Thriving and Towering

Sofia Massini

Towering at five foot nine and being a nationality where women weren’t of tall physique, life for me became quite interesting given the circumstances. Ever since my growth spurt, I came to realize how my height was a blessing in disguise and a curse at the same time. It was a blessing in a way that I received a lot of appreciation and opportunities that were given only to those of similar stature as me such as modeling and pageantry. It was also a curse because whenever I mounted public transportations here, I’d usually bump my head, or my legs were too long to be able to sit down comfortably. My height was also a factor in me having a hard time looking for a partner because of the stereotype that men have to be taller than you in a relationship. But just like the 16th tarot card, the Tower, I’m not just any solid structure that would be easily brought down by one bolt of lightning. It takes so much more than that.

It all started during the year when COVID started. As we all know, change is constant and inevitable, but at that time I seemed to be stagnating in a situation where all I did was eat, sleep, and watch movies and series because of the lockdown. Everything changed when my ex arrived in my life. As much as I would not like to revolve this story around him, he did play a big role in my fall and rise like the Tower, whether it be upright or reversed.

When I met him, I was head over heels in love with him. Our relationship was smooth sailing to the point that we were ready to settle down and have a family of our own. And with that love, my son was borne. Little did I know that those were all ambitions and goals made on false premises. I expected the unexpected while I was carrying my child because I was thinking that we would be happy, but it was suddenly chaotic. The next events that followed shook my core affecting me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I thought I was safe, I thought I was comfortable—but little did I know that what I was experiencing was already a Tower moment. Like the Tower’s illustration, this signified the lightning bolt of clarity and insight cutting through the lies and illusions that I have been believing. Once the truth came out and I had to accept the reality of things, my world came crashing down on me in ways I could have never imagined.

Once the truth came out and I had to accept the reality of things, my world came crashing down on me in ways I could have never imagined. I and my ex had a legal fight that’s still happening now at present, but compared to when it started when everything selfdestructed, everything is now rebuilding as of writing.

A year ago, I surrendered to destruction and chaos even if it was unwanted and painful, but if I didn’t surrender, I wouldn’t have grown and made my soul evolve. I believe that I have grown stronger, wiser, and more resilient because of what I went through. I wasn’t prepared for the abrupt change that happened which was unavoidable, disastrous, and life-altering, but even so, I survived and am continuing to thrive. And so should you— should any obstacle come into your life.