Embracing Life despite Overwhelming Challenges
“Ang buhay ay parang gulong- kung minsan nasa taas, kung minsan naman ay nasa baba.”
Yet even with this truth, many of our kababayan find themselves struggling, and tragically, some have reached the point of giving up on life. Stories of despair are no longer remote; they happen in our own communities, quietly and often unnoticed. Life’s trials, such as family challenges, financial burdens, mental health struggles, and the constant pressures of modern living—can weigh heavily on even the strongest hearts. These realities remind us of the power of compassion, empathy, and simple acts of kindness. Sometimes, a listening ear, a heartfelt word, or a small gesture of support can be enough to remind someone that he or she is not alone.
Realities in Life
Many of us have faced hard times, yet we kept going. We have felt the hunger of having only root crops on the table while dreaming of rice. In our school days, there were times when we didn’t even have a peso for a tricycle ride home, or the 25 pesos needed to go to our home province during holidays. Even without money for photocopies of our lessons, we found ways to keep learning. Still, we survived. We kept trying, and our diplomas show that we never gave up.
Some of us may be deprived of a complete physical body, yet they continue to live fully – the deaf enjoy videos and music in their own way, and the blind find their way through life with remarkable skill. Yet, sadly, there are those who are physically whole but still give up.
During one event attended by local officials, some men made jokes about an official who is a Person with Disability (PWD). They directed a mocking remark at him, saying, “Attorney, our roads are well built—smooth and without any defects—yet whenever you visit our place, you always make it appear as though they are poorly constructed.” The remark was met with loud laughter. In one of his speeches before a large audience of college students, however, the official spoke about the positive meaning of being a PWD. He explained that the most meaningful interpretation of the acronym is “Persons with Dignity.”
Why Some Let Go When Life Gets Heavy
Many young people give up on their studies when financial constraints make it difficult to pay school fees. Others, particularly in this generation, easily lose motivation over material limitations—such as not having a new or desirable smartphone—mistaking comfort for necessity. Some give up on their families when home becomes a place of chaos caused by domestic abuse or broken relationships. Worse still, some give up on life itself when they are unable to cope with embarrassment, repeated failures, bullying, or the pain of defeat.
An article on thepositivepsychologypeople.com written by Pinky Jangra suggests that resiliency is a very important life skill claiming it is a “denominator of success, happiness and wellbeing”.
It is agreeable that, in both big and small matters in life, there is a need to adapt, adjust, and keep going despite the adversities we face.
Knowing When to Quit
Knowing when to give up is a sign of wisdom and self-respect. A person is conscious and aware of the consequences of his decisions in case he acts on it. He can recognize when a path no longer leads to growth, healing, or purpose, despite the effort already invested. He balances things and gives time for himself to take other options.
When we decide to let go of something, we make room for better opportunities and rely on our perseverance must be guided by reason, values, and dignity.
In its article The Psychology Behind Giving Up, Walden discusses several practical strategies for doing this thoughtfully and confidently. These can help a person make wise, self-respecting choices about when to continue and when to step back.
The Case of my Blind Grandfather
The story of one of my grandfathers is a testament to the resilience that God has given humans. He was born completely blind. It was believed that his blindness was a result of a curse upon his parents by some unknown enemies, or by a spell dropped or murmured intentionally or not by someone they must have encountered. Upon his birth, his parents started to perform all possible rituals to appease the gods, offering several pigs and chickens that he may be cured, but nothing made him see. The story of his life was narrated repeatedly by himself personally as we the children would surround him to listen.
He was a young boy during the Second World War, and he could have been of great help during the many times his family ran to the mountains to hide from the Japanese, as well as during the difficult evacuation when they had to cross the Rocky Mountains to reach the military camp located several mountains away.
During those incidents, he would cry to his mother, begging her to leave him behind and stay in the village because he could not run anyway. He felt useless, unable to help during their escape, and believed he was only a burden. However, with her comforting words, he continued moving with the group, leaning on his cane. He only realized, once they were already in the camp, that he had fared better during the escape, when they crossed rivers and mountains in the dark.
His trouble resumed during the long journey back home, after the surrender of Tomoyuki Yamashita, this time not from the rough mountains, but from the stench of dead bodies wherever they passed. He would scream in frustration because of their plight and his own condition.
He only realized, once they were back home, that he had fared better during the escape when they crossed rivers and mountains in the dark—for then, his life was pure darkness, and the dark was his daylight, and his cane his first foot.