THE PHILIPPINE LEADER
GOD SENT ANGELS
IN MY ONE YEAR TO LEAD Written by: Christopher M. Aquino President, JCI Daraga
Year 2020 has never been easy for us Hiraya
Presidents. I waited for this moment to arrive. It took me 8 years before I f inally said yes to
the presidency, but ended up my one year to lead with pain and f rustrations because of this pandemic that rocked our world. Back in March this year, I felt that my world fell apart and my dreams were shattered. Fitness taught me that when you are tired, take rest but never give up and remember why you started. When lockdown started, my anxiety kicked in at a very high level. I lost my enthusiasm and wanted to quit and tender my resignation. Everything changed when I attended the Midyear E-Academy and JCI Malaysia’s Sunduvan Midyear last June. Head Trainer Mennen Aracid and the rest of the training team sparked a light of clarity and hope in us. Personally, I was inspired to get up and pick up my battle armor again.
It’s been a long and winding journey but we f inally crossed the f inish line. The pandemic tore apart our plans and dreams in our one year to lead journey. But we picked up the pieces and walked back into the light, into the sunset of glory where our heart lies. My plans for this year never wholly came true but I still pushed with some of those, pushed with what we can still do. When I was at my lowest, I found not members, but f riends. I consider them my miracle. As we bid goodbye to our term, allow me to dedicate this article to them. I am grateful because they have faith in me when I lost it for myself. They got my back at all times, letting me see my strength and believing in my capacity. They never left me, never crossed my line, never went against me, and never stole a momentous moment that is meant for me. They allowed me to feel that I am the president, that they have sincerely worn my shoes, and felt deeply where I’m coming f rom. They have been faithful and loyal to me.
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