Fortunate Life

 During my recent trip to Sagada from January 3-5, 2025, I had the privilege of meeting an amazing psychologist who shared an insightful perspective on my life. What started as a casual encounter turned into an impromptu consultation that left a profound impact on me. She recommended that I look up the term "parentified daughter," suggesting that it might resonate deeply with my experiences. As I delved into the concept, it was like holding a mirror to my life. Growing up as the eldest child, I never truly experienced what it meant to be a teenager. My childhood was overshadowed by responsibilities that were beyond my years. My father worked abroad, and my mother was busy with her own career, leaving me to take on the role of a caretaker for my younger siblings from an early age. Even as an elementary school student, I was tasked with ensuring my siblings returned home on time, completed their chores, and avoided conflict. It was a lot for a child to handle, but I didn’t ques...

  My Healing Journey in Sagada  Last January 3-5, I embarked on a Sagada tour that had been on my bucket list for quite some time. Originally, I planned to go last year, but life got in the way. My friends were unavailable, and when I finally decided to join a group, my schedule became too hectic. This year, I resolved to make it happen and booked a trip through a travel agent organizing tours in Sagada. It turned out to be more than just a vacation—it became a journey of healing. A Time for Reflection As my 50th birthday approaches, I’ve been overwhelmed with emotions. Menopause, hormonal imbalance, and the weight of expectations from others have taken a toll on me. I’ve invited close friends to celebrate my milestone birthday, only to face a string of declines due to prior commitments. While I understand their reasons, it hurt deeply. It felt as though no one cared enough to adjust their plans for me. Coupled with other lingering personal challenges, this left me feeling sad...