THIS PIECE was written 17 days ago, on December 30.
I can’t go into the details why this wasn’t published sooner.
Also, this piece could have been aborted — that is to say, could have never seen the light of day.
But no words go wasted with #ThePSN.
Once I get hold of an idea for writing, I just write it out to the finish.
And once written, I edit my work for publication.
So there!
***
At 53, that discipline is a very good thing.
Writing to the finish is a good exercise in the art of words and literature.
At 53, I feel I can write about almost anything.
And Panay News spoils me by deeming my works meritorious of space and printing.
***
Political opinions are not my strongest suit, but honesty is.
I prefer to write about matters of the heart, and the spirit.
I figured that if I keep to the intelligent reasoning, the truth will set me free.
And that my intended readers will find me.
***
Anyway, back to that day in December, after all the Christmas festivities, and before the rush of the New Year.
These, now, are my first words after a 24-hour moratorium on words spoken and written.
That’s right—I spent a day in silence and prayer.
In a general unplugging from my world of chitchats, social media posts, phone calls, video messaging, texting, sexting, and all the other incarnations of my passion for words.
***
I woke up in the morning before the children in the house started their off-from-school chaos.
I made coffee, and just sat in the kitchen table waiting for God’s leading.
Then, I made a little cardboard crown with the words: “I am not talking today.”
The kids were amused, and tried their best to break me.
But I showed them that a wordless day is possible.
That my resolve is stronger than their numerous pleading and whining.
***
Midday, I resisted the urge to read an old copy of “The Hours” which I picked up from a thrift store the day before.
I also didn’t stay in the living room because the kids were watching movies, and they have begged me to sit with them.
Instead, I stayed in the kitchen, cooked them everything they requested from fried chicken salami, eggs, corned beef, beef steak, chicken adobo, and basmati rice.
***
I washed the never ending dishes.
And I did the laundry.
I had several cups of tea during the day, and I also resisted solid food.
The food abstinence wasn’t in the plan, but I thought it was a good exercise after the unholy food preparations from Christmas Eve.
***
For 24 hours on December 29, I never spoke a word, and didn’t try to entertain myself.
Instead, I worked on household chores, and cooked for my nephews and niece.
I had lots of tea and coffee, but otherwise I was just prayerful, and unplugged from the noisy world.
***
I also avoided naps so as not to cheat on the exercise.
Thus, on December 30, I was ready with all my New Year’s resolutions, my prayers, and well-wishes.
I decided to write this piece to remind myself that unplugging from the chaos of the real world, and even from the more chaotic world of social media, is a most healthy thing a person can do.
***
Before the New Year’s may have been a perfect timing for it.
(You can’t argue with me because I reaped its benefits.)
But anytime in 2022 should also be good.
In fact, if we can do it several times before the May elections, maybe we can make saner political decisions.
***
Studies have shown how social media affects mental health negatively.
As a writer, I feel the pollution, and the toxicity of words in the Internet.
I know I can be guilty of it, too.
But because I take time to pause and reflect, I still believe that I am rather ahead of the game.
***
Being unplugged for a day affirmed for me my will power.
It is the proof I needed to be able to say that I am still in control.
That I still have the power to shut the world off (when necessary) to preserve my sanity.
In being silent, I become more aware of the power of my words.
And I know that this will serve me more in the future as I continue my journey of being the best writer I could be.
***
Sixteen years with Panay News is rather an impressive milestone.
I joined the country’s biggest regional newspaper in December 2005.
In September this year, I would have written for the Ilonggo newspapers for 22 years.
And because my stories are often of human interest (sex, romance, flirting, spirituality, bitching, and everything else that makes us laugh and cry), I’m still here.
With my integrity intact.
***
I’m not a paid publicist; and it is obvious that no one can afford me.
So when I say, “Go Leni!,” people take a pause, and think deeply—
A columnist with integrity endorsing a candidate with integrity?
***
Those who have followed me know that I may be a great humorist, but I am really a no-nonsense writer.
I can call the bluffs because I think, I pray, I experience things; and most importantly, because I myself can be dared!
I’m a daredevil with a most powerful will.
And that’s #ThePSN trademark./PN
