Phoenix

[caption id="attachment_1351" align="aligncenter" width="524" caption="Weathering out the storm."][/caption]

For some strange reason, I haven't been myself lately. Ate Barbara, a co-worker, asked

Why do seem so strict/stiff all of a sudden? Ano bang meron, Pau?

I acknowledged the concern and was, to some extent, surprised that a few notable individuals realize my unforeseen step for silence. Usually, my loud and sunny personality speaks in my behalf and, unfortunately, people assume that I'm this person who's too booming with no control whatsoever. Talk about being too predictable, eh?

I'll have to admit, I can sometimes be very foreseeable and seldom lose composure when faced with immense situations. I remember when a patient of mine gave a cake for my birthday that I literally gasped and walked out of his room! I hate surprises and that seriously got in my nerves. Not that I didn't accept it because I did. Thank you, Mr. Fathi!

Yes, I talk too loud most of the time and I am very, very opinionated about every single matter in question. I listen to what the populace has to say, state my thoughts in a very firm manner and argue about them. I stand for what I believe in and take constructive criticisms, personal or professional, in a sound manner. What's wrong with that?

About 2 years ago, I had a small fight with my co-workers at home. They stated that I wasn't doing enough to maintain our standard of living. Not to mention that I was too preoccupied with a certain individual that made the whole matter utterly intolerable. Unforgivable, if I say so myself. I reflected on their comments and was in a nomadic state for a couple of weeks. One of them even stated that I was a sort of scary because I wasn't even talking to anyone. That's when I knew that I have this eerie side in me breaking free out of nowhere. Rocky Horror, perhaps? Haha.

We all know that each of us is different. We all have different styles, different tastes, likes and dislikes. From the food we eat to the people we talk to, everything is completely different. Even our traits and personalities stand out from every single individual in the crowd. That's what makes each of us special. It wouldn't be fun at all if we were all the same, right?

Most of the time, in order to "BLEND IN", we tend to pretend to be someone else; alienating the unique child within us in order find social acceptance and establish a status that will set us apart from everyone else. This seems to be easiest way out for the majority but, is it a worthy option?

Fact: Not everyone will like you for who you are. No matter how hard you try to please the people around you, there will be a handful of Homo sapiens that will surely disapprove of the way you talk, move, eat, laugh and even think, especially if it is against the social norm. I remember a time when I gave a very surprising comment that made everyone cringe at a birthday gathering. Their reactions were seriously phenomenal! I was actually laughing my heart in silence!

On a more serious note, staying true to who you are is, obviously, essential. But the most important of it all is weathering out the storm and rising above the occasion, like a phoenix born from its own ashes. That's my plan, as we speak. I'm tired of all the crazy comments and lousy whispers across the hall or behind my back. As we always say in Unit 12:

Matatapos din ang araw na 'to.

Coffee, anyone?