For Lunar New Year 2012, my horoscope told me to slow down - "you are a tiger, you cannot fly."
Little did I know, what a prediction it would become. 2012 was the year of the sprained ankle which slowed down my multi-tasking, event-hopping, be-in-two-places-at-once ways. Then it was the year of the pulmonary embolism which gave me a good-ole scare and shut me down for over a month.
By the time I started running again, it had been several months of inactivity and I was tired. My ankle was still sore, and my lungs were weak. But, I pushed myself because running is what keeps me healthy, and I believe helped me during the blood-clots-in-my-lungs scare.
While the year put my body through physical tests, it also resulted in an appreciation for life and a focus that I needed. My community of friends showed me that the village can take care of me. At APEN, I found my passion in developing our leaders to grow and become more deeply committed organizers, creating a ripple effect that helps us build a stronger movement. In the Philippines, I saw the devastating impacts of climate change and I saw the solutions in the form of community organizing and eco-socialism as an alternative to capitalism.
So, I'm running the Oakland half-marathon again for APEN. This year, it's going to be harder on the body, but the cause is still very worthy. Help support our work to build power among immigrant communities, halt the threats of climate change, and stop the exploitation of capitalism on our people and planet!