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2022 Reading Challenge With Bookstagram Questions

4:39 PM

grinning woman carrying a stack of books

short review
First book of the year:

Lost Wife's Tale by Marion McGilvary

Last read of the year:

Reminders of Him Colleen Hoover

Favorite book characters:

Lady Johanna in Saving Grace by Julie Garwood
Christina Bennet in Lion's Lady by Julie Garwood
Jade in Guardian Angel
Spenser in Bad Business by Robert B Parker
Ava Knight in Tempt Me, Your Grace by Tamara Gill
Ravenna Caulfield in I Adored a Lord by Katharine Ashe
Campbell Barker in You Dropped a Blonde on Me by Dakota Cassidy
Jason Curtis in Nothing Lasts Forever by Sidney Sheldon

Favorite author/s?

Julia Quinn
Robert Fulghum
Robert B. Parker

Genres you read this year:

Romance

Young Adult
Regency Drama

Fantasy Fiction
Crime Mystery Detective Thriller
Memoir
Self-help
Christian Literature

Favorite genre so far:

Regency Drama Romance
Crime Mystery Detective Thriller

Favorite romance trope:

Different Worlds / Backgrounds

Books that you finish in one day:

The Quickie by James Patterson
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
Nothing Lasts Forever by Sidney Sheldon

Unputdownable books:

The Quickie by James Patterson
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
Nothing Lasts Forever by Sidney Sheldon
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

Books that made you cry:

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

Books that made you laugh:

Bad Business by Robert B Parker
All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum

Books that upset you:

The Quickie by James Patterson
Nothing Lasts Forever by Sidney Sheldon
King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard
War Storm by Victoria Aveyard

Book you think has a frustrating plot or ending:

The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand
Eternity by Jude Deveraux
The Gift by Julie Garwood

Books with covers you love:

Book series you read:

The Red Queen Series (complete)
Hunger Games (complete)
Crown's Spies Series (books 1-3 only)

Books with steamy scenes:

All Julie Garwood books
All Julia Quinn books
If You Give a Girl a Viscount by Kieran Kramer

Books that made you want to fall in love again for the first time:

A Night Like This by Julia Quinn
The Girl with a Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn
Saving Grace by Julie Garwood

The most remarkable book:

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
Nothing Lasts Forever by Sidney Sheldon

Easiest read:

Bad Business by Robert B Parker

Novel that took you a long time to finish:

Unbecoming by Jenny Downham

The longest time it took you to finish a book:

2 weeks

An author whose work you want to read more of:

Robert B Parker
Colleen Hoover
Julia Quinn
Kate White

Cheapest book you bought:

Robert B Parker ($0.63 second-hand bookstore)

Books that disappointed you:

War Storm (Victoria Aveyard)
The Blue Bistro (Elin Hildenbrand)

Books that you will recommend:

Bad Business by Robert B Parker
The Girl with a Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn
Nothing Lasts Forever by Sidney Sheldon

Books that you are less likely to recommend:

Eternity (Jude Deveraux)

Books that made you want to reach out to the author:Lost Wife's Tale

Books that you wish to have an epilogue or sequel:Lost Wife's Tale

Book character you want to swap lives with for a day:

Lady Johanna (Saving Grace)
Princess Christina (The Lion's Lady)

Book character you hated:Lorna on Foursome by Jane Fallon

Book character you wish you were friends with:

Paige Turner (Nothing Lasts Forever)
Ravenna Caulfield (I Adored a Lord)
Princess Christina (The Lion's Lady)
Jade (Guardian Angel)

Book boyfriend/husband:

Ledger Ward (Reminders of Him)
Daniel Smythe-Smith (A Night Like This)
Major Edward Rokesby (The Girl with a Make-Believe Husband)
Laird Gabriel McBain (Saving Grace)
Campbell Barker (You Dropped a Blonde on Me)

Book setting you wish you could see in real life:

Julie Garwood's in the Scottish Highlands
The Blue Bistro
The Christmas Village in How the Grump Saved Christmas (Claire Kingsley)

What book color do you have the most of?

Shades of Blue

Books you wish will be made into a movie or series:

Julie Garwood's and Julia Quinn's
Appointment with Death by Agatha Christie

How do you rate your books?I base the rating on entertainment or emotions, storytelling, readability, and plot.
Emotions. I laughed, cried, got confused, got upset and frustrated, got scared, got angry, and got giddy. I felt all the emotions the author wanted me to feel. Or if it made me feel better after closing the book.
Storytelling. I like stories that are easy to read. Or storytelling style makes me feel like I'm talking to someone sharing a fascinating story that I can't wait to hear the rest of it.
Readability. Is reading it like pulling teeth, or do I find myself breezing through the pages?
Plot. What happened to the story? Is there character development? Did it surprise me or keep me guessing? Did the whole point of the story make sense? Did I learn something from it or at least left thankful I picked up the book?

All the Books on My 2022 Reading Challenge
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten
Appointment with Death
Saving Grace
Slow Burn
The Bride
Bad Business
Lethally Blonde
Guardian Angel
The Lion's Lady
The Glass Sword
Heartbreaker
The Quickie
Rattled!
Heaven Changes Everything
The Secret
A Night Like This
Nothing Lasts Forever
Catching Fire
The Girl with a Made-Believe Husband
How the Grump Saved Christmas

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Foursome
Shoe Addicts Anonymous
The Wedding
The Debutant Divorcee
Anna and the French Kiss
You Dropped a Blonde on Me
Killjoy
I Adored a Lord
Ali's Pretty Little Lies
Mockingjay
Tempt Me Your Grace

⭐⭐⭐

A Lost Wife's Tale
If You Give a Girl a Viscount
War Storm
Honor's Splendor
Unbecoming

⭐-⭐⭐

Mr. & Miss Anonymous
The Blue Bistro
The Gift
Eternity

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Lux Thinking Aloud

The Word I Choose For 2023: No

5:59 PM

What word are you choosing for 2023? I started my Word for the Year instead of New Year's Resolution years ago, and this year is no different. My word for 2023 is only a two-letter, monosyllabic one, but it's powerful. So powerful that even though it denotes negativity, you are encouraged to say it more often so you can live happy and healthy. The word I choose for 2023 is No.

My Word for 2023: No

What is Saying No?

Saying no is more than just refusing, declining an invitation, or disagreeing.

Saying no is an art. It takes gumption to say no, especially to people you don't want to disappoint.

Saying no shows how much you believe in what you stand for, regardless of how persuading or discouraging eternal forces are. (Remember the War on Drugs slogan, 'Just Say No'?).

Saying no is an expression of self-love and self-respect. It's about being unapologetically you.

Saying no means protecting yourself from people and things that can harm or distract you from your goals.

Saying no is okay. It is healthy.

And saying no is important if you want to improve your life.

This 2023, I choose to say No more often.

Because I want more sh** done.

(That's my phrase for 2023, by the way. "Get it done.")

How often do you say no? To other people and, most of all, to yourself?

Tenor

Why No is my word for 2023

I choose to say No more this year, so I can say yes to better things.

No to rehashing traumatic experiences in my head. Yes to acceptance, contentment, and peace.

No to overthinking and what-ifs. Yes to embracing the present and all its beauty and ugly.

No to believing and giving the time of day to the lies of the enemy. Yes to loving who I am and thanking God for making me this way.

No to growing and nourishing the seed of doubt that past experiences and toxic people planted in me. Yes to seeing and treating myself with kindness and compassion.

And No to little everyday things that impact my life significantly.

Giphy

Everyday things I'm saying No to

No to buying and eating cakes for no reason.

I'm reserving that for special occasions now.
No to One more chapter and One more episode.

Oh, the lies we tell ourselves! I'm tired of waking up to dull-looking skin and breakouts because of lack of sleep.

Of my growing eye bags and sluggishness the following day.

Of rereading and redoing my work multiple times because my brain's not functioning well.
No to procrastination.

This 2023, I'm saying no to putting off to tomorrow what I can finish or at least start on today.

The main culprit for my procrastination is mindless browsing on my phone.

I put off doing my chores, stretching and strengthening my back, and working on a project. And would you believe it, I even procrastinate on ordering online.

So my floor gets dirtier than I would admit. My laundry piles up. I feel weaker, and my lower back hurts.

So I'm saying enough of that this 2023.

Tenor
No to baseless worries.

Even the Bible reminds us not to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).

But more often than necessary, I worry. Anxiety has been a part of my day, and when things are going right, my brain automatically finds something to worry about.

Or worries that there's nothing to worry about. 🤷

It could be a result of growing up in the environment I was in. Or talking to people who are more anxious than I am.

But I'm saying No to that more often and with more conviction this year.

And remind me to focus on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable, or admirable, or on something praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
No to another year of hiatus on my blog.

My blog is my baby. It's one of the few things I can call my own. And I have neglected this baby for a while now.

I've not been deliberate in writing more often. In encouraging my readers, which I claimed to be the purpose and reason for this blog.

In reaching out and updating my subscribers and sending Soul Food that I promised. So I'll be more active on my blog again.

I'll write more often (not as often as when I started - daily or weekly. Gosh, where is that girl with so much time in her hand now?).

I'd be a more responsible and doting mother to this love child of a blog.

Effects of Not Saying No

I know the results of not saying No all too well.

My mental and physical health suffers. My relationships suffer. My work quality suffers.

I burn out when I don't say No to clients' demands.

I get lethargic when I don't say no to another episode of Outlander or Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

I go through the day like a zombie desperate for brains when I can't say no to Miss Julia Quinn, Julie Garwood, or Colleen Hoover's stories.

Tenor

In Summary: No for 2023

This year, more than saying no to working myself like a slave one moment and procrastinating the next, I'm saying no to my bad habits.

To the lies in my head. To activities that don't help me grow, make more money, and fill my heart with joy.

My word for 2023 is No because I want to say yes to more substantial, better possibilities.

I'm choosing the word No because I want to say Yes to my health, my peace, and seeing things accomplished.

Have you chosen a word for the year?

What things are you saying No to this 2023?

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Lux Thinking Aloud

My 2022 Wrapped

5:02 PM

My 2022 Wrapped
I turned 40.Though I still feel like I'm still 21. I think I'll forever be in my heart. The only indications that I've aged are that I'm starting to see lines near my eyes, I gain weight faster and find that I can't lose them as quickly as I used to, and I just don't give a damn anymore.I'm more comfortable with my choices, not having to think if this is what society would approve of or what people would say.I spent my birthday and Christmas by myself. Peacefully, contentedly, joyfully.

I read the most books in my life in one year.Last year, I gave myself the Read One Book or Series in One Month Challenge. However, I found that after reading one book, I'm itching for the next month to start so I can begin reading again. So this year, I didn't give myself a limit.Result: I finished reading 45 books this 2022.

We Heart ItNewfound obsessionWe always keep discovering new things. I've found that this year, I can be into something I used to ignore. For example:

garlic bread

the period drama, both in books and series

Human Nature Marine Caviar HydroMiracle

Taylor Swift

I failed in my cooking challenge.Just like my reading challenge, I gave myself a cooking challenge. It's to make one dish I haven't made before every month. I think I only got to March. I still cook, but they're the same dishes like pasta arrabbiata (already bottled and ready to add), pasta basil, and basically heating up meals I order.

GiphyI wrote more than 3 million words this 2022.I stressed myself out by getting more projects than usual. I ended up not taking a day off for three months, not going out (which is not an issue for introverts like me), and watching days go by like a blur. I'm glad that's over now.Not surprising that Grammarly counted more than 3 million words I checked on their tool.I look forward to a more productive but less anxiety-driven year this 2023.

GifimageI went on a solo trip.Thanks to my husband's insistence, I booked a weekend getaway on the mountain, read a book (period drama, of course), ate organic food, and reveled in that soothing Pinoy hilot massage. It was so relaxing and pleasing that I had to extend it another night.

SelfMy 2022 in SummaryMy 2022 can be wrapped up in four things:

Working

Reading

Napping

Eating

But for everything that happened, I can describe my feelings in one word: Thankful.

Thankful for better health.

Thankful for more clients and projects.

Thankful for my husband.

Thankful for an imperfect yet blessed life.

I'm thankful to not have any huge challenges this year - except for losing some of our dogs which was heartbreaking. This 2022...There were significant events in our family. I pushed myself too far with work.Rebounded in my health.And I know I still need to get better at blogging. 2023 will also have its own set of challenges, triumphs, and breakthroughs. And I'm ready.How's your 2022?
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Listicle

10 TV Shows To Binge-Watch Before 2022 Ends

7:40 PM

10 TV Shows To Binge-Watch Before 2022 Ends

Two women watching 10 TV shows 2022 to binge-watch

10 TV Shows To Binge-Watch Before 2022 Ends

1. Miss Scarlet and the Duke

Eliza Scarlet is at the marrying age but not the marrying type. Instead, she loves solving crimes like her late father did, despite living at a time when female detectives were unthinkable and laughable.

To save herself from poverty after her father's demise, she can either marry an eligible gentleman or fend for herself.

So, ignoring patriarchal discrimination and prejudice, she became her own boss and started - well, continued her father's private detective business.

She gets into trouble for trying to catch criminals, but Duke is always there to help her, albeit reluctantly.

Why I love this show:

I love period drama! There's something idyllic about it, even when the plots are chaotic.
Detective series. Makes my mind work, trying to solve the case with Eliza.
Woman power. It's no easy feat to prove, especially to a room full of ego and bravado, that you're better and smarter than they are, but Eliza makes it happen.
Inspirational. Paving your path in an unwelcoming world takes gumption.
It's well-made and easy to watch.
Eliza and William could very well be a rom-com couple you'd love to ship

2. The Outlander

For some mysterious reason, Claire Randall was transported back 200 years in the past. To survive the barbaric time, she had to marry Jamie Fraser.

Claire didn't plan to fall in love with Jamie but needed to return to her present to escape the war. My heart goes out to Frank, Claire's husband, but I can't bear to look at him after Claire returns. Viewers and book fans would understand.

Why I love this show:

I'm not a fan of codependent relationships, but Jamie and Claire's love for each other proves how powerful love can be. It defies time.
Total admiration for the author of the novel on which the story is based. Such a brilliant mind to come up with this complex and beautiful story.
It makes you root for one character and despise the other effortlessly.
Their fight for survival and freedom is admirable.

3. Only Murders in the Building

An unlikely friendship between three residents in the Upper West Side was born from their mutual love for solving crimes.

Why I love this show:

The light comedy is a breath of fresh air.
Wonderful cast! Love their dynamics and chemistry.
Crime mystery will get you hooked.

4. The Lord of the Rings: Ring of Power

This series received a lot of hate from solid book fans. But for someone content with visual entertainment, I love this series.

Ring of Power is based on J.R.R Tolkien's series that talks about the story of Middle Earth thousands of years before The Hobbit. It's a backstory of the powerful rings in the Lord of the Rings.

Why I love this show:

Perfect cinematography.
Breathtaking visual effects.
I love getting to know about the story before and behind the story.

5. House of the Dragon

Speaking of perfection and great prequels, House of the Dragons is a must-watch TV show before 2022 ends.

If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, HOTD was set 172 years before Daenerys Targaryen was born.

It's still about the fight for the iron throne, but this time, it's Targaryerns vs. Targaryerns - the dragon riders.

Why I love this show:

Mesmerizing cinematography.
You know the ending (because there will be no Game of Thrones if it all ends up good), but you'd still be hooked.
Perfect casting.

6. The Lincoln Lawyer

Also based on a novel, Lincoln Lawyer is about Mickey Haller, a notable lawyer who is back to revive his career after an accident and an incident in his past case that still haunts him. He's famous for working at the back of his Lincoln car, thus, the name. This is a binge-worthy quality show you need to watch before 2022 ends.

Why I love this show:

Smart!
This thriller crime series will keep you guessing until the crime is solved.
I love Mickey's team. They make do with what they have, and it's more than enough.

7. Dolunay (Full Moon)

I've seen four Turkish series, but this is the least annoying plot. 😅 Turkish series basically follow the same theme:

Rich, arrogant, stringent businessman.
Simple, carefree, clever, strong woman.
They fall in love and try to hide their feelings. They fake a relationship, engagement, or marriage. Or they fake it first before they fall in love.
Fight against family, exes, current love interests, and business nemeses.
Finally win the fight and live happily ever after.

Dolunay is no different, but it's the least ridiculous so far.

There are many scenes in a Turkish drama that will get you face-palming. Or shaking your head and saying, "Everyone's that stupid? Nobody figured that out? You must talk about that top secret loudly in a public place?"

Dolunay is not only tolerable, but it's also likable.

Why I love this show:

Ferit and Nazli's chemistry.
Ferit's house.
Ferit and Nazli's fight for an innocent boy's future.
The view. Turkey is a beautiful place I wish to visit someday.

8. The Empress

Another treat for period drama fans. It follows the story of Elisabeth, a hardheaded unfeminine lady who was only supposed to accompany her sister, the planned betrothed of Emperor Franz of the Viennese court.

The emperor ended up choosing her. She lived a complex life, having to follow the rules, stand up for herself, and be worthy of her title while following her heart and wanting to help bring peace to the empire.

Why I love this show:

Another fascinating period drama.
She wanted to marry for love and not for convenience. And she did.
The story gets better and better, so I hope there's a season 2.

9. So Help Me Todd

Scrupulous and controlling mother but brilliant lawyer Margaret Wright had to hire her Blacksheep son Todd when he proved he could be an asset in solving crimes. This mother-and-son comedic duo is a delight to watch. Definitely, a 2022 TV show to binge-watch before the year ends.

Why I love this show:

Such talented cast
Love the mother-son dynamics
Funny and witty lines
Ligh,t despite the crimes

10. Young Sheldon

If you're a Big Bang Theory fan, you'll love Young Sheldon. It's Sheldon Cooper's origin story, how he was when he was a child, his family, and their lives before Sheldon became the Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Sheldon Cooper.

Why I love this show:

It makes me laugh out loud.
Witty lines and an impeccable cast.
An imperfect family that's hard not to love.

What TV shows do you binge-watch this 2022? Hope you can add these to your list before the year ends.

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Listicle

17 Things I Love About My Husband

2:00 PM

my husband

17 Things I Love About My Husband

1. He is patient.

Marriage is a big adjustment, from deciding on everything by myself to sharing my life with someone.

Our cultural differences also make it difficult for us to understand each other.

Despite our contrasting personalities and shortcomings, my husband is patient with me.

I love that about him.

2. He's responsible.

My husband sees that I don't have to worry about things around the house.

He ensures we are comfortable, from fixing leaks to running errands. He takes care of and provides for our needs.

I love that he has the initiative to take out the trash without being asked.

He doesn't put off until later what needs to be done at the moment.

3. He makes me laugh.

I love it when he does silly things to give me a little break from working.

He shares amusing stories to help keep my stress level down.

4. He's smart.

He thinks like an engineer; he's math-savvy, inquisitive, methodical, and systematic.

My husband is perceptive, thorough, logical, and analytical.

He's an eloquent speaker, and I couldn't be prouder.

5. He's loyal.

When my husband finds a good restaurant, we return to that place, order the same food, and even sit at the same table whenever possible.

He asks for the same hairstylist, masseuse, and driver every time he needs their service.

Most of all, he is loyal to me.

6. He makes me feel at peace.

Because I know that no matter what happens, he will take care of me, fight for our relationship, and he will never hurt me intentionally, I am at peace.

I know how it is to be in a relationship where you're unsure of your partner's loyalty. Or when there's always a conflict to work on.

You're always on edge.

I appreciate not having to worry about these things anymore.

7. He is thoughtful.

My husband always thinks about me and my needs, no matter how busy he gets.

He knows my language of love gifts, so he sees that I receive a gift, even if it's just a flower he's picked on his way home.

8. He puts Christ first.

When I was single, I heard someone say, "Find a man who puts God first and your second. He will not look for a third."

I don't mind being my husband's second priority as long as God is his first.

As it is, marriage is a covenant between you, God, and your partner.

9. He wants me to take care of myself.

My husband always reminds me to pamper myself.

He's also willing and eager to wait while I get my hair and nails done.

I love that when I shop, he doesn't just follow me around. Instead, I can ask for his opinion, and he'll give me honest feedback and suitable suggestions.

10. He's humble.

Our marriage is not perfect, but he's willing to change his ways to improve.

Being the leader in our relationship, he's humble enough to apologize first - even when sometimes I'm at fault. 😛

11. He's romantic.

My husband is my most loving, caring, and romantic partner.

He can make me feel special and loved even at the most ordinary of times.

He makes me feel like I'm the most beautiful woman in the world, even when I don't think at my best.

12. He's selfless.

He puts my needs and comfort first before his. Yet, I am included in all his dreams and plans.

13. He's clean.

My husband takes hygiene seriously. He smells fresh and is always clean.

We don't have a messy house; he cleans the kitchen even before eating (unlike me, I wait until we're done before I wash the dishes), and most of all, we always sleep with clean sheets.

I can't imagine living with a sloppy person. I'm glad my husband isn't one.

15. He has no vices.

My husband doesn't smoke and has not had alcohol for a decade. He doesn't gamble, and he has no bad habits.

He loves watching movies so much that I could say that's his only "vice," but I get to binge-watch with him sometimes, so all good.

16. He's the best travel companion ever.

I love that I've found the best travel planner and partner I could ever ask for.

From making sure we get the best deal without compromising comfort and safety, planning our itinerary, and packing our travel needs, he's on top of things.

On the day of the trip, from waking me up (forcing me out of bed, really lol), preparing our breakfast and bags, securing our house, carrying my luggage, and ensuring that we enjoy the trip, I can rely on him.

Can't wait to travel with him again.

17. He's an excellent life companion.

There are days when I need my space, and he respects that.

We can sit in silence comfortably or talk endlessly ---mainly depending on my mood. 😁

Why I love my husband

My husband and I couldn't be more different.

I can multitask, but he needs to focus on one thing. As all men do, I think.

I'm 99% introverted (according to the personality test we took), and he's a full-blown extrovert.

Yet I know we can turn our differences into delight.

I prayed for a good partner, and God gave me more than I asked for.

My husband is another reason I love my life and consider myself blessed.

I do like to say that I love my husband because he could be my best friend, most trusted confidant, most supportive cheerleader, and worst critic.

I love many things about my husband, and I'm excited to discover more in the coming years.

Happy anniversary, Honey! 😘

Life Lessons

How Would You Rate Yourself

6:54 AM

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

How would you rate yourself?

This is a common question when applying for a job.

From 1-10, how would you rate yourself as a candidate or employee?

Should you be humble and give a low number? Or would you be bold enough to sell yourself; your skills, your assets, and what-have-yous?

Never say 1.

It means that you don't know anything, have self-esteem issues, or are faking humility.

Don't say 10 because that's a perfect score, meaning there's no room for improvement.

For job interviews, the safe and recommended answer to the question "How would you rate yourself?" is...

An 8 or a 9.

Why would you give yourself this rating?

It means you know enough about the industry and your role, and you're aware of your strengths.

Plus, you're humble and wise enough to know that you can still improve.

It shows you're willing to grow and learn.

No company would want to hire someone hard to train and a know-it-all.

Go Social

"How would you rate yourself?" is one of the most common questions that most people find hard to answer during an interview.

Here are other common job interview questions and how to answer them.

How would you rate your life?

How about in life? How would you rate yourself?

Where are you now vs. where you thought you'd be?

Are you living your dream life, or were you delayed because of a detour?

How are you doing?

If you're still standing after the storm...

If you're still fighting despite the failures...

If you still believe everything will work out despite the messy situation you're currently in...

Give yourself a pat on the back and cut yourself some slack.

You won't always get what you want, but God will provide what you need.

Sometimes on your way to your dreams, you'd get lost. But you'll find yourself. And you'll realize there's something better.

You may not be a 10 according to society, but as long as you're doing your best, who cares?

Celebrate small victories.

Say this with me:

I'm nowhere near perfect. I'm a work in progress. But, I'm also far from the person I used to be.

You are improving. You are better than the person you were yesterday.

Isn't that more important than what society thinks?

Be humble enough to know you're no better than anybody and wise enough to know you're unique.

We have different paths to take.

Your vision and dreams may not make sense to others because they weren't given that vision.

I saw this funny meme on Instagram that says, "No one else is supposed to understand your calling. It wasn't a conference call."

Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle or your middle to someone else's end.

Don't compare the start of your second quarter of life to someone else's third quarter. (Jon Acuff)

Quit overthinking. This book can help you:

And when you rate yourself, remember to extend yourself a little kindness. You are a work in progress, but you are enough.

This post contains affiliate links, so I'd get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site. Thanks in advance!

Listicle

10 Things I Wish They Taught Us In School

5:47 AM

Another day passed, and I didn't get to use Algebra and Calculus once. Phew! 😂Why did I take them up again? Oh, right. It's required to get my degree. I wish they'd allowed us to choose what we want to learn. Or change the curriculum and teach us the essential things in life.Do you also wish that sometimes? I mean, do you even remember what the Pythagorean theorem is and its purpose?Here are 10 things I wish they had taught us in school.
10 Things I Wish They Taught Us in School
1. Filing taxes and how we can save or pay lessI remember taxes being explained in school. Briefly.I don't remember our school teaching us how to lessen the amount we need to pay. I know some wealthy people find a loophole in taxes. They're so rich because they can get around it. I wish they had taught us an easier way to file taxes. The basic ones. So we don't dread tax season and do not have to hire a bookkeeper or accountant as much as possible.Thankfully, there are YouTube channels now explaining how certain taxes should be filed.

I Wish They Taught Us How To Pay Taxes In School

2. Mental Health Care There's a stigma about people suffering from mental health problems.I wish they taught us how to deal with anxiety, for example, not only when taking up psychology, psychiatry, or the like.Taking care of our mental health should be taught early on to avoid making it worse. And for the person suffering from it to not be scared to open up and seek help.Let young people know what they feel is expected or if it's time for them to get professional help. What can they do when they feel paralyzed by fear?How should we talk to someone who is going through depression?If mental health had been given the focus and importance it deserves, maybe more suicides and self-harm could've been avoided.More people wouldn't feel bad, lost, or guilty for feeling their feelings.People would be more sensitive and empathetic towards others.

I Wish They Taught Us How Mental Health Care In School

3. The truth about animal agriculture or how our food is made.This is not to force people to go vegan (though it would be nice if you would). This is to give you the option. To know what you're choosing and the consequences of your choice.When I learned about what they do to animals and how unpleasant and dreadful the situation is, I felt duped. Why didn't anyone tell me how horrible the process was for my cheeseburger to be made?Thank goodness for plant-based alternatives now.Show your kids actual footage and not staged videos of animals killed for food. Then let them decide for themselves.

I Wish They Taught Us Animal Agriculture In School

4. How to live more sustainably. Rich people are trying to discover how we can thrive on other planets, but...Shouldn't we spend more time and money to save what we have instead of looking for another planet to ~~abuse and corrupt~~ live on?There's nothing wrong with progress. I'm here for a future with flying cars and all the high-tech fun.But it shouldn't mean we should trash our planet while working our way to a better future, right?May we learn to live sustainably even when schools don't focus on teaching us how.

I Wish They Taught Us Sustainable Living In School

5. Laws and rightsMore than 30,000 statutes have been enacted in the US since 1789.We studied the basics of law and those necessary in your field. For example, we have a subject on Ethics and Jurisprudence in Pharmacy.But some people are unaware of their fundamental rights, like the right to fair wages. Unfortunately, that's especially true in my country.Side note: Do you know that it's illegal to fly a kite in Victoria, Australia, and Buenos Aires, Argentina?What other crazy laws do you know of?

I Wish They Taught Us Laws and Rights In School

6. How to invest or the different kinds of investmentIs there a conspiracy theory that keeps the poor poor and helps the rich become richer? Because why aren't they teaching us how to grow our money properly in school?I learned all about investing and growing your money exponentially from financial gurus.If I could learn simple investment through a one-day seminar and follow it up with YouTube videos, imagine what we could do if we discover it in all our years spent in school. I'm sure you've heard stories of Chinese families talking about money at the dining table, even with their young kids, as naturally and casually as talking about their favorite Disney characters.No wonder they're good at businesses and investments.

I Wish They Taught Us How to Invest in School

7. How to start and grow a businessSpeaking of business, not everyone's good at it.But maybe because we just don't know what we can sell or how to sell. Our every day involves marketing. We use marketing to convince our parents to give us money. Why did you add that product to your cart even if you don't really need it? Effective marketing.We recommend products to our friends. We are natural salespersons. Might as well use that skill to start a business and help us grow our money.In Robert Kiyosaki's book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, his rich dad taught him about selling and business while he was young. Imagine if he waited for school to teach him what he knows now.

I Wish They Taught Us How to Start a Business in School

8. The power of the law of attraction or having the right mindsetWhy don't they teach us the importance of having the right attitude? The winning mentality? Or that we have the power to make things happen?We see it in movies and in other people we know. We read it in self-help books. Some of the people we met are generous enough to share this with us.Why not start this in school?

I Wish They Taught Us the right mindset in School

9. Self-defenseSelf-defense should be mandated to be taught in schools. It's vital for survival. Not every parent has the time and resources to bring their kids to a martial arts class.Since we're already going to school every day, we might as well teach ourselves how to deal with a possible assault. ROTC was a requirement when I was in school. So what did we get out of it, really?Here are 27 basic self-defense tricks for women.

10. The importance of marriage. I used to think that marriage was only a contract between two people. A piece of paper you sign for legal purposes.Maybe that's why people jump into it and walk out just as quickly.Marriage is a covenant. After the beautiful wedding ceremony is the actual relationship test, and it's not always easy.The enemy doesn't need to destroy a nation. He just needs to target the family, the basic unit of our society. And it's easy to destroy a family when the husband and wife are at war.

Final thoughts Education should give us a solid foundation before going into the world.But how many of those lessons taught in the classroom can we use daily?I've not looked for the value of X since I graduated.If life is a battle, we must be equipped with the right weapon.Sometimes when I do "adult" things that are pretty challenging, like filing my taxes or struggling with stress, I can't help but wish they taught us how to properly handle these things in school. Instead of wasting our time memorizing formulas we'll never use or terminologies we forget the moment we step out of school, why not learn things that are more life- and sanity-saving.What are the things you wish they had taught us in school?

Listicle

10 Common Misconceptions About Introverts

9:24 AM

10 Common Misconceptions About Introverts

Telling an introvert to go to a party is like telling a saint to go to hell.

- Criss Jami

They're the silent ones in a gathering.

You see them eating alone. Sometimes they avoid your eyes.

You get misconceptions about them, thinking they're snobs or lonely. Or that they hate people.

Introverts. They are easily misunderstood.

Maybe because they don't talk much, their silence could be interpreted in many ways.

But introverts are extraordinary beings. Here are 10 common misconceptions about them.

10 Common Misconceptions about Introverts

1. Introverts are nerds.

That is not always the case.

This stereotyping may be because introverts don't always go out and are often seen absorbed in their own thoughts.

Geeks may be busy thinking about and tinkering with technology, science, and other fields of interest, but introverts may just be enjoying their alone time without doing anything geeky.

Sometimes they write or blog (ahem), read a book (not necessarily the geeky ones), stay in and watch Netflix, or dabble in art like painting or drawing.

Speaking of drawing or illustrations, check out how artist Lingvistov captured introverts in these cute and funny illustrations.

If you're looking for a fantasy illustrator, or an illustrator of any kind, to capture your imagination or daily life, you can find a few online.

And that's another thing introverts love. Doing transactions online. No face-to-face meetings and no requiring them to speak to people.

Common Misconception About Introverts: They're nerd

2. Introverts are snobs.

Probably the most common misconception about introverts is that they are snobs.

It's nothing personal.

Introverts don't particularly like small talk and don't consider social pleasantries a must in life.

You'd get a slight nod of acknowledgment and a small smile, and that's already a huge deal. Be appreciative.

Common Misconception About Introverts: Introverts are nerd

3. Introverts are depressed or lonely.

Just because they'd rather be alone and often retreat to their peaceful and private world doesn't mean introverts are going through something depressing.

Scientifically, introverts need to be alone because that's how they recharge.

Dopamine levels tend to go down in a crowd, and they need to pump it up with peace and quiet. It's biological.

Common Misconception About Introverts: they're depressed

4. Introverts are shy.

There are a lot of successful speakers who are introverted in person.

A shy person can't talk on stage in front of a crowd. Introverts aren't shy.

They just don't enjoy the limelight as much as others do.

Introverts don't avoid the crowd because they're shy, but they're not comfortable in it.

Common Misconception About Introverts: they're shy

5. Introverts are people-haters.

Introverts don't hate people. They just don't like social gatherings.

Introverts like to meet up and hang out with friends. Some even love to travel.

They prefer a more intimate or one-on-one interaction over partying. Introverts have a tight circle that they adore and cherish.

Common Misconception About Introverts: they're people-haters

6. Introverts are boring.

Fun is relative. It may be fun to go bar-hopping, mountain climbing, bungee jumping, or cliff diving, but it may be dull or scary for others.

You may get bored watching reruns, curling up on a couch and reading a good book, or sitting quietly and watching the sunset. But, some people get a high doing that.

We often associate quiet and serenity with dullness, but you won't really know or understand how fun it is just sitting in a corner, watching people, or enjoying the moment---unless you're an introvert.