Joy

Happy Monday! How wonderful is it to need God?  From a point of scarcity, a point of weakness, from a point of helplessness.... there is nothing more consoling than knowing that God is omnipotent and all powerful.  How about when everything is going well? When you have all that you think you’d need? When you are surrounded by faces and people who makes you feel good about yourself?  “I need you, Lord” should be a constant prayer no matter what season in our life we are in.  It reminds us that we are God’s children. That there is therefore no one else to please or rely on but Him.  It reminds us to consult with Him when making decisions: to place our considerations before Him, to rely on His grace to bring our plans to completion.  It reminds us that we are not indestructible or invincible no matter how strong and powerful the world makes us believe we are. We are only as strong as the faith we put on God to take care of ou...

Happy Monday! Temporary. Unsure. Still unable to take the step forward. I have to admit, these are not good places to be in. Even as I write this, I am thinking, should I even consider this? Yet, it happens and I do want us to talk about it. Reminder #1: Some things (and people) take time. I noticed I have shorter tolerance for waiting, for people and for things to happen compared to when I was younger. It must be because the world promises me instant gratification at every turn. Apps, wifi, bank transfers, mobile phone, movies on demand.... everything evolved to promise instantaneous access to whatever I need. It does not even matter if I believe them (hint: 3rd world wifi speed). It just is my state of mind. However, though these things may have helped me be more efficient, I should also be aware of how they affect my disposition to waiting. My internal psyche even. Awareness, is my first step. Just being aware of the annoyance is already a “value check”. Reminder...

Happy Monday!   Last night on my way to mass, I was in deep thought on how I miss singing in church. I have always been fond of singing but not until I was encouraged by friends from Divine Mercy Church in Singapore Darius   and   SamVangie   did I get a chance to sing in front of a congregation.   I remember practicing endlessly, and everytime, getting deeper and deeper into the spirit of the psalms   I am given. By the time I reach the pulpit, I have so much to say and prayer to share, I was always afraid my voice will crack and I’d be in tears.   Those were happy times indeed.   The best compliment I’ve heard someone give me was when a parishioner approached me and said, “That was touching, it was so clear, like glass”.   ☺️   I hope she meant, she got the message. It did not take me long to realize I still often hold a mic nowadays, though for a different purpose. I am very aware I have a different energy when I have a message I wa...

Happy Monday!   When I was in high school, i was fascinated by a book entitled “How to Read A Person Like a Book”. It might have even contributed to my course in college. Nowadays, I simplify things. No need for a degree   🙂 .   We are not what we say. We are what we do.   We are not the places we go to. We are who we spend time with. We are not who we know. We are who we touch.   We are not what we possess. We are what we use our resources for. We are not what we post. We are who we are when we are alone.   Do not be confused.

I am sometimes guilty of this. Up until I catch myself, I ruminate on the thought that life is not fair. That it favors others who are “more” than me.  Needless to say, that does not solve anything. All the rambling, all the worrying, all the feeling bad about circumstances (and worse, about people) leads to a dead end. Where all I have to face is stil, well, ME. ‘Coz in the end, I am responsible for this story I am living... as you are in yours. Listen to your self talk. When you think about yourself as an outsider in your life... always saying you can’t because he or she is to be considered, always saying you are not enough “yet”, always doubting if you can decide for yourself... stop.  You can. You will. You answer to yourself. If you are on the receiving end of this “victim story”, take time to listen, empathize but always ask... “So what will you do now? ”.  When you tell your “victim story” to friends or family, do they support,...

Happy Monday! Oh yes, despite struggling to be positive, there are days when you simply could not do anything right. It happens and it could really take a toll not only on how you feel, but on how you see yourself. So before one single event spiral you down to self doubt, let us look at some things to do when we do not feel good about ourselves. Putting yourself away from the situation you are into may also be necessary. Get a new perspective either on your own by thinking as a third party or by talking to trusted friends. Choose these friends wisely. Choose those who are objective, those who will show you a way to find a solution and not make you justify your problem or self doubt. I think this is what all the thinking should lead you. It’s a tall order to think you won’t have bad days, bad decision or bad temper all the time. Accept that you falter. It is not the end.  You are not your bad day, nor your bad decision, nor your bad temper. Thi...

Happy Monday! We already reached the half mark of January, how are your resolutions going so far? I know... we all need help. We also need to help ourselves. Sometimes, it is in the simplest of tweaks that we can find the biggest boost in our quest to conquer the self, as most resolutions go. Here are a few reminders to help tide our resolutions forward this 2019! Aja! Use that planner you soooooo passionately drank coffee for!  :)   There is power in scheduling stuff even if they are not appointment with others but rather appointments with yourself. That one hour walk at 7:00 in the morning/evening is just as important as your meeting with the CEO of your company.   Schedule it, write it down, plan your day around things that will make you healthy, happy and joyful.   You will soon realize that work, family, friends will just be as supportive and respectful of those schedules as you are. I am just about in the...