Are we meant to be?

I was out last night with some close friends from medical school for our monthly get-together and updates (a.k.a "chismisan sessions").

Our fun and insightful dinner conversations progressed from Piolo Pascual being spotted with Mark Bautista at Belo's Clinic, then the most likely follow-up topic was of course KC Concepcion's new show then showtime's finale episode that morning to K12 educational system implementation and finally PNoy's handsome and hunkylicious PSG hehe. Glad we didn't touch on the impeachment trial for I think it will seem like we are getting old indeed.
Then we talked about some friends we know from school, updates on who got married, who will get married and the likes.

And the story that gave inspiration to this blog was when we were talking about someone (let's just call that person "negatron" to protect his/her identity) who is so negative about starting full-time hospital work- complaining that there will be little or no time to do other things like friday dates, saturday booze and night out, lazy sunday afternoons etc.. I admit I felt that way too before and it is one of the major factors why I left, aside from the fact that I wasn't able to handle physical and emotional demands of being a doctor. Then my friend said, which I think is a very good way of looking at it- "negatron" must accept that being a doctor is the life. It is not as if you are erasing or depriving yourself of a component of life. It is really just a choice to commit to your passion.

What is your true passion? It is never too late to find out today. Ask yourself "What will bring me true happiness?" the one that will last until your days are over.

We only have one life to live, so why waste your time on things or people that only makes you sad. I guess it all boils down to making that one solid decision -to be truly happy. And that happiness depends on you, on how you define it.

And that, ladies and gentlemen is how you'll know if you and what you're doing or whoever you are with are simply.... meant to be.

HHWW

HHWW a colloquial term fondly used by Filipinos to refer to couples who are Holding Hands While Walking. This gesture is, I think the simplest way to express love and/or to declare couple's "being together" to the public.

Aside from couples, parents also hold their child's hand in crossing the street, strolling in the park or mall and comforting them when they feel pain or feel scared. I remember when I was little, I am not-so-fond of going to the hospital because of... yes, you guessed it right- the most dreaded, injection. One time I got sick and they had to do a blood extraction to find out what was wrong. The nurse and medical technician couldn't calm me down as I refuse to be cooperative with the procedure. They were holding my arms so tight as if I was a criminal caught red handed and struggling to escape. Up to this day, I remember that scene vividly in mind and the only thing that made me feel safe and secure again was my mom holding my hand.

Hand holding and its many heartwarming effects could lead to stronger friendships and relationships. When you hold a friend's hand in grief, it could be worth more than the words you could ever utter to bring her/him comfort.

But sometimes when you are all alone and lonely, the only thing you can do is to hold your own hand. And there you'll realize, that you are in a perfect prayer position.

Let us not forget, behind all the glitter and the merriment of this season- Of hand holding and fun bonding, today is special because of Jesus.

Merry Christmas to you all! And have a more meaningful holidays through prayer.

"Two Hands" Gouache on Paper