Pandemic Partnership

Not everyone gets another chance to fall in love. In this age of online dating, ghosting, and very public breakups, I am fortunate to find a supportive partner. He was introduced to me by a college friend, and we hit it off immediately. Our initial conversations were far from smooth, but we had enough traits in common in order to start a relationship. I enjoyed our chats because they were rooted in our common childhood experiences, given that he was an Ateneo lifer and I went to Miriam College Grade School.

We both wanted to be in a relationship at the right time. We were both single, willing, and drawn to our common interests and values. I was grateful for our shared experiences from the beginning, because we always found a way to agree to disagree. He was personable and fun to be with during our first date, and the rest is history.

I knew that his love was real when he witnessed how I overcame conflicts on my end. He helped me solve problems and he volunteered to edit and proofread my book. Given that it was my first book project, he was generous with his time and supportive as a partner. When my birthday fell in the middle of the recent lockdown, he risked the possibility of being stopped at a checkpoint to personally give me gifts and a cake. Evidently, his effort shows genuine care, concern, and affection.

Now that we are in the middle of the pandemic, finding love is determined by three factors: effort, concern, and action. Make sure that your partner is willing to exert effort in spending time with you. See how your partner shows concern towards you. After observing your partner, examine how he takes action on his feelings.

I am lucky that my partner loves and supports me. It is my wish that everyone finds someone like him, and that relationships with love and shared experiences will last beyond the pandemic. If you also met your partner during the pandemic, let me know you are coping and how you see your relationship is going.

Stay safe, everyone!

Heirloom Technomarine

After bringing my late grandpa’s watch to the shop, I later brought my late dad’s watch for some custom love. I chose thick black rally straps in artisanal leather to complement my father’s Technomarine. Reader, I wasn’t disappointed.

From my father, I learned some blobs of wisdom that enrich my life to this day:

• Cash is king

• Choose someone who will love you and still give you space because you’re an only child

• Work for yourself and never for your employer, even if you are employed

• Pray and believe

• Never be afraid to want good things for yourself.
  

I miss my dad, but I know that he is closely watching over me. I will surely live my life to the fullest because he is just hovering nearby. For now, I will live without abandon, and love like today is my last one on Earth.

Faith and Healing

Yesterda, I had the remarkable opportunity to be in the presence of Healing Priest, Fr. Fernando Suarez. It was a privilege to meet him. I asked him to pray for me and my dad.  

I had some religious articles blessed by the esteemed priest. These were my pasalubong for my family.  

The mass left me in tears. Just like when I was in the presence of Pope Benedict the XVI, I felt the holy power of this priest. I was moved to tears as I prayed for my intentions.  

After the mass, I went for a blind massage.  

And before going home, I had an Assam milk tea with pearls and pudding. 

I believe that miracles are possible in my life, and in my family. I keep on praying for healing for my dad, a good job for me by March, and strength for my mom. I am also praying for the recovery of my best friend, Luti.  

May God bless us all! 

Calado Earrings

I have always been a supporter of locally-made items, handmade businesses, and social enterprises. 

These three factors all make up Calado, a heritage jewelry brand owned by Tricia Ancheta. I met her during my Banaue trip, and I was fascinated with her handmade earrings once I viewed them online. Her merchandise are handmade by plateros or silversmiths in Dauis, Bohol. These craftspeople have inherited the art of jewelry-making from their ancestors, who learned the skill during the Spanish regime. 

The jewelry are all made of sterling silver, with the option of having them dipped in 24k. Since my style leans toward edgy and minimalist, Tricia personally helped me select the pair which would suit my taste. Her suggestion, the Mirasol spiral hoop earrings in sterling silver, was perfect and I bought them with no regrets. 

I love the premium packaging and classy presentation of my purchase. 

My Mirasol hoops looks even better in person! Check out the intricate detail, which is a trademark of Dauis jewelry-making. 

My favorite thing about Calado earrings is that they are lightweight! Tricia wanted to present a brand of earrings that she could comfortably wear (and buy, as the prices are reasonable for the amazing quality of the pieces). 

The story of Calado is included inside their jewelry boxes. 

I am delighted to own a pair of Calado earrings and I hope that more ladies will discover this local, handmade, and social-enterprise-made brand! I will rock these earrings in my everyday life and fancier events. 

The earrings make me feel beautiful and classy! 

Banaue Day 2 Part 2: Rice Planting and Cultural Night

After exploring the hot springs, we then proceeded to a plot of land owned by one of the nanay (mom) knitters. We were there to try planting rice, and in order to get there, we had to hike down a mountain. 

We were not forced to plant rice, and some people in our group did not feel like doing so because it would entail having to step on mud. I respect their choice, but I was there for the full experience. 

Planting rice is one of my bucket list items, so it was natural for me to be the first to volunteer.  

The mud was soft and mushy, but it was manageable to walk on.  

Photo by Rocelle 

A few of my groupmates eventually joined me.  

It was so much fun! However, I also realized that it was hard work. I finally had respect for farmers who plant rice for a living. It is definitely not easy.  

Photo by Knitting Expedition 

We wrapped up our farming experience with a hike upwards. After a jeepney ride to our inn, we were all starving. I had delicious vegetable curry and beer by the best view. 

To be exact, it was beer and coffee. I had this combo all throughout our trip that my friends dubbed it “The Sam”.

I also continued knitting while waiting for the cultural dancers to arrive. 

We then had our cultural night, featuring talented Ifugao dancers and percussionists. Some of them were our knitting nanay’s kids! They let the children dance and perform for visitors in order to preserve their culture and to educate us about their tribal heritage. 

We danced the night away with them and I really enjoyed myself.  

Photo by Knitting Expedition

We chose to have our group shot with the kids. 

Photo by Knitting Expedition

I ended the night by trying on their traditional skirt and a photo op with these talented ladies.  

It was an unforgettable day with new friends and magical experiences. I will never forget this day.  

PAWS Year of the Dog Date

After my short but sweet bonding time with Ella at Barkin Blends, I proceeded to PAWS for my second date with one of their adoptable fur kids. I already had a date with adoptable dog Ruff yesterday, and I enjoyed it so much! I simply had to have a second one with another shelter buddy. 

I was matched with Perseus, who has never been selected for a date yet. I walked him first around the compound since he was full of energy.  

He calmed down after I turned the walk into a jog. We went to the pop-up cafe for our date. 

He ate his snack, while I had a pastry and sipped my coffee.  

Before I knew it, this heartbreaker was kissing me! 

It was a magical date.  

I cannot explain how much love I felt from this guy. I am currently single, so this date has helped me too. I got to experience genuine love even if it was only for an hour at a shelter. I really hope that he will get adopted soon.  

If you are looking for a pet, please adopt from PAWS! Their dogs and cats need homes and they deserve a soft bed, hugs, belly rubs, and love. 

Here’s to a beautiful Year of the Dog ahead! 

Photo from PAWS  

Pawlentines Date

I spent Valentine’s afternoon at the PAWS shelter along Katipunan Avenue. I went there after my family lunch and Ash Wednesday mass. 

I was excited to join their PAWS Furst Date event, which is their Valentine’s Pop-up Dog and Cat Cafe. For only Php300, I get to spend time with a shelter animal, a cup of coffee, cookies, treats for my chosen doggo or kitty, and lots of cute photos.

I was super thrilled by the time I reached the cafe area. 

I selected senior dog Ruff because of his smile. He was so delighted to spend time with me! 

He was huggable, kissable, and adoptable! Unfortunately, I can’t adopt him. But if you are thinking of taking a dog home this year, please consider adopting him. He’s the sweetest. 

We entered the cafe area and I chose the Paris corner.  

He devoured his dog muffins from Whole Pet Kitchen in between photos. 

I fell in love with this cutie and I really wish he will find his furever home soon! 

We walked around the compound and I made it a light jog. This buddy was able to keep up with me. I was impressed! 

The pop-up cafe will run until February 17, from 1-5 PM. Please drop by if you can! It’s the best Valentine charity event I have ever been to. Who knows, you might also fall in love with one of their adorable and sociable shelter animals!

Gnocchi Hearts Day!

 Buon San Valentino!

Yesterday, I turned thirty-one and a half years old. I celebrated Valentine’s in advance as well since February 14 is Ash Wednesday.  

I had lunch with my family at Bellini’s Cubao X. Imagine my surprise and glee when I saw that their menu contains gnocchi !

I simply had to have their spinach gnocchi. I mean, it’s Valentine’s!

We started with this pizza. It was delicious.  

Finally, I had my gnocchi and beer. You have no idea how long I’ve been looking for delicious gnocchi in Manila. 

It was yummy!

For dessert, I had a slice of their delectable orange cake. It was the perfect ending to a lovely meal.  

Also had their house dessert wine.  

And since this was the setting of one of my favorite movies, One More Chance, I had to have some photos by the famous table. 

Basha (Bea Alonzo’s character) has been my style icon for years! 

John Lloyd and Bea forever.  

I had a heavenly lunch at a memorable place! Thank you Bellini’s for bringing my gnocchi dreams to life! 

Sam Lucas, 31 1/2, single and happy! 

February Coffee with Diane

I started my weekend with an Ebe Dancel concert last Saturday at Trinoma. I appreciate his music because it reminds me of the best days of my college life. I had all the feels as he sang my favorites, such as Tulog Na and Burnout. 

The next morning, I did some brisk walking at UP. 

There was a color fun run, so I had the chance to peruse their pink powder. 

I had my usual ice cream sandwich: avocado and cheese!

And since it was a Sunday, my strawberry taho vendor was there to dish out this sweet dessert. 

I had to deal with some personal matters, so I was hungry by noon. I drove to Breakfast Bin for my beloved toasted naked longganisa. 

But first, I went twinning with the drinking glass.  

Finally, it was time to devour my lunch.  

I listened to some pop music while enjoying my slow Sunday meal.  

After lunch, I found two teen girls selling balloons. I bought a heart one for Diane, and I had my photo taken while holding their merchandise.  

I have always wanted to do this! 

Confession: I do buy balloons every now and then to spruce up my room. I’m forever a kid at heart! 

Then, I went back to UP to burn my lunch.  

After my afternoon walk, I bought French Vanilla coffee from a convenience store.  

And then, I delivered my Valentine’s treats to Diane. 

I tied her balloon around her stuffed flowers.  

I also got her a bracelet with a meaningful saying from Papemelroti. I hung it around her bud vase. 

As always, being with Diane was a time warp. I spent some quiet time with her. 

Before I knew it, it was time for me to go to my next engagement.  

Spending time with Diane gives me a sense of peace and tranquillity. Whenever I felt sad in high school and college, I would always run to her for advice and comfort. Now that I’m already thirty-one, I still do so. I am lucky to have her in good times and in bad. Like me, she was an only child. She knows how it is to cheer oneself up. Her memory inspires me to continue doing so. Her life motivates me to keep going.  

Thank you Diane! I will see you next month.  

Mac and Matcha

I have always wanted to eat at Le Petit Soufflé, but I never had the chance to do so.  

Until now. 

I finally had the opportunity to eat at their newly-opened branch at Mega Fashion Hall. I was fresh from the Book Binge Bazaar, and I was hungry! 

Once I saw their dreamy window, I knew I had to enter their lovely restaurant. 

I was welcomed by an interesting menu. 

I settled for Just Mac and Cheese and a hot matcha latte. While waiting for my order, I snapped some photos. 

I was delighted to sort of match my drink!

My mac and cheese was served after a few minutes, and I asked the staff to take photos of me with their dreamy interiors. It is so pretty. 

Their mac and cheese is one of the best I’ve ever had. The cheese was perfect and not cloying. It was a grown-up version of a childhood favorite. 

Plus, it goes well with their delicious matcha.  

It’s as yummy as it looks!

Everything appeals to me. 

My solo lunch at Le Petit Soufflé was a memorable one. I do recommend this place for your next lunch out! And while you’re there, take pictures, savor the food, and appreciate your surroundings. It is the ideal oasis in the middle of a busy shopping mall. 

Nourishment

I have always appreciated a delicious meal. I eat to nourish myself, but I also make it a point to make each meal count. To achieve this, I go for food which is both healthy and memorable. I also do not deprive myself, as I workout everyday and I need nutrients to sustain me. 

I have recently started eating taho again as a morning snack. It is satisfying after my brisk walk, and I like it warm and served with lots of sago.  

Another regular food I enjoy is Pho Hoa’s chicken vermicelli bowl. I eat mine with lots of sriracha. 

For a cheap and yummy dessert, I go for McDonald’s strawberry or hot fudge sundae. Both flavors complement their brewed coffee, so I often pair it with a large cuppa. 

Whenever I find myself at Cibo, I usually have the Farfalle alla Genovese. However, I felt like having my other favorite yesterday, which is the Penne Al Telefono. It is creamier, cheesier, and more gooey compared to the farfalle. However, it is simply as comforting as my usual. It felt like a hug from a close friend, or a shower after a long workout. Believe me, it is that good!

I will be eating more meaningful meals this 2018, and I look forward to sharing them with you via this blog! For now, I am looking forward to my next walk, my next breakfast, and my next cuppa. 

Here’s to staying hungry for positivity this year and beyond! 

Faith and Food

Yesterday, I visited Sta. Clara for my weekly check-in. She is already part of my routine, and it always gives me a sense of calm and serenity whenever I am there. ​I usually keep my visits there short and straight to the point. I offer eggs, ask for her intercession, and reflect on my current blessings, needs, and wants. Praying keeps me centered, and doing so at the monastery takes it to another level. It also helps that I have established it as part of my routine, so I no longer have any excuses to not drop by. 

After my visit, I ate breakfast at another regular hangout of mine, Oinkster. I had their ​toasted naked longganisa with brown rice and egg. Of course, I paired it with freshly brewed coffee. I enjoyed reading while eating my favorite brekkie. 

It was the perfect Saturday morning. Coupled with my workout, my faith x food routine is already essential to my lifestyle. Do you also have a regular routine that keeps you centered? I hope that you find yours this 2018, and when you do, keep doing it! It is fabulous to maintain positive habits for a better and more fulfilled life. ​

Surprise!

Yesterday, I received my first-ever present from Amazon. It was a book from my US-based aunt, and she got me Manifesting Your Greatest Self by Nick Ortner. 

I was practically beaming once I flipped the envelope over.  

The gift bag made me feel giddy and excited to see what’s inside!

I could not contain my happiness once I saw the book. It is exactly what I need right now, and I have been asking for new books from the Universe. Indeed, if you ask for stuff to happen to your life, you have to make it clear enough to be heard. 

You just might be surprised with its fulfillment, just like what happened to me! 

Sakaling Hindi Makarating 2018

Last Saturday night, I watched Sakaling Hindi Makarating by Ice Idanan at Cinema Centenario. I have previously been to this microcinema at Maginhawa, and of course, it was perfect to view one of my favorite local films in my new hangout. 

I first watched SHM back in 2016, during its gala screening at Shangri-La Plaza. I was fresh from a breakup then, so the movie resonated with me. I watched it for the second time last year during its nationwide commercial release, and back then, I was in a relationship so the movie had a different feel for me. This time around, it is already 2018. I am single once more and I am determined to be happy by myself. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to be with someone soon. But it is also important to realize that happiness begins with myself.  

SHM in 2018 was the ultimate reminder to self that a breakup is not the end of the world, but the beginning of a newfound love.  

This love is for myself, which is dedicated to pursuing new experiences. I will no longer dwell on the heartbreak. Rather, I would rather focus on moving forward with a zest for life and adventure. 

After the screening, the director Ice Idanan had a forum to answer questions regarding her movie. I learned that the film was inspired by her own heartbreak many years ago. As I am also healing from my own breakup, I am finding the will to live from fitness and mindfulness. Hopefully, I can emulate Ice and create something wonderful too as I trust the process of recovery. 

Watching this movie for the third time has made me realize that love is a journey which begins and ends with myself. If I will fall in love again, I will be able to share this love. As long as I continue loving myself, I will be fulfilled. Finding myself is a lot of BS because I have already found the secret to happiness. It is up to me to sustain it and pay it forward.  

Contemporary Art AM

Yesterday morning was chilly and I liked it because it was perfectly for my brisk walk around UP Diliman. After a quick breakfast of Rodic’s tapsilog  and instant coffee, I was on my feet, people watching while sound tripping. It was exhilarating, and it makes me wonder how come I only took up walking at UP now. Maybe it is because my heart really belongs to nature (think trees, grass, fresh air...). Or maybe I just need a fresh start this new year. 

After a few rounds around the oval, I proceeded to the Vargas Museum, which is one of my favorite places to explore for an art fix. Their current exhibit features contemporary art, and it did fuel my interest in beautiful paintings and sculptures. I enjoyed roaming around the museum, even if I am a frequent visitor. There is always something new here, and it pays to follow their Facebook posts for their exhibitions. Do check out the Vargas Museum at UP and experience the best of Filipino art and culture, at an accessible and inspiring location. 

Who knew that art and fitness could both be experienced in a single morning? I encourage you to try this out someday! It will definitely bring you joy.  

Day 20: Choose Happiness

I spent my Tuesday at Manaoag and Baguio with my family. We are staying at Kamiseta Hotel, which is so me. I fell in love with the colorful and over-the-top interiors. It is enough to jumpstart my revival of sorts. I have recently ended my stay in a difficult situation which was no longer empowering me as a woman. This trip was designed to inspire me to move on and to bond with my family before I begin my corporate journey.  

I am grateful for the influx of color and patterns. I am inspired to welcome joy into my life again, and I choose happiness. There is no joy in life if I am resentful. I have already let go of the negativity so that I can start afresh with a happy heart.  

I pray that I will find the right one for me. For now, I have to love myself more and choose happiness everyday! 

Day 17: Sharing Compassionately

Christmas is just around the corner, and I have already started shopping for presents at Human Nature. I have repeatedly raved about this brand in the past, as it is aligned with my advocacy for conscious consumerism and buying from social enterprises. I value authenticity in gifting, and I believe in spreading my advocacy through the presents I give. I do not buy a lot of gifts, but I make sure that my family and friends have well-thought presents. I do not compromise on quality, and I am willing to pay more for as long as the proceeds will support communities and provide opportunities for others. I am grateful that by designing my life with intention, I can write about my advocacy and somehow prompt others to choose things that can uplift lives. 

As I continue my 21-day self-improvement project, I am ensuring that my actions are aligned with my skills, vision, career goals, and self-compassion habit. I choose to buy from social enterprises for myself and for presents because I believe that supporting others can help me attract blessings. It is my goal that I can also influence others to do the same and be a blessing to others in the process. 

Day 7: Yearn to Earn

I am currently blogging from home. While I do enjoy freelance research work, I miss working in an office. So, while I am looking for the best role to fit my qualifications, I am now focusing on self-improvement. I have uncovered my skills and shared with you how I attract blessings into my life.

Today, I will each you how to determine the ONLY five things you need to build your career or side hustle.

It is my second day of Susie Moore’s Side Hustle Prep School, which I have learned from her guesting at Melyssa Griffin’s Pursuit with Purpose podcast. I am not yet considering a side hustle at the moment, but it helps to take this short course because I want to know what skills I already have. I also want to know how these skills can help build my career so I can shine without trying too hard. After all, these skills are already innately in me and it would be fitting to optimize them for my own good.

You know the drill- I am sharing with you my actual answers to the workshop questions. 

You only need five things to build your career or side hustle:

1. An Idea.  List down what you’re good at, what you’re passionate about, and what people are willing to pay for.
2. Community. List down who your mentors are (they may even be authors, podcast hosts, bloggers who influence you) and hustle buddies (who are in your support group?)
3. An Understanding of Your Market.  List down who and what your pegs are. 
4. A Goal of What You Want (even if it’s small!). List down what you really want to do in your life, your career, your business (if that’s your plan), education, etc.
5. Time to work on your side hustle/career improvement/continuing education. List down a reasonable time to work on improving yourself and upgrading your skills. Take your current working hours and personal commitments into consideration so you won’t miss out on your priorities.

Rememeber, living deliberately will lead to a yearning for earning by doing what you consider to be meaningful. Focus on these five things to improve yourself and upgrade your career. Self-improvement never goes out of style, and it is an important part of self-care. 

Also, money and educational qualifications are important, but these five things are already available to you no matter what your circumstances are. Focus on these five things, and act on your goals today! 

  ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Day 6: Magnetized

I have been through a lot of changes in the past year. I launched my blog in a low-key manner, became a freelance researcher while looking for career options, continued exercising, and attended some awesome seminars and conferences as a form of continuing education. I realized that it was way too easy to get lost in all of these transitions, but I chose to remain centered through my wellness through mindfulness battlecry. 

I have made a commitment to living deliberately. It is a process which I am undertaking because I want to make better choices from now on. I would like to have more blessings in my life, so I read Bo Sanchez’s book How to Be a Blessing Magnet. Do you also want to design your life with the intention of attracting more blessings? 

Let me teach you how! 

This book reinforced my belief in *magic*. You see, I have always seen wishing as more than just a fairytale storyline. I believe that wishes can come true, especially since miracles have been present in my life. Of course, we have to have a healthy dose of reality in the wishes we make (ex. I cannot wish to become invisible!). So I was glad that Bo wrote in this book that “wishing has power”, because the impact created through wishing releases energy which attracts blessings. 

To begin attracting blessings, you have to live with a thankful heart.

Wealth is a feeling. It does not matter how much you have in your bank account or how successful you are in your career. If you feel like a winner, you internalize the perception that you are rich. And when you live like a winner, you will be grateful. You will thank God more! And you will aspire for incredible things and opportunities because you know by now that you deserve more. 

Do extraordinary things.  

Take initiative. If there is nothing happening in your life right now, create opportunities! For instance, my blog has become my full-time job when I resigned from work. And guess what- having my own website has become a dress rehearsal for being my own boss! By learning how to manage my website, plan content and write my blog entries every single day, I learned how to be my own boss and by doing so, I am also becoming a better worker. 

By the time I will be employed again, I will be a better follower because I learned first-hand how it is to direct myself and to be responsible for something that is entirely my own. I look forward to applying this sense of responsibility to my next job.  

So I urge you to begin something extraordinary today for yourself and you will be surprised on how it will give you clarity on what you truly want in life. Let that clarity help you attract the right blessings.  

Create your own miracles.  

Take a look back and reflect on your challenges. List down what you have learned from your struggles and use them to propel you forward.  And use your suffering to have compassion for others so that you will not just attract blessings, you will also share your blessings!

Failure is a redirection.  

Change your strategy if your life needs to be fixed at the moment. Again, reflect on your setbacks and strategize on how you can rise from your challenges. Remember, you can only redirect your path if you act on your plans. So go ahead and keep moving forward!

Be hopeful.  

Remember this formula to sum up Bo’s powerful promise that your future can be beautiful: 

+ Hope = + Happiness

Increase your hope, and it will lead to an increase in happiness. Once you are hopeful, you begin to have a sense of gratitude which enables you to live with intention. When you are able to fulfill your dreams, you become happier. And when you give hope, you make other people happy too!  

So act on your dreams and say this powerful declaration at the start of each day:

I’m God’s beloved and it’s His great pleasure to bless me. God’s river of blessings is flowing to me at every single moment of my life. Everything I need comes to me. I’m a blessing magnet.  

-Bo Sanchez  

*** 

“How to Be a Blessing Magnet” by Bo Sanchez is available at National Bookstore. I bought my copy from the Shepherd’s Voice booth at the 2017 Manila International Book Fair. It is also available online at www.KerygmaBooks.com. 

***  

***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com*** 

Choice A

With the man I choose everyday. 

Yesterday, A and I celebrated a year and seven months of being together. We have been through a lot, but we have chosen to remain together amidst all the challenges being thrown our way. I have experienced plenty of personal setbacks during the span of our relationship, but I always chose A.

I realized that love is firstly a selfish process. I choose to love because it allows me to share the love that I have for myself to other people. By loving A, I am offering my self-love and practicing self-respect as I support him in his own endeavours. 

Love in itself is a noble principle. It is the core of every healthy relationship, because it means that both parties have enough love for themselves in order to share it with each other. While it is a selfish process, it is also unselfishly shared. The paradox of love never ceases to puzzle me, but it also fascinates me because even when there are bad days, I still choose to love the one I am with.  

Now that A and I are already in our thirties, we cannot afford to waste any more time. We no longer have the luxury of youthful complacency. We are both job hunting, living our own lives, and concerned about our families. He has his social dancing like salsa and the Argentinian tango, while I have Zumba and my blog. He lives in Makati, while I am deeply rooted in Quezon City. The traffic, unpredictable weather, and economic uncertainty may threaten our relationship, but we have remained each other’s choice. And for that, I am grateful.

There are days when I am genuinely worried about my future. By this time, several of my friends are getting engaged. When will A and I reach that level? Will we have the financial stability to start our own life together? Will we grow as partners in a world where it is easier to live apart? But when I think of a future without A, I am left with an empty, hollow feeling. I know that my self-love will never falter, but I love A, so my world will be happier when I can share this love to him. 

I used to pray for more months and years with A. Of course I still ask for those from the Lord, but now, I pray that we will be the right persons for each other. There are many ways to break up, but only one way to stay together. We must choose each other everyday, because love is a choice that serves us both as individuals and as the partners we strive to be.