Tuwing umaga sa aking paggising, Punung-puno ng gulo ang aking isipan.

Problema sa bahay, sa eskwela, sa kaibigan. Kapos sa pera, kapos sa panahon, Palaging walang gana, palaging pagod ang puso’t katawan.

Bakit nga ba ako narito? Kung ang mundo ko’y laging magulo, laging mag-isa. Bakit kailangang bumangon pa? Kung bawat pagdilat, problema ang sumasalubong sa mata.

Parang paulit-ulit na eksena, Walang cut, walang take two, walang pahinga. Laging tanong sa sarili— “Sino ka?”

Sa gitna ng ingay, sa gitna ng dilim, May halaga ba ako sa mundong ito? Pero teka, kailangan ko munang huminga. Paano ko hahanapin ang sarili ng hindi dinidiktahn ng iba?

Sa katahimikan, mararamdaman ang pagmamahal ng iba, ang ngiting dulot ng liwanag, ang sayang dala ng bawat ulan.

Nasa akin pala ang kasagutan ng aking mga katanungan. Nasa akin ang lakas para bumangon sa kalugmukan. Sa bawat paghinga, may pag-asa. Kailangan kong unawaing ako ay mahalaga.

Hindi dahil sa sinasabi ng iba, Kundi dahil ako’y buhay, ako’y naririto, Ako’y may kwento, may laban, may halaga.

  By: Angie Chui

Kumusta Ka? is a question we often fail to ask the people closest to us. As we are consumed with our own problems and worries, we neglect to reach out to others whom were perceive to be strong and in command of their own lives.

This should not be the case as everyone needs to be checked on once in a while. And usually, it’s the friends who appear to be strong who are in the most need of our support.

Want to check in on your buddy or loved one? Here are some practical ways to reach out.

Ask how they are. A simple text or message could go a long way to see how someone you hold dear is doing. While this will usually be answered by a curt "I’m okay", try to engage in deeper conversation to see how they are really faring at the moment.

Listen actively. Don’t just listen for the sake of listening. Focus on them and what they are saying. Be attuned to the feelings that they are not sharing.

Give comfort and encouragement. Let your friends know that their feelings are important to you and that there will be no judgement on your end if they choose to vent their frustrations or show weakness.

Remember important dates. Is it your pal’s birthday, anniversary or is there a special occasion that you need to celebrate? Mark it down on your calendar and give a shoutout, just so they know that they are cherished and that they matter.