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Writer's pictureJP de la Rama

Balancing Family, Passion, and Professional Growth: A Journey of Manifesting Dreams

I neeeedddd shhhhlleeeppp!!!!


Finding the balance between work, family, and personal growth is an ongoing journey. With the right mindset and strategies, it's possible to navigate these challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.


Over the past week, I've been completely immersed in building my portfolio, setting the foundation for my future in the creative industry. This journey feels like my own version of manifest destiny—a drive to progress and make strides in my chosen field. But, as with any journey, there have been challenges, particularly when it comes to balancing my professional aspirations with my role as a parent.



The Delicate Balance Between Work and Family

During this intense period of work, my daughter has been a constant presence, seeking my attention and asking me to play with her while I’m deep in my creative process. At first, these interruptions felt like a challenge, a distraction from the work that I’m so passionate about. But I've come to realize something essential: our children are only young for a fleeting moment. They grow up so quickly, and these precious moments we have with them are irreplaceable.


As much as I cherish every second I spend with her, I also have adult responsibilities and professional goals that I need to manage. It’s a delicate balance, one that requires both patience and perspective. I’ve learned that it’s possible to make time for both—by being present and engaged when I’m with her, and focused and productive when I’m working. Striking this balance isn’t always easy, but it’s vital for maintaining both my personal and professional well-being.



The Power of Manifestation and Renewed Passion

Recently, I’ve been exploring the concept of manifesting dreams and goals, primarily through YouTube videos and other resources. This idea of actively envisioning and working towards my aspirations feels like the missing piece in my journey. The process of manifestation is not just about wishful thinking; it’s about aligning your actions with your intentions and moving toward your goals with purpose and clarity.



The Amazing Spider-Man. penciled by Me. copyright Marvel Comics.
The Amazing Spider-Man. penciled by Me. copyright Marvel Comics.


In parallel with this exploration, I’ve rediscovered a deep passion for penciling and inking comics. For a long time, comic art had become just a job—a means to an end. But as I delve deeper into the art of storytelling through this medium, I find my passion rekindling. It’s a significant shift, one that has reignited my love for the craft. There comes a point in any career where you hit a ceiling, where progress feels stagnant. But I’ve learned that it’s crucial to push through these barriers, to find new ways to grow and evolve.



The Ark Angel: A Unique Creative Milestone




I’m thrilled to share that one of the projects I’ve been working on, a comic titled The Ark Angel, is now available on Amazon Kindle. This project is particularly close to my heart, as it was brought to life by the incredibly talented team at Scribble Media. What makes The Ark Angel even more special is the unique perspective it brings—the writer and creator is a mentally challenged child. This adds a profound layer of depth and authenticity to the story, making it a truly remarkable piece of work.



Tips for Balancing Passion, Work, and Family


  1. Prioritize What Matters: Understand that both your work and your family are important. Make conscious decisions about how you allocate your time to ensure that neither is neglected.

  2. Be Present: When you’re with your family, be fully present. Engage with your children and loved ones without distractions. This not only strengthens your relationships but also allows you to recharge for your work.

  3. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish boundaries between your work time and family time. This helps in maintaining focus during work hours and ensures quality time with your family.

  4. Practice Manifestation: Visualize your goals and take active steps towards achieving them. Align your daily actions with your long-term aspirations.

  5. Reignite Your Passion: If your work has become mundane, find ways to reignite your passion. Explore new techniques, take on different projects, or revisit what initially drew you to your craft.

  6. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate the milestones in your journey, whether it’s a new project launch or simply finding joy in your work again.

  7. Embrace Challenges: Challenges are growth opportunities. Don’t shy away from them; instead, use them as a way to push past your perceived limits.

  8. Find Inspiration in Everyday Moments: Sometimes, the most profound inspiration comes from everyday interactions, like playing with your child. Use these moments to fuel your creativity.

  9. Stay Persistent: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Stay persistent in your efforts, keep learning, and continuously work towards your goals.


Balancing the demands of work, family, and personal growth is an ongoing journey. But with the right mindset and strategies, it’s possible to navigate these challenges and come out stronger on the other side. Whether it's through manifesting your dreams, reigniting your passion, or simply being present in the moment, each step forward is a step toward the life you aspire to live.



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