Hajja Salesjana October-November 2020

13 H AJJA S ALESJANA 3. Stop wearing the weight of other people’s expectations and judgments. One of the most astounding realizations I made in dressing with 33 items or less, is that no one cared what I was wearing. No one even noticed! Why was I trying to please anyone with my clothing choices? Why was I trying to please anyone with my life choices? Giving myself permission to let go of my need to meet other people’s expectations or to feel any kind of way based on judgements (good or bad) helps me to trust myself and allows me to love my life regardless of outside feedback. I’m not good or bad or right or wrong because of what anyone else thinks. I can’t control what they think and I’m not going to change myself trying. It’s a relief to know that I can love you and not care what you think about me at the same time. When you stop wearing the weight of other people’s expectations and judgments, you’ll be light. Wearing these things is wearing you down. You can stop now. Please stop. On the 18th August 2020, in the Salesian Oratory chapel in Sliema, five young men renewed their vows, their commitment and their yes to God. Brother Raphael, Clint, Johan and Julian are past pupils of Savio College while Br. Matthew is a past pupil of the Sliema Oratory. They are all proof that youths still heed to God’s call despite being surrounded with noise, they are a sign that God is and will always be interested in each and every one of us. In their own way, they are signs and bearers of God’ s love here and now to the young and young at heart. May others be courageous enough to follow their example, listen to God whispering their name to follow Him, take the road less travelled and consequently, do something great with their lives. From left to right: Br. Raphael, Br. Clint, Br. Matthew, Fr. Paul, Br. Johan and Br. Julian; photo by David Camilleri God still calls and youths still answer...