Jaycee Angeline C.

Lorenzo Block 19-BS Physical Therapy Insight paper

September 2, 2013 Psych10-TFD

Living in the busy streets of Makati, I had my fair share of instances where I crossed paths with children residing on streets. Whether it be beggars, rascals, and yes, the occasional experience with snatchers, the incidents were both terrifying and eye opening. Having lost three phones already, two of which involving the aid of a street person, my conditioned response was to be irritated with myself and be cautious around all beggars in general. But the occurrence having happened at least two years ago, gave me enough time and wisdom to see through the scroungers tough exterior and into the reality of their experienced peril. Possessing newfound knowledge, I can convey that the factors which affect their behaviour and ways of living are: the environment, genes, possible mental illnesses, the influence of society, oppression of necessary things such as food, shelter, etc. and their decisions in life. Although I am not a deprived beggaras I was brought up with my basic needs tended tothere are occurrences where I find myself acting like one. The urge to take the easy path and thwart people than to build experiences with unwanted destitute sometimes overwhelms me. This then precedes my desire to blame external aspects with my misfortunes than to accept the reality that I was at fault. Yes, there is a probability that outside factors were involved like say, stress from the environment, but deep down, I am aware that is a just one side of the mirror. There are instances that I am deeply in self-pity that I could not search it within myself to return to the main problem. To think of yourself highly in times of struggle is oddly comforting, but it will not get you anywhere. Just like Berto, we must find our own Brother Jerry and Casa Miani to guide us back to the right path. But to do so is just the beginning, forgetting the conflict will just solve it temporarily. We need to find it in ourselves to release the anger and frustration to see clearly, to welcome the blocked out positive thoughts. Just like studying for an exam, there comes a time when stress has been consuming you and your focus wavers, leaving you frustrated and annoyed that you cant remember the paragraph you have been reading for the past hour or so, relaxing you mind and thinking of other things will actually cleanse your being. We should learn to accept our reality and focus on the now rather than to let the past affect us or let the future overwhelm us. By doing so, we find refuge to our broken dreams and hopefully, get another chance at it.