And just like that it is July. The first half of the year is over. Another six months, and we will be welcoming a new year again. When you are a mom to a toddler, and you look back at the past six months and gage it on development, then six months must be one heck of a long time because my son seems like a whole new human being as compared to the beginning of the year. So much can, and has happened in the last six months in life itself as a whole. As always, there were gains and losses, but ultimately, I am grateful for my cup overflows – with what, and who truly matter.

It is inevitable that in life we encounter stress. If it were possible to avoid stressors, then why would we even thread through the tough times? Life without stress would be perfect, and ideal, but it is sadly, impossible. What I have come to realize though is that while we cannot foresee the future, nor control how things turn out, we do have the capacity to determine what is worth worrying about, who we let in to our lives, how, and who we choose to spend our time with, and have some plan of sorts.

Becoming a mother has made me become more discerning and mindful of how I spend my time. And since I have become more intentional, I have found that happiness comes to me faster – albeit in a calmer way, it is constant, and at the end of the day, that is what we want – an uplifted spirit, and a good mood. Of course not every day is a good day, but we must not forget that we somewhat have the ability to control the stressors around us, in terms of what and who we will allow to affect us. At the end of the day, while we cannot control everything, we can control some things, and so why wouldn’t we?

One thing I have also come to realize in the midst of slow days and long weekends that give me time to reflect and introspect is that we must not ever undermine the effect of stress on ourselves. While stress itself is not a direct cause of sudden death, a plethora of studies have shown that extreme and/or chronic stress can have a severe impact on one’s body and organs functions overtime. So to say that stress does kill has truth behind it because it may not be considered a cause of death per se, but via a combination of factors, it can lead to physical strain (cardiovascular collapse, immune system suppression due to hormonal impact and unhealthy coping mechanisms being the most common) and eventual death (Mayo Clinic).

Lastly, faith. The older I get, the more I see the importance of faith in ones life. At my most helpless moments, and those times that render me speechless and can practically bring me to my knees, there is no other way to turn, but in prayer. It is, however, just as important to pray in times of triumphs to give thanks, and in the mundane as well. Prayer soothes the soul and gives an incomparable calm.

Just like that it is July. And just like that, comes the realization that we have the capability to control not everything, but what we can in our daily lives. Let us make the most out of the second half of the year. Let us maximize our moments, pray everyday, and listen – to those around us, and most especially to that voice within us. Let us live with meaning and intention. Let us put purpose at the forefront, and really ask ourselves: what is worth stressing over? And really, what truly matters?