GOD SENT ANGELS IN MY ONE YEAR TO LEAD

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 finally said yes to the presidency, but ended up my one year to lead with pain and frustrations 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 finally crossed the finish 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 friends. 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 from. They have been faithful and loyal to me.

Sean Niño F. Imperial, for being one call away and for shadowing me from day one until before the hard lockdown, thank you.

Director Arianne Julise A. Rosauro, for catching me whenever I fall. For giving me the respect that I deserve and letting others see it that way.

Carwyn A. Pinto and EVP Vannessa Rose M. Agripa, for being my constant ears when I felt like I cannot hold the glass anymore. Thank you for always having my back and letting me feel my worth as a leader.

Pres. Daphne Aimee M. Lotivio, for sharing unsolicited advice. Mentoring me and for always bringing out the best in me. For those times I did not know who to run to in times of trouble, you were there. Lastly, Bobby Llaneta and Gladys Corral, I owe you a lot. Thank you for making your photo studio this year’s chapter headquarters. For all the sacrifices you made just to support every endeavor I have, thank you. Moreover, for always being with me, ready to rescue me, thank you. I can never forget the ideas we all shared and the common creative juices we had.

You are all the answers to my prayers, you are all my angels. I thank God for sending you all to me as my army. I’ll be forever grateful. You gave colors to those grey days.

It wasn’t a great one year to lead journey because of these unexpected crumpling events, but it was a great journey with you. Rest assured, I will cherish those moments we had. Mabalos.

“YOU ARE ALL THE ANSWERS TO MY PRAYERS, YOU ARE ALL MY ANGELS. I THANK GOD FOR SENDING YOU ALL TO ME AS MY ARMY. I’LL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL. YOU GAVE COLORS TO THOSE GREY DAYS.”