Healthcare Frontliner's Fight and Flight

We are all in this together, fighting an invisible enemy. Our shared vulnerability and uncertainty have caused us to feel fear and panic, a natural response to such a global crisis.

The COVID-19 pandemic is something to be scared of. While we are being optimistic in general, it still doesn't remove the anxiety we experience. It is spreading faster, and many people are getting infected and dying daily.

The young and the old, celebrities and ordinary people, the rich and the poor suffer. No one seems spared. We are affected physically, mentally, socially, politically, and economically.

Our physical movement is restricted due to isolation and the government's strict home quarantine directive, which is causing discomfort, irritability, confusion, and anger. The Government assures its people of food relief and financial aid to those affected by the community lockdown. 

Some people are anxious about their financial instability, thinking about how they will survive the crisis. The ripple of untoward effects and the worst-case scenario are evident. 

For the general public, one thing being told to follow is to 'stay at home to prevent getting infected. This is already a heroic act that we can contribute to the epidemic to be contained.

Some people may not be able to fully understand the call for home quarantine and physical or social distancing protocol. The reason why our medical frontliners are calling our attention with the message 'I stay at work for you, please stay at home for us' seems like a straightforward message, but with a heartfelt plea to us.

Some of us may defy that simple yet meaningful message of our Healthcare frontliners, which is why we lost some of them. They keep on fighting for our precious lives and, more so, the lives of those under their care already. They are risking their lives whenever they treat a positive COVID-19 patient.

Several doctors globally have passed away while doing the heroic act of saving lives. Although they are already exhausted and stressed, more nurses and hospital personnel are not giving up. They keep fighting and having the will to live to protect us and save as many lives as possible.

In 2016, I had the opportunity to serve the frontline health workers of 'The Medical City Iloilo,' where I managed the frontliners in several units like Patient Education, Information, and Customer Service. I have worked with Doctors, Nurses, and Non-medical support staff regarding Patient Partnership Experience.

I am grateful for the opportunity to impart "Transforming Patient Partnership" with the Clinical Supervisors and Head Nurses of Medical City Iloilo. As the healthcare institution moves forward, we have aimed to develop high-performing teams capable of working in highly challenging situations.

We also strengthened our Patient Partnership intervention through Effective Communications in Healthcare, Personal Development in Healthcare, Stress Management Program, and Conflict Resolution and Management Program, which are essential in delivering frontline healthcare services.

As a nurse myself, I have experienced a stressful environment in a healthcare setting. Thus, I imparted programs that I believed would help with day-to-day operations and, whenever needed, in times of future crisis.

The medical frontliners globally are well-trained to handle difficult situations, even during health crises like the pandemic. They are equipped with the essential gears of knowledge, skills, and wisdom. They are ready for the battle anytime they are tested or challenged.

They are put on the frontline not because they have to, but because they choose to. They are the bravest, with the most willpower, and they are ready to make the ultimate sacrifice in service for us.

The medical frontliners are our modern-day heroes. In this health crisis, they defend us all against unseen invaders. They fight for our survival, and they die for us to live. That's the most heroic deed they can do for us. 

We honor and salute our medical frontliners for their utmost dedication and service. They are not just fighting for us, they are fighting for their own survival too. They deserve to live their best life, just like us. Let's protect them by doing our share. Let's help them stay and live. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

You Are Not Alone

Wherever you are right now, you may need help! Just like the billion people on Earth who are quarantined at home. It may be the worst feeling ever. You are restricted and controlled. You can't travel at a far distance, and you have to follow a certain social distance.

People are getting anxious and may start losing their sanity at a certain point. Boredom kills, and uncertainty is getting into their consciousness. What's happening? Who's the enemy? When will this suffering end?

You are not alone! We are all in this together. Your inconvenience and suffering are also what I am experiencing. We are united in this fight against the unseen forces that are a global threat to our health and well-being. Our shared experience binds us, making us stronger in the face of adversity.

How are we going to survive this battle? Yes! This is a matter of survival skills. Either we continue to live, or we die! That's our reality at this moment of crisis.

This Soulful Sunday, I got some energy from a sun salutation exercise. I needed some stretching and sun exposure to boost my vitality and immunity. That's my latest craze just before the beginning of the home quarantine period. And then it's true that we get energy from a distance, a more powerful source.

Contemplating from our backyard at the farmhouse, I glimpse the uncertain future. Despite the present-day darkness, the future is brighter.

I realized that we can sometimes be socially distant but never feel alone or lonely. We are still emotionally and mentally connected to our loved ones, community, country, and world.

Our individual and personal suffering is also the suffering of our entire family. The sorrow of families is also the sorrow of the entire community. The morale of communities is also the morale of the country. And the downfall of nations is also the downfall of the world.

We are all connected in spirit, and we are what we think and feel. However, one thing that can set us apart is our way of thinking and our mindset. Some may think of suffering, while others may think of opportunities. It's now about suffering versus surviving. Or we survived our battle and hell.

And this, too, shall pass. This will end. And when the time comes for us to survive this life threat, we will live well in the Glory of God - our Saviour whom we prayed for.

As I lay down on the hammock, I realized that you and I are not alone! We are not alone because we continue fighting to live and defeat the unseen. In this struggle, we will learn valuable lessons about victory and defeat. We will rise up, stronger and wiser, ready to embrace life with a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.

You are not alone because you will realize that you have a family who loves you. You are not alone because you belong in a community that shows care and concern. You are not alone because you are part of a country of strong-willed people. And you are not alone because you are a resident of a global community of freedom fighters. We stand together, a united front against the challenges we face.

We are the fighters, and we are the world. We keep on believing, surviving, and living.

© 2020 Del Cusay

When Faith is Bigger Than Our Fears

Fear can be defeated when there's a light from within. When we are suffering in this time of global health crisis,

we can learn to fight back stronger and live healthier.

In these times of brutal challenge, we are called to remain calm and still. It may seem difficult, but we can always tune in to the Highest Divine power—the life-giver, to find our center and regain control.

Our Soulful Sunday moments are a reminder of the Divine love and light that surrounds us. In times of anxiety and uncertainty, we can feel this warmth wrap around our bodies and souls, providing us with the comfort that someone greater is in control of our being and fate.

Whatever is happening in today's world is part of a Divine plan. Whatever we give in this world is what comes back to us. When we give suffering to others, we might experience even the worst kind of suffering. Hence, when we give love, it begets love and understanding.

The global health threat creates fear, resulting in the hoarding of food and stuff. It causes massive chaos between nations, misunderstandings, blame games, and discrimination. 

The hysteria is absolute. But the world isn't new to this pandemic. We may only be more critical, cautious, and alert than ever before, and that's a positive sign of a changing time.

But amidst these untoward events, the antidote is to have unwavering faith and not succumb to fear. We must believe in our resilience and our ability to overcome this battle, and not let fear cloud our judgment.

God's will is absolute, as humans have the choice: the will to be healed or the will to survive. This means that [insert explanation of 'God's will' here]. So, if things are within our control, we must also have faith in something beyond our control. 

Be fearless and have faith. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

Transfiguration in the Eyes of A Child

The child grows fast from birth to toddler, from the time they open their eyes until they start walking alone. This physical transformation delights us. A child was born and is yet to live a great life. 

This past Sunday, a day we often refer to as 'Soulful Sunday, 'we had a wonderful time at the farm. We brought our little one to explore a new world, just as we had done on New Year's Day, 2020, when he was just learning to walk. This Sunday also marked the second Sunday of Lent, a time of reflection and spiritual growth in the Christian tradition.

On New Year's Day 2020, when he was one year and one month old, we saw his curiosity to explore his environment. Although he couldn't speak or express his joyfulness, it could be seen in his smiles and actions.

At 13 months, he can walk by himself and is very playful. He can show different emotions. He laughs when feeling happy and cries when feeling uncomfortable.

A child lives in a different world, within our own but seen through a unique lens. They have the remarkable ability to influence our emotions. A child's laughter can brighten our day when we don't feel like smiling. When we feel tired, a child's energy can lift us up. Their powerful energy can transform our moods and emotions, showing us a different side of the world.

There are times when we may feel we've had enough, yet a child can find happiness and excitement in the simplest of things. We may feel weary or bored with our routine, but a child's endless curiosity and resilience can bring a sense of rejuvenation and hope. A child's journey of learning, falling, getting up, and smiling again is a testament to their endless fun and resilience.

This second Sunday of Lent discusses Jesus's transfiguration at Mount Tabor, which was witnessed by his chosen Disciples. Jesus transformed into a bright human being just before the disciples' eyes.

Here on Earth, our God may manifest in many ways through lavish living and even suffering. However, we may become blind in our faith and not see the bright side of life.

Unlike us, children see the world with a depth and gratitude that we often overlook. They remind us to appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. A child's perspective can be a source of enlightenment, teaching us to see the world with a profound sense of gratitude.

 Our Quest for Personal Transfiguration begins as we emulate the innocence of a little child, giving us a radiant glow as we live life with happiness, joy, and peace.

When we no longer see ourselves shining so brightly, we can find inspiration in a child's innocence and joy. In their eyes, we can see a reflection of Jesus's transfiguration, a reminder of the hope and potential for renewal that comes with learning to see the world through a child's eyes.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Quantum Leap of Faith in the Summit

You didn't believe it until a leap of faith brought you to where you are; your present life. Your current state doesn't define your whole life, and your pause is like a slingshot ready to launch you to what you have imagined. Embracing change is the key to unlocking your potential and staying motivated on this journey of self-discovery.

Timeless energy is more than a fantasy; it drives our personal growth and transformation. It is just like our state of consciousness that creates our reality. And so if you believe that thoughts are energy, whatever you think, you become - - the becoming of who you are or who I am.

What makes this year special is another leap to complete the cycle. Another day is added to make it whole. And that's the essence of a leap year; to wait for the right time to make it full and complete.

We are once incomplete or broken at some point in our existence. And it took us days, months, and years to finally fix or fill in what was missing.

When we have found an answer to 'Who am I?', we dare to take a quantum leap of faith. This leap is not just a step forward but a significant, transformative change in our lives. We move forward and ask, ' What's next?' What is waiting for us that needs to be unveiled? 

Who is the person of our dreams? What kind of life lies ahead? What does the future bring? These are tough questions we must uncover, not instantly but intuitively. Our intuition, a powerful guide, helps us navigate these questions that come to our higher consciousness.

The quantum leap of faith is like a leap year. Just as a leap year adds an extra day to our calendar, this leap of faith adds an extra opportunity for growth and change in our lives. We believe that time will heal and, in time, will make us complete. We could wait for years for someone to come along. That's a new beginning. A new milestone to move on.

© 2020 Del Cusay