JOVELYN Gonzaga’s best decision of 2024 wasn’t just returning to the volleyball court.
It was choosing to protect her peace, even if it meant taking a step back from what she loved most.
READ: Jovelyn Gonzaga preaches patience as ZUS Coffee continues growth
The 33-year-old ‘Bionic Ilongga’ once shared how the physical toll of the game after multiple injuries in years past prompted her to hit pause on her PVL career indefinitely.
It would take a little over a year before she'd set foot on the taraflex again as part of a young and rebuilding ZUS Coffee side.
But there was more to the pain she's felt from the outside.
Through a brief recollection of the words of one of her star colleagues, Gonzaga looked back at the heartaches that were and the pursuit of happiness that now is for her.
“Mas pinili ko ‘yung sarili ko. Mas pinili ko ‘yung peace of mind ko,” Gonzaga shared with SPIN.ph.
“Naalala ko lang, ‘yung isang interview ni Jema Galanza, parang sinagot niya du’n na ‘sobrang mahal ko ‘yung volleyball pero dumarating din sa time na ‘yung volleyball ‘yung nagbibigay ng stress sa’yo,'" she recalled.
“Lahat kami guilty du’n sa feeling na ganun. This time, parang gusto kong ibalik ‘yung enjoyment ko na nakakatuwa din kasi ‘yung mga bata, mas napagising nila sa’kin ‘yung ganung feeling.”
To finish what one started
All things considered, now's not the time to let go of what Gonzaga restarted even with her advancing age
Because what she'd want more than anything at this point in her career is to remain in the best shape possible to finish what she started the way she'd want to.
"Wish ko is good health lang talaga, for me, for my family, for everyone, and siyempre ‘yung peace of mind kasi nga ‘yung mental health din natin, napakalaking factor din siya for us," said Gonzaga.
"Maging mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually healthy lang talaga, goods na tayo du’n."
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