I know it’s sad, and I actually started my day putting up my Christmas tree to Christmas carols. However, seeing Pier Sorenson on CNN Philippines sing it by himself really resonated with me. If you’ve never heard it, or it’s been years since you thought about it, please listen to it here.

Its lyrics are simple. Here is a sample of a few lines:

How could you ask for more

With an innocent smile
Trusting me to stay
How could you close the door
And leave me here
Supposing I’m okay

How could you break down my disguise

And uncover my fears
How could you look into my eyes
Ignoring my tears

It’s pain and it’s longing and it’s knowing it’s never going to be the same, but it’s real. I recently read in a book that “without suffering there is no compassion” and I agree. We have to experience pain to really empathize and realize how much things can hurt, and appreciate the good when it comes along.

Even if I am patched up and there are scars and bruises that show up in my being, it has allowed me to really experience humanity, and I can’t really regret that.

Sia has an amazing voice and heart wrenching lyrics that are sometimes obscured by her larger than life persona and videos.

Listening to her hurts, like you feel pain and suffering and raw emotion when you do.

By far my favorite song of hers has to be Elastic Heart.

And I will stay up through the night
And let’s be clear, won’t close my eyes
And I know that I can survive
I’ll walk through fire to save my life

And I want it, I want my life so bad
I’m doing everything I can
Then another one bites the dust
It’s hard to lose a chosen one

You did not break me

I’m still fighting for peace

It’s loss but it’s getting up and believing that you’re stronger than you were before a loss. That you will keep fighting for yourself and for love.

And I believe that. For the people I love. For those who always hope. For myself.