The Pink Muse: Life

Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Celebrating My Birthday in Elsie Gaches' Village: One Birthday I'll Never Forget

My initial plan for my birthday was to leave a day off from work and spend the day to myself, such as indulging on a really good massage and spa center, eat all the pizzas that I want and bring my family to dinner at night. It was something I was really looking forward to, but it's amazing that God moves in ways that I cannot predict. Let me share a verse that was related to what He has revealed to me the past week:

Philippians 2:3-4 ESV

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

I was suddenly burdened to do something different on my birthday, something that I have never done before. I knew that it wasn't the 'natural' me so to speak, because I really don't enjoy responsibility and minding things on a time I am supposed to be relaxed. But you see, God's Spirit and His Word empowers us to do things that we seem to fear or feel anxious about. Moses was reluctant to lead the Israelites. Jonah was afraid to preach to the Ninehvites. David was only a little shepherd boy tending to his sheep and seemed unlikely to defeat Goliath.

But through God's guidance, blessings and support of my friends and family, I was able to lead a small story-telling class and coloring session on a group of special children, adolescents and adults in Elsie Gaches village. It was such a remarkable and one-of-a-kind experience because even if I was the one in front teaching these group of young and not-so-young people, it was me who learned many things.

I learned that there is more to life than spending all the blessings we have to ourselves. I learned that outside the comforts of our home, there are people who need your resources, care and blessings. There are people who are beyond grateful for what seemed minimal of what you can offer. That for our lives to be full, we must be less. Selfless, and not full of ourselves.

This post isn't meant to brag about the things I did for the students living there because what I gave can never equate what other multi-million businessmen or large organizations give to Elsie Gaches. I am just happy enough that what I gave is something that amounted to a small monetary value, but what I got in return is something valuable and I'll treasure my whole life.

I hope God can use me as an instrument to anyone who comes across this post and inspired to do something different for his or her birthday, or any other day.

Related Articles:

On Complaints

8 Things to be Less and More this 2014

Four Investments You Will Never Regret

Simple Ways to Form Good Habits

English: Exercising outdoors is healthier than working out indoors. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I am a lazy person by nature. It is very difficult for me to prepare early, exercise or even exert effort in those things that make me feel uncomfortable. It's really difficult when you are starting to get annoyed of your routine because there are some things you cannot change. Are you frustrated because you want to be an overall better person but you can't seem to be one because of some bad habits here and there? Here are simple ways that can help you form good habits that can improve the quality of your life.

1. Make a list

Make a list of things that you don't like about the things that you're doing, such as eating junk food, sleeping late, eating too much sweets, not exercising, lingering in the social media for too long, etc.

2. Negate the list by forming a good habit that can replace the bad ones

Now, after listing the things that you don't like, negate these things by replacing it with the good habits. For example, if eating junk food is something you don't like about yourself, replace it by a good habit such as eating healthy food or avoiding junk food.

3. In making good habits, be specific!

It is very very (I emphasize) important to be specific in setting good habits for the overall improvement of your life. It is not enough that you say that you will start eating healthy food from now on. For example, you can start being specific in this habit by specifying which times of the day would you strictly eat healthy food (e.g. breakfast and lunch). What happens when you don't become specific? You end up overlooking your goals and habits.

4. Make it visible

Another thing that helped me keep my good habits in check is to always write them in my journal. I always include them in my to-do list, such as exercising, preparing baon, drinking vitamins, tea, etc. The more you make it visible, the more room that you're allowing your mind to remember it.

5. Cut yourself some slack once in a while

Unless your bad habits involve some kind of spiritual conflict or addiction, you must at least cut yourself some slack or rest once in a while, such as one day a week per habit. This is for you to prevent being burned out or have lack of motivation in work.

6. Dare yourself to do it in 21 days

This is the so-called popular habit dare, which asks you to form habits within 21 days. The only catch here is you have to do it 21 times each day so that the habit will be established. This is somewhat in psychology what they call "conditioning" and this is effective if I will base it on my experience since it worked for me! Now that I formed some habits that I did not use to do before, I feel very uncomfortable if I can't do it in a certain day.

7. If you slip, don't let yourself slip again

If you missed a day doing your certain good habit due to unforseen circumstances, don't let yourself slip again the next day! Push yourself if you have to, so that the habit won't be gone.

I hope you enjoyed this post and do share if you have good tips in forming good habits.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

On Complaints

I am not the type who easily looks at the bright side when I'm unhappy or things don't go as planned. It has to be a conscious effort for me to let go of the little "nuisances" that bother me and move on to be happy for the rest of the day. Last Wednesday, I was really down and upset about a heated 'confrontation' between us and a neighbor who has always been forgetting to move their vehicles so I can get out of my garage. I was very upset because when I rang the their doorbell, the owner shouted to her driver "Oh, igalaw mo yung kotse, hindi kasi marunong magdrive." (move the car, she doesn't know how to drive). It was very upsetting since I felt embarrassed since I'm a new driver and hearing that made me feel like I'm a nobody. My mom told me that eventually the lady who said that apologized and gave advice on how to move my car in such a way that I can get out even when there are vehicles parked in front.

I couldn't concentrate in my work very well and I was easily getting restless. Aside from this I was having my period cramps, and I got really tired from work. I barely have lunch breaks during the week (don't ask, I prefer it that way haha), and I felt really grumpy.

I was looking through my old phone photos and saw this picture I took one traffic Thursday morning on my way to work. The mother and her child looked very happy while opening and eating the packs of crackers probably given by the motorists earlier.

The little girl was dancing around while her mother opened the pack of crackers for her. For me it was a heartwarming sight because it reminded me that people can smile and learn to be happy whatever state they are in. I took a picture to remind myself that there are people who may seem to have less than I have but they can learn to be happy.

It was as if God was telling me to stop worrying, complaining and being upset about the little things because He has given me so much. He has given me a home to live in, a family to go home to, a wonderful job, dependable friends, good health, but most of all, Himself.

He reminded me that the greatest gift I have is the life He gave up for my redemption and the redeemed life I now live because of Him. That I may not always have what I want but I have enough to say that I am content in Him. That things may not always go my way but I am living a life that is resilient above every trial because He is with me. And that is a blessing beyond comparison.

I am not perfect and I wish I stopped complaining or being upset every now and then but I vow to focus on the things I have rather than those I don't have. If every person did this, then there would be less miserable people in this world. It's something we always hear but let's remind ourselves that our lives are borrowed and every day is a blessing :)

Related Articles:
Accepting Changes
Four Investments You Will Never Regret

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Realizations from "Starting Over Again" (warning: Spoilers!)

Credit: http://kcmalls.com

Star cinema did it again! I thought no romantic-comedy-drama movie can top "One More Chance" but I personally think this new movie "Starting Over Again" gave the same effect to me. Yes I am a fan of local rom-coms and I'd honestly watch it than typical hollywood action movies since I find them boring. #sorrynotsorry. Haha!

Anyway, coming from a time of vulnerability and sleepless nights, I can somewhat relate to this movie. It gave me lots of things to think about which are mostly good realizations about love and relationships. Here are my realizations: (PS: DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THE MOVIE!)

1. Sometimes people break up in terrible ways but for the right reasons

Like in Piolo and Toni's case, the breakup was terrible. Toni left Piolo crying in the rain without even opening the taxi cab. There was no closure, and Toni wasn't able to explain herself clearly to Piolo, but their breakup seemed a long time coming. They were not growing as a couple, Toni had many doubts and insecurities and Piolo seemed to have been complacent with her needs. The breakup caused them to grow both as individuals and helped them discover who they really were.

2. In love, there should be acceptance, and no fear

I liked what Iza Calzado (Patty) said about love. She said that there is no fear in love. This reminded me of a Bible verse 1 John 4:18 which says that "Perfect love drives out fear". It encompasses the beloved person's whole being. This means accepting the person's past, sticking out with him/her in the present and building your world with his/her future. This drives out the fears which is comprised of our doubts and insecurities. However, for me, this doesn't mean you should settle. It's either you have to be with someone you can accept, or you accept the one you choose to have.

3. You can never unlove a person, you only love him/her in a different way

Piolo said something like this when he was talking to Toni in the end. Loving doesn't just mean being with the person and having a relationship with them, it also means being kind enough to let them go. Loving means wanting the best for him or her. This mindset erases our bitterness because it helps us think that we let them go because we don't love them anymore, but because we love them enough to want the best for them.

4. A love built on friendship is the best kind of love

If you're seeking a romantic partner, it is better to have a relationship that is deeply rooted in a steady friendship. If you're just into physical and emotional chemistry and all the sparks and sprinkles, you're just bound for disappointment. He must know you. You must know her. You must share the common goals, beliefs and ideals. Your interests may be different but you complement each other thus this makes you grow. Your beloved should be your person, your confidante, your best friend. You should be able to tell them everything without fear and rejection. This is the best kind of love because when all the sparks are gone, friendship is what keeps you together. This is what mirrors Iza and Piolo's relationship in the movie because even if their love is steady and may seem "boring", their friendship is what kept them together.

Did you like "Starting Over Again?" What are your thoughts on this movie?

Related: Searching Vs. Being

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Searching Vs. Being

An array of Valentine's Day-connotated candy decor. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The recently celebrated Valentines Day increased my awareness of my current singleness. On that Friday morning just outside our subdivision, I saw a girl being surprised by her boyfriend with a bouquet of flowers on the sidewalk. The sight made me smile despite the fact that I'm not the girl being surprised.

I used to be a person who thinks that in order to be happily in a relationship, I will be in a continuous search. With a "characteristics list" in mind, I exposed myself in environments where I can find potential guys. By potential, I meant if I could only check out at least one or two characteristic from my list, I found it okay. I always thought I can "fix" them. I drove myself crazy with the sustained eye contacts, assuming what could it have meant, analyzing the text messages and why were they left unanswered, going on "dates" that I refused to call dates just because I was unsure of the person I was dating, and just literally obsessing over it. On the surface I looked calm and collected, but deep inside I was just hungry for the attention thinking to myself why it was so hard to just love someone and be loved the way I wanted to be loved. I was always in a "searching" mindset. I was so into the idea of having a relationship just for the sake of having it that I missed the whole point.

After a series of heartbreaks and disappointments, I finally broke free from this way of thinking and just started "being". If I searched and searched, it only meant that I was focusing on the person I want to meet. But that made me think, am I really ready to meet this person? If I want to meet a godly man, how is my spiritual growth? If I want to meet a hardworking person, how am I performing in my job? If I want to meet a person who listens, appreciates and respects me, how are those attitudes shining in my own life when I interact with other people?

So I decided to develop right habits since this year started. I decided to commit on improving my overall wellness--physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and social. I dedicated at least half an hour of my day in working out, being mindful of the food I ate, drinking my vitamins regularly. I decided that I should spend more time reading books, articles, and attending seminars that will increase my knowledge in my profession. I always try to invest time and resources for my family and friends. I also committed in reading and studying the Bible, going to group meetings and attending Sunday services with my family. I have to pray about ministry, since my heart is not yet set on where I should put my abilities to use for God. I have to develop a more patient and persevering attitude in my work and I've yet to develop coping with my anxieties and other negative emotions/thoughts.

Although I don't believe in the idea that I should just stop "searching" all together and hide under a rock and just wait for "God's best", I believe that it's not just about searching, it shouldn't be what singlehood is for the most part. For me now, it's going to be mostly about "being". It's a season of discovering myself, pursuing my dreams and doing what God wants for my life.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Do It Yourself (DIY) 2014 Highlights Journal: The Gratefulness Challenge

Hello everyone! I'm not the natural artsy-fartsy kind of a person so doing something like this is quite an effort for me. But I decided to make this journal in the hopes of reminding myself of the things that I should be grateful about everyday.

I made a 2014 Highlights Journal out of a recycled brown paper (Papemeleroti-ish style) notebook, stickers, scrapbook materials, pens and other coloring tools. The goal of my journal is for me to be able to look back on my year with thankfulness on how God is working on my life. On my notebook cover it says "Trust in the Lord with all your Heart", which reflects the attitude that I want to have this 2014. I started out pretty late in January (around the last week), but I made it a goal to write and doodle everyday from then on.

If you want to make something like this, it's pretty simple. All you have to do is....

1. Find a notebook or a scrapbook that you are comfortable writing and drawing on.

I liked mine to be something artsy and made of earthen materials so I picked a recycled paper notebook. It's your call to look for a notebook that you like to write on. I recommend using notebooks which have no lines so you will be free to draw without distraction. But, whatever, as long as you're comfortable writing on it, is study and you like its design then it's good to go.

2. Gather some coloring materials and other scrapbook stuff.

You don't have to spend so much looking for these items. If you have old crayons, leftover coloring pencils, unused fancy paper or stickers, you can use them. But if you'd really want to spend on them, I suggest looking for items on the scrapbook section of your local art shop or bookstore.

3. Have the motivation and inspiration to journal everyday.

Remember, this is not your to-do list, so don't put things here to remind yourself of the things you have to do. You should put here the things you were thankful or happy about, or the most remarkable thought you had during the day. You can also post here your memory verse, lyrics of a song, or a quote that you liked. If you want, you can even paste a souvenir (say, a movie ticket or a receipt) of somewhere you went to that day. Photos are always welcome. But since I'm the on-the-go type, I just preferred to doodle and maybe add some occasional stickers or scrap materials every now and then. Artsy or not, the goal is to remind yourself of the things you have to be thankful day by day.

So far, here is what I made from my 2014 Highlights Journal. Now excuse my drawing skills. I am left handed and have relatively poor fine motor abilities. Hahaha.

This is what I wrote on the first 4 days of my journaling.

You are free to draw/write anything you wish. Just one reminder: Keep it positive!

My challenge for you this year is to make a journal similar to this one and be thankful with all the blessings and circumstances that come your way, day-by-day. Are you up for it? :-)

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Saturday, April 5, 2014