Days before the year ended, I had another bout with asthma. I had asthma more than a year ago when I was doing work in an urban poor community. I was concerned whether what I have is just an ordinary respiratory problem or a more serious one such as tuberculosis since this disease is prevalent among the residents of the community. If ever I had this disease, all the members of my household need to have preventive treatment against tuberculosis. I am thankful that the test results came out negative.
I realized more than ever that I need to take care of myself more to be able to serve and continue my work.
- Boundary setting is important.Learn to define what you can do or what you cannot do for others. It helped that I was able to set internal boundaries in my work and in my relationships with other people. I learned that it is okey to accept that there are things I am capable of doing to the best of my ability as well as things others may do better. I may be a counselor but I am also a mother to my daughters, a wife and bestfriend to my husband, a social justice advocate and activist and many others.
- Writing my Reflections in my JournalWriting to me is therapeutic. It is one way I "debrief" myself from certain experiences. My creative side flourished when I was writing again. I used to write on paper journals but I discovered blogging and I found it helpful for writers like me. I started writing my blog, " Paglalakbay sa Puso ng Isang Ina: Journey to a Mother's Heart" only last year. Two weeks ago, I discovered another lovable site where you can post your stories on a wide range of topics. My posts may be read on http://www.storylane.com/amymuga.
- Physical Exercise and Nutritional CareI commit myself to exercise more, cook more healthy food, laugh more and care more. Two weeks ago, I attended the Ginhawa Wellness retreat and I learned so many things that may be done to take care of one's self. I learned how to breathe correctly, I meditated, exercised and stretched my body under the morning sun.
- Learn something new everyday!I am studying Baybayin which is the writing system used by our Filipino ancestors. I remember a Dutch priest who was calling me "Diwata" from the Baybayin inscription etched on my home-made pendant. Ang husay niya!