An oath to me

I promise that from now on, I will love myself more and think about what I deserve. I will not let anyone hurt me because they can. And even when I am disappointed about the things people can’t do for me, I will take comfort in the fact that those who truly love and respect me will find ways for me, and those who do not can and will not do so.

I promise not to blame myself every time things don’t fall into place. I will keep an open mind to my limitations, but I will not go beyond what I can give. People who love me will understand, and will love me despite what I cannot do for them. Those who do not will take it against me, which is unfair and inconsiderate. I do not deserve that.

I promise to cherish moments with family and friends who know me inside out and will never judge the decisions I make or the way I act. They know things about me that I may not even know, and will see beyond those nuances. It is they who will point out my faults, or if I am losing sight of who I am. They will have faith in what they believe is right and true about me because that is my core and will not change.

I promise to forgive myself more often. I’m aware I’m not perfect and can do only so much for a certain person at a certain time. I will stop being too harsh on myself and I will embrace me for who I am and who I am not. I will be responsible for my decisions, and will be willing to make mistakes. I will remind myself that it’s better to try and get hurt than never heed my heart’s desires and regret it. It is the only way I will learn and grow to be the person I’m meant to be. With every ounce of pain, a ton of strength is built into me. I will not be afraid.

I promise to be grateful for what and who I have. I have everything I need to prosper and be happy, and I will not waste time dwelling on things I cannot have. I will stop chasing people and situations that will only lead me to failed expectations, when I should be chasing dreams and ambitions that I’m born to do and be.

I promise to offer every day to the Creator, and to people who believe in me and love me unconditionally. I deserve nothing less than true love and genuine respect.

Rocel Ann Junio says she is “twentysomething and a freelance editor and visual journalist who writes and shoots her way through quarter-life crisis.”