When I grew up in Salinas, Pilipinos were the minorities amongst the growing number of Mexican people. Salinas was, at that time, predominantly white with a fast-growing Mexican population. There were very few of us at that time. When Pilipino kids did get together, we hardly talked about home, we only talked about what other "normal" kids talked about which was playing, the latest toys, the new bikes and candy. As a matter of fact, Pilipinos were taught to keep "our dirty laundry" at home where it belongs.
Now, I realize, the more I fought and hid who I was, who I am - the more rebellious I became and the more outrageous my acts were (I abused drugs, sex, etc.) I grew to hate myself because I wasn't "light enough, tall enough or smart enough." I had high expectations of myself, yet I had low self-esteem. Over time, I realized that self-love is needed in order to value oneself. Self-love that isn't taught at home but taught and learned later on in life when escapism no longer provided the band-aid to cover the wounds of self-hate. It's been quite a journey - working on this relationship on myself and falling in love with myself. I've long accepted myself, fallen in and out of love with myself, laughed at me and continue to do so. But it's all worth it. So, when you have a chance - please read the article, it too is worthwhile.
Happy New Year and I bid you all love, light and compassion.
~Maria