That Thing Called "Exemplary Conduct"

Aria, Ani and their Awards


Dear Johanna,

The academic awards are easier to let you understand, appreciate and gun. They are clear-cut.
However, this special award, hmmm... I've never had it back in grade school so please give Nanan some time to gather her thoughts so we can educate ourselves with this. Let's also allow others to help us define this one for us, and share their best practices if they want to pitch in their thoughts.

Our mom-daughter question of the day: What is Exemplary Conduct?
(certificate with erased name and address of school)


What's that thing called "Exemplary Conduct"?

Well, generally, it could be great, balanced behavior - even at stressful times, which might be a medley of:
Persevering politeness.
Justified silence.
Profound kindness.
Genuine helpfulness.
And more. But these four popped up in my mind foremost.


Of Persevering Politeness
This means we need to respect and aim to be polite to others, even if they do not deserve it.
Even if they are mean. To persevere in the art of politeness, just because. Kay Uga. Kay Basta La.
It is a difficult resolve because it defies logic but a good resolve in the long run, nonetheless.

Of Justified Silence
It is good to be silent, so we could effectively listen to others; so we could find wisdom in solace just as we find knowledge in asking questions. BUT as one great person said: "Never for the sake of peace and quiet deny your own experience and convictions." This could be hardcore to you right now but in time, you'll understand and you'll find a good fulcrum. You may find unsettledness and conflict to be places of discomfort, as we all do - but they are also places of growth.

Of Profound Kindness
Kindness is beautiful and endearing but there is such a thing as misplaced kindness.
If we try to be kind, at the extent of not gently correcting; or if in kindness, we failed to nudge/guide others to a better path; if upon the exercise of kindness, we have impeded opportunities for growth, or became a stumbling block for others, then we might want to check if we have been extending misplaced kindness.

Of Genuine Helpfulness
Easy peasy. Help and serve without any thought of return.
I guess this is automatic on you, as this was the legacy of our old folks - from Lolo Cansing to Lola Mommy and Anna of Sta. Fe, Leyte; from Papoy, Mama Apin, to Lola Vickie, Betty and Nita of Guiuan, Samar and Tacloban; from Lola Rosario to Lolo Johnny of Batangas and Pampanga. You have a great ancestry line on this account Johanna. You'll be fiercely proud having them in your family tree, even if you have not met some of them.

My inaanak and my anak goofing around Memi Janice and Dedi Mike's room

Now re-reading what I've written above, you've just made me tear up.
Because it came to me that the recognition I have been gunning through my 35 years, you have already received at 8. You make me proud. :)

It is doubly valuable because a broken family like ours usually spawns broken child/children.
This will give hope to the many families out there with sad/challenging stories.
To rise up from sadness and challenges, by choosing to be good, regardless.

Well-played, anak. Congratulations.
Tuloy-tuloy lang at kapag madadapa, tayo lang.
Kahit mahirap. 
Dito lang si Nanan. Lagi. Lalo na si JMJ :)
Promise yan.

Usap tayo mamaya and maybe, you can teach me some exemplary conduct tricks you have learned on your own, while we eat pancit sotanghon. Soshal kita yana, sotanghon, kay mayda okasyon. haha. Loveyou.

Nanan and Ani (Johanna/Jujui)
Recognition Day 2015





















Fanmom,
Nanan

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