Journey to a Healthy Living by Jonnalyn R. Paredes
As I walk through the path
A strong wind blows so fast.
Its powerful sound soothed my soul.
In a calm place that makes me whole.
On a mountain high, I found peace.
In every breath, I feel warm and blessed.
My safe haven, where my mind can rest
Visualize the stress and feel the breeze.
As I looked up at the sky and smiled with hope.
Away from family, I need to cope
To heal the wounds, I want to lose.
Seeking where the peace overflows
Loneliness affects my well-being.
I tried to recharge to carry on living.
I have gained strength as I keep on believing.
In finding the path to healthy well-being.
The path through this journey is not a play.
Sometimes I’m lost and wander all day.
Doubting myself, maybe I can’t find the way.
In the journey of discovering the light of healthy vitality
Acceptance and trust may work.
I surround myself with a positive network.
Stand with grace and continue life as long as I am in comfort.
And never be afraid to seek and offer support.
The journey to well-being isn’t easy.
Meditating, stretching I do it day by day.
My hardest choice has been made vigorously.
I start with courage for the sake of my family.
I cried out loud to release the pain.
I asked God, and He gave me a chance to regain
He showed me light and guided the uncertain.
And He shaped my life so I could never be the same again.
As the path was steep, I felt loved and better.
I reached the top, which makes me feel happier.
Its skies are bluer and clearer.
I smiled and sighed as I found peace of mind; that’s all that matters.
A strong wind blows so fast.
Its powerful sound soothed my soul.
In a calm place that makes me whole.
On a mountain high, I found peace.
In every breath, I feel warm and blessed.
My safe haven, where my mind can rest
Visualize the stress and feel the breeze.
As I looked up at the sky and smiled with hope.
Away from family, I need to cope
To heal the wounds, I want to lose.
Seeking where the peace overflows
Loneliness affects my well-being.
I tried to recharge to carry on living.
I have gained strength as I keep on believing.
In finding the path to healthy well-being.
The path through this journey is not a play.
Sometimes I’m lost and wander all day.
Doubting myself, maybe I can’t find the way.
In the journey of discovering the light of healthy vitality
Acceptance and trust may work.
I surround myself with a positive network.
Stand with grace and continue life as long as I am in comfort.
And never be afraid to seek and offer support.
The journey to well-being isn’t easy.
Meditating, stretching I do it day by day.
My hardest choice has been made vigorously.
I start with courage for the sake of my family.
I cried out loud to release the pain.
I asked God, and He gave me a chance to regain
He showed me light and guided the uncertain.
And He shaped my life so I could never be the same again.
As the path was steep, I felt loved and better.
I reached the top, which makes me feel happier.
Its skies are bluer and clearer.
I smiled and sighed as I found peace of mind; that’s all that matters.
I wrote this poem to say that having a healthy mind is a decision or action to take, whether you want to change to better or stay with what you are believing. It is a step toward dealing with the challenges. It’s worth it if you take the first step in changing your mindset to a healthy one. I practiced releasing negative energy in nature. I kept it a habit until this day, with my friends or alone. I took the courage, as I knew no one would help me if I didn’t take the difficult step of changing to achieve a healthy mind. I believe dealing with mental illness is a journey that’s difficult to control. We must maintain a balance between our work and our daily lives. So, as a domestic helper far away from my family, I need to be strong to live and achieve my dream. Through my supportive friends and practicing self-care, I conquered the stress that almost led me to give up. I surround myself with a positive network that lifts my spirit and gives me advice on my difficulties. And of course, with the grace of our Almighty Father, all things are possible.
About the artist: Hello, I’m Jonnalyn R. Paredes, a domestic helper in Hong Kong for nearly 8 years, from Leyte, Philippines. I spare my holidays to volunteer with NGOs, driven by a deep desire to make a positive impact. Poetry has been my lifelong refuge since my childhood, allowing me to express my thoughts and emotions through the beauty of words. I am passionate about continuous learning and strive to uplift loneliness and spread positivity through my actions and creativity.
Copyright © 2022. All Rights Reserved. Department of Social Work. The Chinese University of Hong Kong