Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Big Days (Make-or-Break Days)

One day can make our life. One day can break it. Life consists of two, three or four big days that made all the difference.

I go back to the days I have spent in this planet in search of my own big day(s) that changed everything.

Is it the day I went to this big Catholic university soon after high school graduation, was handed the Lit. B. in journalism syllabus, and found out it has lined up all my favorite subjects. All reading and ‘riting and no ‘rithmetic?!

Is it meeting the one for whom I am intended, though I didn’t recognize it at first for being too good to be true? And well, it turned out to be not too good nor too true but wasn’t too bad nor too much of a lie either and which has led me to conclude I could have done worse (and don’t any one of you dare say I could have done better).

Is it the day I accepted the “invitation to apply” of this semi-academic, development organization in a sprawling campus, admired the plush, spacious reception area that would be my post, and liked the way the boss’ secretary smiled warmly up at me and said “hi,” and the way the boss said “you will be fine?”

But I guess nothing can be bigger than the day ... the dark and cold day I hit pit bottom and simply had to pick myself up or to bolt out. When I decided there was a better way to live than constantly ducking as though I always half expected to get slapped. When I knew for certain God couldn’t have meant this life to be so hurtful and dismal, for otherwise what kind of a God was He? When I decided that it was just me – hard-headed, slow-witted me -- who’s looking at life the wrong way.

And I guess that was how I began going the right direction. The road I take is circular, not vertical. But I will get there.

Buddy, you must have your big days, too. Share?

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

i just had a big day. oh what happened in that day must be nothing compared to the events in other people's days, but this particular day made me believe in myself more - so that makes that day big :)

Gypsy said...

Thanks for sharing! My one really rock-bottom day was memorable too...but my one significant day was when my supervisor told me when I was still in my early 20s that she believed in what I can do--until now I can still remember that day and how it helped give me a strong sense of self.

exskindiver said...

hi MC,
thanks for sharing.
i still have not figured out my rock bottom days nor my high point in my life either.
i just keep trudging on...
nice to see you posting.

vernaloo said...

Ei Anna...love this entry :) yep, thanks for sharing.

I think one of these days I will post about my highs and my lows...you inspired me :)

on second thought, parang napost ko na ata hahaha

Gina said...

Inspiring...

Big days- ang dami. 'Unbig'/ Dismal/almost-like-the-end of the world days/ - ang dami rin!

Anonymous said...

"One day can make our life. One day can break it. Life consists of two, three or four big days that made all the difference."

A great post indeed :) Life is all about timing isn't it?

I remember many years ago, I missed the final interview with one of the largest corporations in the Phils only because my darn cousin gave me the wrong date of the appointment ! He took the phone call when I wasn't home. When I called them, the person who was to interview me left for vacation :( I lost the opportunity. I was devastated.

In retrospect though, it may have been a blessing in disguise because I took another route which in the end proved more exciting and gratifying :)

Princess said...

There was that time when I thought everything was ending. If not for my husband and sons, it would have. But I am sure HE, up there, guided me to see.
Thank you for this post.

Anonymous said...

So which big day are you looking forward to?

Big days are those days when you thought it's the most miserable day and then you wake up the next day as if the previous day's misery never happened at all.

Oh yeah, I had my big day Friday when I passed my exam. Thanks for the mantra.

Heart of Rachel said...

There was a time, I used to be so pessimistic about everything. At that time, I just thought it best to quit whenever things didn't work out the way I wanted them too. I was simply scared to take risks.

When I became a mom, I realized I should set a good example to my son. Change just came gradually until I realized I've discovered how great it is to see the brighter side of life rather than the opposite.

Anonymous said...

Sometimes it is our big day but we fail to recognize because we are more concerned with the bits and pieces of trivialities of life. What are we to do? Be positive and treat each day as a "big Day" no matter what. Sometimes, even an all-time low can prove otherwise once we learn valuable lessons. Let's keep the hope up and maybe everyday will be a Big Day.

((hugs)) to you and to Andeng :)

Abaniko said...

My big days usually fall on weekends. :)

Unknown said...

What I thought was my BIG day turned out to be the start of the countdown to disaster. Yup, am talking about my wedding day...

Toe said...

Great reflections on your big day Annamanila!

My big day was when I was rereading a letter to my family while abroad (under duress from my Mom who insisted on knowing every single thing I was doing) and realized that I liked what I wrote.

Anonymous said...

The big day, hour or second is the next day, hour or second that you wake up alive.

Another day, hour or second to enjoy the fullness of life.

Anonymous said...

i'm sure you have heard the cliche which says, “Dance as if no one were watching, Sing as if no one were listening, And live every day as if it were your last”.

there is truth to it, you know. looking back, i have been through my many ups and my many downs, and i have always survived each day. the beauty of it all is that i have learned my lessons--and I know that my God is a wonderful God, He will always be there to look after me.

S A J Shirazi said...

Very alarming indeed. BTW, you have an eye on so many interesting things.

Anonymous said...

anna, beautiful post once again. i read it already once before but didn't have time to leave comments. this post reminds me of a line in my daughter's song-"i get to the highs to get to the lows," which is how she basically handles life.

Anonymous said...

for me, the road is better traversed when it is shapeless or maybe not bounded by physical constraints :)

Chateau said...

The days that changed my life forever were those when I made up my mind to take certain paths, more often difficult than not, and stood up for them. No matter what, no turning back.

Lazarus said...

no words to express for now. but i pray to God for wisdom.

Heart of Rachel said...

I recall how I thought a broken heart was the end of the world. I'm glad I got through it and I have a wonderful family that I could be grateful for.

Thank you for sharing yours. Have a blessed Holy Week.

Anonymous said...

I suppose you're right. There are days that define our lives. I will think of my own such days ... hmmm.

- jerry

Anonymous said...

My big day was on my first born's graduation from college in 2004. I was on cloud nine! So proud of him. It was not his achievement alone, it was my and his father's achievement too. :)

Princess said...

Hi, Anna,Dropped by to wish you and your family a Glorious and Happy Easter.

raqgold said...

meeting the PMN moms' big days for me :)

Wenchie said...

Hi AM, as usual, the long wait is over, another great post...Missed you na, really. My big day--when I had my first born and seeing her right after the doctor cut the cord. And hitting rock bottom, when an investment scam artist took (& flew away with) my hard-earned seven figure-savings. Big day-getting over it without losing my sanity...

exskindiver said...

hi MC,
just thought i would say hello.
i bet you are busy.
keep well.

Anonymous said...

halloo!!!???!!

hope you are well.

Anonymous said...

Oh yes, those 'big days'-- I have some that I often go back too whenever I feel down and want to cheer up myself a little bit; like the time I was informed that I was going to be the next appointed Editor in Chief of our college paper or the time I won the election for University president. Those had really made me high. I wish I have more moments like that coming up.

And of course, having my kids---they are just adorable to me.Fatherhood is such a high to me often.

Anonymous said...

Hi Venerable One,

How have you been?

Faith

Gypsy said...

Ei, Anna..where art thou? Missing you!!

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