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"To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. And if we do act, in however small a way, we don't have to wait for some grand Utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents. And to live now as we think human beings should live in defiance of all that is bad around us is itself a marvelous victory." -Howard Zinn
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“There are no exact guidelines. There are probably no guidelines at all. The only thing I can recommend at this stage is a sense of humor, an ability to see things in their ridiculous and absurd dimensions, to laugh at others and at ourselves, a sense of irony regarding everything that calls out for parody in this world. In other words, I can only recommend perspective and distance. Awareness of all the most dangerous kinds of vanity, both in others and in ourselves. A good mind. A modest certainty about the meaning of things. Gratitude for the gift of life and the courage to take responsibility for it. Vigilance of spirit.” - Vaclav Havel
I am thankful for the people around me who make laughter easy. During these times, in my line of work, and with the things that occupy my head concerning the country, laughter is very welcome and much appreciated.
Hope is a state of mind, not of the world. Hope, in this deep and powerful sense, is not the same as joy that things are going well, or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously heading for success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good.
To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded.
fresh snow after winter’s first snowfall. night runs with my brothers. long drives alone, with my favorite cds. stargazing. sleeping in and lounging on weekends. the smell of right-out-of-the-dryer laundry. a baby’s chuckle. movies and popcorn with dad. quick trips to the supermarket. driving mom to work. making my little sister laugh. a nice soft fluffy comforter for sleeping in a cold room. hot chocolate. having the train doors open for you. catching the last train home. an unexpected phone call from a very good friend. having at least one very good friend. chance encounters, chance conversations. mentors. learning. baking cookies that everyone likes. the peace and quiet of walking alone, christmas lights lining your road. a book that’s hard to put down. uninterrupted and easy sleep. a pat on the back. a smile. airports. plane rides. really good chocolate milk. really good chocolate shared with someone. beautiful photographs. the perfect shade of blue, or green. coming home. being home. being with C.
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I need to remind myself of these things, especially during these times.
In my bus to work, a conversation overheard —- a conversation I strained my ears to hear. The bus driver took the day off last Sunday and helped his eldest son with homework. They had to go to SM, perhaps buy a book, because the homework had something to do with Ibong Adarna. “Bertday pa niya, kaya nag-Jollibee kami pagkatapos.”
The things we take for granted. A meal that some people don’t put any thought to in buying for lunch is somebody else’s birthday celebration.
