Other’s Life

The most memorable line I remembered from reading the essay is “Reading the lives of others
suggests that, even at times of crisis and distress, it is possible to find and grasp moments of
joy.” From the moment I read it, it came to me that it is true. I experience a grasp moment of joy
when reading the lives of others especially when we have experienced something in common.
This is not because I find joy in their distress but I feel joy because I find hope that no matter
how hard the situation is, you are not alone and you are not the only one experiencing what you
are feeling so just like other people, you should keep going, be strong, and never give up.

In most moments of my life where I feel blue and lost, I find myself reading other people’s life
experiences wherein they are feeling the same way as I do at that moment. I usually read in
Thought Catalog and Joena San Diego’s Blog. I always do it because aside from all the hugot I
can relate to in their stories, I also learn a lot about how they managed to survive all of those life
obstacles.

In dealing with challenges I have to face as a university student during these difficult times, I am
grateful that I know how to control my emotions through self-reflecting and learning about the
lives of other people.

Way before, when I had plenty of time— not much schoolworks to do, no business to run, and
no mental health to take care of, I have been writing about how my day went in a diary of mine. I
also had a little jar where I put the highlights of my day and the things I am grateful for that day.
Writing about those little things has helped in putting a smile on my face when things get rough.
It also let me go back to days wherein I really felt happy— that alone has helped me cope up in
difficult times.

Now that I have to face a lot of responsibilities, it is challenging to turn inward and reflect on my
thoughts and feelings but I know for myself that introspection and self-reflection can spark
insight, which can alter the way we see ourselves and those around us. Thus, when I have an
opportunity to have time to reflect, I don’t think twice in grabbing it. Reflecting gives you a sense
of self-awareness wherein you will become less likely to veer off track when difficult emotions
surface. Self-reflection is an essential skill for personal growth. Without it, we walk around
unconscious and often reactive to others and even our own selves. Instead of doing something
you later regret, you’ll be better equipped to ride out emotional troughs.

Truly, having time to self-reflect, and reflect from the lives of other people will benefit you and
your mental health. All the lessons and life learnings you gain from your own experience and
from other people will help lift you up when you are drowning with your own thoughts. It will help
ease your burden, encourage you to keep going, and give you a glimpse of hope.