I Take Off the Mask

Love speaks, but love is also silent. Silent enough to listen, when you hurt through and through, Silent enough to hold you, silent enough to kiss you, silent enough to stay, just when you need it most. Because love is silent… It does not yell nor scream, but listens to your deepest dreams. In times of darkness, it is there, allowing your heart to rest, and it does it best, to give you space and time. O, how we need its silence, when we are guilty and ashamed, and we know we are to blame, but instead of reprimands, love is silent and understands. And without speaking a word, it consoles your heart and soul. In compassion and in trust, it raises you when you feel small. And it gives it all, in the silence of love you are cherished, In the silence of love you are seen, There is no need to run away, or hide or turn around, Love remains though love is silent, and it will never let you down. Jocelyn Soriano  wrote the books  “Poems of Love and Letting Go”  and  “Of Wave and Butterflies: Poe...

In a world where travel and technology have made the world feel smaller than ever, long-distance relationships have become increasingly common. Whether due to work, education, or other circumstances, many couples find themselves separated by miles and time zones. While the physical distance can be challenging, it doesn’t have to mean the end of a strong and meaningful connection. With a bit of effort, communication, and creativity, you can navigate the complexities of a long-distance relationship and keep the flame of love burning bright. 1. Prioritize Communication Communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship, and it becomes even more crucial in a long-distance setting. In the absence of physical closeness, words and conversations become your lifelines. Make an effort to establish regular communication routines, whether it’s daily texts, video calls, or weekly voice chats. Be sure to set clear expectations about your communication patterns. Discuss how ...

Human relationships are intricate and beautiful, woven together by threads of connection, shared experiences, and emotions. However, within the delicate fabric of these connections, there exists an essential element that often goes unnoticed but is crucial for their sustenance and growth: boundaries. These invisible lines define the limits of each individual’s comfort, autonomy, and sense of self, ultimately preserving individuality and fostering mutual respect. Defining Boundaries Boundaries in relationships are like unspoken agreements that dictate the terms of engagement between individuals. They establish a framework that determines how much space, time, and energy each person is comfortable sharing within the relationship. Boundaries can be emotional, physical, or even digital, and they serve as a protective barrier that helps maintain a healthy balance between closeness and autonomy. In essence, boundaries outline the unique personal space that each individual requires to t...

Betrayal is a wound that cuts deep into the core of human relationships, leaving scars that can be felt long after the initial shock has subsided. Whether it’s a friend who reveals a confidence, a partner who cheats, a colleague who undermines, or a family member who deceives, the impact of betrayal can shatter the foundation of trust that binds people together. However, the journey towards healing and restoration is possible, as individuals and relationships have the remarkable ability to rebuild and grow stronger in the aftermath of betrayal. The Unraveling of Trust Trust is the bedrock of any healthy relationship, be it personal or professional. It’s the glue that holds people together, allowing them to depend on each other, share vulnerabilities, and collaborate with confidence. Yet, when betrayal occurs, trust is shattered, and the emotional fallout can be devastating. The initial shock often gives way to a cascade of complex emotions: anger, sadness, confusion, and ev...

Have you ever felt like you and your partner were speaking different languages, even when you were both trying to express your love? Y ou’re not alone! Understanding the concept of love languages can be a game-changer in your relationships, helping you connect on a deeper level and strengthen your bond. The Five Love Languages: A Love Decoder According to Dr. Chapman in his book “The 5 Love Languages”, there are five primary ways people express and experience love: Words of Affirmation For some, it’s so precious to hear those three magical words or receive compliments and words of encouragement. “I love you,” “You’re amazing,” or “I appreciate you” are like sweet melodies that warm their hearts. Acts of Service Actions truly speak louder than words for those who value acts of service. From doing the dishes to running errands or simply lending a helping hand, these gestures show love and care. Receiving Gifts To some, a thoughtf...

Life’s greatest happiness is to know that you have loved. Happy Valentines Day! You may use the above image in your personal or social posts.  I only hope that you add a link back to this blog. Quotes on the Love of God Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road. Go forth without fear, for he who created you has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Blessed be you, my God, for having created me.- Saint Clare of Assisi “Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired.” – Mother Teresa There is no need to be dismayed if love sometimes follows torturous ways. Grace has the power to make straight the paths of human love. – Pope John Paul II God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. – Augustine “Take God for your spouse and friend and walk with him continually, and you will not sin and will learn to love, and the things you must do will work out prosperously for y...

There are second lead characters in movies and television dramas that seem to offer more love than the the main lead but are often ignored or unappreciated. Even if their love is recognized, their love is not accepted in the end. The audience however knows this doesn’t mean they’re less deserving of love. The sad fate of not being loved back doesn’t necessarily mean one is not worthy or that one is not capable of love. Being rejected by one person doesn’t mean someone is better. It doesn’t mean you are not beautiful or dependable or charming. But why is it that in real life, that’s just how we feel? We feel ugly and broken and worthless. We feel that when we’re rejected, it’s because something’s wrong with us. Let us try to see things from another perspective. Being rejected is hard and painful. But let us not jump into the wrong conclusions because of it. Let us not lose our self-esteem. One’s unrequited love is not wasted because it has enriched the heart of the one who loves. It ...

There is a pitfall in being a loving person. When we picture a loving person, we often picture someone who is selfless and self-sacrificing, someone who doesn’t care about what happens to him or to her if it means being able to love other people. We picture a person who has no worries being harmed for as long as one’s beloved is happy. While it is important not to forget that love is unselfish, we should also remember that love does not mean neglecting to take care of oneself. Love is not a cruel thing that enslaves us and punishes us. Love is not something that is unconcerned with what we’d become. While love sees and protects others, it also defends itself. Love knows that in order to take care of one’s beloved, one also has to protect oneself. It isn’t selfish to desire to be strong so you could be of service to those you love. It isn’t selfish to think about the value of your life as you also think about the good of your loved ones. You are not alone in this world. As much as yo...

Some people talk about letting go as though it were a very easy thing to do. People talk as though letting go is only about letting the bad things go and moving happily on from there. But the truth is that when you let go, you must also accept losing all the good things you’ve been holding on to. To let go, you must separate yourself from something that has been a very important part of you.  Many times, it means a catastrophic shattering of your connection to almost everything it has touched in your life. When you let go, you suffer a kind of fall that makes you not only sad but very much afraid. It’s a feeling of being lost, of suffocating in darkness, of being so empty you feel like you don’t know yourself anymore. And that is why it’s called a broken heart. Because something has broken within you, in the very core of who you are. In a way, you let go of yourself. You risk losing who you’ve been so you can find yourself again. You risk being shattered...

When people speak about love, they often speak about romantic love. They speak as though it’s the only love there is. People write poems about this type of love. People watch movies showing how powerful this love can be. But what we often fail to see is that romantic love is not everything. It could be the beginning, but it is certainly not the end. When we stay in this type of love, we remain trapped in a kind of love that depends solely upon our emotions. Are we surprised then if this is that love that often breaks our hearts in two? Here’s a list of things that differentiate romantic love from true love: Romantic love may fade, true love stays. Romantic love may become selfish, true love is selfless. Romantic love falls often into illusion, true love is brave enough to stand with the truth. Romantic love can deceive you, true love bears a sincere and open heart. Romantic love can imprison you, true love sets you free. Romantic love can make you blind, true love allows you to se...