work, campaigns, rallies, and zoom meetings so that I forgot my Plantita role. My plants may have felt frustrated, rejected, and disgusted, too. But as I wondered and observed them more, I was in awe! My indoor plants were still full of vibrance, glowing, and flowing. Perhaps they understood me; they were patient and trusted me. They probably knew that I still care for them and would be unhappy if I saw them turn brown, wilt, and die. They were resilient for me.
I was inspired. I then looked at the flip side of things. My sadness, anger, and disbelief were already dragging me down and I didn’t feel good. I knew I had the choice to fight these negative feelings. It was then important for me to tap my realistic optimism and not give up.
Being able to appreciate all the magical things that happened during the campaign is one sure-fire way to cope. The election results may not be favorable, but the experience of fighting for a common purpose together with family, friends, colleagues, and strangers brings hope to my heart. The short campaign period indeed showed the true spirit of volunteerism. The events unleashed the good side of people: generosity, selfless concern for others, and boundless energy. And all of these were affirmations of one dream as a nation. The Holy Spirit is empowering us to bond. God truly paved the way for us to be equipped to work toward our aspirations. We were given this gift to work together with grace, hope, and love amid adversities, strengthening our inner being as we move on to bigger steps.
I pray that my protective factors surrounding me – patience, faith, and trust in God will always remain steadfast. This will make me more resilient in conquering my fears. Like my plants—I will stay strong and continue to grow, glow and flow.
Resilience in the proper context and perspective is a very admirable virtue. Like the bamboo with it’s very deep roots, can withstand gale-force winds. Thus, like the bamboo, family, faith, friends should be deeply rooted in us, to anchor us, and to be able to meet all challenges and opportunities in life with grace.
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Thank you for your beautiful reflections. How God’s creation humbles and energizes us- making us more whole🌸🙏👍
Indeed, we are grateful and blessed! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Have a great week ahead.
Everything that happens has a reason and it is always for the good. Omnia in bonum. It is Pentecost Sunday. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us to be resilient and maintain our optimism and cheerfulness.
Nancy, thanks for your relevant, relatable and readable reflections. Keep them coming.
Thanks a. Corrie! Thanks for sharing- for always being positive and cheerful. Happy Fiesta to you,too!
Really appreciated the very relatable feelings you shared. Different phases of denial, anger and feelings of hopelessness are still being felt.Hopefully very soon, acceptance with a purpose will prevail with God’s divine🙏💗💗💗
Thanks for sharing,Annie. We are all together in this journey. Keep the Faith.
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