NOT ALL JOKES ARE FUNNY

If you need a motivational message, this is for you.

While sitting in the corner of my room next to my window, watching raindrops fall from the sky, I only want to remember those times when I could not witness the goodness of others around me. I lived in an area where everyone was adept at criticizing others, and no one knew the difference between a joke and an insult. They used to call me "Pukol" and "Panot" because that is what they saw in my physical appearance It hurt me when they humiliated me; it broke my heart and made me cry. Every word of criticism they speak, I ask myself, "Did I do something wrong with them?" But I do not even believe I did because all I can do is be silent at all times.

I am well aware of my capabilities I am proficient in writing, have some skills in a specific field of sport, and have the potential to achieve academically. Is this not enough to persuade others to cease making fun of my physical appearance? Because I am pretty sure "Kung maganda lang ako, mamahalin niyo rin ako" is completely right. I deeply breathe when reminiscing about those times, and the raindrops make it seem a lot harder I was suddenly surprised to see our high school class picture hanging on my wall. I had previously witnessed those who had bullied and mocked me I recall being called "Panot" in several public places, and while I was embarrassed, I chose to ignore them to avoid conflict.

One day, my teacher had asked why I didn't interact with the class, and all I could reply was a simple smile. Out of nowhere, he asked me to take the floor and express my ideas on our topic and then on myself I was terrified of following his instructions since I knew my classmates would mock me. I moved slowly, my hooded jacket covering my fingers and head When I first began to speak, I stuttered and was void of any emotion

Yet, one thing was sure. I desperately wanted to cry at that time. "Not all jokes are funny," my teacher said, as I expected the students to make fun of me. That statement snapped my mind awake, and I continued speaking.

When I was ten years old, I was involved in a vehicle accident which has left me traumatized up to this moment. My parents died because of me, and this finger, which everyone refers to as "Pukol," was something my mother did solely to protect me from danger and save my life The class is in a state of truthful silence Isn't it funny? I asked I uncovered my head and removed my hood in an upset mood Yes, I am "Panot," and I am abruptly losing all of my hair due to alopecia. People with alopecia are likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders, and I am one of them. That was the last time I saw them making fun of me and laughing at me. I'm very definite it's because I spoke about myself.

The rain has stopped, and the sun is shining brightly. My mother asked, "What happened? Why are you crying?" I smiled back like I always do. She instantly took my hands and looked into my eyes, tears streaming down my cheeks, and murmured.

"You are lovely no matter who you are or what you look Consider this, without your "Pukol," you would not be a great writer or be able to produce good stories You won't be able to participate in your favorite sport if you don't have that "Pukol " And you won't be able to accomplish everything you have right now if you don't have that "Pukol." If others perceive something as a flaw, show them that they are wrong and that you are capable. Prove it to yourself, and don't let your anxieties get in the way. "

Because of the loud sound coming from my phone's alarm, I suddenly understand that I am merely daydreaming. The rain hasn't stopped falling, and my tears haven't stopped flowing. Thanks to my mother's words, I have learned to value myself as I turn my insecurities into assets I am attractive regardless of who I am or what I look like And I will show them that they are wrong because I am capable it is no longer a joke