Bullying became a hot topic in Norway today after a young teenager died of emaciation due to eating disorder that was primarily linked to anxiety from bullying at school. This was quite taboo in this Scandinavian country, given the nation is very keen on respecting socio-cultural differences and on protection against any form of discrimination. Discussions have been made on how to handle and prevent bullying and who takes the responsibility in these cases, whether the family, school or the State. Personally, I was not reacting in anyway as my mind says the concept is remote and almost impossible to happen in the Philippines. Perhaps, I was referring it to death, but not to bullying. However, after several days I was quite uneasy on the topic and further asked myself if I was ever bullied before and what it has caused me in the long-term basis. To my surprise, bullying was a crucial point in my childhood. My coping skills allowed me to hide in my consciousness what had happened...
In these challenging times when finding the right person to trust and to be with is hard, having a long-term relationship is significantly more difficult. Divorce rates are high throughout countries, which legally allows couples to do so. For those who are not even married, relationship does not simply last that long. Are there things needed for relationships to work? We have heard many stories about success and failure of long-term relationships, but there is a need to tackle this topic thoroughly. Firstly, let us define what long-term relationship is. The exact duration on when to consider a relationship long-term varies from one case to another. In this blog, we will be referring long-term relationship as a bond not dependent on time, rather depending on meeting essential conditions for it to exist. Since long-term relationships are not perfect, all these conditions may not be met but most of these must be achieved and fulfilled optimally. What are these, these are the fi...
Several times we see in TV drama series quarrels among main characters occur. We are entertained of the fact that inspite of these quarrels, a happy ending still awaits, regardless of how intense the confrontation is and what causes such. This gives us the impression that arguments in relationships are beneficial. However, is this completely fine? The answer lies on the number of separation and divorce that stems from a simple misunderstanding, which grew to more unresolved problems. The problem is not really how big the problem is, but how often we keep reminding ourselves of it. Here are some questions associated with quarrels we need to answer: Why does it occur? People are different in views, upbringing, attitude and level of understanding. This difference still creates a gap, in spite of the acceptance and decision to be in a relationship. No matter how affectionate people can be to another, there will always be an area or issue that could arise as the root cause of a m...
The world's largest collection of sculptures in a park is attracting one million people every year. The art pieces, which were made from bronze, granite and iron features the appreciation of the human spirit of Norway's most renowned sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Click the link below: http://vimeo.com/65900073 Visiting Vigelandsparken makes one realize things in life, inspired from the different sections of the park: the Main Gate, the Bridge, the Fountain, the Monolith and the Wheel of life. The main gate is very simple but elegant. It features a long pathway towards the main section of the park. It gives the visitor the feeling that life requires a pathway and direction where one should follow through. That direction is the person's purpose in his or her life, that will guide all his or her actions, no matter what situations the person will be experiencing and whoever the person will be meeting. The bridge is one of the most dramatic part of the park, which...
Living in Norway for over 2 years, I have often encountered questions about the languages I speak. I usually answered I speak Norwegian, English and two Filipino languages. Then, people start asking if the second Filipino language is a dialect of the other. Given my mother tongue is Cebuano, the second language referred, I abruptly debunk the misconcept that it is a mere dialect. My most common explanation is that all Filipinos speak the Filipino language, but those who only learn to speak Filipino have difficult time understanding or communicating with one speaking Cebuano. Throughout the span of my childhood, I got to grasp the political and cultural differences of Filipinos speaking Filipino language or Tagalog as referred by most, and those coming from the Southern Philippines speaking Cebuano. The language in itself has become the boundary between the two groups of people. Due to their innate differences, misunderstandings result, not because of mere language confusion, but of cu...
In the bustling streets of Japan, amidst the sea of polite bows and exquisite sushi, lies a cultural gem known as "Kinishinai." This seemingly simple word holds profound significance in Japanese society, encapsulating a mindset that is both endearing and peculiar. This is the focus of this blogpost. Kinishinai, loosely translated as "I don't mind" or "It's okay," embodies the spirit of acceptance and harmony deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. It's not merely a phrase but a way of life, reflecting a collective mindset of tolerance, flexibility, and humility. In Japanese social interactions, Kinishinai serves as a lubricant, smoothing over potential conflicts and fostering a sense of communal tranquility. Whether it's accommodating unexpected changes or graciously accepting imperfections, the philosophy of Kinishinai promotes a harmonious coexistence. Surprisingly, the essence of Kinishinai resonates beyond the shores of Japan,...
Being happy is one of the most elusive feeling one could have. People seem to search and aim for it, but only few people attain it. Quite strange but this leaves a question to all of us, "how do we become happy?" People all around the world do everything to be happy. Some travel from different places for them to feel something new, savoring every moment before those happy days are gone. People find new friends, hoping that they can provide the happiness they are longing for. Some turn to their addictions for them to escape from the sad realities of the world. Interestingly, there are people who are waiting for luck to do a sudden turn in their lives to be happy. Everyone needs to be happy. It is equated to wisdom and even self-actualization. Because of this, people perceive that happiness is a life-long journey that some people become successful, while most fail in their lifetime. Since happiness is equated to wisdom, it gives us the impression that happiness is a pr...
2014 was a year characterized by bold turns in my life. It was a year that I ventured out from my comfort zone. This was a year of humble achievements and hopes for a better 2015. New Plans Since my options were few at the start of the year, I adjusted my plans accordingly. It takes a courage heart to do so but as I gain more experience and resources, I reviewed my previous goals and set my personal objectives high again. There were times I doubted myself if I could achieve something, especially those which are out of my control. But at the end, I found no reason to get distracted such that presently I can say I have almost the same level of optimism with that before I came to Norway. New Jobs The year started with my own search of a new job. It was not easy and very frustrating. I was used to being ask to work before, rather than me finding work for me. It was nearly depressing but I coped well. I just need to accept that not everytime one can get what he or she wants. However, in...
Every year I look forward after Easter. This is because I usually plan to have my annual vacation during this time. This year is quite different in many ways and in meaning. There are many good reasons why I wanted to see my family again in the Philippines, and at the same time feel excited about traveling back to Norway thereafter, which for the first time I would be calling my primary home. Longest vacation so far. I had over three weeks this year. Significantly longer than last year. I used the time judiciously to be with my family and friends, at the same time travel outside and within the Philippines. Each day was unique. Generally, the vacation started busy, but ended very relaxed. Fortunately, the plan I drafted was implemented well and almost everything went smooth. It gave me the experience and learning I needed for my next travels. Most number of airplane rides . It was a total of twelve plane rides I took. (1) Oslo-Istanbul, (2) Istanbul-Manila, (3) Laoag-Mani...
As we grow older, our bodies and minds change in ways that can be both funny and annoying. Here are 10 signs that you are getting older. If you recognize some of them, welcome to the club! First, you may feel like a detective when you cannot find your glasses or phone. You look everywhere and later realize you were holding them the whole time. It feels like you have the power to make things disappear. Another sign is when your joints start making cracking sounds like an old wooden floor. You may make strange noises every time you sit down or stand up. It sounds like your body is making music that nobody enjoys. You may also notice that your memory is not as good as before. You might forget where your things were, what you ate for breakfast, or even someone’s name. It can feel like your memory only remembers embarrassing moments. Another sign of getting older is making references that younger people do not understand. You may talk about cassette tapes, rotary pho...
Comments
Post a Comment