Nothing just happens

(This article was written by Hernan Villorente and was edited by Jess Caberte)

Man’s end is to attain true happiness. We pursue a college degree for we believe that it would give us a kind of happiness in life. But when we achieve this desire, we would seek for another end. Most probably, in this given situation, you will eventually wish to find a job so that you can receive monthly salary. You want to have money so that you can buy your needs and wants. You really feel that these things will give you happiness. That is very human. Then, granting that you already attained those ends, what will happen next is that you will realize that it is not the end of your list of things that would give you happiness. Sooner or later, you would desire to establish your own family because you think this would give you also happiness and the story continues. As you can observe, life is getting complicated as you continue your journey to searching true happiness.

               

 In our human life, we experience a series of ends. But the real question is, what is that end that would give us an ultimate happiness, a kind of happiness that will satisfy our seemingly infinite longings and reaching outs. I know that you know what I mean. In the process of searching for a true happiness, man encounters numerous trials and adventures in life. At times, they are motivating you but most of the times, they are putting you down. And for you to achieve your goals in life, you need to have courage to face realities. Sometimes, we are caught up in situations which we do not have any control. Yes, bad things happen. Shit happens! That is one of those day to day realities that you must be prepared of. Hence, your personal decision matters most.

               

 I was a former seminarian but now what remains in my previous identity is that I am still studying in a catholic tertiary school where majority of the students are seminarians. For a particular reason of which I do not want to reveal (at least I have a little sense of confidentiality), I was unfortunately sent out from the seminary. I knew how difficult it is to live outside the four corners of the formation house. My first few days in the secular world were the hardest moments I ever had. It seemed that I was an alien trying to fit myself in my new quite uncomfortable environment. I was filled with worries and sorrows. To be honest, I did not even know how to begin this new chapter of my life with all the worries and problems I had. I was not yet ready for this big challenge but what could I do? It was already done. Shit happened in me. Yes, I do have regrets but “blaming me” is not a good idea. That is just completely a waste of time and energy. I just need to be a man (though sometimes I wish to be a woman-just having a good time here). I thought I was alone in my loneliness, wandering and making familiar with the world that is still “unknown” for me. Until one day, someone told me: “Come on man. Just chillax!” (short for chill and relax) Such remark made me smile and, in some way, it gave me confidence and courage to go on.

                 

Another friend told me: “Play it cool.” He is suggesting me to just go with the reality and not be affected by my misfortune. For me, it is an assurance that no matter what happens, my true friends are always there willing to help and be with me in my failures. Jesus Christ, as my best friend, is always ready to pick me up every time I stumble. I am very sure of that and so I don’t have to worry. Life offers limitless possibilities and no one can predict what will happen next. Because of that unforgettable painful experience I have as a former seminarian (but still seminarian by heart), I was able to discover who my true friends are. I think that was a good consequence. Truly, “In misfortune, there is fortune,” as is well said by a Chinese sage.