Scribblory Writers Library
Your virtual library of true stories has come to this site!
Scribblory Writers Library shelters short true-to-life stories written by the memoirists of Scribblory Writers Group. This virtual library started in 2020, at the outset of COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was losing many lives, we held our pens and preserved life stories.
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Category: Relationships
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The Essence of Social Connections and Relationships in Life
Written by Alfred Pagunsan Gadayan
March 24, 2024
Social connections and relationships are the lifeblood of our existence. They are the invisible threads that weave the beautiful tapestry of our lives. They are the pillars that support us in times of need and the cheerleaders that celebrate our victories. They are the mirrors that reflect our true selves, and the compasses that guide us on our journey through life.
Relationships, whether with family, friends, or romantic partners, play a crucial role in shaping our identities and influencing our behaviors. They provide a sense of belonging, a feeling of being understood and accepted for who we are. They offer emotional support, helping us navigate through the ups and downs of life. They challenge us, pushing us out of our comfort zones and encouraging personal growth. They bring joy, love, and laughter into our lives, making our journey on this planet a beautiful and fulfilling experience.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my life has been the relationships I've nurtured over the years. They are the people who bring happiness and meaning into my life. They are the ones who make me laugh until my sides hurt, who listen to me when I'm down, who celebrate my successes, and who stand by me in my failures. They are the ones who know me, understand me, accept me, and love me for who I am.
Nurturing these relationships requires time, effort, and a lot of love. It's about being there for them, not just in times of need but also in times of joy. It's about listening to them, not just with your ears but also with your heart. It's about understanding them, not just on the surface but also at a deeper level. It's about accepting them, not just for their strengths but also for their weaknesses. It's about loving them, not just when it's easy but also when it's hard.
Communication is the key to nurturing relationships. It's about expressing your thoughts and feelings, sharing your dreams and fears, and discussing your hopes and concerns. It's about being open and honest, even when it's uncomfortable. It's about giving feedback and accepting criticism, even when it's hard. It's about resolving conflicts and overcoming disagreements, even when it's challenging.
Trust is another crucial element in nurturing relationships. It's about being reliable and dependable, keeping your promises and commitments. It's about being honest and transparent, not hiding anything or deceiving anyone. It's about being loyal and faithful, not betraying anyone's trust or breaking anyone's heart.
Respect is also essential in nurturing relationships. It's about treating others as equals, not looking down on anyone or belittling anyone. It's about appreciating others for who they are, not trying to change them or mold them into someone they're not. It's about valuing others' opinions and ideas, not dismissing them or ignoring them.
Therefore, social connections and relationships are of paramount importance in our lives. They bring happiness and meaning into our lives, and nurturing them requires communication, trust, and respect. They are the treasures of our lives, priceless and irreplaceable. They are the sunshine that brightens our days, the moonlight that illuminates our nights, and the stars that guide us on our journey through life. They are, indeed, the essence of our existence.
Embracing Empathy in Parenting
Written by Neng Turingan Madlansacay
January 5, 2024
Just this week, my daughter has had several falls, but there’s one thing she wouldn't tell exactly what happened: her fall in her cousin's house; she was crying in resistance. After several attempts to get an answer from her, she finally blurted out, "It's because I don't like your reaction when I tell you something. You’d look upset."
That's when it registered to me that I had not made myself a safe space for her. It's a subconscious habit to correct first before connecting with her. I know for a fact that she's been hurt, but I realized that she needed to know that I also care about how she feels at the moment. Instead of making her feel at fault, I could have asked how hurt she was. That was a learning moment for me.
I tried to regain the moment by changing the tone of my voice and softening my facial expression so it would show more openness on my end to listen to what she had to say. That's when she shared that she did a handstand on the treadmill and fell, hitting her leg and back on the machine.
I commended her for telling the truth, but I also shared with her my thoughts: "My love, I think, the deeper reason why you were hesitating to tell me what truly happened was because you knew in your heart that you did what you were told not to do. You were afraid to tell me the truth because you disobeyed."
She started to burst into tears, "I'm sorry, Mommy, I disobeyed. I didn't want to do it, but I still did it. Forgive me." I sensed a heartfelt remorse in her voice after confessing her misdeed.
My heart was filled with compassion for my daughter, but I also had a deeper understanding of the state of my heart every time she disobeyed.
As I cuddled her in bed, I shared with her what I felt, "You know, anak, I may look upset to you, as maybe that's how I am expressing it, but I feel deep sorrow. I know that disobedience will get you hurt, which you have experienced many times, right? What saddens me the most is that no matter how much I love you, you will still have to deal with the consequences of it and I won't be able to protect you from the pain."
Sobbing, and still in tears, she whispered, "Thank you, Mommy, for doing that."
I asked, "For doing what?"
"For helping me. For everything that you do."
"I love you, anak. And I forgive you. It's already in the past. Tomorrow is another day—we start again."
I felt a big relief in her. We prayed and cuddled until she fell asleep.
Isn't this scene familiar in our own lives as well—how we grieve God when we disobey Him? We do things out of impulse, become stubborn, and suffer in the end. But here's the good news: we can always run back to God. God’s love is perfect and unconditional so we don't have to fear Him. He knows what's going on inside of us, so there's no need to hide for He is and will remain to be our safest space.
On another note, taking risks and giving freedom is healthy for children for as long as it's within their limits. Our child's safety remains our top priority.
A Love Letter to Cupid
Written by Alfred Pagunsan Gadayan
February 14, 2024
Dear Cupid,
I write to you today with a heart filled with gratitude and a soul inspired by love. Your invisible hand has guided my romantic journey, leading me through a labyrinth of emotions, experiences, and life-altering moments that have shaped me into the person I am today.
I want to express my deepest appreciation for the love you've brought into my life. The relationships you've guided me towards have been filled with lessons of patience, understanding, and unconditional love. They have taught me the importance of communication, the beauty of vulnerability, and the strength that lies within forgiveness.
As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the times when love seemed elusive, when heartbreak cast a shadow on my heart. Yet, with time, I understood that these moments were not failures, but stepping stones towards growth and self-discovery. They were necessary chapters in my story, teaching me resilience and the true essence of love.
I am grateful for these experiences, for they have shown me that love is not merely about finding the right person, but also about finding myself. They have taught me that love is not just about shared laughter and joy, but also about supporting each other through challenges and adversity.
Looking forward, my hope is to continue this journey with an open heart and an open mind. I trust that you, Cupid, will guide my heart towards the love that is meant for me. I aspire to love and be loved with the same intensity, honesty, and passion that I have experienced so far.
I long for a love that inspires, a love that nurtures, a love that stands the test of time. I yearn for a love that is not just a fleeting emotion, but a profound connection that deepens with each passing day.
As I embark on this ongoing journey, I am excited for the new memories to be made, the new lessons to be learned, and the new love to be discovered. I am ready for the surprises that lie ahead, the twists and turns that make the journey worthwhile.
Thank you, Cupid, for being my silent companion on this journey of love. Your arrows have led me to experience the most profound emotion known to mankind, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
With love and gratitude,
Santi
The Closure of a Friendship: A Journey of Growth and Reflection
Written by Alfred Pagunsan Gadayan
February 6, 2024
In the depths of my heart, there existed a friendship that had once been vibrant and filled with laughter. It was a bond that I cherished deeply, a connection that had weathered the storms of life. However, as time passed, circumstances changed, and the dynamics of our relationship shifted. It was a bittersweet realization when I finally accepted that our journey together had come to a close.
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The closure of this friendship brought forth a whirlwind of emotions. There was sadness as I mourned the loss of what once was. There was confusion as I tried to comprehend how we had grown apart. But amidst the turmoil, there was a glimmer of clarity and a newfound understanding of myself.
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Through the process of closure, I gained valuable insights that contributed to my personal growth. I realized that friendships, like any other relationship, are not immune to change. People evolve, priorities shift, and paths diverge. It was an important lesson in accepting the ebb and flow of life and embracing the impermanence of connections.
As I reflected on the journey that had led us to this point, I recognized my own role in the closure. I acknowledged the moments where I had failed to communicate my needs, and where I had neglected to nurture the friendship. It was a humbling realization, one that taught me the importance of active participation and open dialogue in any relationship.
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The closure also allowed me to confront my own insecurities and fears. I questioned my worth and wondered if I had somehow failed as a friend. But in the midst of self-doubt, I discovered a newfound strength. I learned to separate my self-worth from the dynamics of a single relationship. I understood that closure does not define my value, but rather serves as a catalyst for growth and self-reflection.
Through this experience, I realized that closure is not synonymous with failure. It is an opportunity for growth and transformation. It allowed me to let go of the past and embrace the possibilities of the future. It taught me the importance of self-care and the power of letting go of toxic relationships that no longer serve my well-being.
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In the wake of this closure, I found solace in the support of other loved ones who remained by my side. Their unwavering presence reminded me of the beauty of genuine connections and the resilience of the human spirit. It was a gentle reminder that the end of one chapter does not signify the end of the story.
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As time passed, the pain of closure gradually subsided, replaced by a sense of gratitude. I realized that this closure had paved the way for new beginnings, for the opportunity to forge deeper connections with those who aligned with my values and aspirations.
In the end, the closure of this friendship was a catalyst for personal growth. It taught me the importance of self-reflection, open communication, and letting go. It reminded me that closure is not an ending, but a stepping stone towards personal evolution. Through this journey, I emerged stronger, wiser, and more appreciative of the ever-changing nature of relationships.
As I move forward, I carry the lessons learned from this closure in my heart. I embrace the uncertainty of connections, knowing that each encounter is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. And with newfound resilience, I welcome the next chapter of my life, ready to embrace the connections that await and the personal growth that will undoubtedly follow.