No, really, how are you?
Earlier today, I woke up to a text asking me, “Musta naka?” (“How are you?”). This is for my foreign readers, if I do have some, I am Bisaya. I’m from Cebu, Philippines and that’s how we say/ask how one person is doing. Why did I write this? Good thing you ask.
It’s a simple question, right? Definitely! You could just respond to it with, “I’m fine.” or “Very well. Thanks.”. Right? But it took me a good hour before responding to the said text. I even had to search how I could respond to that question. Like, hold on, Ana! What? You had to search how to respond to that question? What the heck?
I know, I know. This text came from one person I am talking to for the past month. We don’t talk often, it has been on and off for the past few weeks. However, I got to meet and talked to him in person. I noticed that from the first few days we swiped right on each other, no this is not Tinder, it’s Bumble, I found things we have in common. We are so alike that it actually scared me at one point. Don’t worry, we have our differences too. I don’t usually think hard and long responding to his texts/chats though, that’s how easy he is to talk to.
Although, this morning, I had to lay there long and hard before responding to his text. I also had to ask myself, “Heck yeah, really, how am I?”. I did some mental check on what I have done for the past few days, weeks, and months. Evaluate my emotional and mental state, if I am really alright and doing fine. I did share to this person before today, that lately, I haven’t been doing my Harry Potter marathon. I usually do this if I feel anxious and if I find myself crawling back to that dark cave called depression. Hey, don’t judge, Harry Potter is my way to check if I’m still sane and climb back to reality. Thanks, J.K. Rowling for the wonderful 10 years!
So, when I remembered telling him that, I told him that I am good and that I was able to finish 2 Google Ads certifications. And that I am actually happy with what’s going on with my life right now. It also pays off cutting people out of your life if they no longer serve you. If one door closes, another opens.
Also, I mean, when was the last time someone asked how you were doing? Think about it. The past year has everyone fucked up, excuse the expression. Stop for a moment, think about how you’ve been, evaluate what matters and doesn’t. Does this make thing or person still serves you?
Remember: stopping, taking a deep breath, blocking people, ignoring messages, and putting yourself first– self care is a huge help. Get to know her! Don’t be afraid to prioritize yourself. That’s not being selfish.
So, how are you? 🙂
