Books Overcome Failures And A Free eBook Giveaway 8:00 AM What you think about your story greatly influences how you tell it. -Dr. Ifeoma Samuel Competition has ended. Congrats Jayson Santos for winning! Overcome FailuresFailure is a topic many people---myself included---can easily relate to. How many times have I failed in life? I lost count. Bruised. Battered. Badly wounded. Scarred for life. Not so different from most of you, I presume. But hey, here we are. Still standing. Still smiling. What keeps me going?I'm too stubborn to let life knock me down. I chose to be happy a long time ago. That, and God's grace. Mostly His grace. You know who else is an expert in overcoming failures? My friend Ifeoma. If you've been a follower of this blog (I am eternally grateful to you), you might have read her guest article Ultimate 30 While In Your 30’s Checklist. Guess what? She's launching her new book Overcome Failures: Get Back On Your Feet. It comes with a companion study. So, you don't just read her story and reflections, you get to write down your own reflection from your own story. Reading it feels like you are walking in your journey and Ifeoma is there to hold your hand every step of the way. Such a gift she is. And her book. eBook giveaway! Speaking of gifts, I am giving away a free copy of her eBook Overcome Failures and a companion study! This is Ifeoma's offer for the launch of her book. The book launch is on August 16. This giveaway is open internationally. Enter below and be blessed with this amazing and uplifting eBook. Overcome Failure Book and Companion Study Giveaway What's your back-on-your-feet story? Click to read the Goodreads reviews here. You can pre-order the book here until the book launch on the 16th of August, 2016.
Books Villains Are Lost Heroes 9:05 PM Where there is anger, there is always pain underneath. -Eckhart Tolle Villains are lost heroes. At least most of them are. Read the life stories of famous villains and you will realize that they’re just normal (or supernatural) beings who went through something that changed the course of their lives. Sometimes it’s a traumatic and devastating event. Sometimes it’s loss and heartbreak. It could be betrayal. It could be too much pushing around and getting tired of being misunderstood. Here’s a look at some lost heroes we know: Loki (Thor) He's always wanted to make his father proud. He wanted to be a king, but his father wanted his brother Thor to take over his throne. He finds this hard to accept because he believes he's more capable and worthy (or been wanting to be good but no one but his mother notices or appreciates). Electro (Spiderman) He was a hardworking dude whose effort was unappreciated. He just wanted to be noticed, to feel relevant, and to have friends. His inferiority complex made him assume that Spiderman betrayed him. He's a good guy who was unfortunately electrocuted on his birthday (that caused him to have superpowers) and who's emotions got the better of him. Medusa (Greek Mythology) She was a beautiful maiden with golden hair. There are different versions of how she turned into the monster that she's known. In one version, she was raped and punished by gods. In another version, she vowed celibacy but was wooed by Poseidon, and so was punished by Athena. No matter, I think it's unfair that she was stripped of her natural beauty and punished in such a way. Magneto (X-men) At a very young age, he was exploited due to his special gift. His mom was murdered in front of him just so he would unleash his powers. He wanted justice. He wanted to free the world from what he believed are the real antagonists of the story---normal human beings who are evil. He wanted to protect his fellow mutants. Plus of course, someone who's been broken that early and that bad will have a hard time forgiving and living "normally". Voldemort (Harry Potter) He's known as the most powerful wizard in the world of Harry Potter. Tom Marvolo Riddle's hunger for power and hatred for Muggles mainly root from his being abandoned by his Muggle father. He wanted to prove his place in the magical world. Plus of course, he's a direct descendant of Slytherin who's known for his thirst for power. He was also conceived with his mom using the love potion to his father. No real love there. You have to read the Half Blood Prince to really understand where all his wrath is coming from. Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty) She was betrayed by the man she loved, and she lost her faith in love and in humanity. She was a good fairy who was deeply hurt. (More on: Life Lessons From Maleficent) Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear (Toy Story) He was unintentionally left in the park by his owner. After all his effort of going back home, he discovered that he was replaced. Again, the feeling of abandonment, rejection and betrayal turned another good character into a cold-hearted villain. Severus Snape (Harry Potter) He was hopelessly in love with Lily Evans. He became a favorite target of bullying of the Marauders and eventually became rivals with James Potter for Lily. The man he loathed ended up with the woman he deeply loved until his last breath. Poison Ivy (Batman) An environmentalist and botany enthusiast, Dr. Lillian Rose was poisoned by Marc LeGrande for fear that she will implicate him on his theft. Obviously, the poison did not kill her, but unleashed the crazy side of this timid girl. The Duke of Monroth (Moulin Rouge) He was an eager investor in the show Spectacular Spectacular, who fell in love and eventually became obsessed with the star, Satine. When he found out Satine was in love with someone else, he threatened not only to withdraw his investment, but also tried to kill Satine's lover, Christian. Love makes you do crazy things. For these villains, they could be doing the world a favor by being the evil that they are. Or they may just be crying for justice. A villain is a hero in his own story. We'll never know and appreciate good without evil. Hate them or love them. The world will be boring without villains. Gifs from Google images. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Books Story Of Half-Bloods And Bullies 9:18 AM I would rather be a little nobody, than to be an evil somebody. -Abraham Lincoln Story Of Half-Bloods And Bullies Here's another Life Lesson post from my favorite book series Harry Potter. In the magical world of Harry Potter, there are purebloods (family from both sides are all wizards), half-bloods (the other parent is a Muggle or non magical) and Muggle-borns (both parents are non magical but they possess magical powers, like Hermione Granger). There are three distinct characters in the book that are half-bloods; Severus Snape, Dolores Umbridge, and the Dark Lord Himself---Voldemort. All these three characters despise those who are not pureblood giving you the impression that they are purebloods themselves. They regard themselves superior than the rest. In the Muggle world, I mean today in our world we find people like them. People who feel superior than the rest. People who look down on you because you don't fit. People can be mean for two possible reasons: 1. They hate your guts, because you've got something they don't or will never have. 2. You remind them of themselves. Envy Number one reason roots from envy. Envious people won't admit they are envious. That will be admitting defeat. That will be accepting the fact that you are better than them. So envious people will undermine you. They will do everything they could to ruin your reputation, stop people from seeing the good in you because they fear that you will stand out and be loved while they stand in your shadow. They will hate you simply because they already see that you are more than them in every aspect. Envious people can't stand people who make them see their weakness and flaws. Number two reason is due to denial and nonacceptance. There are things about themselves that they can't change. When they see these in you, they see themselves reflected back and they hate you for that. Also, you might be in the position that they are aiming for. You maybe reminding them that they are still stuck. Your success intimidates them because they want to be where you are badly. You remind them of their mediocrity and failure. And that is hard to swallow if you have not accepted and fully embraced who you are and where you are at the moment. That's exactly what Snape, Umbridge and Voldemort were like. They despise the half-bloods because they remind them of themselves. They cannot accept that they fall short to the standard they imposed on themselves. And since half-bloods show them that people like them exist, they loathe them. They hate the Muggle-borns because they feel more superior than them. They try to fit in with the purebloods, so people may think they are one of the royalties. How to deal with bullies Easier said than done, but bullies need our kindness and understanding more than anyone does. They are lost and confused. They don't even know why they hate you. Half-bloods and bullies in the magical world of Harry Potter were actually ignored by those who know better. Sure they sometimes can get to their nerve (the trio Harry, Ron and Hermione were easy targets of bullies---a Muggle born, a pureblood but from a poor family, and an orphan half-blood). But they always take the high road, defend other victims, and were not afraid to fight back if needed. Remember Hermione Granger punching Draco Malfoy in the nose? Epic. Because you're the better person, take the high road. Never stoop down to their level and take the gutter. That is what being royal is all about. Always. Gif from Google images Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Books Why We Need More Luna Lovegoods And Hermione Grangers 1:51 AM It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be. -J.K. Rowling We need more Luna Lovegoods and Hermione Grangers in a world full of Pansy Parkinsons. Well, this is not a review of the book itself, but a few of the life lessons I got from the Potter series. I love that quote because (1) I'm a Potterhead, and (2) because if you know Luna Lovegood, Hermione Granger and Pansy Parkinson, you would agree. Luna Lovegood is one of the characters in Harry Potter that you will learn to love. She is weird, she was called Loony Lovegood because she's odd and she doesn't fit. Pansy Parkinson is your typical mean girl at school. She's not pretty inside and out. She sticks with people who thinks they're powerful and bully everyone. She talks trash about you and makes your life miserable. She's your worst nightmare. Hermione Granger is just as famous as Ron Weasley and Harry Potter. She's one of the popular trio in Hogwarts. So, I'll presume you know who she is. Why We Need More Luna Lovegoods And Hermione Grangers They speak their minds Luna Lovegood speaks her mind even if it means being the laughing stock of the school. She believes in what most people in her world think is baloney. She can make you uncomfortable because she points out the truth that no one else would dare. Pansy Parkinson may have a field day every time she say something foolish but she doesn't care. How many of us can freely say what we want to say like Luna? Humility Hermione Granger is the smartest witch of her age. Yet despite being number one in her class, she doesn't brag about it. Pansy Parkinson is not even half as smart she is but loves to call attention to herself. And she always say bad things about Hermione. Sounds familiar? In our world, those who are pulling you down are already below you. They're not half as successful as you are and since they can't beat you, they will try to discredit you instead. Sometimes people in your life will try to expose what's wrong with you because they can't handle what's right about you. -Anonymous Defining standards Luna Lovegood and Hermione Granger define their own standards. Luna has weird fashion sense that even Harry was quite embarrassed when he was with him because he was conscious of people laughing at Luna openly. But Luna doesn't give a damn about what people say. She's comfortable with who she is and goes for what she believes is beautiful that no critic can tell her otherwise. Hermione Granger is looked down for being a Muggle born (witch born from non magical parents). In our world, she is the favorite subject of bullying and racism. The name calling and the discrimination though didn't stop her from being the top of her class. Both girls were victims of harassment, verbal abuse and torment, but neither backed down or got intimidated. Neither stooped down to their critics' level. Talk about taking the high road. Unswerving loyalty Luna Lovegood and Hermione Granger fought with Harry up to the very end. Especially Hermione. She saw everything that Harry went through and she stayed with him loyally. Both Luna and Hermione are your ideal best friends---with unquestioning loyalty and who are willing to give up what they have and risk everything to fight with you and for you up to the very end. Standing out Luna and Hermione were brave enough to not go with the crowd. When everyone else were taking the easy way out by going with the majority, they were not swayed. They have independent minds. And I think it's beautiful that it so happened they found like-minded people. Friendship They value friendship. One of the many things I love about Harry Potter series is the way they all value one another despite being different. They all have uniqueness and quirks but when it comes to friendship, they all jive. Today, you'll seldom find people who are genuine and sincere. Sometimes you have to think hard and long before you'll know what the other person's motive is. Sincerity is a big issue. So when you find people who are real, it becomes a rare opportunity. Standing up for others Although both Hermione and Luna are victims of bullying themselves, they don't sit around and watch the likes of Pansy Parkinson bully others. They may sometimes stay quiet and ignore the name callings in the halls, but they do stand up for those who are being bullied. They protect other people as much as they can. Selflessness They both tried to stop the most powerful and evil wizard of all. While Pansy Parkinson would have followed and caved in to Voldemort's threats, they were both willing to sacrifice their youth, and put their lives on the line, fighting side by side with their friends who are just as young and vulnerable as they are. They're both selfless. Careless and brave yes, but selfless nonetheless. Irreplaceable Harry and Ron would have been lost without Hermione. She was the brain in their group. She thinks in advance and she thinks...well like a woman does. That saved them from a lot of trouble in their journey. Luna was the one who talked Harry back into his senses when he tried to isolate himself from the crowd. If it wasn't for Luna's carefree insight, Harry would have ruined his friendships and he would have been more vulnerable to Voldemort. She was also the one who was there when Harry felt alone. Men then, couldn't have done so much or survived without them. Both Luna and Hermione embody Girl Power. They are both fighters. They are both very smart and wise for their age. They are both looked down by the self-righteous and the fault-finders. But, they both remained confident, staunch and unwavering that no Pansy Parkinson can put them down or stop them. Photos and gifs from Google images. Header photo fan art by courtneygodbey Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Books Bo Sanchez's The Abundance Formula 5:15 AM You must get good at one of two things: Planting in the spring or begging in the fall. -Jim Rohn You'd think there's a magic formula behind abundance. Or a complex scheme. Turns out, it's really simple. I learned this from the book The Abundance Formula by Bo Sanchez. Just remember these 4 numbers: 100, 10, 20, 70. Earn 100% Give back 10% Invest 20% Spend 70% Understanding Your Spending HabitMoney is also about psychology and emotions. It’s hard to restrain from buying when you keep on justifying it, right? "It’s on sale.""I deserve this."You will never run out of excuses when you purchase something. And that's what usually stops you from living an abundant life.How Can I Be Abundant in Life? Financial abundance, as suggested in the book The Abundance Formula, is simple. 1. Earn 100%. Give your all in what you do because the universe will always pay you back for what you give. 2. Tithe 10%. Ask any successful businessmen - who are not religious, and they will tell you that giving back to the universe is a huge part of success. It’s the law of attraction, the law of reciprocity, the law of the harvest. When you give, you create a vacuum that the universe will fill up again. That’s just the way the universe works. Giphy 3. Invest 20%. There are many kinds of investments: paper assets, properties, and businesses. If you're no expert like me (math and I have a complicated relationship), do your research and see which investment suits your lifestyle best. Or join the Truly Rich Club. They give you financial - and spiritual advice. They tell you what companies to invest in, when to buy, or what to sell. (This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!)VSGIF 4. Spend 70%. Spend what’s left after tithing and investing. Live only within or below your means, and you’ll never run out of cash again. Giphy What does it mean to live life abundantly? The meaning of abundant life is not confined to having more material things. Abundant life isn't about living in excess, it's about: Fulfilling your potential. Growing, learning, and using your gifts. Meaningful connections. Building deep, loving relationships. Gratitude and joy. Savoring the good, big and small. Purpose and contribution. Giving back, making a difference.The Secret to Living AbundantlyAbundance is a feeling, not a material possession. It's about richness of spirit, depth of connection, and the joy of living a life true to yourself. So, tune into your own symphony, play your unique notes, and create a life overflowing with abundance.What are the characteristics of abundant life?An abundant life isn't easily defined, as it has different meanings for different people. However, there are some common characteristics that tend to paint a picture of richness and fullness:Inner QualitiesPurpose and Meaning: A sense of direction and a guiding force that fuels passion and motivation. Joy and Gratitude: An appreciation for the good, big and small, leading to a deep sense of happiness and contentment. Resilience and Growth: The ability to bounce back from challenges and continuously learn and evolve. Peace and Calmness: An inner serenity allowing clear thinking and emotional stability. Love and Connection: Deep and meaningful relationships that provide support, belonging, and shared joy.External ManifestationsContribution and Impact: Making a positive difference in the world, however big or small. Health and Well-being: Physically and mentally thriving, feeling energized and able to pursue your passions. Creativity and Expression: Utilizing your talents and abilities to bring something unique to the world. Financial Security: Having enough resources to meet your needs and pursue your goals without undue stress. Adventure and Exploration: Stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing new experiences to broaden your horizons. What constitutes an abundant life will vary greatly from person to person, so focus on identifying what truly matters to you and cultivating those qualities and experiences that bring you meaning and joy.Remember, the characteristics of an abundant life are a guide, not a rulebook. Embrace the journey and create your own definition of a life lived to the fullest.Bo Sanchez's The Abundance Formula TakeawayAfter reading books on money management, attending seminars, and applying what I learned, I realized that the road to abundance may be long, meandering, and even lonely (not everyone is determined to get out of the rat race), but seeing your money grow is fulfilling.Because it's not about accumulating material things. It's being able to do what you like, give to those in need, and have a sense of freedom.Can you say you're living abundantly at the moment? What's your secret?
Books Book Review: Fangirl (Rainbow Rowell) 3:35 AM Book Review: Fangirl (Rainbow Rowell) Happily ever after, or even just together ever after, is not cheesy. It’s the noblest, like, the most courageous thing two people can shoot for. Just finished reading another Rainbow Rowell's YA novel Fangirl. Here's what I think about this cute story. Book Review: Fangirl (Rainbow Rowell)Just finished reading another Rainbow Rowell's YA novel Fangirl. I expected too much from Rainbow Rowell after reading Eleanor & Park. That’s why Fangirl in my opinion pales in comparison. Still Rainbow Rowell managed to make me fall in love with the main guy character Levi (and his untiring smile). I understand Cath because I’m a fangirl myself. Although I don’t spend thousands of hours writing fan fiction online, I know how it feels obsessing about the magical world and the characters in it. The Harry Potter characters grew up right in front of my eyes and I feel protective of them, just as Cath is as defensive with her favorite fictional characters Simon and Baz. I can stay up late discussing the could-have-been and what might-have-been with other HP fans. I don’t like meeting people and unnecessary social obligations (attending parties). So, Cath for me is normal. Fangirl is a fun and entertaining novel. You sort of get two fictions in one book: Cath’s world, and a glimpse of the world she’s obsessing over.Reading Fangirl makes you wish you have a sister or a friend like Cath (if you’re into writing or if you love fictions). It makes you want to meet someone as warm and comforting as Levi. Having a boyfriend like him is like coming home to a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows in a cold and windy weather. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell makes you want to head to the nearest Starbucks for a hot Gingerbread Latte Grande. Rating I give Fangirl 3.5 stars. Then again, who am I to say it’s a good or a not-so-good book. Go get your copy and see for yourself. See also: Life After Eleanor & Park (Book Review And Raving)
Books Life After Eleanor & Park (Book Review And Raving) 8:47 AM Life After Eleanor & Park (Book Review And Raving) He just didn't recognize all those other girls. The way a computer drive will spit out a disk if it doesn't recognize the formatting. When he touched Eleanor's hand, he recognized her. He knew. -Rainbow Rowell, Eleanor & Park Ahhh, Eleanor & Park.Where do I start? You know that feeling when you meet people who gives you a daily dose of happy hormones? Meeting the flawed adorable characters Eleanor & Park feels like that.Life is never the same after reading a book, especially a book as good as Eleanor & Park. More than just giving a review, this is me raving. This post contains affiliate links so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you. Life After Eleanor & Park (Book Review and Raving)Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1. Not your typical charactersI like Eleanor & Park because they are not your typical drop dead gorgeous fictional character. They're two awkward adolescent kids whose lives aren't perfect. But everything feels perfect whenever they're together. 2. Slow and naturalI like it because Eleanor & Park did not start in the common boy-meets-girl plot. It was slow and organic. They eventually became aware of each others presence until such time that they can't seem to live without the other. I feel like I was there every step of their journey. 3. Eleanor & Park are relatableEverything is normal. Their story is not all bliss, not too messy. Just the normal relatable things people their age go through. Whatever situation they're in, they just chose to be together. 4. Not too muchEven in all the cheesiness, it is not an awkward and boring story. It doesn't exaggerate. How Eleanor & Park were feeling, what they were thinking, they're all real and honest. We've all been there. 5. Characters with depthEleanor & Park may be pubescents, but they're deep. They're discovering and experiencing life and love, and learning their lessons. You know they'll grow into wise adults. 6. A beautiful endingI love the way it ended. It's one of those open-ended stories that does not piss you off or keeps you guessing. You know. You just know in your heart that they will be together in the end. Giphy You'll never underestimate and look at young love the same way again. Like other book characters I came to know and cherish, Eleanor & Park will always occupy a special space in my heart, and they will keep on living (and driving each other crazy) in my head. Life after Eleanor & Park? It goes on yes, but it's never the same again. Sigh. See also: Book Review: Fangirl (Rainbow Rowell) Giphy
