Life Lessons 13 Things You Should Never Apologize For 7:12 PM 13 Things You Should Never Apologize For Here are 13 things you should never apologize for, ever again. Because...There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a person being themselves. Imagine going through your day being unapologetically you. -Steve Maraboli 13 Things You Should Never Apologize For1. You should never apologize for your beliefs. I avoid using the term 'religion' because many people say "my religion" this and "my religion" that. Why should it be "my" religion? I just believe what’s in the Bible with regard to which religion is involved. I simply believe... I believe in it and I get down on my knees every night and thank God and ask Him to lead the way. -Michael JacksonDon't apologize for your beliefs and for being passionate about them.We were raised in different homes and have different cultures. It's okay if you don't share the same faith with the people around you. Respecting others' beliefs and having an open mind is a sign of spiritual maturity. 2. You should never apologize for the way you look. You're fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)You are beautiful just the way you are, and no one can argue with that. Who says you need to have perfectly straight hair to be beautiful? Those curls are enviable.Who says you need to be voluptuous or slim? A person who is confident in her own skin is sexy.If someone only loves you because you have the perfect curves in the right places...you should be worried. You don't have to buy designer clothes to be accepted. It's not about the clothes you wear. It's about who's wearing them.There's beauty in diversity. 3. You should never apologize for being honest.The truth may hurt for a little while, but a lie hurts forever.Expect to be attacked when you speak the truth. Because the truth makes people uncomfortable. It's not your fault if they choose to live a life of pretense. Don't apologize for it.4. You should never apologize for your relationship status.Embrace this season of life for it is just that. A season.As long as you're not wrecking lives or destroying relationships...You're not offending anyone...You're not wasting people's time...You're not causing harm to yourself or to another person...Don't apologize wherever you are in your life right now. If you're having a good time, alone or with someone, there's nothing to apologize for. 5. You should never apologize for sleeping in or taking a break. Breaks can lead to breakthroughs.Sleep in on a weekend. Book a vacation. Go out and see new places. Or stay at home and watch your favorite movie or show. Read a good book. Do nothing. If you've been working like crazy and have been giving your best, you DESERVE to have a break. Don't be sorry for not being productive for a day or two. Save yourself from breaking down and burning out. 6. You should never apologize for your standards.Any time you sincerely want to make a change, the first thing you must do is raise your standards. -Tony RobbinsDo you want a raise or an increase in your profit? You've worked hard for it. You deserve to receive more. You also need to choose the people you allow in your life. Remember: You become the average of the five people you spend most of your time with. (Jim Rohn)Who are the people in your circle? 7. You should never apologize for making wrong choices in the past.Some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default. -J.K. RowlingIf you haven't made bad decisions before, you wouldn't realize what's best for you. Don't let your past mistakes prevent you from moving forward, define who you are, and shape your future. 8. You should never apologize for asking for help. Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. -Ecclesiastes 4:9You can't do everything on your own. No matter how smart and great you think you are, there's always something someone knows that you don't. Or something you haven't discovered yet that someone is already an expert in. Don't be apologize for asking questions. It's better to admit that you don't know something than pretend to know it all.All the experts were once newbies too. 9. You should never apologize for your quirks. I think everybody's weird. We should all celebrate our individuality and not be embarrassed or ashamed of it. -Johnny DeppSo what if you still read fairy tales or young adult fiction before going to bed even when you're...not young anymore? So what if you dress like a lady, but love heavy metal music? So what if you're the odd one out? Start loving and appreciating yourself more. How? There are several ways to stop hating yourself and help you achieve healthy self-love. Start with accepting yourself for who you are. Embrace your quirks. You're unique and you've got something only you can offer. 10. You should never apologize for your dreams. Don't let small minds convince you that your dreams are too big.Don't let people who lack imagination look down on your creativity. Sometimes critics discourage you from reaching your goals, not because they don't believe you can do it. But because they know you can, and they don't want you to. They're afraid of your success because you remind them of their mediocrity and failure. 11. You should never apologize for choosing to be healthy. The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison. -Ann WigmoreYou don't have to eat less, just eat right. Choose foods that are packed with nutrients and are healing. Try a vegan or plant-based diet.There are websites and vlogs that provide easy-to-make plant-based recipes. Going vegan will not only make you healthy, but it's also kinder to the animals and better for the planet.You'll be more sorry if you keep choosing food that puts your health at risk and slowly kills the Earth. 12. You should never apologize for walking out of a relationship. Never forget that walking away from something unhealthy is brave. -Mandy HaleMaybe you stopped being friends because they seem to be holding you back. Or you feel like you're going in different directions after you came to a certain point. Maybe your relationship was draining you because it's demanding too much of your time.Maybe you're the only one who's trying to work things out.Don't apologize for putting yourself first and walking away from a toxic relationship. 13. You should never apologize for saying 'no'.Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough. -Josh BillingsIf you're not comfortable with the idea, or if you think it's too much for you...If you don't feel like doing it for no selfish reason...Say 'no'.Don't be guilty of turning down an invitation, a job offer, a proposal, or even what appears to be an opportunity. If your gut feeling is telling you to say 'no', listen to it. Over apologizing makes it easier for people to treat you like a doormat. It invites abusive people to come into your life. It will not correct anything. Don't apologize for not being sorry for certain things. You don't owe it to anyone.
Books Book Recommendation: The Turtle Always Wins By Bo Sanchez 6:38 PM We're all familiar with the fable about the tortoise (or turtle in other versions) and the hare. The hare was making fun of the turtle's speed and thought it was hilarious when the turtle challenged him to a race.We were cheering on the slow but determined reptile. And we're surprised but delighted when he indeed won the race. The hare’s overconfidence backfired. We learned valuable life lessons from this simple children’s story. Humility, patience, the strength of will, and perseverance are amongst them.It is a great reminder of Ecclesiastes 9:11:The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.These are golden values that would help us win later in life.Book Recommendation:The Turtle Always Wins (Bo Sanchez)When it comes to living simply yet abundantly, Bo Sanchez is my go-to guy. In his book, The Turtle Always Wins, Bro Bo shows how important patience and perseverance are when it comes to winning in life. This book is a simplified explanation of how long-term investment in the stock market is the best way to build wealth. Believe me, if someone who has a love-hate relationship with numbers like me can easily understand this and start investing, you can too.The Turtle Always Wins will teach you that true wealth comes with:strategic planningplanting seeds and caring for them regularlywaiting patientlystaying calm during a crisis consistently doing the “boring” work If you are aggressive and you want to get rich quickly despite the high risk that comes with it, this book is not for you.But if you want a slow and steady but sure way of building wealth through time, I highly recommend that you read this. Bo Sanchez’s The Turtle Always Wins is not just a simplified financial book that aims to help those with zero to limited knowledge about investing. It’s also about the importance of what we've learned from that famous fable. It's applying those underrated values in the real world. Specifically, in building wealth.Investing slowly but surely is the principle we follow in the Truly Rich Club. If you're wondering what the Truly Rich Club or TRC is, it's founded by Bro Bo with the mission to help good people become rich---truly rich. That means not just financially wealthy, but also spiritually well-nourished. How cool is that?I've written about how to be truly rich and the 13 wonderful benefits of joining TRC here.What is your approach when it comes to investing? Are you more of an aggressive or a conservative type? What story impacted you big time when you were a child and what lessons did you learn from it?Let me know in the comment box below! This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Lux Thinking Aloud Favorite Comfort Movie: Julie & Julia 12:58 PM I just had my worst breakup and was still picking up the pieces of my shattered self-worth.I turned to blogging to distract myself. Who am I kidding? I wrote my bleeding heart out hoping my ex would read how I felt after he left. So he'd realize what a monster he was.After slaving myself away in a job that sucked the life out of me, I’d come home to a noisy, chaotic house I shared with other OFWs. I'd watch movies until I was too sleepy to think about anything. Until I was too numb to feel anything.Then I found Julie and Julia.Favorite Comfort Movie: Julie & JuliaJulie Powell was a frustrated writer stuck in a job she hated in a house she didn’t like. She lived in a city where dreams were made of but she felt as though her life was a nightmare.Her only escape from reality was cooking. She loves American cook Julia Child so much. She’s her heroine. After her husband suggested she blog about her cooking, her life turned around. The recipes on her blog were from Julia’s cookbook.BloglovinIn a different time, Julia's life in Paris began. She was traveling with her husband who works for the US government. They lived in a gorgeous big house in the City of Light. She's learning the culture, enjoying the savory food and exploring things, trying to find her passion.Primo GifThe movie was about their lives intertwined; their struggles in searching for their purpose, finally finding what they’re good at, the obstacles in pursuing what they love and the imperfections of their personal lives.Aside from these amazing women's journey, I love the gentle forces behind them---their partners. I adore their husbands. Hurting as I was back then, I didn’t swear off love. And every time they show how supportive, loving and encouraging Julie and Julia’s husbands were, I find myself whispering a prayer, “Lord, I want a husband like that.”Julie and Julia became my comfort movie.It gave me hope that someday, I’ll get out of the job I was stuck in. I will find what I truly love to do and earn while doing it.GiphyJulia wrote award winning cookbooks and became a TV personality despite having zero knowledge in cooking at first. Julie’s blog became a hit that her story was turned into a book and a movie.Julie’s story is every blogger’s dream. It was my dream. Maybe not in the same scale. But the thought of getting something out of what I spend most of my time on sounds appealing to me.Fast forward to today, there are brands and clients who trust me to feature them on my blog (THANK YOU!). I get paid for writing and by God's grace, I've found my dream husband. But I'm still a frustrated cook. 😂Julie and Julia’s husbands possessed the traits I was looking for in my ideal life partner. TumblrI saw this movie at a time I NEEDED to know people like them exist. Real people. Not fictional. It was refreshing to see that there are real men who are sweet and supportive but also strong and reliable.If it wasn't for their husbands' encouragement, push and humor, they may not have soared as high as they did. Sometimes, it only takes one person to believe in your dreams and push you to become the best that you could be.GiphyLet me borrow Julie’s words describing Julia as I explain why I love this movie so much:“It saved me. I was drowning and it pulled me out of the ocean.”What's your favorite or comfort movie?Contains affiliate links.
Love and Relationship 5 Reasons Why It's Good To Marry Your Best Friend 6:29 AM Marry your best friend.You may have heard that line many times before that it’s already lost its impact. I didn't take it seriously. I thought everyone can't marry their best friend. That's impossible. And unnecessary...Until I got married.Now, I couldn’t emphasize enough the importance of marrying your best friend.I’m one of those annoying people who will continue to remind the singles out there:You should marry your best friend!Before you protest...What does marry your best friend mean?To marry your best friend doesn't mean you start forcing yourself to fall in love with your best friend. Or pressure your best mate to marry you.To be friends first before you become lovers is ideal. A successful relationship or marriage is built on a solid friendship.If you and your best friend are already falling for each other...congratulations!If it's far from reality, don't fret.My husband and I didn't start our relationship as friends. We went from meeting to getting to know each other and then dating. It was fast. We both are not getting any younger, you know?But I can say my husband has become my best friend.Is it a good idea to marry your best friend? I'll give you five reasons why it is.5 Reasons Why It's Good to Marry Your Best Friend1. Instant and constant support.Your best friend will cheer you on and support you. Even when no one else does. Even when you're not entirely confident yourself.No matter how strong you are, it's good to have a sturdy shoulder to lean on from time to time.You can always count on your partner's emotional support. And that means a lot especially when you are second-guessing yourself.Life is not easy. But knowing you have a partner you can count lightens the load.2. Round-the-clock conversation.Remember when you were in high school? You would sleepover at your best friend’s house and talk all night. It feels like time flies when you’re together. And you never run out of topics.Marriage is like sleeping over with your best friend every night.When you couldn’t sleep because worry keeps you up, it’s good to have someone you can talk to. It eases the anxiety somehow.When you’re both wrinkled and grey, and your hip and joints ache of old age, what you'll have left is conversation.Find someone you'll be comfortable sharing even your deepest darkest fears with.It's a wonderful feeling that you're with someone you can talk to about anything. At any time. And not worrying about being judged.3. Sacred silence.Spending time in silence together is equally important as having a meaningful conversation.When you’re weary and you need a day of doing nothing, it’s reassuring to have a best friend who can sit with you in comfortable silence.Knowing when to be quiet and enjoy that precious moment is vital. Especially when your partner is an introvert.Silence is a soothing and gratifying remedy for the toxicity of the world. Having someone to share that with is bliss.4. Worst critic.Your best friend will tell you what you NEED to know, not what you want to hear. Because your growth and success are as important to them as they are to you.There may be misunderstandings and fights along the way. It happens to the bestest of friends. Let it strengthen your relationship and not shatter it.TIP: Be careful with honesty. Don't use the truth as an excuse to be cruel.5. Unconditional love.Your best friend can give you unconditional love.I've heard this from one of the talks in The Catholic Marriage Summit: As humans, we have a deep desire to be known by another soul. And to be loved despite the knowing is a beautiful gift.There is something liberating and satisfying in the knowledge of being bound to a person who loves you despite and not because of who you are. Indeed it is gratifying to know that you are loved and adored even when days you feel unworthy of it.I'm thankful and blessed to marry someone who puts my needs before his. Who considers me in all things even with something as trivial as deciding what to eat. Who listens patiently and loves me for who I am flaws, pimples, moods, and all. 😁So marry someone you like to be with, talk to, and someone who brings out the best in you. Marry your best friend or work towards becoming best friends with your spouse.Forever sounds like a long time. Might as well spend it with someone you love...and like. That's a good reason why you should marry your best friend.
Faith 7 Benefits And 7 Easy Ways To Conquer Fear 6:10 PM 7 Benefits And 7 Easy Ways To Conquer Fear What is fear?Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat. (Oxford Languages)Why is fear so important? A little dose of fear could be healthy and helpful. Imagine if you're not afraid of falling down a cliff. You wouldn’t be careful. You'll end up hurting yourself and others with you. You will endanger your life.Though fear is considered a negative emotion, there are good things that come with it. Fear alerts us of potential danger. It makes us more cautious. It gives us a chance to protect ourselves from peril.Fear only becomes harmful or unhealthy when you let it rule your life and paralyze you from moving forward.How can you use fear to your advantage?Use fear as motivation instead of a deterrent. We all have fears. But we can use it for our benefit. Here are 7 benefits of fear and 7 easy ways to conquer it.7 Benefits and 7 Easy Ways To Conquer FearWhat's your deepest fear?When I was still single, I fear the what-ifs of the future.I wasn’t afraid of growing old alone. Because I enjoy my own company. I have made small investments to secure my future.Today, I'm happily married. And sometimes I wonder what I was so afraid of back then.My fears are different now. It changes as we grow although some things remain.I'm still afraid of these things:What if I’m not enough?What if I can't do it and fail my client or my own business?What if something terrible would happen to my loved ones? I know it's inevitable but I still fear losing them.I fear not having enough time to do the things I want.I fear that this p and em ic will go on for a long time and our economy will plummet further.The fear of uncertainty.As humans, fear is embedded in our DNA. It is a primitive human emotion. Fear is essential for survival. Giphy7 Benefits of FearFear can make you wise. It encourages critical thinking.Fear helps you focus or keeps you on your toes.Fear can give you the feeling of anticipation which could be exhilarating.Fear makes you attentive. When you fear for your health, you become more conscious about your lifestyle. You consider what you put in and on your body.Fear makes you cautious. When you fear for your and others' safety, you become attentive.Fear drives you to change. Fear can push you to be bold. Ironic, right? But it's only when we are fearful can we be brave. It's only when we are afraid can we make bold moves.If I wasn't afraid when I was single, I wouldn't have been careful in choosing my future partner. I would have just settled for anyone.When you fear losing something precious, you take care of it, hold it tighter, and even fight for it.Giphy7 Easy Ways to Conquer FearIdentify what's making you afraid.Confront the feeling. Understand why you are afraid of something.Embrace fear.Laugh.Plan.Pray.Do it afraid. (Joyce Meyer) 1. Identify what's making you afraid.What is making you afraid?Fear of commitment? Fear of speaking in front of people?Fear of the unknown?Fear of the "result"?They say fear is just an illusion. It's an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Identify the fear. Is it real? Or are you just overthinking it?2. Confront the feeling.Why are you afraid of ___? It is only when you've identified your fear can you confront and understand why you're feeling that way.Some people give up on dating and marriage altogether because they've been hurt too hard or too many times in the past. Fear usually involves a focus on the past.3. Embrace fear.We're all afraid of something. Some are irrational, some are rational reactions to a real threat.How do you embrace fear?Use fear and don't let it use you.Embracing fear means using it as a tool. A small amount of fear is a good thing. Use it as a guide or instruction. 4. Laugh at it.Seriously, humor is the best remedy.Have you seen Harry Potter where they had to fight a boggart?A boggart is a shapeshifter that usually lurks in dark spaces. It has no definite form, taking the shape of that which is most feared by the person who encounters it. (Wikibooks)Meaning, it plays with the person's weakness. It's not real yet its effect on the target is.The spell to defeat the boggart is Riddikulus. It will then turn from your menacing fear into something, well...ridiculous. But what finishes it off? Laughter.GiphyIn real life, you can tell your fear that it's ridiculous and then laugh at it.Learn to laugh at yourself.5. Plan.Before the emotion gets the better of you, take a walk. Or shower. Shower thoughts are the best, yes?Play some feel-good movies.Try to recall all the hard times you went through and how you miraculously managed to still be alive and well.And then plan your next move.Are you afraid of confronting your boss or colleague about an issue at work that's been bothering you? That's good because you don't just walk right up to them. There may be consequences.So take some time to plan what you need to do next.Learn from your past experiences or from other people.6. Pray.Go back to the fact that the phrase "Fear not" has been mentioned 365 times in the Bible.It’s like God knows that we will always be afraid of something. So, he reminds us to not fear every single day in every year (365 days in one year).Fear not. God is still in control.You have 24/7 access to the Lord of all. Pray.And remember, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4:18)7. Do it afraid.When you fear not being heard or being oppressed, speak. Even when your voice is shaking.Your fear will always be there rearing its ugly head unless you learn to conquer it.You don't have to wait for fear to go away (it may never happen) before you act. Have you stopped and consider that maybe, just maybe you're only afraid of how powerful, brilliant and amazing you can be.If it's holding you back from becoming the best version of yourself, do it now and do it even when you're trembling with fear.Your turnWhat is your greatest fear?How is it beneficial to you? How do you conquer it?Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? …And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.-Marianne WilliamsonThis post may contain affiliate links. It means I get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site.
Food My Love Story With Citron Tea 8:08 PM Let me share my short and sweet love story with Citron tea. But first...What is Citron tea?Honey Citron tea or simply Citron tea is a traditional tea in Korea. It's a mixture of water, sugar and the fruit Yuja or Yuzu (citrus family). It's also known as Korean honey citron tea, yuja tea or yuja-cha. It's a favorite in Korea especially during the cold season. It is popular not only for its sweet citrusy taste but also for its health benefits.Health benefits of Citron teaRelieves sore throat and coughTreats common cold Increases blood circulationSuppresses feverEnhances skin complexionHelps balance hormonesGood anti-aging as its rich in antioxidantsFull of vitamin C thus boosts immune systemBelieves to help protect from viral and bacterial infectionBefore I've read about the benefits of Citron tea, I already experienced it first hand. So I highly recommend it. I'll never forget that day I've discovered Korean Citron tea.My love story with Citron teaEvery inch of my body was aching. It felt like my limbs were tied to a heavy lead. Every move was painful. I was weak and lethargic.Heat was coming out of my eyes. Was I turning into Cyclops about to shoot laser?You know that unpleasant feeling when fever is about to set in? I was feeling that.But I didn't want to miss the reunion with my high school friends. I had to go. After we caught up with what’s going on in our lives over sumptuous lunch, we decided to wind down in a new posh Korean coffee shop nearby. Because I’ve never been a fan of coffee---I love the aroma but not the taste---I ordered tea. Not just any other tea, mind you. At the counter by their menu, there was a photo of a tea which I’ve not heard before with a tagline: Tea full of Vitamin C. GiphyI thought, “Well, I need that right now for sure.” I ordered the smallest size. I took one sip and that’s the start of my love story with Citron tea. It was love at first sip.I've never had tea like that before. And I've tried a LOT.Sweet. Aromatic. Comforting. I love the aftertaste too.It's like a warm hug on a cold weather.It soothed my dry throat.When I was on my way home at 3 pm after the reunion---(we’re officially old! We used to go out until the wee hours of the morning)---I felt...normal again.A wonderful surprise.An effect I didn't expect right away despite the promise that it's full of vitamin C.Me in the coffee shop before I started buying Citron tea by the jarNo more heaviness in my joints. My headache was gone. No more heat coming out from my eyes. I was feeling my old healthy self again! What’s in that cup?! It's like magic!Apparently, they weren’t kidding around when they said it's a tea full of vitamin c. Because, my goodness it only took that one small cup to kick the symptoms of fever away. So now, every time I feel like I’m about to go down with a fever or cold, I make myself a cup of citron tea. Preparing a tumbler of Korean Citron tea at homeI often buy 2 or 3 jars. Each weighs 1 kilo. I prefer the variety with ginger.My love story with Citron tea is getting sweeter by the day.For me, one cup of citron tea keeps the doctor away. (I know it sounds exaggerated. A love story with a tea? But if you're a tea-lover, you'll understand.)Me on one of our trips last 2018FAQs about Citron teaHow often should you drink Citron tea?You can drink Citron tea once a day. It could be quite addicting though especially if you like sweets and enjoy the fruity aroma. I drink it 2-3 times a day when I'm feeling under the weather. Go easy on the amount because its sweetness could give you a sore throat.When is the best time to drink Citron tea?Whenever you want. I personally drink it after a meal as it's sweet and could pass off as a dessert. :) Best to drink it hot during raining or cold weather. Directions in preparing Citron tea?Add 2-3 teaspoonfuls into a cup of water. Stir. Serve hot or cold. Do you need to refrigerate Citron tea?You may store the unopened bottle in a shelf. Refrigerate after opening.Can you drink Citron tea every day?Yes, you may. But if you are diabetic, you may want to avoid it as it's rich in sugar and/or honey.Is Citron tea good for weight loss?Citron is a good source of soluble fiber. As such it helps lower cholesterol and improves digestion which could help in weight loss.How much is Citron tea?It depends on the brand, variety (with ginger or none) and where you'll buy it. As of this writing, Korean Citron tea ranges from $10 to $60. Price based on Shopee and Amazon. Contains affiliate linkHow to make Citron tea?Recipe for Korean Citron tea from vlogger doomandoo두만두:Ingredients:2 kg citron2 kg sugar50 g baking soda1 T vinegarRub yuzu with baking soda to remove impurities.Add water and vinegar to the citron soaked in baking soda and let stand for 30 minutes.Rinse with water.Wipe the water on the citron and dry with a dishcloth.Divide the citron horizontally into two and remove the seeds with a fork.Separate the skin and flesh.Chop the skin finely.Cut the pulp finely with scissors.Weigh the skin and flesh and prepare sugar in the same amount.Add sugar to the peel and mix well.Put the pulp in the skin and add sugar and mix.Put it in a bottle sterilized in hot water. Store at room temperature for 3 days.Here's her calming ASMR video preparing Citron tea. Citron tea can also be used as marmalade because of its consistency and taste.How about you? What's your favorite tea and why do you love it?
Business 5 Small Business Tips To Survive And Thrive During The Pandemic 4:59 PM One moment you’re standing strong and steady, and the next you’re grasping at straws. What now?That must be what everyone’s thinking when C OV ID-19 hit. Especially small business owners. Some companies temporarily closed and others even filed bankruptcy because of this p ande mi c. So, how do you pandemic-proof your business?If you’re a small business operator trying to survive or wanting to thrive during this time, here are 5 tips:5 Small Business Tips to Survive and Thrive During the Pandemic Tip #1: Put everyone’s safety first. If you’re a brick-and-mortar business, practice safety protocols. Open the door for your customers to lessen their surface contact.Have alcohol or sanitizer ready at the entrance.Take their temperature and if convenient, have someone ask them about symptoms.Wear face masks (and PPEs if needed) to make your customers feel safe.Disinfect the place regularly.Have your employees checked and tested for C OV ID,Monitor your team’s condition. If someone feels sick, let them take the day off or let them work remotely.Take health precautions seriously. A decrease in productivity is better than the whole business shutting down because of the virus spread. Tip #2: Adapt to change. Be like the bamboo. Strong but adaptable. If this crisis has taught retailers something, it is to be flexible. Change with the times. Use modern technology to your advantage. Let your customers find you online. “Grocery retailers have to realize online order and click-and-collect will become 30-40% of their business,” Brittain Ladd, Global Business and Strategy Consultant. Here are a few new normals most businesses are adapting to keep their businesses surviving and thriving: Operate with a skeletal workforce.Offer house delivery or partner with delivery apps.Have a pick-up or take-out only option.Adjust your space to ensure social distancing inside your store/office.Ask customers to give the exact amount.Provide online payment options or cashless transactions.Offer subscription services. A subscription box is flourishing in health, beauty, fashion, and even in the pet industry.Go digital. Even companies as big as Target are turning to online shopping because of C OVID.Putting up an online shop is not as hard as you think. There are online tutorials you can check. Or you can book a consultation with a digital marketer and plan a strategy. Tip #3: Stay connected with employees. Your employees need you now more than ever. And you need them too for your business to survive. Thank heavens for technology, working remotely is now possible. Establish a work-from-home option with your team. You have the advantage if you’ve already created a remote work system before C OVID. If you don’t have one, don’t fret. It’s not rocket science. Have a clear work-from-home guideline for your employees. Here are 3 tools you can use for productivity: Slack is a great tool for chatting and simple project management. Google Meet, Zoom, and Skype for calls.Trello is an amazing app you can use for keeping track of your team’s daily tasks.Talk about your deliverables---who should do what and when is it due? Clear communication is the key. More than work, ask your team about how they’re coping during this crisis. Offer support. There are free mental health consultations online you can refer them to. Your employees should feel heard. If you take care of them, they will take care of your business. Tip #4: Keep your clients/customers in the loop. Like you, your customers are trying to figure out what’s going on and where they should go from here. Be their guide. Be the constant and the normal they know they can still depend on. How to stay connected with customers when everyone’s staying home? According to International Telecommunication Union, over 4 billion people are now using the Internet. That’s a whopping 53.6% of the global population! Make sure someone’s manning your communication channels. Set up a Messenger bot for FAQs. Have someone check message inquiries.Send emails and/or post updates about new policies, process changes, store hours, or promos.Get their feedback. Ask your customers what they need from you as a business and what changes they want to see.Use social media to share your behind the scene stories with your followers and engage with them.Customers will appreciate your effort to ensure they’re still getting the service or product they need even during this crisis. Be transparent with your company’s plans. A well-informed customer is a happy customer. Show them you care and that their needs come first. Don’t leave your loyal customers in the dark. Trust goes a long way. Tip #5 Give back. Some companies involve their customers in giving back to the community by asking them to donate. Human Nature offers Pledge a Package wherein you can shop online for natural hygiene kits. They will then deliver these to health workers in different hospitals. Some restaurants offer their kitchen for organizations preparing free meals. What can you offer? Remember: whatever you give comes back to you a hundredfold. ✨ Bonus Tip: Change your mindset! Now is not the time for a victim and scarcity mentality. Now is the time to think out of the box. Your business will not move forward if you as the business owner stays stuck. Condition your mind as it is your most important asset. The more you master your mind, the more you can take control of your business no matter what the circumstances. The resources you have at your disposal or your skills will all go to waste if you have a poverty mindset. Take this pandemic as an opportunity to grow not only your business but yourself. When you feel lost, go back to your business's mission and vision. Why did you start? What are your goals? This crisis will end soon. But your business doesn’t have to. Use these tips to help your small business survive and thrive during the pandemic. Hang in there. We're in this together. 😉
Lux Thinking Aloud Freelancing: The Best Decision I Ever Made 9:11 PM I'll be celebrating my 5th anniversary as a full time freelancer this year. 🥳 I gotta say, freelancing has been the best decision I ever made career-wise.Freelancing: The Best Decision I Ever MadePre-freelancing lifeFor those who don't know, I'm a licensed pharmacist. But, I've always known my heart is in writing. When I was in college, I thought I'd work in a hospital, put up my own drugstore and maybe even have a few branches in different cities. Or franchise an already established pharmacy...and live happily ever after.But, things don't always work out the way we planned.I worked in a hospital and drugstore but putting up my own pharmacy didn't come to pass.One day I realized mixing and dispensing drugs weren't the things I wanted to do all my life.I really tried, but the heart wants what it wants. We heart itOne day, I passed by a BPO company and thought, "Well, why not?"I went in and applied. By the end of the day, I got a new job.Part time freelancerWhile working graveyard shifts on my new career, I came across an opportunity to work online. It was a good way to get my foot inside the door of the freelancing world.But, it wasn't enough.I was underpaid plus working at night was exhausting. I could barely function by the end of the shift to work on my online tasks.So, I quit and focused on my regular job.Fear and contentmentTwo things were stopping me from focusing on freelancing: my fear of the uncertainty (I had zero idea about freelancing back then) andthe contentment and security a regular job offers.I was at peace knowing by the end of the month, I'll get a certain amount of money.ChangeAfter I transferred to a different company, I had a prodding to find an online gig again.My job then actually pays me more than the previous ones.The task was more difficult but I was having fun.I enjoyed learning things, I took advantage of the various free training they offered and I like where I was at that point in my life.I was more confident, independent and dare I say it---I was bolder in making decisions.That's a totally different story though.GiphyBack to freelancingBefore I decided to do freelancing full time five years ago, I had a lot of apprehensions.What if it won't work and I'll be out of money in no time?What if I can't do it? There's no one to ask. What if they won't pay me?I wasn't happy with my work anymore though. I knew it's time to bid the traditional office setting goodbye.The will to find better opportunities was stronger than my fear.So, even though I was afraid, I decided to own it.TenorMan, it was really scary. And tough at the start.The first few months of working online full time were terrifying but liberating at the same time.I left the comfort and security of my job in one of Forbes Fortune 500 companies. I made do of what little knowledge I've had about freelancing.I made Google and YouTube my teachers.I did what I could to survive.But surviving is not what I came here for. I believe God put me here to do great things.Freelancing and CO VIDI knew there was more to me accepting what cheapskate clients were giving me.Getting paid just enough to cover my bills and my necessities beat the purpose of leaving the corporate world.I always knew I wasn't born just to work, pay my bills and then die.There's more to life than keeping your nose to grindstone.If this C OVID has taught me one thing (or validated what I already know), it's that nothing's certain in this world.You can lose the normal you know in an instant. Heck, our global economy was crashed by an unseen enemy.But...Like anything in life, change could be hard but we learn to adapt. It's human nature. 💪Some changes are forced upon us, others we decide for ourselves.Freelancing is one of the best decisions I made. I found a gig as a content writer and haven't looked back since.Though it wasn’t always easy, the past year has been the best all because of this guy named John R Pagulayan.If there’s one thing I can advise my younger self about freelancing it’s that there are better, higher paying clients out there.And I'd say:Younger self, go find John now so you don't waste your time and energy anymore with these cheapskate clients!I can't teach you how to become a freelancer, but great news is that my coach John Pagulayan is about to hold a FREE Workshop and I highly recommend you join because he’s done a LOT to change my mindset and the way I treat my freelancing business.He’s going to share how CO VID accidentally created 6-figure earners and how anyone can do it too even if you have✔️ no experience✔️ no skills✔️ no prior credentialsThis can also help you if you're already working online but✔️ sick and tired of working with cheapskates✔️ want to turn your freelancing into a lucrative business✔️ willing to learn how to win in your niche✔️ interested to get more clients to find you and not the other way aroundUPDATE: Enrollment is now closed. If you’re interested to learn more, you can click here to register.If you have any questions about John, feel free to email me or leave your comment below.Happy to help!Now more than ever, we need to seek more opportunities online.Times have changed. During this pandemic when we're advised to stay home, not be in close physical contact with people, I advise you to try out freelancing. It's the best decision you'll ever make. UPDATE: Enrollment is now closed. Feel free to subscribe to be notified when the doors open on 2021.READ 👉 How A Former Executive Assistant Got An ₱80K Per Month Consultant Role in 42 Days… Even Without ExperienceREAD 👉 How A Corporate Employee Earned An Additional P50K Monthly Income From A Side HustleNote: May contain affiliate links.
Lux Thinking Aloud Ending 6:20 PM Enhanced Community Q uarantine has been lifted a week ago in specific areas. Since we're not included in the hot zone, we've now moved to General Quarantine. I honestly am not keeping track as my husband takes care of that. I'm just glad we finally reached an ending.EndingYou may have heard before that an ending is just another beginning. Agree to that. This end of quarantine for us seems to be the start of new cases. 🙄 Because look at the road situation as soon as the lockdown has been lifted.RapplerIn life, end of a career is start of a new one. Or a new business.End of a relationship is the beginning of another. It could be about you finding yourself again, renewing your relationship with some people in your life or a new person walking into your life.End of your Netflix show means you can binge-watch a new one. That is, if you even wait for one to end before you start another.I know endings could be hard sometimes. Heartbreaking. Life-changing.Especially when it ends because it's beyond your control. Like a loved one's death.It's a new journey for the departed (if you believe in the afterlife).Ending opens new doors you didn't even know exists.I hope the end of this quarantine is the beginning of a step closer to the healing of our land.I'm both happy and sad that my Lockdown Diary is finally over.TenorI think I'm having separation anxiety to my daily entry about my life in the time of c oronavirus.Maybe I'll start on a new series soon. What do you think?Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.-Isaiah 43:18-19Thank you for journeying with me during this lockdown; in all the ups and downs, during my sleepless nights and unproductive days, on my grief and in my joy.It's been only 50 days and so much has happened. Even without me having to leave the house.Writing keeps me sane. I hope reading my lockdown diary helped you realized you're not alone in your journey too. Hang in there. We'll see the ending of this crisis soon. Meanwhile, stay safe!
