5:11 PM. 22/04/2019.
Funny how a scary event like today’s strong earthquake exposed my state of mind and heart. As I duck, cover and hold while the building shook, all I could think about was getting to my mobile phone and to check on the people I love.
When the movement stopped and it was safe to go down the fire exit (15 floors down to be exact), I grabbed my phone and multi-tasked checking on my folks in production floor while sending a message in our family chatroom. I had to know where they were and if everyone was safe. Descending down the staircase I made phone calls to people important to me. I checked on them and made sure that they were not hurt. In doing so, I stumbled and almost fell to the ground.
This made me realize that there is a reason why in the airline safety procedure, they always remind you to put your own mask first before helping others. Because we cannot help others if we are not well or worse, dead.
It’s not selfish to think of your own safety first. This is actually for them -- the people who mean the world to you because they need you. They need you well and alive. And then you can help them help themselves.
So it’s also true that you gotta give love to yourself before loving others. You can’t pour out everything to them because when they leave, you are left with nothing. You need to keep some love, some safety, for yourself too. It’s not selfish to love yourself first.
Yes, may hugot sa lindol.