Ripple

“Ripple” or a flow with a series of small waves is the perfect adjective to this picturesque while indulging myself in the wonders of nature.

Disclaimer: “Not a fashion blog post but I’m making an excuse to post these pictures anyway”

The past few years has been rough for everyone since the pandemic hit. A lot of aspects of my life changed enormously; may it be positive or negative. But day by day, it felt like I’m losing perspective on my life choices, career, dream, etc. It has been a constant mental health battle. I just want to share with you some of the lessons that kept me moving forward and somehow when things don’t go my way, I get to read this to lead back the right path.

My 2021 takeaway

“Do your best while knowing your value is not attached to what you accomplish”

Time and again, for the past years in med school I have to remind myself that grades will not define nor invalidate all I have accomplished the past 26 years. You are worth more than those numbers. After all, it’s not always academics that would matter. The world is far more than that.

“…And when it gets tough, remember that you once prayed for this. You don’t give up on things you waited and prayed for so long.”

Running away has always been my expertise. When things get difficult or toxic, next thing you know, I’m off to the beach or mountains and when I get back, I’m doing a whole new thing like nothing ever happened. I can’t even state the countless time I wanted to quit. Everyday felt like a wake up call that I’m not cut out to finish this medical degree. But dear, running away was never the solution. It’s okay to pause, take a step back, and breathe. Don’t let emotions consume and cloud your judgement. Second chances don’t always come, and you are more than lucky to even get to where you are now. If you want things to flourish, you have to invest your time and life to nurture it. Take the risk! Because what is life without a leap of faith right?

“Give yourself the love you deserve, especially during the difficult times.”

The world’s validation is not a reward for every thing you have accomplished. Life is not a point system. You just have to stop doing things out of recognition. You do it for you. For every right thing you’ve done, applaud yourself. And for every failure, love yourself even more.

“Pasalamatan mo ang sarili mo, para sa mga laban na tahimik mong pinanalo”

Give a little credit to yourself for all the small wins you silently fought. And if surviving the day was the only thing you done, it is more than enough. 

xx,

Kea Ortega