"Changes are painful"

 

Before anything, I have to make it clear that I am not going through a breakup.

Let’s just say I’m in my Olivia Rodrigo era because I “seem pretty sad for a girl so in love.” Hahaha!

I had a conversation with my cousin one night.

She told me, “Changes are painful ano?”

I’ve already come to terms with the fact that change is inevitable. I’ve experienced it so many times, in all ways you can imagine.

But some changes, despite how prepared you think you are, will still slap you in the face and remind you that nothing stays the same no matter how much you want it to.

There are things you thought would be permanent just because they’ve been there your whole life. The bond, the connection, the memories, regardless of depth, can change in a blink of an eye.

And that is something we must all learn to accept and is exactly the first step to moving forward: acceptance.

Acceptance of the things you have no control over.

Acceptance of the reality you tried so hard not to face.

Acceptance of the truth that change really is the only permanent thing in this world.

Along with that process of acceptance comes a variety of emotions you have to go through. It’s like a breakup without a breakup: denial, anger, bargaining, acceptance, and recovery.

I don’t mind going through change. But sometimes, it comes from situations or even people you least expect. Aside from the usual stages of a breakup or grief, certain emotions get brought out, frustration, disappointment, and a bit of enlightenment.

And oh, how I wish it gets easier every time. But it doesn’t.

I’m just saying, change, just like life, is meant to be lived. So, suck it up.

Thank God for the people who keep me grounded. In this situation, I was given one very real piece of advice:

As for me, I usually keep things simple: I go outside for a while, listen to upbeat songs to lift my mood, meet friends who can cheer me up, grab coffee to help me wake up and reset a bit, sing karaoke like my life depends on it, or just write it all down, mope a little, and let the thoughts flow freely here when things feel a bit too heavy or noisy in my head. Hahaha!

Now, Siri, play the “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love” album for me.