by Ruiychi Rosh De Guzman
We live in a world that moves too fast, where we’re constantly expected to perform, to keep going, and to always be okay, even when we’re not. In a session with Br. Bobby Casingal FSC, we talked about journaling. Honestly, it felt like a much-needed pause that reminded me of an important truth: reflection isn’t just something nice to do—it’s something we need.
Before today, I always saw journaling as a simple task, just something teachers asked us to do or a way to write about what happened during the day. It felt more like a routine than a meaningful experience. But as Br. Bobby shared more about its purpose, I started to see it differently. It’s not just about recording events. It’s a way of checking in with myself, especially in times of confusion or when emotions feel heavy.
Journal writing helps me meet myself where I am, and that can be uncomfortable, especially when I don’t fully understand what I’m feeling. But it’s also where honesty begins. One thing I remember the most was the idea that emotions themselves aren’t bad. They only become overwhelming when we ignore them or push them aside. That made me reflect because I’ve done that more than once, thinking that staying quiet and appearing strong meant I was doing the right thing. But the more I bottle things up, the heavier they become. Journaling can be a space where I don’t have to perform or explain. I can simply be real, even about the things I can’t say out loud.
Another insight I appreciated was the encouragement to just write without analysis. I tend to overthink what I’m writing or try to make it sound a certain way. But in this session, I learned that writing doesn’t always have to make sense. Sometimes, the most healing thing is just to show up on the page, unfiltered. That’s when reflection becomes honest. That’s when growth begins—not by fixing everything, but by giving myself permission to feel.
What I valued most about the session was how it embraced the reality that life is messy. It’s not always organized or logical, and we shouldn’t expect ourselves to be either. Journaling doesn’t demand answers. It just asks us to be present, to listen, and to be honest with ourselves.
Yes, we may live in a world that moves too fast. But every now and then, it’s okay to slow down and listen—not to the noise around us, but to what’s been waiting inside, quietly asking to be heard.
Moving forward, I want to carry this session with me, not just as something personal, but as something I can share with others. As a student leader and a De La Salle Brother’s contact, I see the value of creating more moments like this, where reflection is encouraged and where honesty is welcomed. Journaling has shown me the power of slowing down, and I hope to make space for others to do the same. Because sometimes, the most meaningful kind of leadership starts not with answers, but with the courage to pause, reflect, and simply be real.
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