juana ellia.

Free Palestine 
          
          Our liberation is intertwined. Until we are all free, none of us is free.You cannot deduce this situation to a 'conflict' or a 'war' because there is asymmetry in terms of military, economic, population, and politics. There is no place for neutrality in matters of ethnic cleansing.  Neautrality is not the moral high ground many of us think, because more often than not, you have chosen the side of the oppressors. Palestine has a right to fight for their national liberation, and we have to stand with them. 

Words of Affirmation 
          
          I will always be a ‘words of affirmations’ person. I love to be told how much I’m loved. I love when people explain to me in detail how they feel about me. I love to be told the littlest down to the deepest things. I think words do what physical touch isn’t able to do sometimes. I think words touch you in places hands couldn’t. And while there is truth in when they say actions speak louder than words, actions without words are confusing. I believe affection must be heard, just as how much it has to be seen or felt. Some things are too precious to be kept unheard, they must be said — loud and clear.

You’re not something to be fixed, you’re someone to be loved. The absence of love is what broke you, and the presence of love is what will heal you.

“you drew stars around my scars, but now I'm bleeding”
          
          He made her trauma, her past feel meaningful and worth it, only to reopen the wounds. He helped her see the beauty in her damage, only to give her more damage, leaving not just scars but fresh wounds...

Love does not hurt—betrayal does. Lies hurt. Disappointment hurt. It’s the lover, not the love that hurt you. Love does not hurt, it heals.

They say that winners don’t quit and quitters don’t win―I don’t think so. Winners are those who know when to fight and when to give up. Champions are those who choose their battles. Because they know that not all wars are worth fighting for and some are no longer theirs to uphold. There is strength in giving up. 

If you're struggling with anxiety, pressure, guilt & exhaustion right now during these horrible times, please know that you're not alone. What you're feeling is normal. You're not lazy, you're just burned out - and that's completely okay. They cannot expect you, us, to function properly when people are literally dying and there's no guarantee when will this crisis end. I know grades are important but YOU MATTER MORE. Put your mental & emotional being first. Your emotions are valid. Always. You'll be fine. Hang on there, buddy. :') 

Make peace with your past trauma. You don't deserve the damage caused by people you knew you were nothing but genuine to. Forgive, not because they deserve forgiveness but because you deserve peace. 
          
          To those who have been battling traumas and are trying to heal and go on with their lives without receiving an apology: I hear you. I feel for you. And I am proud of you for choosing to heal. 

This has been on my notes since the last days of December 2020 but hadn't been able to post because vulnerability still scares me but here you go:
          
          To all the cancelled plans and lost opportunities. To our brave front liners. To those who grinded during this pandemic. To the friendships and relationships that remained intact despite the distance. To those who perseveres even after all the tragedies. To the lives that are lost. To the hearts that still chose to be kind amidst cruelty. To each one's faith that unwavered. To those who are trying. To the awakened souls. To the silent battles no one knew about but our pillows. To the very year that tested our mental healths like no other. And to those who proved that there are still hope for humanity. You are celebrated.
          
          It has been tough, but so are we. Here’s to winning, losing and everything in between. It’s been one heck of a ride. I’m so freakin proud of us all.
          

They say that love is blind... I don't think so.
          
          Love is not blind. It sees, but it doesn't mind.
          If you love a person, you see right through them. You embrace them with their flaws. Because you know your partner isn't perfect. But you choose to accept the whole of them, the good side along with the evil one. You see them at their worst and still think of them as the best.