Fortunate Life

There are times when my emotions feel like a tidal wave—overwhelming, relentless, and impossible to control. Even though I know I am blessed with a loving family and friends who care about me, there are moments when I feel deeply alone. Frustration builds up inside me over the things I cannot achieve or the dreams that seem just out of reach. And yet, I often hesitate to share these feelings with the people around me. Why? Because my struggles feel petty compared to theirs. I don’t want to burden them. I don’t want to sound ungrateful. Society often teaches us that gratitude should cancel out emotional pain. “You’re lucky, so you shouldn’t feel depressed,” they say. “You’re loved, so why would you feel unseen?” But feelings don’t follow logic. Emotions are not about fairness—they are about human experience. And sometimes, our minds get caught in loops of negativity that feel impossible to break. For me, these moments are even more complicated because I notice how much my body and min...

Have you ever been surrounded by people, yet felt completely alone? Maybe you were at a party, in a meeting, or even just in a crowded café, and despite the chatter and activity around you, a sense of isolation crept in. If you’ve experienced this, let me assure you: it doesn’t mean there is something wrong with you. I recently felt this while in Siargao with friends. We had been partying and drinking for several nights, enjoying the island, letting loose, and having fun. But during our last night, in a crowded sports bar, I suddenly felt overwhelmed. Most of the people around us were foreigners and men. Out of all the tables, there were only two Filipino tables, including ours. The bar was lively—people playing pool, cheering at a game on the TV, drinks flowing on every table. My friends and I were playing cards, trying to enjoy ourselves—but despite all the noise and activity, I felt disconnected, almost invisible in the crowd. Psychologist Rea Villa explains that feeling lonely in...