Reconnecting: Finding Joy amid Challenges

Hello, dear Hivers!

My teammates and I recently decided to travel to Naga City, Cebu, to play volleyball. It had been quite a while since we last played because our teammates had become busy with work and other responsibilities. Life had been a bit hectic lately, and we felt that it was time to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy the sport we love.

Before heading to the volleyball court, we decided to take a little walk along the Naga City Boardwalk. The timing was perfect — the moon was big and bright that night, casting a soft, beautiful glow across the water. The cool breeze, and the peaceful atmosphere made everything feel calm and refreshing. We couldn’t resist taking a few pictures first before heading to the court. The view was simply stunning, and we wanted to capture that moment — the beauty of nature, the glow of the moon, and the joy of being there after such a long time.

After our mini photoshoot, we went straight to the volleyball court. Our original plan was to organize a “Play for a Cause” match and donate the proceeds to the victims of Super Typhoon Tino. However, since we weren’t able to prepare properly, we decided to just play for fun instead. There weren’t any other teams available at that time, so we played just out team mates enjoying the game and the moment.

Even though it wasn’t a formal match or a big event, it was still a meaningful experience. Sometimes, we don’t need grand plans or perfect situations to enjoy life. What truly matters is spending time with people who share the same passion and using that time to relieve stress and reconnect with ourselves. Playing volleyball again after such a long time reminded me how much I really missed the sport. It’s something that brings me joy and energy — something that allows me to forget my worries, even just for a while.

In life, we face many challenges and hardships — from natural calamities like typhoons to personal struggles and stress from work or family. These things can easily weigh us down if we let them. But it’s also important to find ways to stay positive and to keep our spirits alive. Having fun, smiling, and enjoying simple activities like playing volleyball or spending time with friends can do wonders for our mental and emotional well-being. We shouldn’t let the negative things happening around us consume us completely. Instead, we can choose to balance our lives by finding joy in small but meaningful moments.

That’s exactly what this trip to Naga reminded me of — that we need to live life with balance. Yes, we must care for others, especially those affected by tragedies like Super Typhoon Tino. But we also need to take care of ourselves. We cannot pour from an empty cup. If we are always stressed, tired, or emotionally drained, we won’t have the strength to help others or face our own challenges. Taking time to unwind, breathe, and do something we love isn’t selfish — it’s necessary.

Volleyball has always been my favorite sport since I was a child. Sadly, I wasn’t able to join tournaments or join a proper team back then because our family couldn’t afford the expenses. Every time there were contributions or team fees, I had to skip because money was tight. That’s why being able to play now, even just casually with friends, means so much to me. It’s like fulfilling a small part of a dream I once had. When I’m on the court, I feel free, confident, and genuinely happy. It’s more than just a game — it’s a reminder of who I am and what I love.

So even though that day in Naga wasn’t perfect — no big tournament, no cause-driven event, and no other teams to compete with — it turned out to be one of the most refreshing experiences I’ve had in a while. The laughter, the sound of the ball hitting the court, the moonlight over the sea, and the feeling of freedom — everything came together beautifully. It was a simple day, but it reminded me that joy doesn’t always come from grand achievements. Sometimes, happiness can be found in the simplest moments — a game, a walk, a shared smile, or the peace of a moonlit night.

Life may not always go the way we plan, but if we choose to see beauty in the small things and stay grateful, we’ll always find reasons to smile.

Thank you dear Hivers for taking the time to read. See you on my next blog.

"The more you feed your mind with positive thoughts, the more you can attract great things into your life.” — Roy T. Bennett