“Pride builds walls between people; humility builds bridges.” ― Rick Warren

There are countless moments in life that trigger us—situations that provoke reactions, sometimes impulsively. In today’s world, marked by local political tensions, regional conflicts, and global uncertainties, it’s easy to take sides. And that’s natural. We all have values and beliefs that shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions.

But in a world that feels increasingly divided, we need to be mindful of how we respond. I remind myself of this daily because I, too, have fallen into the trap of reacting in the name of authenticity. I didn’t realize that my words—especially on social media—were sometimes building walls instead of bridges. I’ve learned to pause, take a walk, and reflect before I act. Am I contributing to the problem, or am I being part of the solution?

If I, someone who has walked ahead, cannot lead myself with wisdom and restraint, how can I expect others to do the same? If I don’t steward my emotions well, I might unintentionally fuel division rather than unity. That doesn’t mean suppressing emotions altogether—it means processing them in a healthy way. I’ve found safety in sharing my thoughts with my wife, family, close friends, and mentors rather than airing them recklessly in public.

Even in the face of chaos, protests, and distrust—especially here in the Philippines—I choose hope. Unity doesn’t mean conformity, but we can stand together in pursuit of something greater. By staying connected to at least one mentor who guides us and one mentee we invest in, we can spread hope, love, and peace instead of despair, hatred, and division.

So, before you react, pause. Reflect. And most importantly—connect and walk with one.