Archive for the ‘Self-Help’ Category:
It’s been a hectic 2 weeks for me and I guess it took its toll on my health. I was bed-ridden the last weekend and it was the first time I have felt the kind of pain in which my muscles ached so badly, I literally cannot move.
Hubby said I was stressed! Yeah, but it was a different kind of stress. I am comparing the stress I had when I was in the corporate world. This “stress” gave me fulfillment .. which make me feel the need to still get up and do more. I believe it is when you love what you are doing that you overcome stress. Not to say that I did not find satisfaction when I was working as an employee, I did! In fact, I loved how I was able to deal with different people but at some point, when you can no longer enjoy the time and you’re all tied up at work… it will get you thinking. Is it all worth it?
Now, I added a little zest into my life, taking some risks and after all the setbacks, I am back on my feet. Life would be so boring if you don’t take chances once in awhile. Your body will always look for that adrenaline rush, and so just like some people who add flavor on their swisher cigars, I had to venture into something new.
My physical body has always been weak, but when your spirits are high nothing can put you down. I enjoy what I am doing now, I have my own time which enables me to spend more time with my kids.
And so, I move on! Even when I still have a funny voice (due to colds) and coughs every once in a while, I still got up Monday and did the work that had to be done. I couldn’t say that stress is no longer there…. but I can easily overcome it. It’s all about managing it!
Ever since I got married, my ultimate dream was to have my our own house… a house and or a town house perhaps. Being married to an architect, every one probably thinks that would be an easy job but I guess, everything isn’t really easy for me and my hubs.
Hubby and I both grew up from a location that is quite far from the school we go to. At a young age, high school that is, I have to endure the rigors of commuting from Laguna to Manila, where my school is. My routine, obviously was house and school and vice versa. No time to do much lakwatsa, much to the content of my mom 
With that in mind, we promised not to give that kind of experience to our kids. So even if we can buy those affordable houses in the south or far north of Manila, we are maintaining a rented house here in the Metro so the kids can enjoy more time with their school activities rather than deal with the stress of going through traffic each and everyday of their lives. I guess when you are a parent, you have to really look after what’s good for your children rather than satisfy your own personal dream.
However….
As the years go by, I thing it’s about time to revisit that grand dream of mine and think of being more practical. Nothing bad with that. With the property boom, there are a lot of condominiums around our vicinity and even if I am not really a “condo girl”, I have to adjust a bit. It’s just a matter of mindset, dontchathink 
Hubby keeps telling me that I am the only who refuses to take a look a condominiums. Okay fine, I shall open my mind and prepare myself. That wouldn’t be hard. It’s not like their stealing my dreams away…. It’s more of tweaking it a bit.
This would probably end my emotional roller coaster ride. The stress of trying to find the perfect house, that fits our budget has really given me a lot anxiety like casters attached to my computer chair, I feel like I can swivel, go forward, sideward but in the end I go back to where I started. House hunting can be draining at times.
So if my family is happy with a condo, then condo it shall be Good luck to us!
It’s been a month since I started my yoga practice and I have been practicing three to five times a week. This is the start of my journey to a fitter and a healthier me!
One month into the practice and I feel that I am already reaping some of its benefits. For one, I feel the happy hormones are always present, I am more energized every day, the grumpiness has lessened, much to the content of my kids and of course, my hubby
Fitter by the day! As I deepen myself into the practice, I am discovering that my body can do a lot of stuff that I have not tried before. It’s liberating to undergo such thrilling poses that I never thought I can do, especially with my age now. I have felt the change when I go up and down the stairs and even just walking a mile… I am pleased that I don’t grasp for breathe or even if I do at times, it will take a lot of time to do so.
Weight management was my ultimate goal when I enrolled and I have been quite successful in doing so. Thus, it is in the maintenance that will pose quite a challenge but with discipline, I know I’ll be able to do so.
No more diet. My metabolism is faster now and I can eat whatever I want as long as it is in moderation. The exercise makes me eat less and I can even live with only yogurt for dinner… Can you imagine that?
More “Me Time”. Yoga practice is about creating your own space and every time I go to shavasana (corpse pose), I find time to relax and free my ever worrying mind. If there’s one thing I find it difficult to do is just to let go. Yoga has introduced calmness in my mind. Just by practicing Yoga is enough “me time” for me. I don’t even look for a great massage at the end of each session Even though I feel some sore in my muscles every now and then, I don’t really dwell on it.
I look forward to practicing yoga every day and even if I still cannot perfect the pose, I don’t get intimidated. Besides, I have only been practicing for a month. Yoga has taken all my anxieties away, given me a clearer mind to think of what is NOW and let go of what the future has in store.
The old me would probably still be anxious about my ultimate dream (of having our own house) but now I just let go… Now, I would look at the elegant tubs at bathsofdistinction or the furniture and fixtures in the mall with much content for I know that I am blessed. And as long as hubs and I are working hard and giving it our best, we will soon reap the fruits of our labor
I was overwhelmed when my home got home and excitedly handed me a pink handmade card. Awwwww! With all the technology available nowadays, I appreciate it more when my kids present with something they made on their own. It reminds me of my growing up years, when there were no computers and colored printers, my brother and I would make cards, be it birthday, valentine or Christmas, out of bond paper. We’ll try all sorts of stuff that we learned from art class. Cut papers, melting colors, etc. It was so much fun
My kids would often tell me that they don’t give me gifts because they do not have money but the thing is, I do not need expensive gifts. I tell them that you do not need money to make me happy. This year perhaps the most valuable gift I received is the handmade birthday card from my son. The though that he spent the time (in school –take note!) to make one birthday card for me is very much appreciated.
The advancement of technology can sometimes bring a lot of disadvantages when our children are not properly guided. I love that mobile phones can make communication faster, that social networking can bridge the distance between people who are million miles away, that there is now a lot of gadgets like tablets, golf gps finder that make our lives easier. However, we need to guide our children in the proper use of technology, with all the news of crimes resulting from its use.
Likewise, we need to reiterate that we still need to have the “personal touch” when it comes to nurturing relationships with our family especially with our children and of course, our parents, who are mostly not adept with technology. Somehow having the “real presence” and “personal touch” still spells a lot of difference.
One of my mentors in photography once shared this interesting story in facebook:
“A photographer went to a socialite party in New York. As he entered the front door, the host said ‘I love your pictures – they’re wonderful; you must have a fantastic camera.’ He said nothing until dinner was finished, then: ‘That was a wonderful dinner; you must have a terrific stove.’”
— Sam Haskins
It’s quite fascinating how people tend to regard the advancement of their skill by the gadgets that they have. Like in photography, most people who are starting with the hobby, especially those who can afford, would likely to buy the most expensive lenses and other accessories believing that it will improve their craft. However, most professional photographers would tell you that you need to improve your skill first before you engage yourself in investing on those costly accessories. You can begin with basic DSLR camera or any point and shoot camera for that matter such as Sony Cybershot, Lumix or fuji digital cameras and once you have mastered the skill, then you start to upgrade slowly.
The pros explain, that when you start upgrading your accessories without perfecting your skill, the tendency is to shove them off the shelves once you get frustrated. Remember we are talking of beginners, so you are just starting to feel the passion. It goes true for everything new that you want to start with such as golf, biking, cooking/culinary arts, you need to get the “feel” first. Are you really passionate about it? Give your self a year or two before indulging on any gadget upgrade, make sure that the fire has not “dwindled”.
Remember it’s not about the gadget, it’s all about your talent.
In one of my conversations with my daughter she asked me who my best friend is. I quickly replied, “your Papa!” I added that although we didn’t start that way, it just came to be. Of all the people in the world, I can talk to my husband about anything even about vanity. When I feel like I am so fat, he tells me I am not. When I freak out, he calms me. When I am down, he cheers me up.
Marriage is a work in progress. It’s up to both parties to make it successful. As for our marriage, we have had our share of ups and downs, it’s a roller coaster ride but we never let go of each other’s arms no matter what.
I guess we have come to a point that we have accepted our equality as husband and wife through our love and respect for each other. The road to attaining this kind of relationship is not an easy one. We need to submit ourselves to our partner and again, it’s a work in progress.
Even as we count the years of our marriage, it is important that we never ever let Love diminish, no matter how busy we are. Neglect is oftentimes the start of a broken relationship, that’s why we need to make an effort to make our partner feel special.
So no matter what happens, I will keep my promise to God … that I will love and cherish the man I married.
Oh goodness, this is so mushy already. Good thing hubs don’t read my blogs.
~~~
In times where we need to cut down on your expenses, make sure to look at your life insurance. With the same coverage, perhaps a term insurance is a wise choice. Look at a rated term life insurance rate comparison and choose the ones that would fit your needs.
I have my share of wedding invitations and this year, for the first time, I was chosen to be one of the principal sponsors — that goes to show that I am not getting any younger.
Weddings will always be a special occasion. It symbolizes the union of two individuals who is determined to live their lives together with the bond of love. With all the talks of divorce, I still believe that “What God has put together, let no man put asunder.” Marriage is always a work in progress, there will be troubles along the way but no one says it will be easy. The love and trust that bonds husband and wives are the ingredients that will console them in times of difficulties thus making their union a lot stronger. Trials are part of our lives, it’s one of the things that are constant in this world. The spice of life as they call it, without it life would be boring.
As for me and hubs, we have had our fair share of problems and misfortunes and sometimes it almost crush us to the ground but it does not mean we have to give up. After each storm, we find ourselves more fervent with our love and more passionate to remain with our union. Our secret is not only our love and trust with each other but our FAITH in the Lord. He who makes our marriage resilient with each passing time.
Each day, we pray not for troubles to come our way but for strength to make us through.
When I was working, I used to hate road trips. Given the choice, I would prefer the locations that would travel by plane. I just feel that I am wasting so much time traveling, I’d rather do something else productive that just sitting down waiting for the vehicle to arrive at the destination.
However, that all changed when I left the corporate world. I began to enjoy every moment, not like I am running after a deadline all the time. Now, as long as I have left everything arranged for my business to run in my absence, I now savor the time I spent on the road especially with family and friends. It’s always fun to journey places, whether it’s an unfamiliar territory or a place you frequent to, always be armed with road and travel safety. Be attentive and watch out for areas offering roadside assistance.
Enjoy and have fun! …. Life is too short. We should work hard and enjoy the fruits of our labor while we can. Although, it’s also practical to keep on saving but what are we going to do with the money when were old — or worse sick?
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But it’s always a struggle to convince your kids to take in food every morning. Even with the daily reminder it is the first meal of the day that gives them an energy boost, the grueling experience still continue.
After my daughter was confined in the hospital, I once again had a chance to remind my children that they need to take care of their body by taking in healthy foods, drinking a lot of water and getting enough sleep. Especially my daughter, who is so figure-conscious. I told her she can opt to have a healthy breakfast by eating oats and cereals, which is always readily available at home, rather than not eating anything at all. I believe that the lack of nutrients coupled with insufficient sleep, was the culprit in weakening her immune system especially when you are an athlete.
For someone who seldom gets sick, who is vibrant and athletic, staying in the hospital for days was one experience my daughter abhored. I trust that my daughter has realized that there are ways to be fit without sacrificing the health.
Breakfast is the meal that fuels our body giving us the energy to carry out our tasks within the day, that is why it is important to “break your fast” everyday. Someday soon my children will be on their own and I do not intend to use spotting scopes to monitor their every move. I trust that I have instilled the habot of healthy eating that they will adhere to as long as they live.
Recently, daughter shouted this, “My dream job right now: Pedia ♥” in her Facebook account. My brother, who is a doctor, was the first one who commented encouraging her to pursue her dreams with a little warning for me, because everyone knows how expensive it is to send a child to college much more with a degree in medicine.
Honestly, it has always been my dream for one of my children to take up medicine, to go after the footsteps of my brother. I only have two, so the other one should be taking after their dad’s, who is an architect. Although I have voiced out this ambition of mine to my children, it is not in me to push them to do it. I always advise them to go after their dreams not mine or anyone else. No matter how expensive their studies will be, my husband and I have vowed to work hard and support them. I just tell them to simply focus on their goals and the Lord will provide.
Coming from a lower middle class family, I have seen how my mom has sacrificed so much in order for my brother to pursue his dreams of being a doctor. Now he has achieved his dreams and doing very well in his practice. Mind you, I have also seen how he had so much focus in reaching his goals… and that is I what I want to impart to my children.
I once heard this quote in one of the workshops I attended, it is a quote by Earl Nightingale, “People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going.” I have always believed in this. There’s always a time for everything but before you try to enjoy life, you should strive hard for it. Some people seem to think that if they lie in bed all day, blessing will come pouring in and when it does not, they start being bitter at the world. You can dream all you want but if you do not do anything about it, it will remain a wish. The world needs doers not dreamers.
For my daughter, dream big, set your goals! We will be here. I couldn’t wait to see you in one of those nursing scrubs that I have seen your Uncle wore during his residency. Set your heart and your mind to achieving your dreams and let the Lord bless your plans.
Filed under Parenting, Self-Help
Tags:career choices, college degree, College Education, education, goal setting, parenthood, Parenting, set your goas, Setting your goals, supporting your child's career choices
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