The Goddess Within: Celebrating Self-Love and Joy

I was trying to sleep early today when the thought of cutting my bangs entered my mind. I got up, turned on the lights, and looked at myself in the mirror. God damn, I'm beautiful. I'm a walking piece of art.

I reflected on how the day went by. I went on a 50km bike ride, was the first customer at my favorite burger joint in Zambales, and while I was deep in thought about how I'd survive the scorching 11 a.m. heat, the clouds started to darken. I got home just a few minutes before a drizzle of rain began pouring in. I went for a magnesium fix in the ocean and was joined by two kids—a gay boy and a small little girl. The waves were crazy, but it didn't stop us from jumping off a boat that swayed with the waves, anchored just off the shore. They asked to play with sand and buried me in it, creating a huge pregnant belly on me while I lay there, my head in the clouds, with soft rain still accompanying us. We finally got the belly out and made a baby from sand.

We went back to the ocean to wash the sand off, and soon, we were joined by two more girls and a little boy I got to play Superman with. We turned the boat, swaying with the waves, into our playground. Ah, to be surrounded by such innocence.

I loved how the hour passed, filled with giggles and a moving imagination that relayed itself into play. Time felt expansive and effortless, like my mind and heart were in perfect harmony, lost in the simple joy of the moment. Living c’est la vie in its happiest form—no dramas, no traumas.

I'm glad I got to experience being a kid again.

Now, I’m not sure whether ovulation came early or if it's just pure self-love hitting, but judging by my never-combed hair and the glow I can't hide, I'm pretty sure the Gods are working in my favor—while the devils shake their heads at yet another failed attempt to reunite with me.

Happy International Women's Day, you walking goodness of a goddess. Let me remind you—the only person who needs to tell you you're beautiful is you.