Before You Say, Sana All…

“Sana all” is an expression in which according to the Urban Dictionary (2019)—is a term used to wish for an individual’s success or luck to spread to other people. We use this expression in almost everything we do and believe me, I’ve counted, it doesn’t even take a minute to hear someone else say, “Sana all!” and it is impossible to miss in every Facebook meme, Instagram comment, and even in our own private group chats. This expression is most relevant to our generation and to our time now, well, aside from “okeh keyoh!” and “pagsuway rana!”. But do we even know what it truly means? Do we even know when or how to use it? And do we even realize how this simple expression is affecting us psychologically?

Ever since I started hearing this expression, I never really understood its concept. As a Gen Z, yes, I am guilty of using it at times, subconsciously, without even realizing the words have already slipped out of my mouth before I even begin to think of saying it. And little did I know that it was already corrupting me inside, my mental health, and is even degrading my self-esteem. Constantly comparing myself to others and trying to fit into society’s standards, “Sana all bright!”, “Sana all naning!”, “Sana all dato!”, “Sana all singer!”, “Sana all taas!”, “Sana all nay uyab!”, “Sana all dili biyaan!”, “Sana all balikan!”. But why? Why should I wish for those things when I can be myself and write my own story? And the same goes for each and every one of you reading this.

Just imagine a world where everyone has the same story, the same talents, the same body, the same way of thinking, the same strengths, the same weaknesses. I mean, wouldn’t that be so boring? Each one of us is made unique, each one of us is beautiful, and each one of us is treading on a different path. Trust me, no path is ever easy nor the same. So, don’t even bother saying “Sana all” because some people don’t have the gifts you have, just like you don’t have the gifts other people have. And that’s what makes each life, your life, interesting and special.

So, before you say “Sana all”, say this to yourself instead, “Someday”. Someday, it will be my turn to shine bright as the others have before me. Someday, it will be my time to turn my dreams into reality. Someday, I will become the best version of myself. And someday, I will find the love that’s meant for me. And that someday begins today! Don't just wait around for things to happen on their own because they never will. A book doesn't write itself, a sculpture doesn't carve itself, and most certainly, success doesn't make itself. You are the writer of your story, you are the sculptor of your future, and the only way to make success happen is if you make it yourself, so start now! But hey, no rush in getting to your destination for life was never, is never, and will never be a competition. Don’t worry, you will get there. All of us will get there, at our own pace and time. And when that time comes, it will be the world’s turn to say...

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Reference:

Coldcontour. (2019, September 29). Sana All. Retrieved from:

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Sana%20All