This is my entry for Hayup Ka! (You’re an Animal!) Writing Contest by Sir 
If I were an animal, I’d probably be a turtle. I’ve been carrying my shelter since I realized that life in the outside can be cruel. Not literally, but I’ve been carrying an invisible shield to protect myself from all forms of harm, may it be physical, mental, or emotional harm. I have ways of filtering and processing every situation before they can actually affect or influence me. And that, I think, what makes me unique.
Just like a turtle, I’m wisely skeptical. I tend to be too cautious in my actions because I think I’m not strong and fast enough which makes me unsure on how to face every situation. Tough as the turtle’s shell I’m on the outside, vulnerable and weak I’m on the inside. And this makes me more careful in everything I do for fear of getting hurt.
I am grateful that I have the ability to carry an invisible shelter that can protect me from external dangers, but that alone doesn’t make such shelter a home. As I wander from one place to another, I wonder where home truly is. I came to realize that home is not actually a building or a structure but it is in the arms of the people who truly know, accept, and love me despite my imperfections.
The turtle shell’s prime purpose is protection from the external physical harm. But is it really from physical dangers that I am in great need of protection? Mother Teresa nailed it when she said that “The greatest disease today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for.” I could not agree more for it is not physical pains that I’m most afraid of, it is being alone, hopeless, and being in despair which only love can cure. With that being said, I long for love and acceptance to protect me from this cruel world.
I am a teacher but most of the time I learn. I always remind myself that I am a work in progress. The famous fable about the rabbit and turtle teaches us that success is not about who is faster, it is about who is consistent. As for me, success is not about who succeeded first, it is about who made it through until the end no matter how slow and rough the journey may be.
Overall, I found home not in the shelter that I carry nor in the success that I achieved, but in the security that love provides me.
——————————————————————————
IMAGE SOURCE:
http://izquotes.com/quote/183492
https://pixabay.com/en/beach-ocean-sand-sea-seascape-1868471/
https://www.shopdisney.com/baby-sea-turtle-plush-moana-disney-animators-collection-mini-bean-bag-9-1427235
——————————————————————————
