#pov small.

Among all the pains that shaped me, being small was one of those.

I remember how as a kid, I was always teased hurt about my height—from the usual ‘pandak’ remarks, to the unnecessary comparisons with other children (cousins, classmates,..) like there was always a competition.

At one point, I felt so bad it all piled up and I told myself, “I’m done with all these”. I went to a hospital and asked the front desk/information which doctor I should consult because I needed to have my height checked. They laughed and asked “Bakit? ‘Di ka naman sobrang liit ah.” I was almost in high school then.

I ended up aiming to always do well in every task I was given, because I wanted my achievements to overshadow the “defect” everyone kept highlighting I had. And while I’m thankful for the journey I had to go through, I hope people become more conscious—especially in this lifetime—that words can build or break. Luckily, I pulled myself up every time. But what if it did me the opposite?

Looking back, I didn’t realize then that being “tiny” was apparently something people could tease you about. I actually loved myself! How I could fit into tinier places (which was by the way a superpower in hide and seek); how I could finish obstacle courses faster cause I was light and small; how I could squeeze comfortably between the driver and passenger seat so I could be close to Mama and Papa whenever we’d go out. The negative perception of other people eventually took that love away from the young me, but I know so much better now.

As timely as this phrase gets, it is true— be kinder. I hope we get to be the type that co-exist, agree to our differences, and constantly remind each other that we are all beautifully made. Yes, you!