I have not watched any telenovela with this title, but thanks to the years of Telemundo and Spanish series on local television stations in the past (thank God for deliverance), I have watched enough series with a character named Catalina.
For those who don’t know, ‘tele-novelas’ refer to the Mexican or Spanish series that were a rave on
African screens with a passionately romantic plot, lots of suspense and twists.
Someone is always an evil villain pretending to be a close friend or family member; there is always
unrequited love, and the hero or heroine always faces painful tragedies and excessive trials. There is
always a revelation of a hidden child, an unknown brother, a villain known to the audience but
trusted by the main character and someone very poor who always becomes rich.
The character named Catalina is always beautiful, untamed, hot-tempered, brave and caring.
She is usually in a love triangle with a rich man and a poor worker, with someone jealous of her, and
desperate to destroy her at all costs.
Catalina always stands up for others, is generous, impulsive and kind.
In the movie, Catalina always ends up with the right guy, and they are always happy and at peace in
the end.
In real life, Catalina will push away the man that she loves with her impulsive character and bad
temper and will fall prey to manipulators or ‘users’.
Someone once said, ‘You are enough,’ and it became the mantra for self-worth, mental health, and
inner peace.
While it is true that you do not need to become who you are not or ‘perform’ to be loved, it is also true that wisdom, patience and growth are non-negotiable.
Catalina, in a movie maybe forgiven if she breaks the furniture, sets the store of the ‘hacienda’ (main
family house) on fire, marries a rich old man and will still end up with ‘Edwardo’, the love of her life.
But real life is not like that. You do not get to marry three times and find inner peace at the end of
the day. There will be irreversible regrets, pain and a lot of suffering even if you eventually find the
right person.
Instead of saying ‘I am enough’, why not say ‘I am growing’? Instead of ‘My prince charming is coming’, why not say ‘I give love and I am loved in return’?
And instead of seeking love from someone who will wash away all the pain of the past, why not be responsible for your own healing and wholeness?
Companionship, romance, and support from the opposite sex are beautiful, God – and watching too many Indian/American movies have placed that desire in us.
You need to work on being whole, complete and fulfilled. Practice loving yourself, serving others, having self-control, purpose and meaning in your life, not just seeking love or a life partner.
When purpose, integrity, confidence, humility, service and friendliness are in place, with time
‘Eduardo’ will surely find you, Catalina. Eduardo may already be around you; you may be friends or
Colleagues with his sister or in the same service unit or volunteer group with his mum.
Be kind, be wise, be open and be patient. Keep growing and keep shining. Don’t forget to keep your
principles (your body, your money, your God and your dreams) intact; never give them up for any
relationship.
Rooting for you always, may you find love, peace and happiness, with others and most importantly yourself.
Cheers!
