Hi everyone! I hope you all had a great week. This will be very short, since it’s really more of an update than a wrap-up.
I’m sorry for being MIA—I haven’t been able to catch up with you guys or read at all this week, which I feel sad about since I’m almost always reading or chatting about books (or cats). This week, a lot of my time and headspace was taken up by conversations with my MA friends about the general feeling of anxiety, uncertainty, and anger over the terror bill, and what we can do about it as both citizens and psychologists. It’s been on our minds especially since the Philippines celebrated our 122nd Independence Day last June 12, which the President did not attend (for the fourth time in a row, but somehow his absence this year feels more ominous).
As of now, the terror bill is awaiting the signature of the President, but then he already strongly endorsed it to protect him from “his enemies”, so… we really don’t know what the outcome will be. I admit that I’m very anxious about it. Many innocent people were already victims of his war on drugs—I remember that this really hit me when a person from my university was hit by a “stray” bullet while walking home at night—and I can only imagine how much worse this bill will make the situation here.
With everything that’s happening, I’ll be going on a short hiatus (maybe around a week or two) to settle down emotionally and hopefully come up with some ideas or next steps. There’s been a lot of anger and distress here and in the US, but I hope we can all pull through.
Gil Reads Books 
Sending all the best your way Gil ❤ ❤ Your mental and emotional health is definitely a priority, especially during scary and turbulent times like these.
Thank you! 🥰
I’ll be thinking of you, Gil. If you want to talk, we can arrange a video chat. I have your email address and we can pick a time if you would like. 💙
❤️❤️❤️
Of course you should take some time off, there are more important things in life than blogging. I hope that the general situation in the Philippines improve at some point and in the meantime, it’s good that you at least have some people to talk to about your anxiety and concerns. All the best!
Thank you so much! 🙂
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I’m so sad to hear about this, but wishing you all the best and hope you start to feel better soon x
Thank you, Violet 🥰
Hi Gil – sending good wishes your way. Hopefully you stay safe, and your hiatus helps you sort through the difficult things. My thoughts are definitely with the Philippines, and the hope of a good outcome to all that’s happening. A lot going on everywhere in the world, breaks are necessary! xx
That’s true, it’s pretty overwhelming now in the world! Thank you, Rabeeah 🙂
I’m really sorry that this is an anxious time for you, Gil. Take care and I hope that the situation improves soon 🙂
While things have not improved, I think I have a better handle on my emotions now, which is the next best thing! Thank you, Stephen ☺️
Take all the time you need. I hope it’s exactly what you need for a mental break. I’m the praying type, so I hope you don’t mind if I say some for you and for the Philippines.
Thank you, Karissa 🙂
So sorry to hear that things are difficult right now, take care of yourself!
Thank you, Rose 🙂
Keeping you and the Philippines in thoughts and prayers, Gil. Stay safe and well!
Thanks, Emily! 🙂
Keeping you in my thoughts! hope everything is going okay in the Philippines, it sounds like a very troubling and stressful time. ❤
Thank you, Sarah! 🙂