Tough

photography by Dekie,
digital manipulation by Sarrie

A tough person is one who helps instead of bullies. A tough person is one who kneels down to a child, one who hugs the needy, one who helps the meek and mild. A tough person is one who kneels down with his family in prayer, praying for others and for his own forgiveness when needed.

"If you're never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take any chances".

First love never dies. Tough love doesn't either. Everyday I give thanks for the tough love I received and the tough love I've been giving to myself every step of the way ever since. I am thankful for every tough lesson I received in the past and the courage to nurture a tough soul in the present.

I'm not a romantic person, I admit.
I don't perceive love as soft-spoken, whispering and tender. I perceive love as open, dedicated, truthful and free. It gives us a clear window to see the world in a true and genuine way.

It empowers us to dedicate our best efforts for the best interest of the world, our family and ourselves. It changes us to be truthful to any and all, including ourselves.

Above all, love frees us from any attachment to worldly comfort and tenderness, often being mistaken as the true and genuine love.

I describe myself as a tough person, while it doesn't necessarily mean that I'm rude or uncaring. I might be firm in my relationships with others and tough in achieving my goals, which might look rude and uncaring on the surface. This is understandable. Not many people understand the toughness of love and its graceful features.