The Himalayas: The Majestic Backdrop For Border Tensions Between China And India
Considered as one of the world's longest land borders between countries, the border between China and India stretches for more than 3,440km (2,100 miles) long.  And although, it consists of more than a single section, the main section, Line of Actual Control (LAC) lies in the Kashmir region which has been disputed by both parties for decades. Both have continually accused the other of overstepping the LAC and recently, tension rose last month, as India accused Chinese soldiers with armoured vehicles and heavy machinery advancing into the Ladakh region. This may be China's response to the extensive building of infrastructure of India on its border. Although both countries have not reportedly resorted to any firepower since the bloody battle of 1962, their tactics turned to an all-out media war, with rivalling propaganda fuelled by their own strategic goals.
As the conflict reignites, a standoff between troops deployed in the area became apparent in May. In fact, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the nation's top military chiefs as well as their national security adviser, Ajit Doval for ‘bolstering India’s military preparedness to deal with external security challenges’. With which the Chinese foreign ministry contradicts this by saying, ‘At present, the situation along the border between China and India is generally stable and controllable’. Both state media highlights their country's capabilities to respond to any and all threats with the Chinese media outlets broadcasting footage of the People's Liberation Army manoeuvres in the region. Such approach was met by an aggressive tone of the Home Affairs Minister of India, Amit Shah, expressing, ‘any intrusion into the borders of India will be punished.’
Nevertheless, the long-running dispute may start to come to a resolution as the two countries met on Sunday, June 07, and have agreed to peacefully resolve the border conflict. Military leaders from both countries convened in a ‘cordial and positive atmosphere’ and subsequently stating that both countries agreed to ‘continue military and diplomatic engagements to ensure peace and tranquillity’ in the border. Whether this peace treaty will hold up in the long run, will be any one's guess. 

Trump's Re-election Amid The Pandemic and Clamour For Racial Equality
In about 5 months from now, the citizens of the United States will be once again voting for their next president. Campaigns are slowly rolling out in spite of the pandemic that grips the nation. In fact, primaries have commenced, albeit in disarray. Voting procedures shifted from conventional to a majority of absentee or mail-in votes, which generally do take more time to receive, tabulate and declared. Voters were urged to cast their ballots by mail to avoid crowding in polling stations and reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. However, electoral officials found difficulty in enforcing Covid-19 precautionary measures since there was a shortage of election workers due to concerns of the virus spreading.
In addition to this, another crisis is afoot since the death of George Floyd. Floyd, an African American who died while in police custody.  His arrest and possible cause of death were immortalized in video where he was laying on the ground with an officer taking a knee to his neck while he pleads, ‘I can't breathe.’ This garnered international attention and urged forth the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Peaceful protests have occupied streets for two weeks now with some turning into violent riots and looting.
Trump publicly berated governors for their inability to control such chaos and have threatened to activate military personnel to such areas if the case need be. Critics, in turn, point out that Trump's inability to address the real issue of racial discrimination and equality is causing more divergence across the nation. This has also been the case in his approach of the pandemic that took more than 113, 125 related deaths. His constant downplay of the current health crisis and inaccurate medical advice for citizens fail to contain and abate the virus. Critics believe that current national health and social crisis falls on deaf ears.  Trump's re-election may very well be in danger. Nevertheless, Donald Trump is raring to get back on the campaign with rallies already planned out by his advisors. On the other hand, Joe Biden, a forefront rival of Trump has taken the turn of events as a springboard for his campaign. Whether or not, Trump's re-election proves to be successful, US citizens have the power to seal his fate this coming November.

Cheating Spouse [part2]

Why do cheaters cheat? Psychologists atone most cheaters have an underlying reason rather than the superficial satisfaction of the flesh. Instead of focusing on what is the problem within the marriage, the look for somethings to replace that void. In truth, it is not replaced but rather concealed beneath it. When this issue is not addressed, they are prone to repeat the offense. No relationship can work if only one would be fighting for it. Both must make efforts to work on the problems.

Realize your faults.
People tend to overlook their own faults when others have done us wrong. However, realizing your own faults helps you understand your partner's perspective.

Take responsibility for your actions.
Cheater or not, both should take responsibility for every action that affected people around you. After all, you yourself did this. Cheating is a choice. So is staying faithful.

Do not blame each other.
It would only add to each your grievances. People make mistakes but that does not give us the right to rub it in their noses all the time.

Be honest and choose.
You've got to admit, lying is easier right? Especially if the truth would be hurting somebody. But it is inevitable. You should be honest of what path you're going to take. Are you gonna make amends and fight for the relationship? Are you letting go of what you have? Or are still confused on what you want? Be honest even if it hurts. It is all you can give anyway.

Give respect to their space.
Sometimes when we are hurt, we need to have time for ourselves. Also, when we are angry we lash out, say things we regret. Let them. They need to process everything in their own way. However, make your love and affection evident too.

It will be extremely difficult. You'd have good days. Ones that are filled with love as if nothing has changed. You'd also have bad days wherein you'll remember all the hurt and the betrayal. Forgiving is easy. Forgetting is a different matter. Nonetheless, if you have been cheated on, remember that you cannot control your partner's actions and decisions but you can control yours.

Cheating Spouse [part1]

Just recently, a friend of mine came running to me crying. She had accidentally found out that her husband was cheating on her. She was blindsided! She had the perfect life. A stay at home wife with three kids, never had she thought that he would do such a thing, not even an inkling.She wanted to leave him but she had no job. No work experience. And three kids to take care of her. She had given up her dreams because she had thought that her marriage and children were all she needed.

So let's stop for a second. Was the affair confirmed? Have you confronted your husband? Did you come to a conclusion if you're staying or not? You cannot rush into a decision when emotions tend to over rule you. However, you must create a space for you. Thinking things over would help you focus on reality than on your feelings. You must face your own feelings but do not dwell on them too long. When you do, it would overpower you. That's when you'd do something you regret.

Mind you not every couple can survive this kind of crisis in their marriage. Not everyone is meant to. I am not saying every cheater should be forgiven and taken back but other marriages can surpass this. Some people do not have the strength to survive the hurt that cheating has cost their lives. Some lose their hearts in anger. Some do not even try. But should you?

What Defines You?

When I was a kid, my mother used to tote me around wherever she goes. We always run into one or two friends of my mother and they would always ask, "Is this your daughter? All grown up eh..yada..yada..yada.."  At school, teachers would oftentimes compare me with my sister who was a straight A student. I actually, did not make anything of it. When you're young, you do what you do. A job was just a job. Pocket money was all that mattered not savings. I thought I did good. I got married, had a happy relationship. I thought I got life figured out.

As the years went by, I noticed that whenever I see friends of ours down the street, they would always ask " Where's your husband? How is he?" It may be an innocent statement but I felt like they just know me as " my husband's wife" not me me. I felt lost. I began to think of what really defines me.

If I took out everything, my family, my husband, my job, what am I? Who am I? Am I always gonna be my mother's daughter? sister's sister? husband's wife? When you strip yourself of those, do you know who you are? It does not necessarily mean you do not value those. Yes, they are a part of you but not the core of you. You are who you are with or without them. That's when I met me.

It wasn't easy looking for me. I had journeyed half my life and realized, I am nowhere close to meeting who I was. I did not even know I should be looking for me! I used to think I knew everything. That I have lived enough to know what I needed to know. How wrong I was!

I started to think back on who I was. What made me what I am today. The changes I went through to be who I am today. These kept rolling in my head. Then I became more aware of what makes me laugh, what makes me cry or what makes me angry. I looked back on my life and tried to recollect what is my biggest achievement in life. I realized, I never gave me any importance.

When I met me, it was like being washed clean. It was like another breath of fresh air. I knew I had to do things for me once in a while. Obligations and responsibilities are always gonna be there but now I know that if I do not give me a moment, I cannot give life a moment too.

How to Fight when you have Nothing to fight for

People who seemed to have lost what means the most to them often succumb to despair. It is only natural that we grieve about the loss. Whether it may be a loss of a loved one, failure of a relationship or loss of career path, it all boils down to a loss of identity. The very feeling of the absence of it, creates a hole within us. Like a part of us has died. The truth is the more we value something, the more it becomes a part of us. Now when it is gone, we are completely lost.

Not everyone reacts the same when this happens. Experts say, crying helps alleviate the pain. That may be true but sometimes it is not the first coping mechanism people do. Most people deny the loss. When the pain becomes unbearable, oftentimes we shove it down. People resort to this because it helps them function in reality. They know that if they focus much on the pain, they would just stop as if the world did too. Others bounce back easily but what if you can't?

Imagine losing your job, your house, spouse or children? How will you continue with you life when you are suddenly at a loss? How to fight when you have nothing to fight for?

Cry, Grieve or be Angry
For pete's sake cry if you have to! Be angry if you feel the need! Grieve for what it's worth. But do not cry too long or be consumed with anger. Must we not allow ourselves to grieve? Grieve but do not prolong the sadness. Everybody needs to feel what we need to feel. It helps us move toward acceptance of the loss. Have the time to remember what you lost but also remember what you still have.

What Awaits You
Remembering what you lost is nothing compared to remembering what awaits you still. Look beyond the loss. What still remains? Do you have your health?friends?other opportunities? Every cloud has a silver lining. It is all in how we perceive reality. When despair creeps in, look what others don't have. There are many homeless people who don't have what you have. Even rich people could envy what you already possess. Just look beyond the loss.

One Step at a Time
No one ever said it would be easy. Recovering from a loss is difficult to say the least. Hell, it could almost bring you to your knees. But so what? Would you rather have nothing or strive to achieve something? You do not have to make big changes to know that you are moving forward. Little changes like you cry less than you used to or talking about the loss to others is a good start. Just don't stand still. You'd end up buried in the loss if you don't take the steps forward.

Do not Limit yourself with Things that Keep you Sane
Even if you feel like crying by yourself, get up. Surround yourself with people who understands when to cry with you or when to do silly stuff to cheer you up. Remind yourself of the things that life has in store for you. These are not replacement of what you lost but rather another opportunity to be happy. Life has plenty of those, you know.

Recovering is a Celebration
Others who are recovering the loss of a loved one might not agree with this but I believe it is a moment to celebrate. Our deceased loved ones would want us to celebrate life not throw a party. Celebrating life means doing what is necessary as well as doing what we love. It heals us.

 Living is a choice. Whether it is an easy choice to make or not, we have to choose. We can either let the loss define us or we define yourselves.

Piece by piece

Have you ever felt so defeated? Doesn't the world seem to be crumbling down all around you and you have nowhere to go?There were many times in my life that I felt like whatever I'd do I can't seem to fix what's wrong. I felt so powerless. Problems on top of problems were slowly closing in on me and I can't breathe.

Giving up was the only option. Then I realized, I wasn't powerless but I had to surrender.  I had to surrender my fear. That I had to accept that there are things that are out of my control. Life has its own path, its own way. The problem with us is that we try to control it to the way we want it to go rather than let it lead you to where you have to be. 

We are undeniably overwhelmed with fear and despair that we couldn't see. We couldn't even remember who we really are. What we only remember is our feeling in that moment. And when that feeling paralyses us, we sometimes hurt the one's we love. Surrender.that feeling.

Let it all happen.