Dear Diary ng Kwarenta - January 1, 2026

 

January 1, 2026

To keep myself busy beyond daily routines and online work, I decided to start a diary—one that will last the whole year. A diary for a man in his 40s might sound funny to some, but this time, I truly want to document everything. I don’t know yet how I will keep up, but I’m grateful that, by the grace of the Lord, I’ve managed so far—despite my health not being in the best condition since early 2024.

So many things have happened, and this year I want to see clearly—the balance between blessings and hardships that life in 2026 may bring.

I started the morning of January 1 with hope—hope for healing. Breakfast was simple, just leftovers from Media Noche. I went on with my usual routine, doing what a heart patient can safely do: tending to new plants, cleaning the house, sweeping the floors, and washing the dishes. Our housemaid was on her rest days, spending time with her family, so I handled things myself.

The first day of 2026 went well. I still felt those familiar, strange sensations related to my heart condition—feelings that come and go—but I managed to keep my blood pressure and heart rate stable today, for which I am thankful.

I watched the ending of my favorite series, Stranger Things. Dinner was early, as always, at 6 PM. After that, I found a new kind of peace—praying the rosary before bed. I started praying the rosary daily during the second week of December, and it has slowly become part of my life.

January feels scary. In both 2024 and 2025, January was when I was rushed to the emergency room because of my heart. I pray with all my heart that it will not happen again this year.

Last night, I also thought about starting something creative: posting an Instagram story every day—my top 365 alternative and metal songs. I plan to share each song with its meaning. If I stay consistent, my IG stories will be busy this year too.

That’s it for January 1st.

Done and sealed.

Hoping and praying for healing.